Amsterdam
Next up in our glorious City Guides is the famous drugs, sex and rock and roll have, Amsterdam - tipped to be one of the hottest destinations in 2009. With a dedicated team of Market Managers who know their cities inside out and have hand-picked the best deals just for you, hotels.com have helped us pick the most unusual hotels and essential top tips that you won’t find in any guide book.
New Hotels in Amsterdam
Grand Amrâth Hotel (five-star) - Former 20th century shipping house - From £168 per room per night
Opened at the end of 2007, Grand Amrâth Hotel is housed in a historic 20th century Shipping House right next to Amsterdam’s harbour. This luxurious hotel combines contemporary design with stunning motifs reflecting Holland's maritime history.
The Seven Seas Restaurant serves a selection of French dishes with a Mediterranean twist and has an extensive wine cellar. All guestrooms come with a complimentary mini-bar, newspapers and internet access.
Quirky Hotels in Amsterdam
Hilton Hotel (five-star) - Famous for John Lennon and Yoko Ono's 1969 bed-in - From £100 per room per night
Knowing that their wedding would be a huge press event, John and Yoko decided to use the publicity to promote world peace. They spent their honeymoon in Room 702 at the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel for a week in March 1969, inviting the world's press into their hotel room every day between 9 am and 9 pm.
The Hilton is a short walk from the city centre and Amsterdam’s largest and most popular park, Vondelpark. All guestrooms have wireless internet access and beds come with Egyptian cotton sheets. If you want to get out and explore the city the traditional way, order a picnic basket and hire a bicycle from the hotel reception.
Okura Hotel (five-star) - The best views in the city - From £126 per room per night
This luxury spa hotel boasts the best views over Amsterdam and the largest suite in the city. Situated on the banks of the Amstel Canal, the hotel is a short distance from the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House and Concert Hall.
It also has a private jetty from which you can take a canal cruise or hire a water taxi. Guests can enjoy some of the city's finest dining at the hotel's Michelin-starred Le Ciel Bleu restaurant on the 23rd floor, while admiring the panoramic views over Amsterdam.
The hotel spa features a 60-foot indoor pool, spa tub, sauna and a multi-gym with personal trainer services.
Lloyd Hotel (three-star) - Unique Dutch designed - From £64 per room per night
The Lloyd Hotel is in Amsterdam's fashionable East Docklands district and is a short distance from the Rijksmuseum.
A former 1920s boarding house, the hotel has been completely renovated blending modern artworks with original features. Each guestroom ranges from one to five stars and has been individually styled by renowned Dutch designers.
Five-star rooms offer dramatic statement pieces such as a grand piano, and for people who really want to spread the love: a four meter bed which sleeps up to eight people. Lloyd Hotel's bustling restaurant, Snel, serves classic European cuisine in a bright and airy dining room.
Amsterdam Hotel Deals
Save 20% at the four-star Moevenpick Hotel, located in the heart of the city centre with fabulous views over Amsterdam's harbour. The hotel boasts a spa with steam room and massage treatments. The Silk Road restaurant serves an array of dishes on a terrace overlooking the harbour.
Amsterdam Top Travel Tips
Skip the queues at the museums
Jump the queues and get free entry to 24 of the city’s museums, including the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum with the “I Amsterdam cardâ€. The card also permits free travel on public transport.
The best market in town
Take a trip to Amsterdam's most famous day market where stalls line both sides of Albert Cuyp street. Be adventurous and try the delicious fresh herring with onions and pickles.
See the city the Amsterdam way
The best way to discover Amsterdam is to rent a water bike, which seats four and can be rented by the hour. Alternatively hire a regular bike and explore the “off the beaten track†parts of the city like the Eastern Islands.
All prices and deals are correct as of 5 February 2008, but are subject to change.
Please note that a city tax, to be paid at check-out, may apply to all of these bookings. These charges are not included in the rates.
Check out our Berlin City Guide here