5-star hotels in Amsterdam for seriously stylish stays

The Conservatorium may occupy a grand 19th-century building, but the interior simply exudes modern style. From the 1,000 square metre spa to the globally inspired cocktail menu (we recommend the Old Cuban, made with champagne, lime and mint), there are luxurious touches everywhere.

It’s located in the bustling, cultural Museumplein, so you’ll be just minutes from world-class institutions like the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Spend a sunny afternoon strolling through the pretty Vondelpark, just 11 minutes’ walk away.

Rooms have rainfall showers, elegant marble en suite bathrooms and a soft, neutral colour palette for a calm and cosy feel. Celebrate a special occasion by splashing out on a rooftop suite. The heritage-inspired interior features original dark wood beams and porthole windows. Take a long soak in your freestanding bath with a fruity glass of wine from the mini bar.

Welcome to the Pulitzer Amsterdam – a masterclass in modern Dutch refinement. The hotel comprises a collection of restored buildings by the canal, made up of a tranquil inner courtyard, a restaurant and a café.

Rooms overlook the canal and include complimentary treats (ideal after a long journey) and sophisticated marble bathrooms. Upgrade to a suite to stamp your stay with luxury. The Book Collector’s Suite features archways entirely made of books, a fully-stocked library and sumptuous leather armchairs to sink into.

Your last stop of the night is the distinguished Pulitzer’s Bar, which conjures up the dazzling Art Deco era with dramatic dark walls and gold gilded, geometric-patterned bar. Meticulously crafted cocktails take their inspiration from key figures throughout history – a whole collection is dedicated to the Ernest Hemingway.

At The Dylan Amsterdam, drop in at the refined Bar Brasserie OCCO for breakfast or lunch. The restaurant embraces an industrial-chic edge, with exposed brick flooring, dark wooden beams and polished metal light fixtures. Tuck into dishes such as fluffy banana pancakes or flaking halibut to start your day. By night, indulge in modern French cuisine at Vinkeles Restaurant, set in an 18th-century bakery. Begin with dishes like luxurious black truffle with egg yolk, followed up by local Dutch venison served with earthy walnuts.

Rooms here are done in four different styles. Amber rooms are inspired by the precious stone and its healing properties – ideal for a restorative break. Shimmering brass accents add a luxe touch while ultra-soft bedding and comforting taupe tones make for pure ease.

Step outside to find yourself in Amsterdam’s 9 Streets district, an area known for its high-end shops and excellent restaurants. The Keizersgracht (‘Emperor’s) canal is on the doorstep; take a boat ride to see some of the city’s most historical canal houses and graceful arching bridges.

When it comes to the W Hotel Amsterdam, it’s tricky to pick a highlight: it might be the serene spa complete with crackling fire, the opulent, Mediterranean-inspired Duchess restaurant or the spacious rooms with rainfall showers. Plus, the rooftop pool with views of the city definitely has the wow factor.

Interiors combine classic elegance with subtle quirkiness – Extreme Wow rooms have circular beds for curling up on, Marshall wireless speakers to blast out your tunes and sleek mirrored bathrooms. Start your day by whipping up your morning espresso using your own coffee machine and watch the city come to life.

Try the Mr Porter restaurant for something a bit different. Tuck into succulent steaks in a buzzing atmosphere complete with live DJs, a central bar with suspended bar shelf and a roaring fire. Plush, comfortable booths mean you’ll want to linger all night over a bottle of wine (or two).

The Hotel Okura is nestled deep in the peaceful De Pijp neighbourhood. Taking inspiration from Japanese culture, it features bamboo massages at its Nagomi Spa and a Michelin-starred Yamazato Restaurant. Sip traditional sake and take your tastebuds on a journey east with sushi dishes like sashimi beef and crispy, deep-fried tofu.

Rooms are minimalist and centred entirely around comfort – pick your pillow from a menu and recline on super-soft cotton sheets. In line with the clean design of the hotel, a simple glass wall divides the bathroom and bedroom, creating a feeling of light and space.

There’s no better way to toast a special occasion than with a glass of chilled fizz at the Twenty Third Bar. The key to its appeal is in the name – you’ll tower 23 storeys over the city as you celebrate with champagne and cocktails.

The Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht combines lavish decoration with elements of Dutch flair. Its modern rooms feature striking fish-themed art, pops of vibrant colour and refreshing rain showers. Splash out on a suite to curl up with a complimentary morning newspaper on your roomy king-sized bed. For a peaceful vibe, rooms look out over the canal or the hotel’s leafy atrium.

Discover creative cuisine at the Bluespoon restaurant. Honest, local ingredients steal the show here. Sample dishes such as fresh scallops served with tangy goat’s cheese and sweet pumpkin, or halibut with soft sourdough bread and shrimp.

Afterwards, a nightcap at the Bluespoon Bar is called for. Not only do whimsical cocktails take their inspiration from Alice in Wonderland, but the bar’s zero-waste processes mean you can feel good about drinking them, too. Imaginative beverages include the Jabberwocky, a concoction of sherry, warm spice and tangerine.

Kimpton de Witt Amsterdam is located across three historic buildings in the centre of Amsterdam. The restaurant, Wyers, is the place to go for comfort food – expect dishes such as crispy fried chicken, buttery corn and pickled slaw – and, of course, plenty of craft beer.

Rooms are modern and bright, with cosy touches creating a retreat from the bustle of the city. Marble highlights add classic refinement. The low ceilings with original beams are a nod to the building’s 17th-century origins. To wind down, take your pick from a fully-stocked bar or roll out the yoga mat provided and stretch tired muscles before bed.

You’ll be a 9 minute walk to the Royal Palace, and just over 15 minutes’ stroll from the world-famous Anne Frank House. Fancy exploring further afield? You’ll find the Centraal Station 5 minutes away.

Introducing the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, where each and every room displays the original characteristics of its historic canal-side building. You may find exposed oak beams, cosy nooks and crannies, and tall windows that let the natural light come flooding in. Interiors embrace cool neutrals for a hip, modern feel.

Spend a restorative afternoon at the Guerlain Spa. Relax in the indoor pool with its soothing waterfall, detoxify in the sauna or pamper yourself with a facial scrub or body wrap. A deep muscular massage works out those stubborn knots to help you feel calmer and lighter.

Mark a special occasion with a loved one with afternoon tea at Peacock Alley. Explore innovative twists on the classics, like cones filled with black olives and sweet sun-dried tomatoes, or sandwiches filled with hummus and spicy paprika.

The Hotel De L’Europe celebrates Amsterdam’s history with opulent interiors. Its Penthouse Suite is inspired by the Golden Age of Dutch Painting, with intricate wallpaper, objets d’art and striking scarlet walls. That doesn’t mean there aren’t modern touches, too – underfloor heating keeps your toes toasty.

The old-word charm doesn’t stop there. The Promenade restaurant takes its inspiration from an art gallery, with gilded chandeliers dripping with crystals and portrait pieces on the walls. Start with a refreshing pre-dinner cocktail – we recommend the whiskey-based Manhattan – before tucking into rich dishes like fragrant lobster bisque or duck terrine.

Take some time out with a dip in the indoor pool, which looks out over the gentle Amstel River. Feel restored after a relaxing trip to the Finnish sauna or authentic Turkish steam bath.

Located in a striking, historic building that was once a shipping house, the Grand Hotel Amrath Amsterdam knows how to make a memorable first impression. You’ll find it on Prins Hendrikkade, a short stroll from cultural attractions such as the NEMO Science Museum and the Maritime Museum.

Lunch is served with views over the canal at the hotel’s Bar Lounge. Open sandwiches sate even the biggest of appetites – choose from favourites such as silky smoked salmon, cheese and truffle mayonnaise and soft, creamy mozzarella. Wash everything down with a carafe of dry chardonnay.

Rooms are effortlessly grand, with their traditional high ceilings and textured wallpaper inspired by the Art Nouveau, Amsterdam School style. Floor-to-ceiling windows let the light come flooding in, while headboards of dark wood create a dramatic look. Choose a junior suite to snuggle up in a four-poster bed.