14 Best Hotels in The Randstad, Netherlands

In this tastefully restored 17th-century inn, once the home of painter Jan Steen, antiques grace each spacious room, all of which feature extra-long beds with custom-made mattresses, and some with cozy canal views. Steen, one of the great painters of The Hague School but largely unrecognized in his day, lived and painted here and took in guests to supplement his income.

Contemporary-styled rooms that are tastefully decorated in blue, gray, and gold, with comfortable beds and chic modern bathrooms, have breathed life back into the Utrecht's former High Court building. Superior rooms are larger and quieter (they're at the back away from the street). An arch-roofed suite is tucked into the cellars next to a canal.

This former military hospital has been transformed into Utrecht's most luxurious hotel, with comfortably large guest rooms fitted out with terra-cotta and gold furnishings (a bit overdone) and enormously heavy curtains roped back to reveal almost floor-to-ceiling sash windows. Rooms in the newer Roman Wing are more modern in style, slightly larger, and no less luxurious. The sumptuous dining room glitters with opulent metallic murals and designer oversize vases—a regal setting for the excellent fare. Lighter items are served in the gardens or courtyard if the weather is fine.

Several period touches stand out amid the chain stylings, helping these otherwise anonymously furnished rooms opposite Oude Kerk retain some historic charm without sacrificing modern creature comforts. Guest quarters are spread through a complex of three buildings and a warren of corridors.

Built in 1601, the city's former arsenal also had an interim life as the Army Museum, until a lengthy renovation saw it transform into the city's newest luxury hotel, where the furniture is modern, but features such as exposed brickwork and oak beams pay tribute to its lengthy history. Outside rooms look onto the adjoining canals, while quieter inside rooms surround a spacious interior courtyard.  

Just a stone's throw from the main market square, many of this hotel's simply but smartly furnished rooms overlook a canal, others a pretty courtyard, and two are "in" the courtyard, in restored gypsy caravans. Wherever they are, all rooms are individually styled, equipped with good bathrooms, and enjoy friendly service.

You'll be spoiled for choice of Old Master views at the first Delft hotel to pay homage to the town's most famous son: the pleasant modern rooms (with beams and other nice touches) at the front overlook a canal, while those at the back have a sweeping city view that takes in three churches. This former cigar factory today has unobtrusive decor, awash in tasteful greens and yellows, and the staff here are pleasantly friendly. The garden behind the hotel is a mellow place to have a drink. The restaurant is open only for groups (advance arrangements essential)—a shame, because its walls are adorned with reproductions of Vermeer's entire corpus, his Girl with a Pearl Earring taking center stage.

Rooms in this pretty 18th-century building near the railway station and within walking distance of major downtown sights are spacious, with good lighting and upscale modern furnishings; bathrooms all have tubs as well as showers. The restaurant and bar downstairs are pleasant and reasonably priced.

Occupying a lovely 18th-century town house on one of Delft's prettiest canals, Royal Bridges plays on its setting with guest rooms and public areas that tend toward modernity, but which still highlight historical features, including the oak-beamed ceilings in some rooms. Ask for a room on the ground floor if stairs are an issue for you.

This former Dutch mint and printing works, in a 300-year-old building, has been transformed into an elegant hotel with an effortless blend of original architectural features and stylish, modern decor, and boasts a multi-award-winning restaurant on the ground floor. There are chandeliers in many public areas and beams in the otherwise modern guest rooms. Bathrooms in the spacious luxury rooms have showers and tubs; others have showers only.

The attractive exterior of the 1870 building in the shadow of Sint Janskerk and opposite a leafy square has Art Nouveau leanings, while the interior is very 21st-century, with airy and stylishly understated guest rooms. In the center of town, the hotel is ideally situated within easy walking distance of the canals, as well as plenty of shopping and dining choices.

If you want to stay close to the action, but away from the city's noisier bars, this option just walk west of Centraal station offers modern, simply furnished rooms with large, super-comfortable beds. Although it's literally the other side of the tracks, you are still little more than a five-minute walk from the restaurants and shops of the Oudegracht. 

Backpackers and travelers on a tight budget can find a bargain at this bright, modern hostel right in the center of Utrecht. The 5th café on the fifth floor is a good spot to chill out in the evening.

Just a stone's throw from the historic center, this ultra-modern hotel boasts funky decor with two distinct yet contrasting themes: milk bottles reflect the site's former life as a dairy, while album covers and other musical touches are a nod to the Patronaat concert hall next door. Opt to have the cleaning staff leave your room unmade and you'll be rewarded each day with a voucher for a free (soft) drink.