Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht

Character and identity

Set in a blocky former public library on the Prinsengracht, the Andaz cuts an unusual figure among the gabled canal houses, then opens into a Marcel Wanders fantasia of Delftware-tiled walls, tulip-yellow chairs, fairy-tale flourishes and over fifty pieces of video art. The 122 rooms look out onto canals, the Observatorium sculpture or a hidden garden. Bluespoon Restaurant and Bar handles fine dining with three to five-course menus built on Dutch ingredients, and a spa with Elemis treatments, sauna and gym rounds out the package. Check-in happens at standing desks rather than a traditional reception, with staff escorting you in.

Who's it for

Bottom line

The Wanders interior is the whole reason to book here: if the playful design and video art collection don't excite you, the rest of the experience won't justify the rate. Reserve a canal-facing room, book Bluespoon (and the Mad Hatter's Brunch) ahead, and aim for summer weekends when the guided cycling tours run.