Best Hotels Near Amsterdam RAI
Our expert guide compares the best hotels near Amsterdam RAI, focusing on location, business-travel convenience, transport access, hotel style, traveler feedback and which properties work best for conferences, events and city breaks.
Amsterdam RAI is one of the most important places to stay for business travelers, conference visitors and anyone attending a major event in Amsterdam. The area around Europaplein, Amsterdam Zuid and Zuidas offers a mix of modern hotels, reliable mid-range options and larger business-focused properties, with strong public transport connections into the historic centre.
For the shortest walk to the convention centre, prioritize hotels immediately around Amsterdam RAI / Europaplein. Travelers who also want easier access to Schiphol Airport and the business district can look toward Amsterdam Zuid and Zuidas, while areas closer to De Pijp work better if restaurants and neighborhood atmosphere matter alongside RAI access.
The key advantage of staying here is convenience: you can keep conference or event travel simple while still reaching central Amsterdam by metro, tram or train without needing to stay in the busiest tourist areas.
Quick Guide: Where to Stay Near Amsterdam RAI?
The best hotels near Amsterdam RAI are concentrated around Europaplein, Amsterdam Zuid, Zuidas and the southern edge of De Pijp. The right location depends on whether your priority is walking to the convention centre, business meetings, Schiphol connections, restaurants or a longer stay in Amsterdam South.
For the shortest RAI commute, stay around Europaplein / RAI. Zuidas and Amsterdam Zuid are better for business travel and airport connections, while the De Pijp side gives you more restaurants and neighborhood atmosphere without moving too far from the exhibition centre.
Best Area for Walking to Amsterdam RAI
Best areas: Europaplein / RAI / Amsterdam South
Stay immediately around Amsterdam RAI if conferences, exhibitions or events are the main reason for your trip. This minimizes daily travel and is particularly convenient for early starts or multi-day events.
SUGGESTED HOTEL
nhow Amsterdam RAI
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Best Area for Business Travelers
Best areas: Zuidas / Amsterdam Zuid
Choose Zuidas if your trip combines Amsterdam RAI with meetings, offices and business activity in Amsterdam’s main commercial district.
SUGGESTED HOTEL
Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam Zuidas
Best Area for Amsterdam Zuid Station Access
Best areas: Amsterdam Zuid / Zuidas
Staying near Amsterdam Zuid is especially useful if you want fast transport connections while keeping both RAI and the business district convenient.
SUGGESTED HOTEL
INNSiDE by Meliá Amsterdam
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Best Area for Longer Stays Near Amsterdam RAI
Best areas: Amsterdam South / Buitenveldert / Zuidas
The southern residential side works well for travelers staying several nights who prefer a calmer base and more flexibility than a purely conference-focused hotel.
SUGGESTED HOTEL
Element Amsterdam
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Best Area for Apartment-Style Stays
Best areas: Zuidas / Amsterdam South
Consider the wider Zuidas / Amsterdam South area if extra space and a more independent stay are important, particularly for longer business trips or travelers combining work and leisure.
SUGGESTED HOTEL
Cityden Zuidas
Best Area for Restaurants and a More Local Feel
Best areas: De Pijp / RAI northern side
Stay toward De Pijp if you want RAI access but prefer restaurants, cafés and a more established Amsterdam neighborhood around your hotel rather than a primarily business-focused district.
SUGGESTED HOTEL
Hotel Okura Amsterdam
Top Picks: Best Hotels Near Amsterdam RAI
These hand-picked hotels near Amsterdam RAI combine convenient event access, strong transport connections and different stay styles — from practical conference hotels and Zuidas business stays to luxury and longer-stay options in Amsterdam South.
nhow Amsterdam RAI
Best for: conferences, exhibitions, business travelers, design-conscious stays, short city breaks and travelers who want to stay as close as possible to Amsterdam RAI.
nhow Amsterdam RAI is the best overall hotel near Amsterdam RAI for travelers who want an excellent balance of convention-centre proximity, contemporary design and a more distinctive hotel experience. Its position immediately around Amsterdam RAI / Europaplein makes it especially convenient for multi-day events while still working well for travelers who want more atmosphere than a conventional business hotel.
Motel One Amsterdam
Best for: conferences, Amsterdam RAI events, business trips, short stays, value-conscious travelers and convenient public transport.
Motel One Amsterdam is the strongest value-focused hotel near Amsterdam RAI for travelers who want practical convention-centre access without moving into a higher price tier. It works especially well for multi-day events and short business trips where straightforward comfort, convenience and value matter most.
Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam Zuidas
Best for: business travelers, conferences, Zuidas meetings, modern hotel comfort, Amsterdam Zuid access and work-focused stays.
Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam Zuidas is one of the most practical choices if your trip combines Amsterdam RAI with business in Zuidas. It offers a more substantial business-hotel experience than the simpler properties around the convention centre and works especially well when meetings and events are equally important.
INNSiDE by Meliá Amsterdam
Best for: train travelers, business trips, Schiphol connections, modern city stays, Zuidas and travelers balancing work with sightseeing.
INNSiDE by Meliá Amsterdam is a strong choice if Amsterdam Zuid Station is as important as RAI access. It works especially well for travelers arriving from Schiphol or combining conferences with meetings elsewhere, while its contemporary atmosphere makes it less purely functional than a conventional business hotel.
Hotel Okura Amsterdam
Best for: luxury travelers, business trips, dining, couples, premium conference stays and travelers who want more than a standard event hotel.
Hotel Okura Amsterdam is the standout option if you want a luxury stay within practical reach of Amsterdam RAI. Its De Pijp / Oud-Zuid setting gives the trip more restaurant and neighborhood appeal, making it particularly attractive when the hotel experience matters beyond simply being close to the convention centre.
Element Amsterdam
Best for: longer business trips, extended stays, quieter surroundings, Amsterdam South and travelers who want more flexibility than a short conference stay.
Element Amsterdam is particularly useful when your trip extends beyond a few nights. Its Amsterdam South setting is calmer and more residential than the immediate RAI area, making it a better fit for longer work trips and travelers who do not need to be beside the convention centre every hour of the day.
Explore Hotels Near Amsterdam RAI by Travel Style
Use these guides to compare the best hotels near Amsterdam RAI by trip type — from conferences and business travel to luxury stays, longer visits and convenient access to Amsterdam Zuid.
Best Hotels Near Amsterdam RAI for Conferences
Best for: trade shows, exhibitions, multi-day events, short business trips and travelers who want minimal daily commuting.
Top picks: nhow Amsterdam RAI, Motel One Amsterdam, Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam Zuidas
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Best Business Hotels Near Amsterdam RAI
Best for: business travelers, meetings, Zuidas offices, corporate stays and convenient transport connections.
Top picks: Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam Zuidas, INNSiDE by Meliá Amsterdam, Element Amsterdam
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Best Luxury and Upscale Hotels Near Amsterdam RAI
Best for: premium business trips, couples, special occasions, fine dining and travelers who want more than a standard conference hotel.
Top picks: Hotel Okura Amsterdam, Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam Zuidas, INNSiDE by Meliá Amsterdam
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Best Hotels Near Amsterdam RAI and Amsterdam Zuid
Best for: Schiphol connections, train travel, business meetings, short stays and travelers combining RAI with Zuidas.
Top picks: INNSiDE by Meliá Amsterdam, Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam Zuidas, Element Amsterdam
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Best Hotels Near Amsterdam RAI for Longer Stays
Best for: extended business trips, work-and-leisure stays, extra flexibility and travelers staying several nights or more.
Top picks: Element Amsterdam, Cityden Zuidas, INNSiDE by Meliá Amsterdam
Explore longer-stay hotels near Amsterdam RAI →
Best Hotels Near Amsterdam RAI for Restaurants and Local Atmosphere
Best for: dining, evenings outside the hotel, De Pijp access, couples and travelers who want more neighborhood character.
Top picks: Hotel Okura Amsterdam, Olympic Hotel Amsterdam, Element Amsterdam
Explore hotels near Amsterdam RAI with better neighborhood atmosphere →
Featured Hotels Near Amsterdam RAI
A closer look at some of the best hotels near Amsterdam RAI, with more detail on conference convenience, business access, atmosphere, traveler fit and what makes each property worth considering.
These six hotels cover the main ways to stay around RAI — from a practical hotel beside the convention centre to Zuidas business hotels, Amsterdam Zuid connections, luxury stays and longer-stay accommodation.
nhow Amsterdam RAI
Best for: conferences, exhibitions, business travelers, design-conscious stays, short city breaks and travelers who want excellent access to Amsterdam RAI.
nhow Amsterdam RAI is the best overall hotel near Amsterdam RAI for travelers who want a strong combination of convention-centre proximity, contemporary design and a more distinctive stay than a standard business hotel. It works especially well for multi-day events and work-and-leisure trips where both location and hotel atmosphere matter.
BEST PART
Excellent RAI positioning combined with contemporary design and one of the strongest overall traveler-feedback profiles in the area.
KEEP IN MIND
Its large, modern conference-oriented character is better suited to travelers who value convenience and contemporary style than those looking for a small or intimate Amsterdam hotel.
Motel One Amsterdam
Best for: conferences, exhibitions, short business trips, value-conscious travelers, straightforward stays and easy access to Amsterdam RAI.
Motel One Amsterdam is the strongest value-focused hotel near Amsterdam RAI for travelers who want practical convention-centre access without paying for a more premium business or design hotel. It works especially well for short conference stays where location, simplicity and price positioning matter more than extensive facilities.
BEST PART
A practical lower-price-tier option with convenient RAI access and a polished, straightforward hotel experience.
KEEP IN MIND
Choose it for value and conference convenience rather than luxury facilities, distinctive design or a lively neighborhood setting.
Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam Zuidas
Best for: business travelers, conferences, corporate stays, Zuidas meetings, modern facilities and work-focused trips.
Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam Zuidas is particularly strong for travelers whose itinerary combines Amsterdam RAI with meetings in Zuidas. It feels more business-oriented than a typical city-break hotel and is a natural fit for corporate trips where convenience, modern comfort and access to Amsterdam South matter more than historic-centre atmosphere.
BEST PART
A practical base for combining RAI events with Amsterdam’s main business district.
KEEP IN MIND
The surrounding area is more corporate than atmospheric, so leisure-focused travelers may prefer De Pijp or the historic centre.
INNSiDE by Meliá Amsterdam
Best for: Amsterdam Zuid, Schiphol connections, business travel, contemporary hotels, short stays and travelers combining work with sightseeing.
INNSiDE by Meliá Amsterdam is one of the best choices if Amsterdam Zuid Station is central to your trip. It works particularly well for travelers arriving from Schiphol, attending meetings around Zuidas or using RAI while still wanting a contemporary hotel that feels suitable for a city break as well as business travel.
BEST PART
Excellent balance of Amsterdam Zuid transport convenience, Zuidas access and contemporary hotel style.
KEEP IN MIND
It is better for transport and business convenience than travelers who want Amsterdam’s historic streets immediately outside the hotel.
Hotel Okura Amsterdam
Best for: luxury travelers, premium business trips, fine dining, couples, special occasions and travelers who want more than a conventional conference hotel.
Hotel Okura Amsterdam is the standout luxury choice within practical reach of RAI. Its position near De Pijp gives travelers easier access to restaurants and a more established neighborhood atmosphere, making it particularly attractive when the trip combines conferences or business with a higher-end Amsterdam experience.
BEST PART
Five-star comfort with excellent dining appeal and a more interesting neighborhood setting than the immediate business district.
KEEP IN MIND
It is not the closest option to the convention centre, so choose it when hotel quality and atmosphere matter alongside RAI access.
Element Amsterdam
Best for: longer business trips, extended stays, quieter surroundings, work-and-leisure travel and travelers who prefer more flexibility.
Element Amsterdam makes particular sense when your trip lasts longer than a typical conference visit. Its Amsterdam South setting provides a calmer base than the immediate RAI or Zuidas area and works well for travelers who want to combine work commitments with a more comfortable longer stay.
BEST PART
A practical longer-stay option with a calmer Amsterdam South setting and useful access to the wider business district.
KEEP IN MIND
It is less convenient than Motel One if being as close as possible to RAI is your main priority.
More Hotels Near Amsterdam RAI to Consider
These additional hotels near Amsterdam RAI are worth comparing if you want more choice around Europaplein, Amsterdam Zuid, Zuidas and Amsterdam South. They include business-focused hotels, practical mid-range stays, apartment-style options and alternatives with useful metro connections.
Novotel Amsterdam City
Best for: conferences, business groups, practical stays, larger hotels, Amsterdam South and travelers who value straightforward full-service convenience.
Novotel Amsterdam City is a useful option for travelers who want a large, dependable hotel base near RAI. It is particularly suitable for business groups and multi-day events where hotel infrastructure and practical access are more important than boutique character.
Crowne Plaza Amsterdam – South by IHG
Best for: corporate travel, Amsterdam Zuid, Zuidas meetings, business trips, Schiphol connections and polished full-service stays.
Crowne Plaza Amsterdam – South by IHG is a natural alternative for travelers whose schedule is centered on Zuidas and Amsterdam Zuid as much as RAI itself. It works especially well for corporate stays where reliable hotel facilities and transport access matter more than being beside the exhibition halls.
Cityden Zuidas
Best for: extended business trips, apartment-style stays, extra flexibility, work-and-leisure travel and visitors comfortable commuting to Amsterdam RAI.
Cityden Zuidas is a useful alternative for travelers who prefer apartment-style flexibility to a conventional hotel. It works particularly well for longer stays where extra independence and a more residential setup matter more than being immediately beside the convention centre.
Leonardo Royal Hotel Amsterdam
Best for: metro access, business trips, value-conscious travelers, larger modern hotels and visitors comfortable staying outside the immediate RAI district.
Leonardo Royal Hotel Amsterdam is a useful alternative if metro connectivity matters more than walking to the convention centre. Its Overamstel location makes it better suited to travelers who expect to move between RAI, other business areas and central Amsterdam during the same trip.
Olympic Hotel Amsterdam
Best for: couples, quieter stays, business-and-leisure trips, Amsterdam South and travelers willing to stay slightly farther from RAI.
Olympic Hotel Amsterdam is worth considering if you prefer a calmer Amsterdam South base rather than staying in the immediate conference district. It works best for travelers who are comfortable using public transport and want their trip to feel less dominated by the RAI or Zuidas business environment.
Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam – South by IHG
Best for: value-conscious business travelers, short work trips, practical accommodation and visitors who do not need luxury facilities.
Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam – South by IHG is a practical option when price and straightforward comfort matter more than being immediately beside Amsterdam RAI. It is particularly useful for short business trips where you want Amsterdam South access without paying for a more premium corporate hotel.
Amsterdam RAI Hotel Booking Tips
Choosing among the best hotels near Amsterdam RAI is mainly about balancing walking distance to the convention centre, access to Amsterdam Zuid and Zuidas, transport connections and whether you want a business-focused stay or a more enjoyable neighborhood atmosphere.
Stay Closest to RAI for Multi-Day Conferences
If Amsterdam RAI is the main reason for your trip, staying around Europaplein / RAI can save a significant amount of daily travel time.
Hotels such as nhow Amsterdam RAI and Motel One Amsterdam are especially convenient for exhibitions, conferences and early starts.
Choose Zuidas for Business Trips
Stay around Zuidas if your schedule combines RAI events with corporate meetings or offices in Amsterdam’s main business district.
Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam Zuidas and INNSiDE by Meliá Amsterdam are particularly useful for this type of trip.
Stay Near Amsterdam Zuid for Easier Schiphol Connections
The Amsterdam Zuid area works especially well if you are arriving from Schiphol Airport or expect to use trains frequently during your stay.
It can be a better overall base than staying immediately beside RAI when airport and regional transport are equally important.
Choose De Pijp for Better Evenings
If you want restaurants, cafés and more neighborhood atmosphere after conferences, consider staying toward the De Pijp side.
Hotel Okura Amsterdam is the strongest premium option for travelers who want both practical RAI access and a more enjoyable setting outside event hours.
Consider Apartment-Style Hotels for Longer Business Trips
For extended stays, extra space and flexibility can matter more than being within the shortest possible walk of RAI.
Element Amsterdam and Cityden Zuidas are worth considering for longer work trips and travelers combining business with leisure.
Compare RAI with Zuidas Before Booking
Choose Amsterdam RAI / Europaplein if walking to events is your priority.
Choose Zuidas / Amsterdam Zuid if business meetings, Schiphol access and wider transport connections matter more.
Do Not Overpay Just to Be Slightly Closer
Hotels immediately beside a major conference venue can become more expensive during large events.
If rates around RAI rise sharply, expanding your search toward Amsterdam Zuid, Zuidas or Overamstel can provide more choice while keeping the convention centre accessible by public transport.
Check Event Dates Before You Book
Major exhibitions and conferences can significantly increase demand around Amsterdam RAI.
If you are attending a specific event, booking accommodation early can give you a better choice of hotels, room types and locations.
Think About Your Evenings as Well as Your Conference
The immediate RAI and Zuidas areas are practical, but they are less atmospheric than central Amsterdam or De Pijp.
If you expect to spend significant time dining, sightseeing or going out after meetings, a hotel with slightly longer RAI access may produce a better overall trip.
Quick Tip:
For the best overall hotel near Amsterdam RAI, start with nhow Amsterdam RAI for the strongest combination of RAI proximity, contemporary design and overall hotel experience. Choose Motel One Amsterdam for value, Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam Zuidas for business travel, INNSiDE by Meliá Amsterdam for Amsterdam Zuid access, Hotel Okura Amsterdam for luxury and Element Amsterdam for longer stays.
Explore More Amsterdam Hotel Guides
Planning a business trip, conference stay or longer visit to Amsterdam? Use these related hotel guides to compare Zuidas, Amsterdam Zuid, Schiphol connections, De Pijp and central Amsterdam before you book.
For official event and public transport information, visit Amsterdam RAI and GVB Amsterdam Public Transport.
Best Hotels in Amsterdam →
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Best Hotels Near Schiphol Airport →
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FAQs About the Best Hotels Near Amsterdam RAI
Find quick answers to common questions about choosing the best hotels near Amsterdam RAI, including the best overall hotel, conference stays, business travel, Amsterdam Zuid access, luxury options and whether it is better to stay near RAI or elsewhere in Amsterdam.
What is the best hotel near Amsterdam RAI overall?
nhow Amsterdam RAI is the best overall hotel near Amsterdam RAI for travelers who want an excellent combination of convention-centre proximity, contemporary design and a more distinctive hotel experience. Motel One Amsterdam is the stronger choice if value and straightforward conference convenience are the main priorities.
What is the closest good hotel to Amsterdam RAI?
nhow Amsterdam RAI and Motel One Amsterdam are among the strongest choices if minimizing travel to the convention centre is your main priority. Choose nhow for a more distinctive, design-led stay and Motel One for better value.
What is the best hotel near Amsterdam RAI for conferences?
nhow Amsterdam RAI is the best hotel near Amsterdam RAI for conferences if you want excellent venue proximity combined with contemporary design and a more complete hotel experience. Motel One Amsterdam is a strong value-focused alternative for straightforward multi-day conference stays.
What is the best business hotel near Amsterdam RAI?
Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam Zuidas is one of the best choices for business travelers combining RAI events with meetings in Zuidas.
What is the best hotel near Amsterdam RAI for Amsterdam Zuid access?
INNSiDE by Meliá Amsterdam is a strong choice if Amsterdam Zuid Station is important for Schiphol connections, train travel or meetings around Zuidas.
What is the best luxury hotel near Amsterdam RAI?
Hotel Okura Amsterdam is the best luxury hotel near Amsterdam RAI for travelers who want five-star comfort, excellent dining and a more appealing neighborhood atmosphere while remaining within practical reach of the convention centre.
What is the best hotel near Amsterdam RAI for a longer stay?
Element Amsterdam is one of the strongest choices for longer business trips, while Cityden Zuidas is particularly useful if you prefer apartment-style flexibility.
Is Amsterdam RAI a good area to stay in Amsterdam?
Yes, especially for conferences, exhibitions and business trips. The immediate RAI area is highly practical for events, although it is less atmospheric than neighborhoods such as De Pijp or the historic centre.
Is it better to stay near Amsterdam RAI or Amsterdam Zuid?
Choose Amsterdam RAI / Europaplein if walking to events is your main priority. Choose Amsterdam Zuid / Zuidas if Schiphol connections, business meetings and wider transport access matter more.
Is it better to stay near Amsterdam RAI or in De Pijp?
Stay near Amsterdam RAI for maximum event convenience. Choose De Pijp if restaurants, cafés and neighborhood atmosphere are more important and you are comfortable with a slightly longer journey to the convention centre.
How easy is it to reach central Amsterdam from Amsterdam RAI?
Amsterdam RAI and the surrounding southern districts have strong public transport connections, making it practical to reach central Amsterdam by metro, tram or train while avoiding the busiest tourist areas.
Is Amsterdam RAI convenient for Schiphol Airport?
Yes. Staying around Amsterdam Zuid and Zuidas is especially convenient if airport access matters because the area provides strong connections toward Schiphol.
Are there cheaper hotels near Amsterdam RAI?
Yes. Motel One Amsterdam, Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam – South and Leonardo Royal Hotel Amsterdam can be worth comparing if you want a more affordable stay than the premium business and luxury hotels around RAI and Zuidas.
Should I book a hotel near Amsterdam RAI early?
Yes, particularly if you are attending a major conference, exhibition or trade show. Demand around the venue can rise substantially during large events, so earlier booking usually gives you more choice of hotels and room types.
What should I compare before booking a hotel near Amsterdam RAI?
Compare distance from RAI, access to Amsterdam Zuid, public transport, hotel style, business facilities, neighborhood atmosphere and current prices. The best option depends on whether conference convenience, corporate travel, luxury or a longer stay is your main priority.
Final Verdict: What Is the Best Hotel Near Amsterdam RAI?
The best hotel near Amsterdam RAI depends on whether your priority is conference convenience, business travel, Amsterdam Zuid access, luxury or a longer stay in Amsterdam South.
For most travelers, nhow Amsterdam RAI is the best overall hotel near Amsterdam RAI. Its excellent position beside the convention centre, contemporary design and more distinctive hotel experience make it particularly well suited to conferences, exhibitions and work-and-leisure trips.
Choose Motel One Amsterdam if you want a more value-focused stay with straightforward conference convenience and practical access to Amsterdam RAI.
Choose Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam Zuidas if your trip combines RAI events with business meetings in Zuidas and you want a more substantial corporate hotel experience.
Choose INNSiDE by Meliá Amsterdam if Amsterdam Zuid Station and Schiphol connections are especially important, particularly for shorter business trips or travelers moving frequently around the city.
Choose Hotel Okura Amsterdam if you want the strongest luxury experience near Amsterdam RAI, with five-star comfort, excellent dining and a more established neighborhood atmosphere around the hotel.
Choose Element Amsterdam for a longer business stay, especially if you prefer a calmer Amsterdam South base and more flexibility than a typical short conference hotel.
Travelers looking for additional alternatives should also compare Novotel Amsterdam City for a large practical conference hotel, Crowne Plaza Amsterdam – South by IHG for corporate stays, Cityden Zuidas for apartment-style flexibility, Leonardo Royal Hotel Amsterdam for metro convenience and Olympic Hotel Amsterdam for a quieter Amsterdam South stay.
Best Overall Choices
Start with nhow Amsterdam RAI for the best overall RAI stay. Choose Motel One Amsterdam for value, Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam Zuidas for business travel, INNSiDE by Meliá Amsterdam for Amsterdam Zuid access, Hotel Okura Amsterdam for luxury and Element Amsterdam for longer stays.