Sofitel The Grand Amsterdam

The Sofitel Grand Hotel Amsterdam is housed in a historic building from 1578. It's not the most logical place to find a five star hotel, but the transformation from the historic buildings into the hotel sure worked out great.

THe hotel has e 177 rooms including 52 suites, named after famous people who stayed here through the centuries.

Directions: Red Light District

Centrally located luxury hotel. Service and amenities what you would expect from this Accor hotel. The bar is well worth a visit. Recently re-branded as part of the Pullman - Sofitel group

Unique Quality: Located within walking distance of the central Station and the Dam Square.

Booked in for a 3 night stay for my birthday. Pushed the budget specifically to get a hotel with gym & pool, which is quite rare in amsterdam.

Unique Quality: Uniquely cold pool. On complaining to hotel staff, told it had to be that cold to ,kill all the bacteria', nice!

This hotel was one of the best I have ever stayed in, with an enormous room and bathroom. Breakfast was included in our deal, which was served in the Cafe Roux restaurant.

A fully equipped Gym and Swimming pool were also at our disposal.

The hotel is situated less than two minutes walk from Dam Square.

Unique Quality: A beautiful hotel, which actually served as the Town Hall and held the Wedding Reception of the current Queen Beatrix.

Directions: From Dam Square, walk along Damstraat, cross over the canal and turn immediate right. Walk along canal for 50m. The hotel will be on your left.