The hype
Guests are obsessed with the lobby and the 'Harry Potter' vibes but consistently annoyed by the heat in rooms and the expensive breakfast.
Grand Hotel Amrath Amsterdam
$170-280/ night
Book this if You want to sleep inside a literal Art Nouveau monument that feels like a Wes Anderson set, and you prioritize history over modern sleekness.
Why People Love It
- The 'Shipping House' architecture is genuinely spectacular (stained glass, sculptures everywhere)
- Free access to a solid wellness center with a heated indoor pool
- Walking distance (5 mins) to Central Station without being *in* the Red Light District chaos
Quick Take: A grand old dame that's stunning to look at but showing her age with weak AC, pricey extras, and a layout that sometimes puts your toilet down a private hallway.
Reviewed by @TravelcationClub: I felt like I stepped into a different era the moment I walked in. The lobby is stunning, and my room had this incredible old-world charm with a view of the canals that I couldn't stop staring at. It’s the perfect spot if you want real character over modern minimalism.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Deluxe' rooms are huge, but the AC often struggles to cool them down, forcing you to open windows to street noise and mosquitoes.
- You are an architecture nerd who dreams of sleeping in an Amsterdam School masterpiece
- You want a pool and sauna included in your rate (rare for Amsterdam)
- You need to be close to the train station for early departures
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though some reports of missed dust on high ledges (common in old buildings).
- Bathroom hygiene: Mostly sparkling, but isolated recent reports of black mold in shower grout and slow-draining tubs.
- Maintenance: The building is 100+ years old; expect some peeling paint, scuffed baseboards, and the occasional 'out of order' sign on spa features.
- Linens & towels: High quality, thick towels and crisp white bedding. No major complaints here.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of polished wood and history; some rooms can smell musty if windows haven't been opened.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Traffic on Prins Hendrikkade (buses, trams, cars)
- Construction noise from nearby roadworks (major 2025 projects)
- Mosquitoes buzzing if you leave windows open
Before you book
Good to know
- City tax is a steep 12.5% on top of the room rate.
- The pool water is heated to a comfortable 28°C (82°F).
- Breakfast is ~€32.50 per person—you can get a better meal nearby for half that.
What to pack
- Earplugs (essential for street-facing rooms)
- Mosquito repellent (if visiting in summer, as you might need windows open)
- Swimsuit (don't forget the free spa access)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Tower Suite (for the unique rounded room and views)
- Deluxe Room with Canal View (worth the upgrade to face the water instead of the street)
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms on the 1st/2nd floor facing Prins Hendrikkade (loudest)
- Rooms with the 'split layout' where the toilet is separated from the bathroom by a long internal corridor
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love to request a room on a higher floor (3rd or above) facing the canal/Oosterdok side to minimize street noise. Please avoid the rooms with the separated toilet layout if possible.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool free?
Yes, access to the Spa & Wellness (pool, saunas) is included for all guests.
How much is parking?
Valet is ~€77.50/day. Self-parking at nearby Oosterdok garage is much cheaper (~€25-30/day if pre-booked).
Is there AC?
Technically yes, but reviews consistently describe it as weak or 'barely working' in summer.
How far is the train station?
It's a 5-minute walk (approx. 500m). You can see it from the hotel.
Is breakfast included?
Usually no. It costs around €32.50 per person if not added to your booking package.
Are the windows soundproof?
They are double-glazed, but the heavy traffic on Prins Hendrikkade can still be heard, especially if seals are old.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the hotel breakfast and walk 5 mins to 'Grandcafé 1884' for a better value meal.
- ✨
The 'minibar' in some room categories is free/included—check your specific booking details.
- ✨
There is a hidden 'paternoster' elevator (historic continuous lift) in the building—ask the staff to show you (you can't ride it, but it's cool to see).
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'toilet hallway' situation: In some suites, you have to walk out of your bedroom, down a private hall, to pee.
💡The steam bath is currently closed for maintenance until mid-Feb 2025.
💡The stained glass ceiling in the stairwell is one of the finest examples of Amsterdam School art in the city.
💡You are right next to the 'Oosterdok' library (OBA), which has a free rooftop terrace with one of the best views in Amsterdam.
💡The hotel was the headquarters for six shipping companies, so the decor is full of hidden maritime symbols like anchors and sea creatures.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Grand Hotel Amrath Amsterdam is located and what's nearby.