A visit to the ‘Venice of the North’ couldn’t be complete without enjoying the canals. Amsterdam’s Canal Belt has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage list since 2011. The canals are the symbol of the city, from both a historical and cultural perspective. The area is also one of the best ones to stay while in Amsterdam. They’re in the center of the city so you have easy access to most of the tourist spots. So, where to actually stay by the canal in order for your trip to be convenient, exciting and affordable? Here’s an answer. Introducing 14 recommended hotels by the canal.
Herengracht b&nb
???? From 181 Euro for a Deluxe Double Room with a Garden View
???? Herengracht 176, Amsterdam City Centre, 1016 BR Amsterdam
☎ +31 20 515 0453
???? 450 m to the city center
???? 8.9
The best location one could imagine. 450 meters from Dam Square. Literally, everything is close to this hotel. Amsterdam Central Station is 15 minutes away. The hotel is small but quite luxurious – at this price, it offers excellent value. The most beautiful part of Herengracht b&nb is the custom-made artwork of Barbara Broekman. It’s 5 meters long!
Rooms & Breakfast
The building dates back to the 16th century but I could never tell it looking at the interior – the rooms are comfy and modern. Unfortunately, the breakfast option is not available. The rooms have minibar and Nespresso coffee machine though. There’s also a useful iPhone or iPod docking station. I love the fact that the bathrooms are fully equipped – on top of rain shower and robe slippers are also provided. What is more, upon arrival guests receive a bottle of wine – well done, Herengracht b&nb!
Amsterdam Wiechmann Hotel
???? From 135 Euro for a Small Double Room
???? Prinsengracht 328 – 332, Amsterdam City Centre, 1016 HX Amsterdam
☎ +31 20 626 3321
???? 850 m to the city center
???? 8.5
The hotel is winning with its location – it’s situated around 10 minutes from the Anne Frank House. Begijnhof is around 7 minutes away, same is Leidseplein and Amsterdam Museum. Amsterdam Wiechmann Hotel is a place with history. It was opened over 70 years ago, it’s been run by three generations. What made me feel nostalgic, the lobby knick-knacks are almost 80-year-old. Important info: there is a 3-night minimum stay. An airport shuttle service is available – for up to 4 guests.
Rooms & Breakfast
Wiechmann’s rooms are just amazing. I love their antique furniture, they make the hotel looks like a very old one – there are some unusual objects and wooden beams. Some of the rooms overlook the canal and I really recommend you to pay extra for that. A great plus for breakfast – it’s included.
Hotel The Bird
???? From 146 Euro for a Deluxe Double or Twin Room
???? Amstel 30, Amsterdam City Centre, 1017 AB Amsterdam
☎ +31 20 740 3403
???? 700 m to the city center
???? 8.4
A 3-star hotel with an amazing location – around 100 meters from Rembrandtplein. Amsterdam Central Station is around the corner. Hotel The Bird is stylish but at the same time, it looks a bit historical which makes the whole experience unforgettable. Personally, I fell in love in love with the view from my window – the canal looks just amazing. There’s public parking available nearby. What’s more – the area is extremely popular for cycling. I’ve checked it for myself – you will definitely love cycling there! There’s, of course, bike rental service on-site.
Rooms & Breakfast
As Hotel The Bird is a boutique hotel, there are only 15 rooms. All rooms have private bathrooms with a shower or bath. There’s an elevator which is not very obvious in Amsterdam. There’s a dining option but as you’re in the heart of the city, there are numerous restaurants nearby.
Hotel Imperial
???? From 150 Euro for a Double Room
???? Thorbeckeplein 9, Amsterdam City Centre, 1017 CS Amsterdam
☎ +31 20 622 0051
???? 900 m to the city center
???? 8.4
Hotel Imperial is located on Thorbeckeplein, with Dam Square right around the corner, so is Carre Theatre. Heineken Experience is 900 meters away. Amsterdam Central Station can be reached in 10 minutes on foot. You have easy access to main city locations as the tram stop is only 100 meters away. The hotel opened its door in 1895. It’s quite small – there are only 14 rooms. It’s mainly recommended for those who are seeking for relaxing and calm surroundings with quick access to the center of the city.
Rooms & Breakfast
Rooms are cozy, clean and uniquely decorated. No smoking allowed. They all have private bathrooms. Coffee/tea facilities are available upon request. Dining options at Hotel Imperial include a continental breakfast.
Hotel Hegra Amsterdam Centre
???? From 175 Euro for a Twin Room with Canal View
???? Herengracht 269, Amsterdam City Centre, 1016 BJ Amsterdam
☎ +31 20 623 7877
???? 450 m to the city center
???? 8.3
I absolutely love the location of Hotel Hegra – it’s beautifully situated along the amazing Herengracht Canal. You can reach Dam Square in 5 minutes on foot, the same with the Royal Palace. The accommodation is literally one step away from the most popular shopping streets and antique stores. You can use the metro to further city exploration. The metro station – Weesperplein- is within a 20-minute walk. You can reach the most famous of Amsterdam’s museums in 8-10 minutes. The hotel is located in the 17th century merchant house. It’s a 2-star hotel decorated in a historic style. It offers 9 rooms, they all are soundproof. There’s paid parking available for guests.
Rooms & Breakfast
Rooms at Hotel Hegra are unique, all have different décor. They have stunning canal views. I appreciate the fact that all the pillows were hypo-allergenic. You can buy breakfast for 12.50 Euro per person.
Max Brown Hotel Canal District
???? From 180 Euro for a Small Double Room
???? Herengracht 13 – 19, Amsterdam City Centre, 1015 BA Amsterdam
☎ +31 20 710 7288
???? 700 m to the city center
???? 8.2
A great thing is that the hotel is actually situated in three houses. They all have a 300-year old façade. It’s located approximately 10 minutes from Central Station. You can get literally everywhere by tram – the tram stop (Martelaarsgracht) is 450 away from the hotel. The location is fantastic.
Rooms & Breakfast
Rooms at Max Brown Hotel are modern and comfortable. This might be a surprise because the hotel looks a bit ancient at first sight. Each room has a private bathroom. Breakfast is included and it’s really good. In my opinion, they have one of the best coffee when compared to other Amsterdam’s hotels. There’s also a lovely inner terrace. Unfortunately, there’s no air conditioning which might be a little bit uncomfortable during warm summer nights.
Prinsengracht Hotel
???? From 160 Euro for a Twin Room with a Connecting Door
???? Prinsengracht 1015, Amsterdam City Centre, 1017 KN Amsterdam
☎ +31 20 623 7779
???? 1.2 km to the city center
???? 8.2
The hotel is situated 1 kilometer from Museum Square. Even if Prinsengracht is in the very center of the city center, the street is relatively quiet which means you can count on some good sleep at night. The hotel was built in the 17th century, however, it was fully renovated several years ago. You can reach the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum in 10 minutes on foot. There is also a tram stop nearby – 350 meters from the hotel. It offers a direct link to Amsterdam Central Station.
Rooms & Breakfast
Prinsengracht Hotel is not big (34 rooms) but it’s considered to be one of the most recommended in the area. All rooms overlook the internal garden or the canal. You can buy breakfast for 17.50 Euro per person.
Eden Hotel Amsterdam
???? From 148 Euro for a Small Double Room
???? Amstelstraat 17, Amsterdam City Centre, 1017 DA Amsterdam
☎ +31 20 530 7878
???? 850 m to the city center
???? 8.0
Another hotel with just a perfect location. Eden Hotel is not even 1 kilometer from the city center. Rembrandt Square is just a stone’s throw away. Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum are within a 20-minute walking distance. You can reach Central Station in 10 minutes by tram. There are many shopping streets in the neighborhood (like Leidsestraat and Kalverstraat). The hotel is set in a royal style building. Most of the rooms overlook the Amstel River. Eden Hotel offers a nice ticket service.
Rooms & Breakfast
Room are colored and nice-looking. They have a microwave oven, a fridge and an electric kettle.
Breakfast is very expensive – 19.50 Euro per person. However, there are so many delicious things to choose from that it’s really worth buying. I have also enjoyed time I spent in an on-site bar – they have a variety of cocktails and an amazing espresso.
Acostar Hotel
???? From 114 Euro for a Standard Double or Twin Room
???? Kerkstraat 45-49, Amsterdam City Centre, 1017 GB Amsterdam
☎ +31 20 330 0242
???? 1 km to the city center
???? 7.5
Acostar is located not even 300 meters from Leidseplein. It’s a perfect base for further city exploration. You can reach Vondelpark in 5 minutes on foot, the Museum Square – in 10 minutes. There are also various shops, restaurants and galleries nearby. The hotel offers a free airport shuttle service. If you are a night-life traveler, you will also appreciate vending machines with food at Acostar. They are quite expensive though.
Rooms & Breakfast
All rooms are stylish, elegant and non-smoking. Each of them has a private bathroom with a rain shower, a regular shower or bath. Each floor has a unique ambiance – usually guests can choose which one they like most. On the top floor, there is a penthouse with a picturesque view. There’s a paid breakfast buffet served in the hotel lounge. Guests can also have some coffee and tea at the hotel lobby (no additional cost).
Amsterdam Downtown Hotel
???? From 138 Euro for a Twin Room
???? Kerkstraat 25, Amsterdam City Centre, 1017 GA Amsterdam
☎ +31 20 777 6877
???? 1 km to the city center
???? 7.2
Leidseplein and the Flower Market are only 5 minutes away (on foot). Amsterdam Museum, Vondelpark and Rembrandt Square are within an 11-minute walk. There is a tram stop (Keizersgracht) 200 meters from the hotel. You can reach Amsterdam Central Station and most city must-sees in minutes. A good thing is that you can leave your bags there if your flight is late etc. The hotel also offers ticket/tour assistance and bike rental. There’s an elevator which doesn’t often happen in Amsterdam.
Rooms & Breakfast
There are 24 rooms. They are small but they are clean and quite cozy. At the price of 138 Euro, it would be hard to find something at a higher standard in the very heart of the city after all. The hotel serves breakfast each morning.
ITC Hotel
???? From 107 Euro for a Basic Double or Twin Room with Shared Bedroom
???? Prinsengracht 1051, Amsterdam City Centre, 1017 JE Amsterdam
☎ +31 20 623 0230
???? 1.2 km to the city center
???? 7.1
The 2-star hotel is located within a 5-minute walk from Rembrandt Square. You can reach Leidseplein in around 15 minutes on foot. ITC Hotel is beautiful, housed in a majestic, authentic canal house in the ancient Amsterdam. The venue was opened in 1750 and its royal architecture is still impressing. ITC Hotel offers an airport shuttle service. It takes around 20 minutes to reach the airport. Also, make sure you visit two restaurants nearby: Segugio and Tempo Doeloe – they are 50-100 meters from the hotel.
Rooms & Breakfast
Most of the rooms have a shared bathroom. Each room has a unique interior. Unfortunately, there’s no elevator. Each room has a private balcony and a coffee machine. Breakfast is optional (at a 9.50-Euro surcharge). It’s available until noon. I love the fact that it’s served with a Prinsengracht Canal view. There are different cereals, bread, yogurts, croissants and eggs you can choose from.
Hotel Amstelzicht
???? From 175 Euro for a Twin Room
???? Amstel 104, Amsterdam City Centre, 1017 AD Amsterdam
☎ +31 20 623 6693
???? 750 m to the city center
???? 8.4
This 3-star hotel is situated in a monumental 17th-century building near the River Amstel. The building at the Canal has the characteristic Amsterdam stairway. As I like combinations of historic elements an modern furnishings, Hotel Amstelzicht has totally exceeded my expectations. You can reach Rembrandtplein in 2 minutes on foot and Kalverstraat in around 5 minutes. Amsterdam Museum and Begijnhof are around 10 minutes away. There is car rental on site and tour/ticket assistance at the reception.
Rooms & Breakfast
The rooms are comfortable and spacious. They all have private bathrooms. Don’t miss the typical Amsterdam wooden ceiling beams in your room! All rooms are equipped with an iPod docking station and a Nespresso coffee machine. Free coffee and tea re served all day in the lobby. Breakfast is only available at one of the restaurants nearby.
Hotel Clemens
???? From 179 Euro for a Double Room
???? Raadhuisstraat 39 -2HG , Amsterdam City Centre, 1016 DC Amsterdam
☎ +31 20 624 6089
???? 500 m to the city center
???? 9.1
Hotel Clemens, a cozy 2-star hotel, is one of the most expensive positions on the list. Worth considering, though. You can reach the Royal Palace in 4 minutes on foot and Dam Square is only 500 meters away. You can also walk to famous Amsterdam’s museums – it will take you as little as 15 minutes. There is a tram stop nearby and a metro station – Weesperplein – within a 20-minute walking distance. Hotel Clemens is located in an impressive building (designed in a traditional Dutch style in 1899) between the canals: Keijzersgracht and Herengracht. It features incredibly steep stairs so be careful, ladies walking in high heels!
Rooms & Breakfast
I loved the view from the window at Hotel Clemens. There are two ‘options’ – you can get view of the beautiful garden or the Westerkerk and the Royal Palace. All options are equally breath-taking. A really good continental breakfast is included and I must say it was excellent. A big plus for always-available coffee.
Hotel Toon
???? From 176 Euro for a Standard Double Room
???? Utrechtsestraat 18, Amsterdam City Centre, 1017 VN Amsterdam
☎ +31 20 233 4431
???? 900 m to the city center
???? 8.3
This 3-star hotel is one of the most recommended canal hotels in the city, while considering the standard and a price. It’s located in the middle of the city, just a stone throw’s away from Rembrandtplein and Rijksmuseum. Hotel Toon is a boutique hotel, tucked away on the Utrechtsestraat. It’s really cute and kind of quaint. There are two exceptional restaurants nearby: Indraura and Wagamama.
Rooms & Breakfast
Rooms are non-smoking. They have Dutch-inspired design including many historic details. Some of the rooms feature views of the canal. As I cannot imagine life without coffee, I was delighted by the fact that there’s a small café on the ground floor. The café serves free breakfast in the morning, coffee and tea all day long and then some simple dishes for dinner.
Summary
Among the watery cities all over the world, Amsterdam definitely wins. Its harbors and canals fill a quarter of the city surface. This is why I really recommend you to consider one of the hotels situated along one of the canals. I hope that my list will help you find the one that will suit your needs best. Sure, they are usually a bit more expensive than hotels outside the city center but their standard is usually satisfying and the location is just awesome for sightseeing. Even if you’re travelling with kids. And the views are just stunning and co picturesque, worth adding several dozen more Euros to your travel budget.
