Top 16 Cool and Unique Hotels in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s fondness for the quirky and original is a prominent theme in many of its excellent hotels. From my many trips, here are my favourite spots in the Netherlands‘ capital city, guaranteed to inject some serious fun and style into your stay…

1. nHow Hotel

This new, large contemporary design hotel was incredibly Insta-worthy with its playful, trendy vibe and avant-garde design blending Dutch culture, modern art, eclectic murals, bold colors, and geometric patterns.

My standard double room had a giant wall mural, funky furniture, a turquoise retro phone, gold palm tree lamp, Nespresso machine, soundproofing, and floor-to-ceiling windows. I loved that every room’s design was inspired by different corners of the world.

I spent time at the sky lounge with its panoramic views, used the modern gym, dined at the all-day and gourmet restaurants, and even rented a bike. Its Zuidas business district location made public transport easy, with direct routes into the city centre.

• To check prices or availability for the nHow Hotel

My favorite highlights… 

• Dining at their 24th floor Latin American-inspired restaurant – I loved the rainforest-inspired decor (there was lush tropical greenery everywhere!), the breathtaking 360º city views and my divine dish of Pumpkin Spice Rice, Beetroot & Fig! 

2. Hotel Not Hotel

I was in awe of this hotel — incredibly creative yet laid-back, with none of the intimidating feel some design hotels have.

It felt like an art gallery with whimsical touches: a gingerbread house, tram carriage, Thai Tuk Tuk, Spanish villa, a secret library study, and my favorite — a 2-D printed cottage complete with a 2-D TV and chairs. I stayed in the tram cart right in the lobby — a cozy double with a shared bathroom that felt like indoor glamping: adventurous, fun, and full of charm.

There was an art-filled lounge, a cozy cocktail bar, an on-site Thai restaurant, and free Wi-Fi. The Amsterdam-West location was ideal — near buzzy cafés, bars, galleries, a kilometre from Vondelpark, and 3 km from Anne Frank’s House.

• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Not Hotel

My highlights… 

• Going for cocktails at the lively Kevin Bacon Bar for drinks – the Green Curry Cocktail made with green chilis, coriander-seed-infused rum, and cardamom bitters had a seriously spicy kick!

3. Hotel Arena

This wonderfully artistic boutique hotel is set in a beautifully renovated 19th-century Catholic orphanage. I loved its chic, serene atmosphere and the blend of historic Dutch architecture with contemporary design, featuring exposed brick, arched windows, and modern furnishings.

My superior king suite had parquet floors, high ceilings, and an Art Deco palette of muted greens and dusky pinks. The glossy bathroom featured a freestanding tub, and the lounge area offered cozy seating — the perfect mix of style and comfort.

I enjoyed the restored onsite chapel, chic restaurant and bar, tranquil garden terraces, and bike rentals. Its leafy Amsterdam East location was another highlight — steps from Oosterpark and minutes from the city center.

• To check prices or availability for Hotel Arena

My personal highlights…

• The restored onsite chapel which dated back to 1886 – I loved how the original stained-glass windows depicting 19th-century biblical scenes were still intact, along with the intricate frescoes and elegant marble columns! 

4. Outside Inn

This place was seriously fun — indoor camping at its best! Vintage caravans, glamping tents, beach huts, and rustic cabins were set around a communal “outdoor” space with greenery and picnic tables, all inside a restored industrial building. It felt like a sociable urban campsite.

I stayed in a lovingly restored vintage caravan decked out in bold pink-and-white patterns with a comfy double bed, retro furniture, faux fur throws, and an air purifier — a quirky and cozy experience.

The shared bathrooms were well-organized, and I enjoyed the lounge, terrace, and self-service bar. Each morning brought a tasty breakfast, and nearby restaurants were just a short walk away. The quiet location was ideal — about 10 minutes from Duivendrecht train station and 350 meters from Van der Madeweg metro.

• To book, check prices or availability for Outside Inn

My highlights… 

• The sociable vine! We even chatted to the owner Willem Megens and found out he loved renovating furniture and travelling and started the business to combine all his favourite things!

5. Volkshotel

I discovered this was such an Instagrammable spot! Housed in a former newspaper building, it had a creative, friendly vibe and wowed me with its industrial-chic design — art installations, exposed concrete, steel, and eclectic furniture.

My standard double had huge windows with city views, a comfy bed, flatscreen TV, concrete floor, minimalist décor, and air con, with a compact but stylish bathroom. I loved the rooftop spa with three hot tubs and a sauna, the 360º view restaurant, co-working spaces, live music nights, yoga classes, and bike rentals — all super convenient.

Its De Pijp location was perfect — just four metro stops from Centraal Station, with lively streets, cafés, and boutiques that made it feel authentically Amsterdam.

• To check prices or availability for the Volkshotel

My personal highlights… 

• Dining at their funky onsite restaurant, Canvas – I loved the cool vibe, friendly staff, and the vegan- and veggie-friendly menu, especially the tasty vegan bitterballen (Dutch meatless meatballs) and the homemade Dutch potato salad!

6. Hotel Zaandam

This large design hotel is housed in an extraordinary building that looks like a stack of 70 traditional Zaan-style houses in different shades of green. Inside, it blended modern comfort with historic charm through contemporary furnishings, vintage photos, and local artifacts — and despite its size, it felt warm and welcoming.

My superior factory design room had a monochrome palette, trendy retro furniture, an extra-large double bed, and a striking vintage photographic mural.

I enjoyed the wellness club with its pool, gym, sauna, and steam bath, and the restaurant serving regional dishes. Its Zaandam location was super convenient — just a 12-minute train ride from Amsterdam Central Station.

• To check prices or availability for Hotel Zaandam

My personal highlights… 

• Dining at their Puur Saen Restaurant – I loved the relaxed yet elegant experience, the sweeping city views and a menu which was filled with dishes with locally sourced ingredients. I went for the heavenly vegetarian burger which came served with a freshly baked brioche bun.

Address: Provincialeweg 102, 1506 MD Zaandam

7. Hotel De Hallen

This fabulous industrial-chic hotel is set in a beautifully restored 1902 tram depot, where architect Andre van Stigt preserved the original glass ceiling and exposed brickwork while adding metal walkways and concrete floors. Quirky art and retro furniture gave the space a vibrant, one-of-a-kind character.

My deluxe double room had a minimalist design with soundproofing, vintage-style furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a balcony. I also loved Remise47 restaurant and bar, the bike rentals, and being part of a 2,700 m² complex with a library, cinema, boutique shops, and an indoor food market — everything I needed was right there.

Its location in Amsterdam’s Oud-West was perfect, just a short distance from upscale shopping and trendy dining in my favourite area, the Jordaan district.

• To check prices or availability for Hotel De Hallen

My highlights… 

• Sleeping on the luxurious COCO-MAT bed which moulded to my body and felt like sleeping on a cloud – the receptionist told me it was made from supportive layers of coconut fibre, natural rubber, and seaweed.

Address: Bellamyplein 47, 1053 AT Amsterdam

8. YOTEL

This funky mid-range hotel had a buzzy, tech-savvy vibe and sleek design inspired by first-class airline cabins. Retro furniture, a waterfront setting, a trendy terrace, and landscaped gardens made it feel both vibrant and relaxing.

My premium queen room was compact and minimalistic with an adjustable SmartBed, mood lighting, a rainfall shower, and smart tech — I couldn’t stop playing with the climate control.

I enjoyed the 24/7 gym and Komyuniti restaurant, starting each day with a buffet breakfast featuring Dutch favorites like ‘Kroket’ sandwiches and bitterballen.

Its Tolhuis Canal location in Amsterdam Noord was perfect — a hip neighborhood with bars, restaurants, and a free ferry to the city center.

• To book, check prices or availability for Yotel Hotel

My personal highlights… 

• The onsite eatery! It served up truly innovative flavours, like beer-marinated chicken, roasted cauliflower sandwiches, and my favourite—a vegan version of their Adam Dog!

Address: Asterweg 33, 1031 HM Amsterdam

9. Hotel V Frederiksplein

This is cozy retro-styled boutique! It had trendy yet welcoming vibe, blending minimalist modern design with eco-friendly touches like warm lighting, natural wood elements, and retro-modern furniture.

My guest room, a standard double, felt like a design haven with stylish details, including geometric mirrors, plenty of wood accents, and unique, custom-made furniture.

The lobby had an exclusive club lounge feel, complete with soulful music, a roaring fire, and deep-seated leather sofas. A trendy bar nearby served organic spirits and beer, adding to the sophisticated vibe. Located near the vibrant De Pijp district and the iconic Heineken Brewery, I could also reach the city’s major museums with an easy ten-minute walk.

• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel V

My personal highlights… 

• I really admired its eco-friendly efforts! I learnt from the staff reception that it had a Green Key Gold certification, was involved in a tree-planting initiative, they only use second-hand vintage furnishings, and only used plastic-free amenities! Awesome!

Address: Weteringschans 136, 1017 XV Amsterdam

10. Moxy Houthavens

This place had a youthful, sociable vibe with an industrial-chic design full of playful details — bold murals, bright colors, exposed concrete, and superb waterfront views.

My Moxy Sleeper Lookout Queen room featured retro dark wood, splashes of color, floor-to-ceiling windows with harbour views, soundproofing, hypoallergenic features, air con, and a compact modern bathroom.

I loved the lively 24/7 bar, fitness center, indoor pool, sauna, bike rentals, and pet-friendly policies. Its scenic Houthavens waterfront location was perfect — just a short ride from the city center, with nearby design studios, cafés, and galleries adding to the creative vibe.

• To book, check prices or availability for Moxy Houthavens

My favourite highlights

• The talented mixologists at the onsite bar impressed me with their skills! They crafted a ‘Prancing Pony’ for me – a delicious and distinctive blend of bourbon, orange juice, bitters, and ginger ale. It was a real treat!

Address: Danzigerkade 175, 1013 AP Amsterdam

11. The Exchange Hotel

This is a small and very fashionable boutique hotel! It’s both trendy and avant-garde, and exudes a mix of creative energy and boutique charm which made it feel like an art gallery as much as a hotel! There was draped fabrics, textured walls, and very creative and striking installations! 

My room (Superior Double) was uniquely (and surreally!) designed by fashion designers from the Amsterdam Fashion Institute and quite frankly it was extraordinary! I slept in double bed which was incased inside an enormous crinoline skirt! The rooms ranged from budget to five star rooms.

There was also a cute on-site café, 24-hour reception, sociable common areas, bicycle rentals and an awesome central location just a 5-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station!

• To book, check prices or availability for Exchange Hotel

My personal highlights…

• I loved exploring the other uniquely designed guest rooms! I especially loved the one lined with a gigantic 1980s-style knitted jumper (complete with a zipper over the window!) and another that looked like it was taken from the pages of a fashion magazine! 

Address: Damrak 50, 1012 LL Amsterdam

12. Jaz Hotel

This is a fun and energetic design hotel with a cool music theme! I loved its lively, sociable vibe and the sleek, contemporary design which was filled with cool music-inspired details like sound-themed art installations.

My guest room featured an audiophile-approved Bose sound system, a private balcony, and charming city views. I also found a onsite wellness centre, pop-up performances in the lively bar, onsite dining in the ‘Super Trouper’ area, and live DJ performances at the Beatbox – awesome!

I loved that the location was also music-focused, with the Ziggo Dome and AFAS Live concert hall just around the corner. I could also reach the city centre in only 10 minutes by public transport!

• To check prices or availability for Jaz Hotel

Address: De Passage 90, 1101 AX Amsterdam

My favourite highlights… 

• Watching the local band My Baby perform live at Rhythms Bar & Kitchen! I loved their unique blend of blues, country, and funk!

13. Amstel Botel

This was a novel and fun way to stay in the city! It’s a floating hotel moored at the vibrant NDSM Wharf, just a 10-minute ride from the city centre via a free ferry. Inside, I found a trendy minimalist, nautical-inspired design and a quirky and adventurous atmosphere!

My cozy cabin (a basic double room) featured plenty of light wood, a comfy double bed, interesting art prints, a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and gorgeous views of the River IJ.

I loved unwinding with a locally brewed craft beer on the boat’s deck, playing pool with other guests in the games room, exploring the area with a rented bike, and relaxing in the trendy bar with a hand-crafted cocktail. Each morning, I enjoyed a tasty continental breakfast buffet to start the day!

• To book, check prices or availability for Amstel Botel

Address: NDSM-Pier 3, 1033 RG Amsterdam

My highlights… 

• Being giving a tour of the unique cabins by the staff. They included split-level apartments with soaking tubs, a half-pipe skater-themed room, one with a large cinema screen, and another featuring a towering circular bed! 

14. The Social Hub

This place offered innovative and community-focused accommodation! I loved the concept – it combined hotel accommodation, extended stays, student digs, co-working spaces, and social areas all under one roof! The design – which came with colourful street art murals, uplifting banners, and retro-style furniture – was very hip looking and I loved the upbeat, eclectic and sociable vibe!

My guest room (an Executive Queen Room), had hip-looking ‘studenty’ decor complete with quirky design features, a comfortable double bed, soundproof walls, a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV and city views. 

I also made use of the modern 24/7 gym, sociable communal spaces, laundry facilities, bike-sharing services, and loved their vibrant calendar of events with included art exhibitions, live music and themed parties!

• To check prices or availability for Student Hotel City Centre

My highlights… 

• Seeing the unique concept working so well! The eclectic crowd of students, young business folk, academics, families, and travellers – everyone mingled together really well and it gave the whole place a very interesting buzz!

Address: Wibautstraat 129, 1091 GL Amsterdam

15. Morgan and Mees

This gorgeous boutique hotel is set in a renovated historic building, blending classic architecture with modern design — elegant furnishings, oak floors, and luxurious linens. I was completely charmed by its sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.

My mezzanine loft, ‘The Comfy One,’ had neutral tones, parquet floors, a plush double bed, a chic living space, a modern bathroom, and air conditioning — the perfect boutique retreat. I dined on locally sourced dishes on the terrace, sipped hand-crafted cocktails at the bar, enjoyed a gourmet breakfast each morning, and loved the warm, welcoming service.

Its Oud-West location was another highlight — just a short walk from the trendy Jordaan area and the historic canals, making it an ideal base for exploring.

• To check prices or availability for Morgan and Mees Hotel

Address: Tweede Hugo de Grootstraat 2-6, 1052 LC Amsterdam

• I loved the healthy options on the breakfast menu! I started my day with a detox smoothie made from apple, celery, cucumber, and lime and then freshly baked sourdough bread topped with a zesty avocado mash!

16. The Andaz

This modern, trendy design hotel had a luxurious, immersive vibe with chic, fantasy-inspired décor. I loved the bold colors and imaginative art — giant tulip chairs, oversized ceiling bells, and chess-piece table legs made it feel like stepping into a playful dream.

My spacious Queen Room had floor-to-ceiling windows with canal views, a huge double bed, and whimsical touches like a giant fish mural, bright yellow wingback chairs, and cute clogs — both stylish and cozy.

I enjoyed the attentive service, the pretty garden, the large spa, 24-hour gym, and the chic restaurant serving creative, locally sourced dishes.

• To check prices or availability for The Andaz Hotel

My personal highlights… 

• Indulging in the zen-like Meridian Flow massage at the onsite upscale Essence Spa – the therapist used soothing Frankincense oil and focused on my acupressure points and energy lines, creating a deeply relaxing session!

Address: Prinsengracht 587, 1016 HT Amsterdam