Canal views, marble bathrooms and a location that puts the city at your feet.
Some hotels impress you with their design. Others win you over with location or service. Pulitzer Amsterdam manages to do all three at once. Set across a maze of historic canal houses in the heart of the city, it feels like stepping into a beautifully curated slice of Amsterdam life.
From the moment I walked into my canal-view room and saw the enormous windows framing the water below, I knew this was going to be a stay I would remember for a very long time.
Where is Pulitzer Amsterdam?
The Pulitzer sits along the picturesque Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht canals in Amsterdam.
Pulitzer Amsterdam sits in one of the most coveted locations in the city: along the picturesque Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht canals in the charming Jordaan district. This is peak Amsterdam.
From the front door, you can reach some of the city’s most famous sights within minutes. The Anne Frank House is a short stroll away, while boutique shops, cafes and galleries line the surrounding streets. Major museums and shopping precincts are also easily accessible on foot or by tram.
There is a calm, almost residential atmosphere.
What makes the location especially appealing is that it strikes a rare balance. You feel right in the middle of everything, yet the canals create a calm, almost residential atmosphere that makes returning to the hotel at the end of the day feel peaceful rather than hectic.
What is the style and character of Pulitzer Amsterdam?
The hallway adds to the intrigue.
Pulitzer Amsterdam is not a single building but a collection of 25 restored 17th- and 18th-century canal houses, which gives it a wonderfully layered personality.
Moving through the property feels like exploring a hidden world. There are narrow staircases, glass-covered passageways, secret courtyards and intimate corridors that connect each historic house. It is wonderfully atmospheric and endlessly intriguing.
The Book Collector’s Suite is a real page turner.
The interiors blend historic Dutch character with contemporary elegance. You will see exposed beams and traditional Dutch architectural details paired with bold contemporary artwork, plush textiles and polished finishes. The effect is elegant without feeling formal and stylish without being cold.
There is a sense of storytelling in every space. Each room and hallway feels thoughtfully curated rather than generically decorated, which adds to the feeling that you are staying somewhere truly unique.
What facilities does Pulitzer Amsterdam have?
The property has many spaces that invite you to slow down.
The hotel features a modern gym, which is compact but well equipped, and a peaceful inner garden courtyard that offers a quiet escape from the bustle of the city.
One of the most distinctive offerings is the hotel’s private classic salon boat, which guests can book for canal cruises. Seeing Amsterdam from the water is one of the most memorable experiences you can have in the city, and doing so on a beautifully restored private boat adds an extra layer of charm.
Throughout the property, you will also find numerous lounge spaces that invite you to slow down. Whether it is a cosy reading corner, a softly lit sitting room or a sunlit courtyard nook, the hotel encourages lingering rather than rushing.
What are the rooms like at Pulitzer Amsterdam?
The Porcelain Collector's Suite is inspired by the Netherlands’ rich ceramic heritage.
The Flower Collector's Suite is a love letter to Amsterdam’s floral tradition.
Embrace true love in the Pulitzer Suite.
I was originally booked into a Classic Double Canal Room but was upgraded to a Generous Canal View Room, which turned out to be one of, if not the most impressive hotel rooms I have ever stayed in.
The enormous windows overlooking the canal were a standout feature. They flooded the 28-square-metre room with light and created a cinematic feeling that honestly made me feel like I had stepped into an episode of Bridgerton.
The marble bathroom was equally jaw-dropping, with luxurious finishes, generous space and a level of elegance that made it feel almost spa-like.
My Generous Canal View Room had an exceptional view. (Credit: Emily Murphy)
The rotary phone by the bed is a fun touch. (Credit: Emily Murphy)
There was a writing desk by the window with some postcards, colouring pencils, a tea and coffee station and a bike repair kit (an Amsterdam essential).The bar cart was luxurious, and I loved the rotary phone by the bed. Every detail felt carefully considered, from the plush bedding to the refined decor.
What is the dining like at Pulitzer Amsterdam?
Jansz is the hotel’s signature restaurant.
Dining is a highlight here. I had dinner at Jansz, the hotel’s signature restaurant, and it was a lovely, refined experience. The menu focuses on modern European cuisine with seasonal ingredients, and the atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between elegant and relaxed. I ordered the yellowtail crudo to start, followed by the Dover sole with capers, brown butter and lemon. Everything was exceptional.
Breakfast is also served at Jansz, offering a generous buffet with a wide selection of fresh pastries, hot dishes, fruit and quality coffee. It is an easy, enjoyable way to start the day before heading out to explore.
Pulitzer’s Bar is the ideal space to unwind with a good book.
Pulitzer’s Bar quickly became one of my favourite spots in the hotel. It is an elegant, intimate space perfect for unwinding. I spent time there enjoying drinks while reading my book, and it felt wonderfully peaceful and indulgent.
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Does Pulitzer Amsterdam have access for guests with disabilities?
The hotel has accessible rooms and facilities.
The hotel offers accessible rooms and facilities, including lift access in certain canal houses. Because the property is spread across historic buildings, some areas may have structural limitations, but accessible options are available, and staff can assist with specific requirements. My room was not accessible.
Is Pulitzer Amsterdam family-friendly?
The Merchant Suite has three bedrooms and bathrooms.
Yes, though it is particularly well-suited to couples and adult travellers seeking a refined stay. The hotel offers family rooms and interconnecting options, and the central location makes sightseeing easy for those travelling with children. The overall atmosphere, however, leans more towards couples and travellers seeking a refined, quiet stay.
The verdict
Pulitzer Amsterdam delivers a rare combination: a truly iconic setting, deeply atmospheric design and a sense of intimate luxury. From canal views that feel straight out of a period drama to blissful moments spent reading in the bar, I think this is the best hotel I’ve ever stayed in. It’s truly unforgettable.
Details
The Art Collector’s Suite has a private canal-side entrance.
Best for: Couples and luxury travellers seeking a quintessential Amsterdam experience
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Emily Murphy is International Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company, through various roles, she has been instrumental in crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore the world. Her previous job was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing – equipping her with a diverse skill set that enhances her storytelling and audience engagement. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring under-the-radar destinations. Next on her travel wish list? Mexico and an African safari.
Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.
The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.
1. Easy access to good food
Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.
One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.
In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.
In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.
Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.
At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.
While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.
It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.
2. Better sleep options
Sleep deeply with Novotel.
There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.
For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.
The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.
3. More ways to move
Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)
Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.
At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.
Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.
4. Better connections
Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.
One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.
Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.
A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.
Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.
All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.
