Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht

If you want cutting-edge design with a sense of fun, you’ve come to the right place. From the second you walk into this concept hotel from the mind of Dutch interior designer Marcel Wanders, you are surprised and delighted.

Elegant and eccentric furniture and fixings are matched with nods Netherland’s historical influence, such as Delft patterns and old-fashioned world maps, with a few unexpected items thrown in (the giant picture of fishes in various rooms spring to mind).

The rooms come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but are all spacious – no tiny cupboard rooms here. Some come with views of the hotel’s beautiful garden, some overlook the canal, and some look straight into the huge, universe-themed Atrium of the hotel. All feature a unique open-concept bathroom, featuring an in-room sink and mirror (which is actually perfect for getting ready) and a shower with a two-way mirror into the room (which is weird but fun).

When it comes to their dining options, Andaz Amsterdam keeps it simple but skillful: Bluespoon Restaurant features bold, fresh dishes celebrating both local products and local creativity, while Bluespoon Bar is a great place to watch the world go by, cocktail in hand. There is also an excellent spa, which continues the trend of impeccable design, and good fitness facilities.

Club Church and its decadent parties are just a short 5-minute walk away, and popular casual gay bar Spijker is even closer. Gay Amsterdam’s other venues are within a 10-minute radius include BACKDOOR, Club NYX, and Taboo.