Slim Picks: Hotels in Amsterdam Canal Houses

“It’s the Amsterdam postcard image – riding a sit-up-and-beg bicycle along a canal path flanked by tall houses. These narrow buildings with their flood-safe ground floors elevated from street level were once merchant houses and warehouses. Here are five that are now hotels overlooking the Dam’s UNESCO World Heritage status canals.

– – – – – –

Canal House
—————-

This design hotel occupies three adjoining merchant houses on the Kings Canal. Its interior is striking, but the garden is something else. Gardens were a reliable measure of a homeowner’s wealth in Amsterdam, and at Canal House the outdoor space suggests that these three merchants were very well to do indeed – it’s one of the biggest gardens in the city, offering a rare private sanctuary in the heart of town. A small house at the bottom of it serves as an airy meeting space.

– – – – – –

The Toren
————–

Also on Kings Canal, and just a short stroll from Anne Frank’s House, The Toren dates all the way back to 1618. It’s made up of two historic canal houses, but they haven’t been knocked through into one – in fact, they aren’t even next to each other. The main house (no. 164) has the reception desk, garden and lounge bar, complete with a hand-painted ceiling by students from the University of Leiden (Rembrandt’s alma mater). In the Private House (no. 146) you get the same level of service and décor without all the noise and bustle of public areas, giving more of a ‘home from home’ experience. Your call…

– – – – – –

Hotel Estherea
——————-

Located on Amsterdam’s oldest major canal, Hotel Estherea consists of a whole row of canal houses. It started as just one, bought by a widow called Maria Flieger-Gruyters during World War II. As she acquired neighbouring properties, the hotel grew both in size – and as it became more successful, it became more luxurious too. Now run by Maria Flieger-Gruyters’ granddaughter, it still combines a family feel with a high level of comfort and service. It also has a fabulous 24-hour bar, a fully-equipped gym, and bike and scooter hire. Two wheels are probably the best way to explore Amsterdam, so that last one is a major plus.

– – – – – –

The Pulizter
—————–

Take a stroll along the Prinsengracht and you’ll pass a row of 25 pretty canal house. However, hiding behind the traditional facades is one elegant hotel: The Pulitzer. Its oldest house dates back to 1613, but the hotel’s newly renovated interior is a maze of beautifully crafted bedrooms, tranquil gardens and relaxed public spaces. Based in the lively Nine Streets district, it’s an amazingly well-hidden haven – just perfect for exploring the city and enjoying a chic slice of Amsterdam history.

– – – – – –

International Budget Hostel
——————————–

The International Budget Hostel is in a 17th-century waterside warehouse, and it proves that not all canal houses are budget-blowers. By Amsterdam canal house standards, it’s cheap. The cosy lounge overlooks peaceful Leidsegracht, a lovely waterside street in the south-west of the city centre, and is just the place to meet like-minded travellers over breakfast (assuming you haven’t already met them in the mixed dorm). If you’re not up for dorm-style accommodation or are travelling in a group, you can book a three, four or six-bed private room. Multi-lingual staff, a superb location and a historic building make this a top budget pick.

Have a look at our hotels in Amsterdam page for more options.”