The best affordable hotels in Amsterdam

The hip Kimpton brand, part of the IHG group, overhauled this 1980s hotel, which incorporated three 17th-century houses, with marvelous results. The open-plan lobby is bright and welcoming, decked out with blue-and-white tile floors and sleek seating nooks where you can enjoy the free all-day tea bar or partake of complimentary wine and snacks at the 5 p.m. happy hour.

The hotel is also home to one of the best cocktail bars in the city, Super Lyan, done up in a colorful retro style. (Note: At press time, the restaurant was under renovation but is still serving breakfast.) The location is ideal, just a few minutes' walk from Central Station and the bustling shopping thoroughfare of Nieuwendijk.

Done up in elegant blue and gray hues with pops of floral, rooms feature contemporary furnishings and plush touches like Frette robes and Marie-Stella-Maris toiletries. Entry-level Queen rooms measure between 182 and 226 square feet, though the larger King Standards are a bit more comfortable. Suites, situated in the historic canal houses, have lovely period details such as wood-beamed ceilings, terraces, and fantastic city views.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 20 of 404 hotels in Amsterdam

Booking.com Rating: 8.9 out of 10

Pros: We love all the signature Kimpton freebies, including complimentary bike rental, free daily happy hour (with a generous selection of cheese and warm Dutch snacks), and breakfast included in the rate. The friendly, efficient service also really sets this hotel apart.

Cons: Rooms are pricey for the size. Opt for one at the back of the building or on a higher floor to avoid the sound of the trams passing by.

Ten interlinked 17th-century gabled canal houses form this four-star hotel, which plays up its historical interiors with a lavish array of antiques and period-style furnishings found in 57 individually designed rooms.

The best entry-level standard rooms are situated at street level with high ceilings and views of the famed Herengracht canal through tall windows. Those at the back of the building feature beamed ceilings and courtyard views, and all are outfitted with chandeliers, gilt mirrors, and a riot of rich fabrics in bright jewel tones.

In contrast, the ground level is far more modern in style and features an upscale brasserie and lobby lounge hung with a fine collection of colorful, avant-garde CoBrA art dating from the mid-20th century. A great place to relax, especially for bibliophiles, is the library bar stocked with some 5,000 books, all of which have been signed by visiting authors.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 2 of 404 hotels in Amsterdam

Booking.com Rating: 9.3 out of 10

Pros: The Canal District location makes an ideal base for exploring the city, with the trendy Nine Streets shopping area just outside the door, and Dam Square and the Rijksmuseum within walking distance.

Cons: As the hotel is a collection of separate houses linked by corridors, negotiating the path to your room can be a bit confusing and some require ascending steep stairs.