Best Luxury Hotels In The Netherlands

This used to be the HQ of a charity and an almshouse, but post-millennium took on new life as a boutique hotel. It’s set back from the street, and entered via a peaceful courtyard, so guests instantly feel a sense of calm, exclusivity and elegance on arrival. The design is contemporary but fused with old-world charm, peppered with international antiques and oriental accents. Its 40 bedrooms are contained in two canalside buildings within the city’s shopping quarter. Meals are served in the Vinkeles restaurant (previously the house’s bakery) or the more relaxed Occo Brasserie. The vibe here is very grown-up, so best suited to adult travellers.

Amidst the liveliness of Amsterdam, you can find peace at Hotel Okura where guests are top priority. Rooted in ‘Omotenashi’ – a Japanese art focussing hospitality on care rather than expectation – not only do their spacious suites offer comfort and relaxation, but their onsite Nagomi Spa is the oasis needed after a long day’s adventures. Situated to the south of the city’s hub in the De Pijp district, Hotel Okura is a prominent member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Outside, you can find the famous Albert Cuyp Market where you can enjoy the Dutch specialties of herring and waffles as well as the former Heineken brewery which attracts locals and tourists alike. Hotel Okura boasts four acclaimed restaurants with three Michelin stars held between them all: Ciel Bleu, Yamazato Restaurant, Teppanyaki Restaurant Sazanka and Serre. Prepare to set sail on a culinary voyage in the sociable atmospheres of each unique dining experience, whether you choose the 23rd-floor heights of Ciel Bleu, the multi-course experience of Yamazato or the privacy of service to your own room. From solo travellers enjoying the sights of Amsterdam to exquisite family getaways, Hotel Okura is the ideal hub for any adventure.

If you prefer large scale fashionable luxury, the 238 bedroom W will suit you. One of its buildings is a former telephone exchange, the other a bank. But in contrast to many of the city’s competitors, it eschews vintage in favour of contemporary furnishings. Bright rooms include espresso machines and funky Marshall sound systems. Its rooftop lounge is a defining feature, the place to party and sip cocktails with a view. Or descend to the moodily lit, subterranean spa, hidden behind a large vaulted door. W has three restaurants, Mr Porter, The Butcher and The (Michelin-starred) Duchess.

Containing a carved spiral staircase by Louis XVI’s architect and 17th-century artworks, the Waldorf Astoria in Amsterdam is a positively decadent architectural wonder. Add to this a multi-award-winning Guerlain spa with a swimming pool, your own personal concierge and a two Michelin-starred restaurant and you’ll soon be living like a VIP. Its 93 bedrooms are housed in a collection of six 17th and 18th-century palaces on the UNESCO protected ‘Gentlemen’s Canal’. As such you’ll find plenty of grand period features, like beamed ceilings and original fireplaces.

Found in the Museum Square district, this was once a musical institution – a heritage reflected in its title and ongoing collaborations. The Conservatorium was named the finest luxury hotel in Holland by Condé Nast, with Art Noveau interiors created by award-winning Milan-based designer Piero Lissoni. The lauded Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre offers everything from nutrition therapy, to meditation, to Watsu and has what is arguably the best-equipped gym in the city. Following the hotel’s subtle Asian influence, is Taiko, the dining experience and bar, where flavour, aroma and texture reign. Book a room, suite, duplex, or even your own wing.

Erected in 1896, De L’Europe sits beside the Amstel River on the site of a late medieval fortress. State-of-the-art technology, local heritage and classic design are melded into a five-star style. Elite suites are housed in the Dutch Masters Wing, named after the nation’s illustrious painters and with its own private entrance. The hotel is partnered with the Rijksmuseum, displaying fine art replicas from the likes of Rembrandt and Frans Hals. Haute cuisine is served in the critically acclaimed Bord’Eau restaurant, with alfresco summer dining at Hèt Terras. Freddy’s Bar mixes some of the best Bloody Marys in Amsterdam. And there’s a 4,300-square-foot Le Spa by Skins Institute, with a canalside indoor pool.

The wellness centre here was voted the Netherlands’ Best Hotel Spa of 2020 and rooms come with Hermès branded products. The building itself has served many purposes as an ex-city hall, monastery, royal lodge and Admiralty. Inside, French interiors by Sybille de Margerie, complement an Art Deco extension and grand features dating back, in parts, to the 16th century. Dinner and organic wines are served in the Bridges restaurant, or garden bistro, with afternoon teas in the library lounge. Do take advantage of a local tour on the Sofitel’s private salon boat, horse-drawn carriage or one of its bicycles – a highlight of any stay here.

Amsterdam’s Grand Hotel Amrâth is a five-star hotel which occupies a unique location in the city’s historic heart. Inhabiting the former 20th-century Scheepvaarthuis (Shipping House), the building is a perfect example of the Amsterdam School architecture, putting a Dutch twist on Art Nouveau. Discovering the city couldn’t be easier thanks to the hotel’s bus, tram and metro connections and its proximity to Amsterdam Central Station (500m), and a private parking garage is available for those exploring by car. Among the 205 rooms are 22 suites, family packages, and deluxe rooms with canal views. Decorated in Art Deco style, the high ceilings and large windows let in plenty of light and provide scenic views of the city. Inside, The Bar Lounge serves lunches, high-tea, and evening meals, as well as cocktails both classic and inspired by Amsterdam’s character. The complimentary Spa & Wellness Centre allows guests exclusive access to a pool, gym and massage service – the perfect way to relax after a day of exploring the concierge’s top recommendations.

Book a central stay at this hip, ten-floor, five-star address. Overlooking Rotterdam’s oldest harbour with its vintage barges, the aluminium and glass frontages of Mainport present a stark contrast to its surroundings. Inside, there’s artsy wallpaper themed on the world’s continents, clean lines, moody colour palettes and refined furnishings. The ‘Spa Heaven’ has two treatment rooms, two hammams, a sauna (with a view), a steam room – and around half of the 215 bedrooms even have their own private saunas. Guests can sip cocktails on the hotel’s swanky riverside terrace and dine at the open-plan restaurant. With extensive meeting facilities, Mainport is an excellent choice for the business traveller and tourist alike.

Behind the Gothic façade of this hotel, which was once a 15th-century monastery, is a dressed-down modern vibe.  Located in the heart of Maastricht, the hotel is perfectly located to explore the city and the local surroundings. Guests can choose from 60 rooms all of which are sleek and minimalistic but not without style – as to be expected given the hotel is a member of the Design Hotels Collection. Kruisheren Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a spectacular array of dishes served on a mezzanine in the monastery’s Gothic church.  For guests who enjoy the fruits of the vine, Wine Bar Rouge & Blanc presents an intimate setting to quaff a glass or two from the impressive range of vintages on offer.