Oude Zijde Amsterdam, Netherlands
Renovated
2020
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Heritage ClassicOutside the door
Historic Amstel showpiece
Guests gather on the waterfront terrace as canal boats drift past, or retreat indoors beneath antique chandeliers and velvet upholstery.
“For guests who prefer a homelier setting, jewellery designer Bibi van der Velden has imagined a soothing pied-à-terre that reflects her nature-inspired pieces.”
What it’s good at
Exceptional
Liveried electric buggy transfers, dedicated concierges, and private butler service for signature suites.
Remarkable
An 1896 Renaissance building on medieval rampart foundations, housing private Dutch masterworks.
What they say
Three Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Four-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Rest of Europe
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in Wallpaper* and AFAR.
One of just a few hotels that uphold the tradition of the classic European grand hotel, De L’Europe Amsterdam has been in business since 1896.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Set where the Amstel meets Rokin canal, the entrance sits steps from Muntplein and a short walk from the Museum Quarter.
The rooms
Accommodations pair bespoke silk headboards with Carrara marble bathrooms, while canal-facing rooms frame passing boat traffic from tall windows.
The gym
Bring a swimsuit.
The fitness studio is fitted with Technogym treadmills, cable weight machines, and a full-height mirrored wall.
The spa
Treatment rooms host body therapies beside a traditional Finnish sauna and a Turkish steam bath hammam.
Dogs stay too.
At the table
Brasserie Marie serves French fare on the waterfront terrace, and Freddy's Bar pours drinks under brass shelves.
The 19th-century Renaissance building looms large at the crossroads of the Amstel River and Rokin canal; look left and you can make out the curves of the national ballet.
How it began
Standing on the foundations of a fifteenth-century defensive tower, this 1896 landmark has been stewarded by the Heineken family since the 1950s.
“The imposing De L’Europe—one of Amsterdam’s original luxury hotels, a holdover from the late 19th century’s age of Grand Tours and neoclassical architecture—has been thoughtfully restored”
Good to know
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De L'Europe
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Amsterdam
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.