Hotels with history
Many of Amsterdam’s hotels began as something else entirely. From churches to tram depots, add a touch of history to your Amsterdam experience by staying in a hotel that reflects a piece of the past.
Stay somewhere with history
Blessed to impress
Jump on the ferry to Noord and you’ll experience a whole new side of Amsterdam. Rife with industrial chic and cosy local hangouts, the neighbourhood also includes BUNK Hotel Amsterdam in the former Saint Rita Church. The hotel brews its own vodka, beer and jenever onsite, so feel free to swap out the holy water for something stronger. A great spot for budget travellers, it has stylish pods for one or two guests.
BUNK Hotel Amsterdam | bunkhotels.com | Hagedoornplein 2, Amsterdam
Aye, aye matey
Channel your inner sea captain (we know you have one) with a stay at Hotel Asile Flottant, another must-see spot in Noord. Housed inside a collection of old boats, it offers loads of funky charm and all the creature comforts you need; there are no decks to swab and the bathrooms are barnacle-free. If you have a family, consider booking the Holland VII. Built in 1911, this refurbished herring boat accommodates up to six guests.
Hotel Asile Flottant | asileflottant.com | Korte Papaverweg 2, Amsterdam
A little bit of everything
Located near Oosterpark, Hotel Arena has served many purposes since it was built in 1866. Originally, it was an orphanage and then a refugee shelter during WWI. When the second world war arrived, the building was taken over by occupying forces. Afterwards, it became a nursing home and a homeless shelter before transforming into the International Youth Center for Culture and Tourism in the 1990s. In 2002, it was reborn once again as an elegant hotel, though pieces of its past remain.
Hotel Arena | 's-Gravesandestraat 55, Amsterdam
Way up high
If you love a good view, book a stay at The Yays - Crane Apartment. Built in the 1950s and abandoned in the 1980s, in 2010 it was dismantled and transported to the city of Franeker. Seven years later, it moved back to Amsterdam after having been converted from a crane into a deluxe three-floor apartment overlooking the IJ. Guests can even listen to recordings made by Henk Roos, the crane’s last operator, to learn more about its history.
The Yays - Crane Apartment | yays.com | Surinamekade 34, Amsterdam
Extra! Extra! Read all about it
The headlines are true: the Volkshotel has taken over the former headquarters of De Volkskrant, an Amsterdam-based newspaper. The building’s past has been incorporated into its modern look and the exterior might make you feel like a journalist from the 60s. There are 177 rooms in total and couples will love the Bathing Bikou suite, which includes a spacious Japanese soaking tub.
Volkshotel | Wibautstraat 150, Amsterdam
Don’t miss your stop
Hotel De Hallen’s industrial-chic feel is a reminder of the building’s original purpose: it was once a tram depot. Metal accents are found throughout this spacious, airy hotel and you can easily imagine city workers walking through its halls. If you stay for a night, be sure to stop by Remise47, the bistro-style restaurant, to check out the old brick walls over a delicious meal.
Hotel De Hallen | Bellamyplein 47, Amsterdam
Just what the doctor ordered
The perfect prescription when you’re looking for somewhere nice to stay, The Manor Amsterdam was built in the late 19th century as a state-of-the-art hospital. The doctors and nurses are long gone (unless they’re guests, of course), but you’ll still find touches that speak of its past. A real looker, the majestic exterior will take your breath away, but you can escape to one of the themed rooms to recover.
The Manor Hotel | Bellamyplein 47, Amsterdam
