The Toren

Family-run until 2016, The Toren is now owned by the The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts Group, a small chain with a number of exquisite luxury properties around the world. This boutique is the group’s only hotel in Amsterdam (as of 2018), and has a similar intimate, high-end vibe as most of its sister properties, with personalized service and a warm atmosphere that make it a top pick among honeymooners. The property is housed in two centuries-old canal-side houses -- one of which was used as a safe house during WWII -- and though they’re not adjacent, the second one is just a few doors down. Guests staying in the annex building (known as the Private House) get their own key to the front door, making the experience feel more like a private residence than a hotel. Interiors are opulent and extravagant, with bold design touches such as purple wallpaper, eye-catching late-20th-century photography, and a variety of textures that somehow manage to blend well with the more classic decor elements, including handsome wall paneling and wooden floors, ornate fireplaces, and grand chandeliers. Though the style may be a tad overdone for some, most guests rave about the sophisticated, intimate feel of this boutique, and we found it to all tie in well with the hotel’s historic vibe. Those seeking something less whimsical may prefer Hotel Seven One Seven, while The Dylan Amsterdam is a great alternative for travelers with an even bigger budget. Couples wanting to stay in a quieter area may want to check out the sophisticated Pillows Anna van den Vondel, which has lower rates and good public transport links to the historic center.

The Toren is set along the Keizersgracht, one of the four main waterways in Amsterdam’s picturesque Canal Ring. The famous Nine Streets shopping area is just a couple of blocks away, as is the Anne Frank House, and there are dozens of restaurants, cafes, and bars within a five-minute walk of the hotel. Dam Square -- considered to be the heart of the historic center of Amsterdam -- and the artsy Jordaan neighborhood are each less than 10 minutes away on foot. The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and other major attractions located farther afield can all easily be reached by tram or bus, both of which stop a short walk from The Toren. The hotel is a 15-minute walk from Centraal Station and a half-hour drive from the airport.

The hotel has 40 striking rooms spread over two non-contiguous historic canal-side buildings. Rooms come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from tiny 118-square-foot (11-square-meter) Cozy Single Rooms with a twin bed to 495-square-foot (46-square-meter) Executive Suites with seating areas and jetted tubs. Each room has a unique design, but all are done up in a sophisticated, ornate style that combines rich, embroidered fabrics, bold wallpaper with intricate patterns, and tons of different textures. Many have canal views, and some overlook a garden, but none have terraces; two share access to a small patio with a couple of big couches.Though each room is different in terms of decor, all are outfitted with the same great amenities, including Nespresso machines, flat-screen TVs, robes and slippers, electronic safes, and well-stocked minibars. Air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi are also provided in all room types. Bathrooms are elegant but more understated than bedrooms, with brown-marble standard white tiles, heated towel racks, walk-in showers or big shower/tub combos, name-brand toiletries, and hairdryers. Higher-tier rooms and suites feature jetted tubs, separate rain showers, and steam cabins.Most rooms have elevator access, but there are steep, narrow stairs to some, as is common in historic buildings. 

The only common area at The Toren is a beautiful, ornate lounge with a well-stocked bar, a warm atmosphere, and huge windows overlooking the canal. While there is no full food menu, small snacks such as cheese platters and an array of cocktails and hot drinks are available during the day. A varied, quality breakfast with hot and cold options is served daily in the lounge, and most guests seem to find it filling and well worth the (high) price. Room service is provided by a nearby restaurant. The hotel lacks on-site parking (common in central Amsterdam), but it offers valet parking for a fee. Guests are required to book this service in advance, as it is provided by a third party on request only. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the property. On the downside, the hotel lacks wellness and fitness facilities.