For a quintessential Dutch experience, every visitor should enjoy a traditional Amsterdam coffee shop and hotel. Many of these establishments are decorated with antiques and have cozy atmospheres that seem to transport visitors back in time. A number of the city's hotels are renovated canal houses built 300 years ago. While some places are popular with tourists, others lie off the beaten path for travelers who want a local experience.
Cafe Welling is a popular, cozy cafe near Amsterdam's famous museums. Philip Sen at the Guardian recommends it as one of the top 10 cafes in Amsterdam. Inside, it has the look of an old-fashioned pub, making it a comfortable place to unwind after a day at the nearby Van Gogh museum or park. It tends to draw an intellectual crowd, according to Sen.
Cafe Welling
Jan Willem Brouwestraat 32
1071 LK Amsterdam
Netherlands
cafewelling.nl
If you're looking for a hotel with a historic Dutch feel, Frommer's Amsterdam guide recommends Ambassade Hotel. It consists of renovated canal houses from the 1600s, with 59 uniquely decorated rooms.Some are accessible by elevators, according to Frommer's.Amenities include TV, Internet access and an in-room safe. The lobby and other public rooms feature antique furniture and modern artwork for a stylish look.The hotel has a breakfast room, a parlor with an old-fashioned grandfather clock and a library.
Ambassade Hotel
Herengracht 341
1016 AZ Amsterdam
Netherlands
+31-(0)20-555-0222
ambassade-hotel.nl
According to the Amsterdam Guide online, the Greenhouse is one of the country's most famous coffee shops, with the main location conveniently located in the Red Light District. Many celebrities have dined and smoked in the establishment, which is popular among tourists and also houses a steakhouse and sports cafe. The Greenhouse is also a famous winner of High Times Magazine's "Cannabis Cup."
The Grasshopper
Oudebrugsteeg 16
Amsterdam
Netherlands
+31-(0)20-626-1259
thegrasshopper.nl
For a boutique-style hotel experience, tourists at Trip Advisor recommend Mauro Mansion in droves. Located just five minutes from Central Station, it is an updated 16th century canal house with nine rooms. The small size adds to its charm. It is also known for friendly service; the two people who run the hotel introduce themselves simply as Berry and Marcel on the hotel's website. Most rooms overlook the Geldersekade canal. Amenities include complimentary Internet access, safety boxes, minibars, DVD players and wake-up lights that have iPod stations.
Mauro Mansion
Geldersekade 16
1012 BH Amsterdam
Netherlands
+31-(0)61-297-4594
mauromansion.com
