Family Travel Forum Staff

The friendly city of Amsterdam has many lodging and dining options for traveling families. In this city of canals, a houseboat can provides a unique family "home" with privacy and room to roam -- or you can opt for a contemporary highrise with a pool and business center. Here are some of our favorite places to stay.

Ambassade Hotel
Herengracht 341, 1016 AZ Amsterdam 
+31 (0) 20 555 0222
At one of the city's most elegant addresses, the deluxe, full service Ambassade comprises 59 rooms crafted from 10 adjoining canal houses. It's quietly stylish, yet casual and friendly -- the kind of place that brings out the best in children. The Ambassade accommodates families with baby cots (cribs), nanny service (although you must make reservations at least 24 hours in advance), and sitting room sofas that become beds. A large apartment with kitchen and a 2BR suite are also available.
Rates: $$ double; $$$  suite.

Amstel Botel
Amstel Botel BV, Postbus 2434, 1000 CK Amsterdam
+31 (0) 20 521 0350
Turn left as you exit Central Station and in 15 minutes you'll arrive at the gangplank of this slick, modern, 176-cabin floating hotel.  It actually does feel like a boat, with the ship-shape rooms facing the canal, our favorite. White formica, compact triple rooms (bunk beds and lower single) will please novice sailors, if not romantics! 
Rates: $; kids <4 free. 

Amsterdam House
's Gravelandseveer 3-4, 1011 KM Amsterdam
+31 (0) 20 624-6607
A service that offers families furnished apartments and fully-equipped floating homes-away-from-home. The houseboats we visited had great canal views, spacious living rooms, small kitchens and pretty small bedrooms (though single bedrooms can sleep 4-5 if the kids fit on couches.) 
Rates:2BR houseboats start at $225 including phone, TV, linens and once-weekly maid service. Request photos and bargain on the quoted rate; prices sometimes rise 35-40% in the high season.  $$

Canal House Hotel
Keizersgracht 148-52, 1015 CX Amsterdam
+31 (0) 20 555 0222
Hosts Brian and Mary Bennett converted an imposing 17th-century canal house near the Anne Frankhuis into 26 uniquely furnished, high-ceilinged rooms. At our visit, there was a lot of heavy oak furniture, some lace and knickknacks, a few antiques, velvet tablecloths... You get the picture. The place is now closed till spring 2009 for another renovation, and we hope it reopens as the same eclectic, delightful, and well-priced abode.
Rates: $$-$$$ for a triple, breakfast included

Hotel Prinsenhof
Prinsengracht 810, 1017 JL Amsterdam
+31 (0) 20 623 1772
This 18th-century canal house is a simpler choice close to Rembrandtsplein.  Though a bit off the sightseeing path, the young, hip neighborhood is filled with inexpensive ethnic restaurants. The canal house itself is a bit funky, with steep creaking stairs and not much decor. Shared-bath rooms have their own sinks; rooms with facilities include toilets and tiny but spotless showers. The bright canal-facing rooms are the best value.
Rates: $ for 2-4, including breakfast. 

Hotel Seven Bridges
Reguliersgracht 31, 1017 LK Amsterdam
+31 (0) 20 623 1329
In a classy residential neighborhood within a short walk of the museums, is this bright, attentively-decorated, eight-room, three-apartment hotel placed in a 300 year old authentic canal house. Rooms are unique, some in the attic, some off the parlor, all with private bath, and they share a pleasing blend of reproduction antique furniture, Impressionist posters, a little lace and carpeting.  The only drawback is that the steps are steep and narrow and there is no elevator.   
Rates: $-$$ for 2-4 people, including breakfast served in room (except for apartments) 

Jolly Hotel Carlton
Vijzelstraat 4, 1017 HK Amsterdam
+31 (0) 20 622 22 66
This hotel with 218 bedrooms is on the edge of the new town across from the Flower Market, making it very convenient for sightseers but not as quiet as other parts of town. A member of the popular Italian Jolly Hotels chain, the rooms are recently renovated and it's only 5 minutes away from the railway station.
Rates: $-$$ for standard or superior rooms.

Amsterdam is famous for its Indonesian restaurants, and Tempo Doelo is one of the best. Even conservative eaters like the satays and gado-gado (vegetables in peanut sauce). Both of my kids are picky eaters, but sampled quite a few of the small plates.

They commented, "The kind of foods you'd have at a Star Wars Cafe -- really exotic and ethnic." There are 18 varieties of small plates, which fit well into a child's meal experience since you can have a little taste of each item. And if all else fails, there's always white rice! The restaurant is run by a family that welcomes children -- the 13-year old was tending bar when we were there.

Utrechtsestraat 75
Tel: (020) 625 6718

Laura Sutherland
FTF's Blogger


Posted Mon Oct 16, 2006 4:19pm by FTFblog


Please log in to post a comment

Not an FTF Member yet? Sign up today for blog and boards access, our award-winning vacation deal alerts, and custom trip-planning assistance from our staff of family travelers.