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.

Dam Square Flickr user Viv Lynch

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.

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 £187 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 £360 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 £493 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 £228 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 £306 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 £477 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

6 of the Best Hotels near Dam Square

The best hotels near the Dam

FOR A CENTRAL BASE

FOR LUXURY AND FINE DINING

FOR CANAL-SIDE CHIC

6 of the Best Hotels near Dam Square

Sign up to our weekly newsletter