Amsterdam: what was once but a small fishing village is now the proud capital of the Netherlands, having prospered from trade in the Dutch Golden Age during the 17th century. It's a city with one hell of a reputation, famed for an anything-goes attitude that has turned it into the de facto cannabis capital of Europe and a party destination for hardcore ravers (not to mention a stag do favourite, thanks to the red light district). But while this side to Amsterdam certainly exists, this gloriously eccentric city also promises charm and sophistication by the bucketload. Beyond the plethora of world-class restaurants and bars, visitors can expect more museums than any other city in Europe, even Paris, enough hipster hangouts to rival Berlin and the same calibre of boutique hotels you'd find in London.
The postcard-perfect city centre is a maze of canals flanked by historic townhouses, with flower-peppered bridges and passing boats laden with merry tourists clinking glasses (or beer cans). The good-time vibes continue in Amsterdam's abundance of verdant parks with large lakes and ponds, in which it's legal to light up a barbecue (what isn't legal here?), as well as on the vibrant foodie scene (pay special attention to the ultra-trendy De Pijp neighbourhood). This is a place where culture and hedonism can be enjoyed in equal measure, plus it's the safest city in Europe. Herewith is GQ's guide to the best hotels in Amsterdam.
The Dylan
Set in a tall, thin 17th-century charcoal townhouse overlooking the city’s central canal, The Dylan is a quintessential Amsterdam hotel. The entrance itself – an original stone archway (in the 16th century the site was home to a theatre) and cobbled front courtyard, lined by bikes and tulips leading up to the door – captures the hotel’s style and spirit, marrying old-world charm with contemporary flair. There are only 40 bedrooms, each one with its own flavour, split into four main interior categories. There’s the “Loxura” set, modelled on the copper-coloured Loxura butterfly, the “loft” bedrooms featuring the building’s original wooden beams, the “amber” rooms (inspired by, you guessed it, the precious stone) and, finally, the serendipity rooms, decorated in warm shades of brown and grey with lashings of luxurious fabric. GQ stayed in an amber room, complete with majestic four-poster bed, views of the hotel’s spectacular inner courtyard (a thoroughly lovely, tree-lined spot for long lazy summer lunches, or cosy, blanket-wrapped coffee mornings in autumn) and cutting-edge tech, including a Bose sound system. The beds are smart “FreshBeds”, which promise a better night’s sleep thanks to climate control. You can even regulate the left and right sides of the bed separately: a godsend for couples who can never agree on bedding or air-con.
Breakfast is served in Bar Brasserie OCCO, a warm, inviting space with cobbles underfoot and beams overhead that’s also excellent for lunch and dinner. Peking duck noodle soup sits alongside flat-iron steak and ravioli on the trans-national menu, with the cod in white wine sauce proving to be a particular highlight. There’s a real buzz about the brasserie thanks to the steady stream of locals and tourists who congregate around the black marble bar, sipping on Dylan Thomas (the hotel’s namesake) whisky cocktails and highballs made with Amsterdam vermouth Willem's Wermoed. A true sanctuary amidst the hustle and bustle of the Negen Straatjes ("Nine Streets") shopping quarter, The Dylan is everything a five-star boutique hotel should be. The Dylan, Keizersgracht 384, 1016 GB Amsterdam. dylanamsterdam.com
Hotel TwentySeven
Understated, TwentySeven certainly isn’t: this is a hotel for lovers of luxury who subscribe to the idea that more is always more. Set in a turn-of-the-century building in Dam Square, the beating heart of the city, this boutique property is made up of only 16 state-of-the-art suites, with an attention to detail that is nothing short of astonishing. That returning visitors include international royalty is no surprise: even the most jaded high-end traveller would be impressed by the decadent dream the hotel team has brought to life here. Owner and two-time winner of the Hotelier Of The Year award, Eric Toren, spared neither expense nor thought when designing this opulent sanctuary, bringing over majestic fabrics from Paris, wallpaper from London and carpets made from Nepalese silk. The marble bathrooms – complete with smart toilets and double rain showers that transform into a steam room – come stocked with Lanvin products, while the bedrooms feature tablets to control the temperature and lighting, plus whirlpool Jacuzzis.
GQ recommends the Penthouse Suite, a palatial, two-bedroom affair with views over the metropolitan Rokin from the golden-hued living room and from the circular Jacuzzi set back in the beams of the master bedroom. Should you want some outside space, however, then we’d suggest the Grand Terrace Suite. Throughout the rest of the hotel, you’ll find a Michelin-starred restaurant, Bougainville, as well as Bar TwentySeven, which Amsterdam’s affluent cool crowd queue down the street for on weekends. Designed by Wim van de Oudeweetering, just as in the rooms, velvet, prints, embellishments and ruffles abound, with a bar made of glowing onyx. It is, genuinely, the stuff of fairy tales, and we’re not just talking about the interiors. At TwentySeven, there’s no such thing as no. Guests’ wishes are their personal butler’s (each room comes with one) demand and the staff are exceptionally attentive but also discreet. The downside? This hotel is so special, the facilities so incredible and the rooms so resplendent that you’ll want to spend you entire stay holed up here instead of exploring the city. Dam 27, 1012 JS Amsterdam. hoteltwentyseven.com
Conservatorium
Few hotels in the world do bathrooms quite like Conservatorium, an intimate, five-star hotel that was, until the 21st century, a music school (hence the name), and, a century before that, a bank. If you’re lucky, you’ll have booked a loft room, which sees a separate staircase lead up from the brushed-oak entrance hall into a palatial marbled bathroom that feels less like an amenity and more like the main event, featuring wooden-beamed walls dotted with porthole windows enabling regal views over Amsterdam’s bustling streets – even from the shower. The rooms – kitted out in minimalist oatmeal furnishings and, as a nod to their heritage, Sennheiser headphones – are large and bright, with a gifted quill and pot of turquoise ink in homage to Van Gogh on every desk.
The rest of Conservatorium doesn’t disappoint, keeping beautiful flourishes from the original building such as stained glass and wall tiles. The centrepiece? A beautiful, glass-domed atrium designed by Italian architect Piero Lissoni containing the lobby and brasserie, where you’ll find a generous buffet breakfast (included in the room rate) come morning. Downstairs, a sleek, 18-metre pool and hammam wards off winter's chill, while bikes are parked in the private courtyard for guests to borrow on afternoon excursions around the neighbouring Vondelpark and Museum district. That's if you're inclined to even leave the hotel at all – it's not easy. Paulus Potterstraat 50, 1071 DB Amsterdam. conservatoriumhotel.com
W Amsterdam
If your travel taste mediates between conspicuous food offerings and elevated amenities, then finding a haven like W for your city break will suit you perfectly. Alongside a chic rooftop pool and excellent spa facilities for do-not-disturb mode, what sets W Amsterdam apart is its ideal positioning from the city centre. We're talking walking distance to luxury shopping stores, where you can treat yourself to that well-deserved timepiece. Notably, W exudes a youthful feel through its design and club-like furnishings, as having fun with great company is arguably the best-kept secret to anti-ageing. Perhaps that's why it was one of the peak hotspots for this year's ADE festival, one of the world’s most renowned music festivals for electronic music. As a venue for ADE, it partnered with the label Cercle, hosting pulse-raising music events in their foyer and penthouse suites, featuring DJ sets from Gordo, upcoming Peggy Gou supporter Matisa, and afro house legends like Francis Mercier. Additionally, there were industry talks and lab sessions with the hottest names on the house block, such as Mochakk. So, if attending ADE is on your life goals list, have it all at your doorstep by staying at W — you might even run into your favourite DJ in the corridors, so play it cool.
W's food offerings encompass everything a luxurious stay should and more, like their holy-smoking good steakhouse on-site. However, they go above and beyond when ushering in a new mood for grounded luxury with their Duchess restaurant. Situated in an old ticket hall, it's worth a visit just to admire its architectural beauty. But, a testament to its ultra-luxurious design is the flawless service. The most exquisite oysters and champagne will wet your palate, a nice touch for your social feeds. Aside from eating well, you may find yourself wanting to rejuvenate between immersing in the hustle and bustle of the party city. The Away Spa by W Hotels will become the sanctuary you never want to leave. It’s subdued yet decadent, so if you make one self-care investment on your city break, get yourself there. A tried and tested formula for unparalleled luxury is the renewed body treatment they boast. Melt away any tension you may have picked up on your travels and renew your skin, body, and mind. Picture being tucked up in cosy hot towels soaked in essential oils while the clay scrubs drench your skin. Both you and your skin will be left feeling brand new. Spuistraat 175, 1012 VN Amsterdam. marriott.com
Andaz
This beautiful Seventies building overlooking one of the city’s grandest canals was formerly a library, which explains why the glass-walled lifts are backed with colourful bookcases housing literary treasures including Lewis Carroll’s Alice In Wonderland. Your hand reaches out to stroke a spine... until you realise the bookshelf is a drawing. Such surrealist decor, designed by locally known name Marcel Wanders, continues throughout the five-star property, with trinkets placed in alcoves, giant, lit-up bells that silently toll over the lobby and impossibly high red egg-chairs that, for a moment, could be the Queen of Hearts marching towards you.
In front of the lobby is the excellent Bluespoon bar, which, testament to the Andaz's unusual yet casual charm, is just as popular with the locals as it is with hotel guests. With large sunlit sofas with canal-side views, it's a perfect spot for afternoon coffee or, for the more adventurous, one of the hotel’s zany small plates, each one designed to resemble a work of art (one plate featuring beef tartare topped with Heinz caviar is titled “In Case Of Ed Sheeran” – the singer is a known Heinz devotee). The cocktails are equally playful, inspired by Wonderland characters. Try the sweet and warming Jabberwocky, with spice, tangerine and sherry. Rooms are large, featuring quilted walls and (real) books aplenty. Some face the canal, while others give views of the tiny, rather romantic back garden, in which a little wooden bench sits invitingly beneath a canopy of flowers. Just like in Wonderland, at the Andaz there's always a little more to discover. Prinsengracht 587, 1016 HT Amsterdam. hyatt.com
