Dam SquareFlickr user Paul Cagnon

At the very heart of Amsterdam lies the Dam – the city’s bustling central square and the perfect launchpad for exploring its historic core. It’s where grand history meets everyday life: from the imposing Koninklijk Paleis to the poignant Nationaal Monument, every corner tells a story. Around here, you’ll find some of Amsterdam’s best places to stay, from elegant hotels overlooking the square to boutique hideaways tucked into the nearby Oude Zijde. If you're looking for something more wallet-friendly, head towards the Negen Straatjes, where charming, affordable stays sit just steps from cafes, canals, and designer shops.

For a central base

Hotel Twenty Seven

  • Steps from Dam Square, Hotel Twenty Seven exudes indulgence with jewel-toned suites, velvet furnishings, and marble bathrooms. Its intimate cocktail bar serves inventive drinks in moody, luxurious surroundings—perfect for soaking up the energy of Amsterdam’s heart while retreating to pure sophistication upstairs.
  • Tucked near the city’s cultural pulse, Hotel V Nesplein channels Amsterdam’s creative spirit through dark wood floors, bold lighting, and vintage-industrial decor. Its lively restaurant draws locals for modern Dutch dishes, while the bar’s live music and laid-back vibe make it a stylish, central hangout.

For luxury & fine dining

Sofitel Legend Amsterdam The Grand

  • Step into refined elegance at Sofitel Legend Amsterdam The Grand, where stately heritage meets modern indulgence. Unwind in the spa before savouring exquisite flavours at the Michelin-starred restaurant. Lavish suites, each with dedicated butler service, offer a stay steeped in sophistication and luxury.
  • Hotel de l'Europe pairs riverside views with artfully designed rooms and polished service. Dine on Michelin-starred masterpieces, then retreat to the spa or take a rare dip in one of Amsterdam’s few indoor hotel pools—a sanctuary of style and taste.

For canal-side chic

The Hoxton, Amsterdam

  • Set in the stylish Negen Straatjes district, The Hoxton, Amsterdam pairs canal-side charm with bold, retro-inspired interiors and a buzzing social scene. Expect mid-century furnishings, leafy courtyards, and a lively restaurant-bar that’s as popular with locals as guests — perfect for soaking up Amsterdam’s creative energy.
  • Overlooking the Singel canal, Hotel Estherea is a visual delight of rich fabrics, patterned wallpapers, and chandeliers. Each room is uniquely styled, offering a touch of classic opulence. The inviting bar and intimate lounges make it a romantic, character-filled retreat in the heart of Amsterdam.

Still not sure?

6 of the Best Hotels near Dam Square

Hotel Estheréa

Amsterdam (Old City)

17th century townhouses make up this boutique hotel on Amsterdam's oldest canal. Chandeliers, mahogany panelling and extravagant decor adorn the rooms. Large suites are all unique with luxurious fabrics and vibrant wallpapers. Breakfast is worth waking up for; drinks at the bar worth staying up for.

  • Full of character - The feel is much like you've stepped into a period drama with patterned wallpaper, detailed fabrics, & not a hint of uniformity
  • Local exploring - Set on the oldest canal on the city in the heart of the historic centre and surrounded by hip shops, cafes and restaurants
  • Intimate - The hotel may be large, but it is a family-run affair and that really shows in the genuinely friendly service
  • Historic - Set in a beautiful seventeenth-century building on Amsterdam’s oldest canal, the Singel
from CA$366 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Sofitel Legend Amsterdam the Grand

Amsterdam (Old City)

A grand five-star hotel located in the heart of the city. Despite being set in a 17th -century building, interiors are modern and stylish. Spacious rooms and suites have plenty of light, retro furniture, and most have bathtubs. With fine dining, a spa, and butler service - this is luxury defined.

  • 5* Luxury - With chic contemporary design, a butler service, a spa, and even a horse-drawn carriage — you'll wish for nothing here
  • Families - Infant beds and cots are free and there is a babysitting and childcare service making this an easy choice for families
  • Historic - The hotel is housed in an erstwhile Admiralty building (dating from the 17th century)
  • Local exploring - Right in the heart of town, on the edge of the Red Light District
from CA$706 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Hotel de L'Europe

Amsterdam (Old City)

A five-star hotel set on Amstel's banks with Michelin-starred restaurants and a state-of-the-art spa. Decadent traditional living areas lead up to opulent rooms and suites. Rich wallpapers, marble bathrooms, mahogany furniture, and Old Master replicas. Undeniably one of the city's grand dames.

  • Luxury - For serious luxury pick one of the Dutch Masters suites, luxury artists’ lofts with replicas of paintings from the Rijksmuseum
  • Foodies - Four restaurants serve up something for everyone, from Bord’Eau's two Michelin stars to Freddy’s Bar
  • Local exploring - It’s hard to get more central than the De L’Europe Amsterdam, on the banks of the Amstel
  • Good wine list - Bord'Eau has an impressive wine collection with over 850 bottles
from CA$966 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Hotel V Nesplein

Amsterdam (Old City)

A chic modern hotel located slap-bang in the heart of the city. Industrial-chic rooms and suites have dark wood floors and stylish bathrooms. There's a buzzy restaurant and bar area which occasionally hosts live music. A central and cool spot for a weekend away in Amsterdam.

  • Short break - Just a10-minute walk to Centraal Station (one tram-stop) — this is convenient for a quick city break
  • Chic - The style is eclectic (classic of the Dutch) giving the feel of staying in a friend's very chic home
  • Local exploring - You could hardly get more central – a minute from the Dam, on the edge of the red-light district
  • Theatre - Set on a street that is a focus of Amsterdam’s alternative theatre scene
from CA$447 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

The Hoxton, Amsterdam

Amsterdam (Grachtengordel-Canal Ring)

A retro-chic hotel in the heart of the city. Spacious rooms feature sink-into beds, parquet floors, wood panelling and luxurious bathrooms. There are hotel bikes to rent, a very good restaurant and a lively bar. Just a stroll from many of the major sights and set on one of the prettiest canals.

  • Groups - There's the option of private dining or curated parties in The Apartment — a great option for a special occasion as a group
  • Local exploring - Located on The Nine Streets, you’ve got some of the city’s best restaurants and stores within minutes of the hotel
  • City Style - With hip urban style, a central location, and a buzzy brasserie — this is a trendy city base
  • Designer Shopping - The hotel is just steps from the Negen Straatjes shopping quarter
from CA$600 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Hotel Twenty Seven

Amsterdam (Old City)

This boutique hotel is located in Dam Square, in the heart of Amsterdam's city centre. Suites are opulent, featuring textured walls and luxury prints in a regal palette; book a signature suite for stylish living space and breathtaking city views. Enjoy a cocktail in the cosy bar; an exclusive hotel.

  • Local exploring - Perched on one of Amsterdam's central squares, this hotel is the perfect base for local exploring
  • Romantic Break - Book a luxury suite with a private hot tub for added indulgence on your next couples' getaway
  • City Style - Located in a beautifully restored heritage building, this hotel has lots of chic city style
  • Sights nearby - Visit the Royal Palace, used by the Dutch Royal House; tours are available, the hotel can book ahead for you
from CA$935 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Written by Robin Gauldie

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