Best Design Hotels in The Netherlands

Book a central stay at this hip, ten-floor, five-star address. Overlooking Rotterdam’s oldest harbour with its vintage barges, the aluminium and glass frontages of Mainport present a stark contrast to its surroundings. Inside, there’s artsy wallpaper themed on the world’s continents, clean lines, moody colour palettes and refined furnishings. The ‘Spa Heaven’ has two treatment rooms, two hammams, a sauna (with a view), a steam room – and around half of the 215 bedrooms even have their own private saunas. Guests can sip cocktails on the hotel’s swanky riverside terrace and dine at the open-plan restaurant. With extensive meeting facilities, Mainport is an excellent choice for the business traveller and tourist alike.

The building may be a century and a half old, but the 24 rooms are bang on trend at Finch. One of the coolest addresses in town, it pairs original architectural features with modern design. Each bedroom comes equipped with a record player and a selection of vinyl, a Nespresso machine and a yoga mat — confirming its fashionable credentials. The hotel bar welcomes guests from morning till late at night, whether for a coffee while catching up on some work, a light lunch, cocktails or a sociable evening meal. The decor at Finch has a retro feel, with vintage black and white photography and art-deco-era-inspired furnishings.

Found in the Museum Square district, this was once a musical institution – a heritage reflected in its title and ongoing collaborations. The Conservatorium was named the finest luxury hotel in Holland by Condé Nast, with Art Noveau interiors created by award-winning Milan-based designer Piero Lissoni. The lauded Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre offers everything from nutrition therapy, to meditation, to Watsu and has what is arguably the best-equipped gym in the city. Following the hotel’s subtle Asian influence, is Taiko, the dining experience and bar, where flavour, aroma and texture reign. Book a room, suite, duplex, or even your own wing.

Fostering the art of living, this design hotel is set on the grounds of a former leather factory, in the charming area of Oisterwijk to the east of the city (conveniently close to the railway station). Its quadruple-height glass atrium is an impressive feature, around which 68 modern and comfortable bedrooms with big beds and blackout curtains, are arranged.

Close to the railway station, The Den is found in one of the city’s newer and verdant districts. The design is modern, taking inspiration from the nearby watercourses – blue is a dominant colour in the decor – and the area’s Burgundian heritage. Public spaces feature contemporary lighting installations, curved lines and gold accents. The Den is equipped with a fitness centre, a lounge, a rooftop restaurant and bar and a further restaurant and bar downstairs, with 24-hour room service available in its 160 bedrooms. Pets are welcome to stay here too.

The delightfully named Mother Goose is a unique design hotel in a property dating back to the 14th century that lies in the city’s historic heart. Housed in what were once Ubica buildings, the venue has been home to a chemist, a bookstore, a printer, a plumbing company, a bakery, a furniture maker, a mattress factory and squatters. Now reclaimed wood, exposed brick and stone walls, Scandi furnishings and industrial style lighting adorn the rooms, along with chic treats like Tribes coffee, organic Art of Tea and Marie-Stella-Maris toiletries. Guests staying here benefit from the use of a funky lounge and bikes on loan.

Formerly the Dutch National Bank, this is now a 63 bedroom boutique hotel. There are many nods to the building’s past life, including the original lifts, minibars housed in small safes, a brasserie named Stocks and Bonds and the Gold Bar in what was once the bank’s vault; Indigo’s speakeasy bar is distinctly 1920s, accessed via the old vault doors. The design is contemporary yet retro, with a mid-century colour palette and lots of chestnut brown wood panelling, brass and marble in the mix. The 19th-century property is located right opposite the Royal Palace Noordeinde.

Behind the Gothic façade of this hotel, which was once a 15th-century monastery, is a dressed-down modern vibe.  Located in the heart of Maastricht, the hotel is perfectly located to explore the city and the local surroundings. Guests can choose from 60 rooms all of which are sleek and minimalistic but not without style – as to be expected given the hotel is a member of the Design Hotels Collection. Kruisheren Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a spectacular array of dishes served on a mezzanine in the monastery’s Gothic church.  For guests who enjoy the fruits of the vine, Wine Bar Rouge & Blanc presents an intimate setting to quaff a glass or two from the impressive range of vintages on offer.

Situated in the picturesque Canal Ring district encircling the city’s historic centre and boasting a lively atmosphere, The Toren – part of the Pavillions Hotel Group – provides the necessary comfort to complement an unforgettable séjour in Amsterdam. As a boutique hotel that once was occupied by vivacious Dutch trade merchants, each room Is completely unique, with views varying from the Keizersgracht canal to the hotel’s own charming gardens. On top of complimentary soft drinks in your very own minibar, The Toren’s Lounge Bar serves as a vibrant social hub where you can find à la carte breakfast options to a curated selection of wine. You could find yourself flowing between the winding streets, finding unique items at the city’s bustling markets or taking a moment to enjoy a cocktail or coffee at one of many local bars or coffee shops. The Toren is the cherry on top of a memory-filled stay, perfect for any traveller wishing to get wanderlust in Amsterdam.

Located on the Dam Square Hotel TwentySeven is probably Amsterdam’s most opulent and luxurious boutique hotel. Designed by the two-time Hotelier of the Year award winner Eric Toren, the hotel’s 16 suites are perfect in every way. The interior was designed by an award-winning design team which included the likes of Wim van de Oudeweetering and Cris Van Amsterdam. Every detail in the hotel’s suites has been meticulously curated, from its Nepalese carpets to its handmade Italian curtains and fascinating art from Cobra Art Amsterdam. With a Michelin star, the hotel’s restaurant, restaurant Bougainville, is a masterclass is fine dining. The menu, designed by renowned executive chef Tim Golstejin, uses only the finest ingredients and provides guests with some of the best food in Amsterdam whilst they gaze out over the iconic Dam Square. The hotel’s bar has an equally impressive view and provides guests with some of Amsterdam’s best cocktails. Hotel TwentySeven is a uniquely sumptuous hotel which provides guests with a uniquely personal luxury experience.

The ‘h’ remains silent when pronouncing the name of this cutting edge hotel. Designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhas (himself born in the city), it’s found in the Kop van Zuid district. The 275 rooms are housed in what resembles three industrial glass boxes, with a crisp white-centric internal colour scheme, halo lighting and neon signage designating room numbers. Once in your private abode, you’ll find a massive mirror that doubles as a TV, Nespresso coffee makers, blackout curtains and modular furniture. Guests can take the air from nhow’s terrace and early risers will appreciate the crack of dawn breakfast service (which opens from 5.30 am onwards).

No less than 25 linked canal houses make up the entirety of this 225 bedroom hotel. The contemporary bistro, Jansz, and casual restaurant Pause, both have large picture windows, so diners can take in the passing on-water activity from morning till night. The Pulitzer Old Fashioned (a pineapple twist on the original) is a favourite in the hotel’s vintage era bar. And a trip on the Pulitzer’s own teak salon boat is a must. Small dogs and children are welcomed, as are cyclists – you’ll find a puncture repair kit in every room, along with trendy Le Labo products.