Review Author

Emily Zemler

HOTEL SNAPSHOT

Nestled along the canals in Amsterdam’s quintessential Nine Streets, Pulitzer Hotel Amsterdam is a well-loved destination favorite with a home-away-from-home feel. It combines location with modern amenities and immaculate design without pretension or stuffiness. The hotel is somehow both cozy and sophisticated—encouraging repeat stays from all types of travelers. It suits families as much as couples and solo visitors. The envy will be palpable when you declare it’s where you’re staying while in the Dutch capital. 

Design & Character

Because Pulitzer Hotel Amsterdam was built from 25 connecting canal houses, which date back as far as the 17th century, the public spaces and guest rooms are unique, with touches of the past still apparent on the walls and ceilings. The hotel debuted a new restoration in 2016, courtesy of Lore Group’s Jacu Strauss, and every piece of furniture and artwork feels selected for a reason. Much of the décor is antique, particularly the lobby pieces, and there’s a thoughtful blend of contemporary luxury with the colorful history of the buildings. It’s colorful and vibrant, without being ostentatious. 

The Rooms

Because of the hotel’s design, the 223 rooms have charmingly quirky layouts—none of which are quite the same. Some overlook the canals, but even the rooms without the coveted glimpses of the water showcase the Dutch’s city’s picturesque buildings and rooftops from the windows. The décor is purposefully eclectic, combining historic flourishes with modern design elements for an elegant, but still homey result. If you can afford it, the larger canal-side rooms have a particular wow factor, as do the five Collector’s Suites, spacious, bespoke rooms that highlight particular local artwork or craftsmanship (the Book Collector’s Suite is especially impressive). Toiletries are D.S. & Durga, and when I last stayed, the in-room coffee came courtesy of a French press. Each room also has a bike repair kit, in case you want to take advantage of Amsterdam’s favorite mode of transportation. 

Food & Drink

Jansz. is the center-point of Pulitzer Hotel Amsterdam’s culinary offerings, serving lunch and dinner in a light-filled ground-floor space. The vibe is elegant, casual, and the menu highlights modern European favorites like Beef Tartare and Dover Sole Meunière (the burger is a strong order if you’re hungry). The hotel’s interior courtyard is home to Pulitzer Garden. It’s an ideal spot for breakfast, particularly if it’s sunny, or for an afternoon glass of wine and a few snacks. The highlight of the hotel, however, is Pulitzer’s Bar, an unbearably chic cocktail bar with a list of original drinks based around fragrance. Their non-alcoholic options are as good as those with booze, and you can order up a selection of bites to offset the imbibing. Ask for a seat at the bar to feel part of the action or cozy up into one of the intimate window-side tables. 

Amenities

What’s a visit to Amsterdam without a boat ride? Instead of queuing with hordes of tourists for a public boat excursion, book a canal journey on one of Pulitzer Hotel Amsterdam’s two private boats. The hotel also offers valet parking, bicycle rentals, dry cleaning and laundry services, and family-friendly kids’ amenities. Traveling with a cat or a small dog? Your pet is also welcome in the guest rooms (but not in the public areas). 

Spa & Wellness Scoop

Fitness lovers will find a small but well-managed gym, along with running routes available from the concierge. One of the more recent additions to the hotel is The Beauty House, where guests can book beauty and spa treatments. It focuses on facials and massages, as well as hair and nail treatments, with products from standout brand 111SKIN. 

Location & Neighborhood Recs

Pulitzer Hotel Amsterdam is ideal for exploring the city and its winding canals on foot. The hotel is set within the coveted Nine Streets, a charming neighborhood filled with cafes, shops, and restaurants. The concierge can arrange for a paid tour on one of the property’s two private canal boats—a recommended excursion—or you can hop on one of the many boat tours available around Amsterdam. The nearby Foam Photography Museum is an underrated gem, while the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh Museum are popular for good reason. You don’t have to venture far for a good meal: Restaurant Breda is an intimate, memorable spot for dinner, while Restaurant Flore is a two-Michelin-starred splurge. For a sweet treat, stroll over to Van Wonderen Stroopwafels. 

Fast Facts

Location: Prinsengracht 323, 1016 GZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Vibe: Dutch chic with artistic flourishes

Rating: Five-star

Room Count: 223

Pricing: $285

Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The charming interiors and canal views

Dining: Jansz., Pulitzer Garden, Pulitzer Bar

Amenities: Private canal boats, bicycle rental, gym, valet parking

Nearby Attractions: Anne Frank House, Foam Photography Museum, Oude Kerk, Dam Square, Rijksmuseum

Airport: 26 minutes from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)