Canal House, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Canal House is a VERY stylish hotel near central Amsterdam. One of the most beautiful hotels I've stayed in. Be warned, though, that the style does not reflect what the hotel has to offer. The staff is super friendly and really tries hard, but as with so many issues, it's in the little things. Consistently writing the guests' names wrong. Not a sin, but it reeks of poor overview. Calling the breakfast buffet "impressive" when in reality it's a two-option selection of store-bought breads and charcuterie. Also - you get to pay 3-8€ if you want anything not cold. That includes coffee and tea. The wifi connection was really poor, kept disconnecting. Offering a selection of cocktails, but consistently not having the ingredients. ("We used up the rest yesterday" - that's been the excuse for two out of three stays now. Don't offer it, then.) Having the bath in the same room as the bed, without proper spray guard, which makes it difficult to not splash or get steam on your things. Not having a sink in the toilet (Not very hygienic, or female-friendly.) You aren't allowed to take the soap in the room, and the note telling you so is positively threatening. In short - if you stay at Canal House, expect a really, really stylish hotel, but a breakfast buffet, in-room equipment and amenities that don't follow suit.

Gave Canal House a try given its myriad positive reviews and figured that I’d try a new location as a regular visitor to Amsterdam (20+ visits over the past 10 years). While nicely appointed and the staff was very friendly, it was candidly overpriced for what it is and had some drawbacks. While the location is quite bucolic as it’s situated on a major canal, it’s not particularly conveniently located, which I was willing to accept when I booked (usually stay at Breitner House which is on the East side and wonderful). More disappointing was the noise from the bar across the canal, which was made worse by my first floor canal view room. Oddly, after my first night there, I awoke to a mild sewage smell in my room, which I can only assume was emanating from the street-level drainage system. Overall, I wanted to like Canal House more but don’t think I’d stay there again.

This hotel was absolutely charming...in a great location. However, if you have health issues, the steps might be overwhelming. They had an elevator but it wasn't readily accessible. We went during a heat wave, so the absence of air conditioning made us extremely uncomfortable. The tub and shower were located right in the bedroom, with a "curtain" made out of fiberglass and no other curtain for privacy. This feature might prove awkward for some situations. The staff was incredibly attentive for anything we asked of them. The complimentary breakfast did not include hot drinks (coffee, tea, hot chocolate), but the choices for breakfast were more than adequate. The room included a fully stocked refrigerator and snack options....a little pricey. All in all, our stay there was fun and memorable!

pro: located in Jordaan area, a posh area, with walking distance to attractions. comfortable bed. friendly staff. had a good coffee machine in the room. con: the shower/tub was in the bedroom, had only a small half glass door which meant no privacy and splashing on the floor easily. the shower was either too warm or too cold, difficult to control. the basins were too small and water spilled. the carpet in room was a bit dirty. the breakfast had limited choices, and only cold items, not even an egg. hot items were extra charged, but it seemed too stingy not providing eggs in breakfast. overall the hotel was ok, but not luxury and many details needed improvement, giving the high price it charged.

We arrived around 10am expecting just to leave our bags, but we were greeted in reception with friendly reception staff who advised they could have a room ready in the next 30 mins so sat us down in reception with coffee and biscuits whilst we waited. From their the staff couldn’t have been more attentive, from reception staff throughout and the morning breakfast staff who ensured you had everything you needed for breakfast especially croissants which are the best in the Dam! Room wise inside was absolutely gorgeous and the added balloons and letter with a free drink at the bar for my wife’s birthday was a lovely touch. Can’t wait to come back!!!