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.

Image 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

• 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 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

• 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

• 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.

 

Written by Robin Gauldie

posted Tuesday, 12th July 2022