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9 of our Favourite Hotels in Amsterdam's Canal Belt

The Canal Belt (Grachtengordel) is quintessential Amsterdam. Four concentric waterways – the Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht – curve from Brouwersgracht (just west of Centraal Station) around the historic centre. Choose from the best hotels in the Canal Belt for enviable views of gracious waterside houses – relics of Amsterdam's 16th-century 'Golden Age' – that rise from tree-lined canals where a few of the city's iconic houseboats are still moored.

Canal BeltImage by djedj from Pixabay

Many of the must-see sights of Amsterdam are dotted along these canals, including the Anne Frank House and Westerkerk on Prinsengracht and the Munttoren and the ever-popular Bloemenmarkt where Singel meets the Amstel river. All the sights of Amsterdam Centrum and the Nieuwe Zijde are within easy walking distance of the best hotels in the Canal Belt, and from the southern reach of Prinsengracht it's just a couple of blocks to Museumplein and the Rijksmuseum. For funky shopping and bar-hopping in hip cafés and old-school taverns, the Jordaan lies just west of Prinsengracht. The Negen Straatjes neighbourhood is an ultra-chic enclave within the western Canal Belt, between Prinsengracht and Singel. Night owls will find rock, pop and dance music at legendary clubs like Paradiso and Melkweg, both on Leidseplein, the square that's also home to the Stadsschouwburg theatre, and Rembrandtplein's bars and cafés are magnets for visitors. Book a stay at one of the best hotels in the Canal Belt and you'll have the entire city within your grasp!

FOR ALL-ROUND VALUE

Max Brown

  • With big, well-appointed rooms Hotel V. Frederiksplein is a well located base for sightseeing.
  • Canal House combines tradition with modern design in a 17th century house with a tranquil courtyard.
  • Max Brown is a hip, well-priced spot close to the city centre and major sights.

For a great location

Hotel Dwars

  • Hotel Dwars is a chic property situated on the buzzing Utrechtsestraat, stumbling distance from great bars, restaurants, clubs and shopping!
  • The Vanguard also enjoys a top spot on the charming Reguliersgracht - a small canal that connects many of the major ones! You're ten minues to Centraal, or just 15 minutes walk from the major museums. This boutique B&B has only two rooms, so you'll need to plan well ahead to guarantee a reservation.

FOR lavish style

Hotel Toren

  • The plush rooms at Hotel Toren are split between two period townhouses, where opulent interiors are complemented by up to the minute facilities.
  • Seven One Seven started life as a grand sugar merchant's residence, and the opulent old-world charm is still everywhere to be seen. Rooms feature oak panelling, beautiful old artworks and are crammed with antiques.

FOR A CHARMING B&B STAY

La Remise

  • Rooms at La Remise feature modern art set against pastel colours. A uniquely luxurious bed & breakfast.
  • Mokum Suites is a superb 2 bedroom B&B situated in a heritage property on the Herengracht. Contemporary interiors feature individual design pieces and lovely canal views.

Still not sure? Check out our picks in Negen Straatjes (which are also technically within the Canal Belt), or browse all our Amsterdam recommendations. Alternatively contact one of our friendly gurus for advice.

  • La Remise Amsterdam City Centre 3 rooms from £170

    Local exploring  -  This hotel is in a great location, close enough to visit all the main attractions while still being able to sleep peacefully
    Romantic Break  -  Couples love this cosy B&B; book the Sud Room for a king-size bed with plush linens
    City Style  -  With chic, contemporary interiors, this modern B&B has lots of city style
    Sights nearby  -  Stroll along to Dam Square, one of Amsterdam's central squares and within walking distance of the B&B
    No pets
    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    This unique, luxury bed & breakfast is located in Noorderstraat, Amsterdam. Rooms are dressed in a pastel palette and feature innovative design pieces, cosy soft furnishings and contemporary artworks; book the Sud Room for extra living space. Enjoy the complimentary breakfast; an intimate city stay. See More

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  • The Pavilions Amsterdam, The Toren Amsterdam 40 rooms from £198

    Romantic Break  -  Rooms are equal parts boudoir as they are bedroom and bathrooms feature hot tub baths - very romantic
    City Style  -  Enjoy cocktails at the lively bar before an evening exploring the vibrant restaurants and bars
    Close to nightlife  -  Set in the Jordaan area there is a wide range of restaurants and typical Amsterdam cafés
    Sights nearby  -  Dam Square, the Royal Palace and several museums are within walking distance of the hotel
    Air conditioningParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Frommers, Michelin Travel, Tablet

    Lavish boutique encompassing two 17th-century canal-side townhouses in central Amsterdam. Romantic rooms and suites are decorated in moody hues with rich fabrics and theatrical details. Enjoy a cocktail at the bar (where breakfast is served) or small bites in the lounge. A great city crashpad. See More

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  • Hotel V Frederiksplein Amsterdam 48 rooms from £101

    City Style  -  A chic mix of vintage designer furniture and contemporary design pieces set against steely hues makes this a stylish stay
    Local exploring  -  Set between the old city centre and the hip quarter of De Pijp, it is convenient both for sightseeing and restaurants
    Self catering  -  The self-catering loft apartments (that sleep three) are a great option for those in search of a home-away-from-home
    Artworks  -  Find photos by the renowned 19th-century Dutch photographer Jacob Olie adorning the walls
    Recommended by  -  I Escape

    This modern B&B in the heart of Amsterdam with stylish rooms and a handful of self-catering apartments. Interiors mix retro furniture with chic modern design pieces. Apartments, complete with kitchenettes, are perfect for small groups & families. A convenient and well-priced base in the city centre. See More

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  • Canal House Amsterdam 23 rooms from £183

    Romantic Break  -  Pick one of the rooms with original wooden floors, fireplaces, in-room baths, and moody hues for a romantic stay
    Local exploring  -  In the canal district, bordering on the romantic Jordaan quarter, you're right in the heart of the city
    Full of character  -  Comprising three 17th-century canal houses, the hotel is a fun warren of corridors and staircases
    Museums  -  A three minute walk to the Anne Frank House and the main Museum Square is also easily accessible
    Air conditioningGardenNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Tablet, Kiwi Collection, Small Luxury Hotels, Michelin Travel

    Three 17th-century townhouses in the heart of the canal district. Contemporary designs, with old-world touches - dark woods and ornate ceilings. Bedrooms are chic and open-plan. A stylish place to stay. Guests can enjoy the lovely garden with a romantic gazebo, tucked away from the city bustle. See More

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  • Max Brown Hotel Amsterdam 34 rooms from £150

    Boutique  -  Set in three historical canal houses, interiors have been chicly modernised (but keep a traditional feel) by a local artist
    Local exploring  -  The hotel’s front doors open out to Milkmaids Bridge meaning you can hop on a canal boat or explore the nearby museums
    Charming  -  With sloping ceilings, patchwork quilts, and wood-panelled walls — this is a cosy stay
    Views  -  There are gorgeous views over the Herengracht Canal, one of Amsterdam's prettiest
    Pet friendlyViews

    Stylish rooms, in a great central location, all at a reasonable price. Larger rooms have great views over the Herengracht canal - one of Amsterdam's prettiest. Major sights and nightlife are all easily accessible. A hipster hang out ideal for city exploring. See More

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  • Mokum Suites Amsterdam City Centre 2 rooms from £195

    Local exploring  -  Located close to the city centre and the main attractions, this B&B makes a great base for local exploring
    City Style  -  Situated in a heritage property in the charming canal district, this hotel has lots of local style
    Romantic Break  -  The hotel's contemporary, stylish suites are great for a romantic couples' getaway
    Sights nearby  -  Stroll through town to Dam Square, Amsterdam's lively central plaza and home to the Royal Palace, a neoclassical gem
    ViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Great Small Hotels

    This unique B&B is located a heritage property in the heart of Amsterdam's canal district. Suites are contemporary, featuring chic design pieces and homely soft furnishings; book the airy Star Suite for high ceilings, original architectural details and pretty canal views. A charming city bolt-hole. See More

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  • Hotel Dwars Amsterdam City Centre 9 rooms from £140

    City Style  -  Set in a heritage property in downtown Amsterdam that has been beautifully renovated, this hotel has lots of chic city style
    Local exploring  -  Located on the boutique shopping street Utrechtsestraat, this hotel offers an ideal location for local exploring
    Families  -  The triple rooms available at this hotel are great for families travelling with children
    Close to nightlife  -  Well positioned to access Carré Theatre and the nightlife area of Rembrandtplein
    No pets

    This chic hotel is located in central Amsterdam on the vibrant Utrechtsestraat. The warm, individually styled rooms feature exposed brick walls, eclectic vintage furnishings and natural accents; set the mood with light-dimming controls. The large triple rooms are great for families; a charming stay. See More

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  • Seven One Seven Hotel Amsterdam 9 rooms from £456

    Local exploring  -  Location lends itself nicely to exploring the city whether you want to explore the nearby museums, restaurants or designer shops
    Total relaxation  -  Relax and recharge in this homely hotel, afternoon tea in the library, and an evening glass or two of wine
    Designer  -  Interiors by former owner, the fashion designer Kees van der Valk — this is a very stylish stay
    Outstanding location  -  Overlooking Amsterdam's most beautiful canal, Prinsengracht
    Air conditioningViewsNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet, Kiwi Collection, Michelin Travel

    A grand 17th-century sugar trader's residence oozing with old-world charm on the UNESCO canal network. Marble floors, oak panelling and beautiful paintings adorn the rooms. Enjoy breakfast in the dining room, relax with a book in the antique-filled sitting room or explore the city with ease. See More

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Written by Robin Gauldie

posted Tuesday, 12th July 2022