Barge Lady Approved Amsterdam Hotels
Boutique, Chic, and All Barge Lady Approved!
The hotels of Amsterdam are of interest to all of the Barge Ladies. We have stayed in a wide variety of well-located properties to experience service and amenities at both the 4 and 5 star levels. Please note that we do not receive special discounts or better rates with these (or any) hotels. For the best rates, contact the hotels directly using the websites we provide. For any non-refundable rooms, we encourage you to add the reservation to your travel insurance policy (a Cancel For Any Reason / “CFAR” policy is recommended).
Amsterdam has many desirable neighborhoods, but postcards of this city typically showcase the scenic Canal Belt. Encircled by the city’s main canals — Herengracht, Prinsengracht, Singel and Keizersgracht — this winsome zone is known for its colorful townhomes, waterfront eateries, upmarket hotels, and attractions such as the Anne Frank House.
We have chosen to highlight hotels located in or at the very edge of the Canal Belt, from which other top attractions are reachable either by walking or Amsterdam’s reliable tram system. Be sure to visit the Museum District to appreciate the Van Gogh Museum, works by Rembrandt and Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum, and modern art at the Stedelijk. Other enjoyable experiences include great boutique shopping at the nearby Nine Streets and the floating Flower Market.
Ambassade Hotel, 4 stars
Starting with just one canal-side building in 1953, the privately-owned Ambassade now has 55 hotel rooms distributed among fifteen historic UNESCO-listed 16th and 17th century canal houses. These suites overlook either the Herengracht or the Singel canals.
Many of the individually decorated accommodations are done up in rich, sumptuous fabrics, while others feature bright colors, florals and leopard print. Ambassade boasts an extensive collection of art as well as a collection of over 5,000 books in the Library Bar, many signed by authors who have stayed at the hotel. Centrally located within walking distance of major tram stops and many restaurants. Barge Lady Ellen has stayed here.
Herengracht 341, 1016 AZ Amsterdam, ambassade-hotel.nl
Banks Mansion, 4 Stars
Located on the Herengracht Canal in an imposing former bank building, Banks Mansion is livened up by Art Deco touches in the woodwork and upholstery. Furniture and fittings faithfully reproduce early 20th-century “Amsterdam School” designs, including especially commissioned colorful carpeting. Modern accommodations include such updated amenities as a pillow menu and safe especially sized to store your laptop!
Staying at Bank Mansion offers a unique culinary experience: everything a guest eats and drinks — including the freshly crafted breakfast, afternoon tea, drinks from the lobby bar, evening receptions, and items in the personal minibars — is included in the price of the room. Beautifully located in a neighborhood full of shops and bistros, the mansion is nearby to major tram routes. Barge Lady Caroline has stayed here.
Herengracht 519-525, 1017 BV Amsterdam, banksmansion.nl/en
InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam, 5 Stars
InterContinental Amstel, with its unique location on the Amstel River and adjacent to the Canal Belt, first received guests in 1867, and has been known for its majestic appearance and exceptional luxury ever since. With its prime riverside location, the hotel is a hub for Amsterdam’s efficient waterway system. Water taxis can take you to the bustling Saturday morning Noordermarkt market, Anne Frank house, or the Nine Streets neighborhood, a picturesque neighborhood full of boutique shops, charming cafes and some of the city’s finest restaurants.
French-style rooms and suites harken back to an era of splendor in keeping with the hotel’s “grand dame” personality, and also happen to be among the largest in the city. Exceptional onsite facilities include an indoor pool at river level, a small but well-equipped gym, and a wellness center with a sauna, steam room, and hot tub. Guests who have booked individual cabins onboard La Nouvelle Etoile are picked up and dropped off at this hotel. Guests who have booked a private charter cruise onboard La Nouvelle can select their pickup and drop off hotel, one location for the entire party.
Professor Tulpplein 1 Amsterdam, 1018 GX NL, amstelhotel.com
Pulitzer Amsterdam, 5 Stars
Back in the 1960’s, local businessman Peter Pulitzer had the idea of combining ten canal houses into a hotel. He was one of the very first to do so. Today, the Pulitzer encompasses twenty five historic 16th and 17th century canal houses, each delineated by separate wall and carpet colors. Full of historic details, the 225 guest rooms are individually decorated with warmth and charm, while onsite facilities include two restaurants, a swanky Art Deco cocktail bar, and a series of gorgeous inner gardens.
Breakfast here begins with a magnificent buffet spread, augmented by omelets and pancakes prepared to order, ensuring guests are deliciously energized for the day. Pulitzer Amsterdam is centrally located just a few minutes walk from the Anne Frank house and adjacent to the charming Nine Streets neighborhood. Barge Lady Stephanie has stayed here. Guests who have booked individual cabins onboard the Panache are picked up and dropped off at this hotel. Guests who have booked a private charter cruise onboard the Panache can select their pickup and drop off hotel, one location for the entire party.
Prinsengracht 323, 1016 GZ Amsterdam, pulitzeramsterdam.com/en/
De L’Europe Amsterdam, 5 Stars
Situated in the heart of Amsterdam, De L’Europe, has been a favorite of the city’s elite since first opening in 1896. The hotel was acquired by the Heineken family in the 1950s; they have furnished its walls with their impressive Dutch art collection and have steadily acquired next-door buildings. The original Rondeel Building houses 88 classic accommodations, while the newer Dutch Masters Wing maintains 23 contemporary suites.
Elegant public areas set the scene for an indulgent stay, while three onsite restaurants and a “gentleman’s pub” offers guests gourmet fare. For those who wish to pursue Amsterdam’s iconic art and culture, the Museum Quarter is within walking distance of De L’Europe; best of all, this luxury hotel offers fast lane tickets for most of the city’s galleries, as well as exclusive packages with VIP entrance to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum. Barge Lady Ellen has stayed here.
Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2-14, 1012 CP Amsterdam, deleurope.com