6 of the Best Hotels near Dam Square
The Dam is the heart of the historic centre. The epicentre of Amsterdam's busiest tourist neighbourhood, it's where most visitors start exploring the city. You'll find many of the best hotels near the Dam in Amsterdam Centrum and the adjoining Oude Zijde (de Wallen) neighbourhood.
There's nothing left of the 12th-century stronghold built by Gijsbrecht van Amstel, the city's founder, but the Nationaal Monument marks the spot where his castle stood. Erected in 1956, the 22-metre column commemorates Dutch victims of the Nazi occupation during World War II.
On the west side of the square stands the grand Koninklijk Paleis. This opulent Baroque pile, built at the height of the Dutch Republic's 'Golden Age' as the city's town hall, became a royal palace when Napoleon Bonaparte made his younger brother Louis, King of the Netherlands in 1808. It's been a seat of the Dutch monarchy since 1814, when both Louis and his big brother lost their thrones. Inside, it's magnificent, with florid marble halls and a fine sculpture collection.
The Dam is a favourite venue for street performers and 'living statues' who impersonate historical figures and fantasy characters – for some loose change, you can take a selfie with Rembrandt, Gandalf, or Napoleon. More of the best hotels near the Dam await in the Negen Straatjes – a chic enclave west of the historic centre.
The best hotels near the Dam
FOR A CENTRAL BASE
- Amsterdam hotels don't come any more central than Hotel Twenty Seven. Right on the Dam, this posh hotel has opulent suites and an intimate cocktail bar.
- At hip and centrally-sited Hotel V Nesplein dark wood floors and beautiful bathrooms accentuate slick modernist rooms. The restaurant bustles, and the bar hosts live music.
FOR LUXURY AND FINE DINING
- Sofitel Legend Amsterdam The Grand offers a lavish spa where you can unwind after a day's sightseeing before dining in the Michelin-starred restaurant. Suites have butler service for that extra touch of class.
- Hotel de l'Europe combines Michelin-acclaimed cuisine with luxurious rooms and facilities including one of central Amsterdam's few hotel pools.
FOR CANAL-SIDE CHIC
- The Hoxton is one of the most achingly cool hotels in Amsterdam. In the Negen Straatjes district, a ten-minute walk from the Dam.
- Hotel Estherea is a charmer on the inner shore of the Singel. Luxury suites, vibrant colour schemes and a tempting bar.
Still not sure? Check out all our Amsterdam recommendations, or contact a friendly guru for advice.
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Hotel Twenty Seven Amsterdam (Old City) 16 rooms from AU$937
Local exploring - Perched on one of Amsterdam's central squares, this hotel is the perfect base for local exploringRomantic Break - Book a luxury suite with a private hot tub for added indulgence on your next couples' getawayCity Style - Located in a beautifully restored heritage building, this hotel has lots of chic city styleSights nearby - Visit the Royal Palace, used by the Dutch Royal House; tours are available, the hotel can book ahead for you
Recommended by - Small Luxury HotelsCheck AvailabilityThis 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. See More
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Hotel V Nesplein Amsterdam (Old City) 42 rooms from AU$448
Short break - Just a10-minute walk to Centraal Station (one tram-stop) — this is convenient for a quick city breakChic - The style is eclectic (classic of the Dutch) giving the feel of staying in a friend's very chic homeLocal exploring - You could hardly get more central – a minute from the Dam, on the edge of the red-light districtTheatre - Set on a street that is a focus of Amsterdam’s alternative theatre scene
Check AvailabilityA 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. See More
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Sofitel Legend Amsterdam the Grand Amsterdam (Old City) 177 rooms from AU$707
5* Luxury - With chic contemporary design, a butler service, a spa, and even a horse-drawn carriage — you'll wish for nothing hereFamilies - Infant beds and cots are free and there is a babysitting and childcare service making this an easy choice for familiesHistoric - 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
Recommended by - Tablet, Fodors, Frommers, Kiwi CollectionCheck AvailabilityA 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. See More
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Hotel de L'Europe Amsterdam (Old City) 111 rooms from AU$968
Luxury - For serious luxury pick one of the Dutch Masters suites, luxury artists’ lofts with replicas of paintings from the RijksmuseumFoodies - Four restaurants serve up something for everyone, from Bord’Eau's two Michelin stars to Freddy’s BarLocal exploring - It’s hard to get more central than the De L’Europe Amsterdam, on the banks of the AmstelGood wine list - Bord'Eau has an impressive wine collection with over 850 bottlesRecommended by - Tablet, Kiwi CollectionCheck AvailabilityA 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. See More
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The Hoxton, Amsterdam Amsterdam (Grachtengordel-Canal Ring) 111 rooms from AU$601
Groups - There's the option of private dining or curated parties in The Apartment — a great option for a special occasion as a groupLocal exploring - Located on The Nine Streets, you’ve got some of the city’s best restaurants and stores within minutes of the hotelCity Style - With hip urban style, a central location, and a buzzy brasserie — this is a trendy city baseDesigner Shopping - The hotel is just steps from the Negen Straatjes shopping quarter
Check AvailabilityA 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. See More
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Hotel Estheréa Amsterdam (Old City) 91 rooms from AU$367
Full of character - The feel is much like you've stepped into a period drama with patterned wallpaper, detailed fabrics, & not a hint of uniformityLocal exploring - Set on the oldest canal on the city in the heart of the historic centre and surrounded by hip shops, cafes and restaurantsIntimate - The hotel may be large, but it is a family-run affair and that really shows in the genuinely friendly serviceHistoric - Set in a beautiful seventeenth-century building on Amsterdam’s oldest canal, the SingelRecommended by - Frommers, Michelin TravelCheck Availability17th 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. See More
Written by Robin Gauldie
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