You’re walking down the Keizersgracht, the "Emperor’s Canal," and everything feels like a Dutch Golden Age painting come to life. Then you see it. Two 17th-century houses, numbered 164 and 170. This is The Toren Hotel Amsterdam, and honestly, it’s a bit of a contradiction. It isn’t your typical sleek, minimalist Dutch design. It’s dark. It’s moody. It’s covered in velvet and theatrical lighting. If you’re looking for a Marriott, keep walking. But if you want to feel like you’ve accidentally stumbled into a private, slightly eccentric gentleman’s club from the 1600s, you’ve found the right place.
The thing about The Toren is that it doesn't try to be everything to everyone. It’s boutique in the truest sense. It has 40 rooms, but they aren't all in the same building, which catches some people off guard. The main house has the bar and reception, while the other building is just a few doors down. It’s quiet.
Is the Jordaan location actually worth the hype?
Most tourists flock to the Dam Square area because it’s "the center." Big mistake. That area is loud, crowded, and smells like cheap waffles. The Toren Hotel Amsterdam sits in the Jordaan district, which is where you actually want to be. You're five minutes from the Anne Frank House, but you’re also far enough away that you aren't being trampled by tour groups.
The Keizersgracht is one of the grandest canals in the city. Back in the 17th century, the wealthiest merchants lived here. You can feel that history in the floorboards. The hotel was originally built in 1618, and while the interior has been "theatricalized" by designer Wim van de Oudeweetering, the bones of the building are ancient. The ceilings are high. The stairs are steep—though, thankfully, there is an elevator, which is a luxury in these old canal houses.
The Rooms: Velvet, Chandeliers, and Some Tight Squeezes
Let’s be real: Amsterdam hotel rooms are notorious for being the size of a shoebox. The Toren has some of that, but they’ve leaned into it. Instead of trying to make a small room look "airy" with white paint, they went the opposite direction. Think deep reds, purples, gold leaf, and heavy fabrics.
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- Cosy Rooms: These are small. They really are. If you’re traveling with three suitcases, you’re going to struggle. But for a solo traveler or a couple who spends all day at the Rijksmuseum, they work.
- Garden Cottages: Tucked away in the back. These feel like a secret.
- Royal Suite: This is the one you see in the photos. It has a massive whirlpool bath right in the room and views of the canal.
The lighting is the most controversial part. It’s dim. Romantic? Yes. Hard to see your eyeliner in the mirror? Also yes. It’s an aesthetic choice that fits the "theatrical" vibe, but it’s something to know before you book. If you need bright, clinical light to feel comfortable, this might not be your spot.
The Bar and the Breakfast Situation
There is no full-service restaurant for dinner at The Toren Hotel Amsterdam, which usually surprises people given the price point. But they have a bar that looks like it belongs in a film noir. It’s small, intimate, and the staff actually knows how to make a proper drink. They serve snacks, but for a real meal, you have to head out into the Jordaan. This isn't actually a downside—you’re within walking distance of Toscanini (arguably the best Italian in the city) and Daalder.
Breakfast is served in the same bar area. It’s a buffet, but a high-end one. They have the standard Dutch meats and cheeses, fresh bread, and usually some hot options. It isn't a 100-item Vegas buffet. It’s curated.
What people get wrong about staying here
People often think "boutique" means "homey." The Toren isn't homey in a "shabby chic" way. It’s opulent. Some guests find the decor a bit "much"—it’s been described as bordello-chic by more than one reviewer. If you prefer the clean lines of Scandinavian design, the heavy wallpaper and crystal chandeliers here will feel claustrophobic.
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Another thing: the split buildings. If you are staying in the "Private House" at number 170, you have to walk outside to get to the bar or breakfast at number 164. In the summer, it’s a lovely 30-second stroll. In a January rainstorm? It’s a bit of a pain. It’s a quirk of historic preservation. They can’t just knock down the houses in between to connect them.
The Service: The "Pavlov" Factor
The hotel is part of the Pavilion Hotels & Resorts group now, but it still maintains that independent feel. The staff here are famously attentive. It’s the kind of place where they remember your name by the second day. In a city where service can sometimes be a bit "direct" (the polite word for Dutch bluntness), The Toren is a soft landing. They’ll help you navigate the tram system or snag a reservation at a place that says they’re full.
Practical Insights for Your Stay
If you’re planning to book The Toren Hotel Amsterdam, don't just click the cheapest room on a booking site. You need to be strategic.
- Request a Canal View: It sounds like a cliché, but looking out at the Keizersgracht at 6:00 AM when the mist is rising off the water is why you come to Amsterdam. The rooms at the back are quieter, but you lose that "I'm in a Dutch masterpiece" feeling.
- Skip the Car: Seriously. There is no parking at the hotel. Parking in Amsterdam is a nightmare and costs a fortune. Take the train from Schiphol to Centraal Station, then it’s a quick cab or a 15-minute walk.
- Book the Anne Frank House Early: It’s literally around the corner. If you’re staying at The Toren, you have no excuse to miss it, but tickets sell out weeks in advance.
- The Stairs: If you have mobility issues, make sure to communicate that. While there is a lift, some of the split-level suites still involve a few steps that can be tricky.
The Toren isn't a budget stay. You’re paying for the atmosphere and the prime real estate. It’s for the traveler who wants a story to tell, not just a bed to sleep in. It’s moody, it’s dark, and it’s unapologetically dramatic.
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How to get the most out of the neighborhood
Step out the front door and turn left. You’re in the heart of the "9 Streets" (De Negen Straatjes). This is where the locals shop. Avoid the big chains on Kalverstraat. Instead, look for Gerda’s Flowers or the vintage shops tucked into the side streets. For a quick lunch, find a "haringhandel" (herring stand) and eat it the Dutch way—with onions and pickles.
The Toren Hotel Amsterdam serves as a perfect anchor for this kind of exploration. It’s sophisticated enough to feel like a treat, but its location ensures you’re living the city rather than just observing it from a tourist bus. Just remember to pack light; those 17th-century hallways weren't designed for oversized hardshell luggage.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Room Location: Before confirming your booking, email the hotel to ask if your room is in the main building (164) or the private house (170) to manage your expectations regarding the walk to breakfast.
- Verify the View: If a canal view is a dealbreaker for you, call the front desk directly. Third-party sites often label rooms vaguely; direct booking usually gives you better leverage for specific room requests.
- Plan Your Arrival: If arriving from Centraal Station, take Tram 13 or 17 to the Westermarkt stop. It’s a much easier trek with bags than walking from the station.