Andaz Amsterdam, Prinsengracht, By Hyatt

First Impressions

Walking up to Andaz Amsterdam, Prinsengracht, By Hyatt feels like discovering a secret that locals have been keeping to themselves. This five-star luxury property sits right on one of Amsterdam’s most famous canals, housed in what used to be the city’s public library — and honestly, they’ve done something pretty spectacular with the space. The building’s brick facade blends seamlessly with the surrounding 17th-century architecture, but step inside and you’ll find interiors that are refreshingly modern without trying too hard to impress.

Location & Neighborhood

You’re basically in the heart of everything here on Prinsengracht, which means you can walk to the Anne Frank House in about five minutes (though I’d book tickets way in advance). The Jordaan district spreads out around you with its narrow streets full of brown cafés and vintage shops that tourists often miss. What I really appreciate is how you can escape the crowds by just wandering a few blocks in any direction — this part of the canal ring feels lived-in rather than like a theme park.

The Room Experience

My room overlooked the canal, and I mean, watching bikes zip past your window while boats glide by below never gets old. The design leans heavily into that Dutch aesthetic — lots of warm wood, rich fabrics, and these gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows that flood everything with light. The bathroom deserves a mention too, with rainfall showers and Byredo products that make you feel like you’re staying somewhere that actually cares about the details.

Dining & Social Spaces

The restaurant — Bluespoon — serves what they call “locally inspired cuisine,” which sounds fancy but really just means they’re using ingredients from Dutch farms and putting a modern spin on traditional dishes. I had this incredible beef dish that came with vegetables I’d never heard of but definitely want to eat again. The lobby area turns into this buzzy social space in the evenings, where you’ll find a mix of international guests and Amsterdam locals grabbing drinks after work.

Why Guests Love It

What sets this place apart is how it manages to feel authentically Amsterdam while still delivering that luxury hotel experience you’d expect from a five-star property. The staff knows the city inside and out — they’ll point you toward the best stroopwafel stand or tell you which museums are worth the wait. There’s also something refreshing about staying in a hotel that doesn’t feel like it could be anywhere in the world; this one belongs exactly where it is, on this canal, in this neighborhood, telling the story of this particular city in a way that feels genuine rather than manufactured.