The hype
Guests are obsessed with the design, the stroopwafels at turndown, and the location, but often shocked by the price of breakfast.
Pulitzer Amsterdam
$450-750/ night
Book this if You want the quintessential Amsterdam canal house fantasy without sacrificing five-star service.
Why People Love It
- A labyrinth of 25 connected historic canal houses that feels like a Dutch Hogwarts
- Unbeatable location in the Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets) district
- The private salon boat 'Tourist' is the classiest way to see the canals
Quick Take: It’s a architectural masterpiece that forces you to accept steep stairs, creaky floors, and occasionally confusing layouts as part of the charm.
Reviewed by @ginagoesto: I completely fell in love with the Pulitzer. It’s actually 25 connected canal houses, so exploring the hallways feels like a treasure hunt. The garden courtyard was my favorite spot to unwind with a glass of wine after walking the city. It feels incredibly exclusive yet cozy.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'canal view' rooms are noisy due to street traffic and the Westerkerk bells; light sleepers should request a garden view.
- You appreciate eccentric design over standard boxy hotel layouts
- You want to be walking distance from the Anne Frank House and Jordaan
- You are traveling with kids (they treat children like VIPs with scavenger hunts)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.2
- Housekeeping: Impeccable. Turndown service is consistent and includes fresh water and treats.
- Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling marble, no signs of mold even in the older canal house sections.
- Maintenance: Excellent upkeep for a historic building, though you might find the occasional scuff on the narrow staircases.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, high-thread-count Egyptian cotton; towels are plush and plentiful.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of fresh flowers and old wood; rooms are neutral and fresh.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Westerkerk church bells (ring every 15 mins)
- Creaky wooden floorboards from guests above
- Street noise/scooters for canal-facing rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel is a maze; give yourself 10 minutes to find your room after check-in.
- Breakfast at Jansz is excellent but pricey; you can grab a great coffee and croissant at a local cafe for a fraction of the cost.
- Bikes are available to rent but cost extra (~€16/day).
What to pack
- Earplugs (essential for canal-side rooms)
- Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones everywhere)
- Universal travel adapter (plugs can be scarce in older rooms)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Generous Room (King) for a balance of space and price
- Garden View rooms for absolute silence
- Book Collector’s Suite for a private entrance on the canal
Rooms to avoid
- Cosy Rooms (unless you are solo and packing light)
- Ground floor canal-facing rooms (privacy and noise issues)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper and would prefer a room facing the inner gardens to avoid the Westerkerk bell noise. Please avoid split-level rooms if possible.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool?
No. There is a small gym and a 'Beauty House' for treatments, but no pool or wet spa facilities.
Is it suitable for families?
Surprisingly, yes. They offer family rooms, connecting options, and treat kids very well, though the stairs can be tricky for toddlers.
How much is breakfast?
Expect to pay around €44 per person for the full buffet at Jansz. It's delicious but expensive.
Does the hotel have air conditioning?
Yes, all rooms have AC, which is a rarity in historic Amsterdam canal houses.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, it is pet-friendly with a fee of €50 per night.
Is the boat tour free?
No. The 'Tourist' group tour costs extra (approx €50+ pp) and the private 'Belle' boat is significantly more.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Pause' cafe in the lobby has a glass wall overlooking the garden — perfect for a rainy day coffee.
- ✨
You can access the garden even if you aren't staying there; just walk in confidently for a drink.
- ✨
Ask the concierge for the 'hidden' neighborhood map; they have excellent local recs.
5 things to know before you go
💡The elevators are slow and often hidden behind nondescript doors.
💡Some 'Canal View' rooms actually look at the canal from a side angle, not head-on.
💡The floorboards in the hallways are intentionally left creaky to maintain 'historic charm'.
💡Room service has a hefty surcharge and delivery fee.
💡The 'Cosy' rooms have the sink in the bedroom in some layouts.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Pulitzer Amsterdam is located and what's nearby.