InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam

Even among classic grand hotels, the Amstel is something special. It’s stood on this spot, overlooking the river of the same name, since 1867, and in that time has welcomed everyone from Hollywood royalty to literal hereditary royalty. With so storied a history, a hotel might be tempted to become something of a museum — but the InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam remains a force on the local luxury hospitality scene.

It’s slightly farther from the city center than one might expect, but guests don’t mind, especially those who arrive via the river at the hotel’s handsome dock. The Amstel’s rooms and suites are stylistically as traditional as can be — classically Parisian, to be precise — but have been subtly upgraded with modern comforts, and are spacious, not only by local standards but in absolute terms as well.

There’s an impressive health and fitness club, complete with an indoor swimming pool. Meanwhile the Amstel Restaurant is a spectacular double-height space with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the river, and terrace seating when the season permits. The hotel’s weekend tea service is a local institution; the Amstel Bar is not just a bar but a casual international restaurant as well.