Beautiful setting on the Herengracht, part of Amsterdam’s Inner Canal Ring
Within the 9 Streets shopping area, home to vintage boutiques and independent eateries
10-minute walk to tourist sights like Anne Frank House and the Flower Market
Boutique hotel housed in two traditional Dutch canal houses
Cozy rooms have full-wall murals plus flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning
Family-owned, with an intimate feel
Breakfast buffet is served daily
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Small rooms with limited storage and tiny bathrooms
Entry-level rooms don’t have views
No in-room fridges or minibars
Breakfast costs extra and is basic
The three-pearl Times Hotel has a prized location along the beautiful Herengracht in Amsterdam's Inner Canal Ring. This mid-range boutique property is housed in two traditional Dutch canal houses and is done out in a simple artsy decor, with full-wall murals that replicate famous Dutch paintings. Features are limited to a small breakfast room and lobby bar, though central Amsterdam’s multitude of bars, cafes, and restaurants are on the doorstep. The 34 rooms are modern and cozy, with amenities like air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi, though they're small and most bathrooms are tiny. Travelers stay here mainly for the central, picturesque location and the hotel mostly draws younger couples. If your budget can stretch, it’s worth considering Hotel Sebastian’s instead, which has an equally stunning location and oozes boutique cool.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Boutique hotel housed in two restored 17th-century Dutch canal houses
The Times is housed in two of Amsterdam’s classic 17th-century Dutch canal houses. In keeping with the boutique nature of the 9 Streets area, it has just 34 rooms. Decor is chic and simple, with a modern lobby and breakfast area that leaves the talking to the original character of the building. Large windows make the most of the canal views. Both the lobby and art-inspired rooms have full-wall murals of details from classic Dutch paintings, adding to the local feel. It’s clear that the hotel is family-owned; there’s an intimate and friendly vibe and the front desk has a plate of free treats for guests to help themselves to after a day exploring the city. The property is geared toward mid-budget tourist couples who like the comforts of a boutique hotel and a central location, without the high-end price tag. Travelers should note that as of 2017, the hotel was undergoing renovation.
Location
On the stunning Herengracht canal in Amsterdam’s center, within the 9 Streets shopping area
The Times is located right on the Herengracht, one of Amsterdam’s prettiest canals that forms part of the Inner Canal Ring -- a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Herengracht is beautiful, with typical Dutch town houses lining either side of the canal. The local street is mainly made up of private housing and offices. There are plenty of shops, bars, and cafes within easy walking distance, including many independent boutiques and eateries. Positioned within the 9 Streets shopping area right in the city center, behind vibrant Dam Square, most of the city's tourist sites are walkable in five to 10 minutes from the hotel. Those include the Anne Frank House to the west, the Flower Market to the south, and the Red Light District -- with its infamous nightlife -- to the east. Just a bit farther away are Vondelpark and Museumplein -- home to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum -- which take about 20 minutes to reach via public transportation. The hotel is also just a 10-minute walk from Centraal Station, and there’s a metro stop five minutes away. Expect a 25- to 30-minute drive to Schiphol Amsterdam Airport, or a 30- to 40-minute journey using public transport.
Rooms
Individually styled rooms are simple and modern, but small, with limited storage and tiny bathrooms
Rooms are modern and cozy, but -- as with most mid-range options in central Amsterdam -- they're small. Each double or twin room is individually styled and has a feature wall depicting a detail from a classic Dutch painting. Some rooms -- like the top-floor Canal View Queen Room that we photographed -- have more character, set in the eaves with exposed joists. Standard features include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. All rooms have coffee- and tea-making facilities, but there’s no fridges or minibars. Storage space is either limited or non-existent depending on the room. Modern monochrome bathrooms are small, squeezing in showers and just a bit of counter space, while wall-mounted hairdryers and toiletries are provided. Note that some rooms don’t have views; in our opinion it’s worth paying to upgrade to one that overlooks the Herengracht. At the top end, the Deluxe Canal View Room can sleep four and has a bathroom with a shower/tub combo. The soundproofing works well; on our visit there was little noise from the hallways or other rooms, though street noise can occasionally be an issue. There’s an elevator to the fourth floor but guests staying on the fifth floor will need to scale steep and narrow stairs.
Features
Features are limited to a small breakfast room and lobby bar, but there’s plenty on your doorstep
Features at The Times are centered on the reception area, where there’s a small breakfast room and lobby bar. Breakfast costs extra, and only includes basic continental options. To be honest, better value breakfasts can be found nearby. Wi-Fi is free throughout. The hotel doesn’t have its own parking facilities and finding a space in the surrounding area is incredibly difficult.
