Hotel prices generally include VAT, which currently stands at 6%, although do not include visitors' tax, which currently stands at 5%. The visitors' tax is usually added to the bill at the end, although it is a good idea for one to check whether it is included when making a reservation.

The hotels below have been divided into four pricing categories:
$$$$ (over €400)
$$$ (€250 to €400)
$$ (€100 to €250)
$ (under €100)
The prices quoted here are the starting prices for a double room, including VAT but excluding visitors' tax and breakfast, unless otherwise stated.

Business
The Grand
Originally a 16th-century royal inn, then the Admiralty, and later the City Hall, this splendidly restored historic building is now a world-class hotel, located near Dam Square. The 182 deluxe bedrooms are individually designed to suit both business and leisure guests and they all offer views of the surrounding canals, private gardens and courtyards. There is a dedicated business centre and 19 conference rooms of varying sizes. Other facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna and massage facilities, and the smart but informal canalside Café Roux, set up by world-renowned chef Albert Roux. The hotel is seamlessly run by Sofitel Demeure Hotels.

Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197
Tel: (020) 555 3111.
Website: www.thegrand.nl
Price: $$$$

Hotel Okura
The Hotel Okura is a top-notch Japanese-owned tower hotel in a great location between the airport and the city centre and only a short distance from the RAI. Guest rooms have all mod cons with Internet connection through TVs and large, well-lit desks. The Executive Lounge is useful for those looking for a more exclusive place to take breakfast, entertain guests or hold small meetings; it also allows for guests in a hurry to check out without the hassle of going to the main reception. For long-haul travellers, the spa is a must, with a full jet lag recovery package including a special workout programme, massage and meals. The high-tech gym has a good selection of exercise equipment, as well as a pool and sauna. There are myriad dining outlets at this 370-bed hotel, as well as a sprinkling of bars. The hotel has everything busy executives need during their stay. The Okura's Grand Ballroom is the largest dining location and can seat 1,050 (or 1,200 standing). There are also 18 other meeting places and a dedicated flexible conference team to tailor them to individual requirements.

Ferdinand Bolstraat 333
Tel: (020) 678 7111.
Website: www.okura.nl
Price: $$$

NH Barbizon Palace
Situated in the city centre, opposite Centraal Station, and providing easy access to Schiphol International Airport via frequent train connections or shuttle buses, this grand 270 room 5-star hotel has kept up its level of modern luxury under new ownership. Many of the guest rooms feature ancient oak beams and split-level designs and all are fitted with full mod cons. Business facilities include a variety of meeting rooms and a magnificent congress centre, housed in a restored 15th-century chapel and connected to the hotel by an underground passage. Other amenities include a health and fitness club with a Turkish steam bath and a sauna. The chapel makes for an atmospheric conference venue of groups from 60-400.

Prins Hendrikkade 59-72
Tel: (020) 556 4564.
Website: www.nh-hotels.com
Price: $$

NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky
The dazzling list of former guests at this well-respected city centre hotel includes William III, Brahms, Mahler, Verlaine, Conrad, Joyce and President Mitterand. And it was here that Omar Sharif worked for a short spell as a porter, having lost at the poker table. Located on Amsterdam's Dam Square, opposite the Royal Palace, the hotel is vast and unprepossessing from the outside. However, once inside, there is a great atmosphere of calm, efficiency and comfort. A popular business choice, this 468-room hotel is one of the largest congress hotels in Benelux, with 22 modern conference rooms able to accommodate up to 2,000 people. It also offers excellent dining options, including the celebrated art deco Winter Garden, which is among the most popular breakfast-meeting venues in Amsterdam. Standards have remained high after the recent change of ownership.

Dam 9
Tel: (020) 554 9111.
Website: www.nh-hotels.com
Price: $$

Luxury
Amstel InterContinental Amsterdam
One of Holland's most luxurious and prestigious hotels occupies a tranquil, scenic location on the banks of the River Amstel. Since its opening in 1867, it has played host to countless kings, queens and celebrities, such as Princess Diana, Audrey Hepburn, Madonna and members of The Rolling Stones. With opulent, traditional-style rooms of stately grandeur containing Delft porcelain, spacious conference facilities, an impressive health club and swimming pool, magnificent riverside terraces, limousine service and private motor launches, the hotel fully lives up to its motto 'tradition meets excellence'. Even the restaurant, La Rive, headed by chef Edwin Katz, boasts two well-deserved Michelin stars.

Professor Tulpplein 1
Tel: (020) 622 6060.
Website: www.amsterdam.intercontinental.com
Price: $$$$

Hotel de l'Europe
Over the years this grand old dame has watched challengers come and go, but through attention to detail and well-trained staff it manages to stay the address in town for those looking for lavish old-world luxury. This grand 19th-century, redbrick hotel, combines old-style elegance with modern comfort and a warm, relaxed atmosphere. The Hotel de l'Europe oozes class with the 19th-century paintings, which adorn the public areas, no mere copies. Each bedroom is equipped with full mod cons to suit the most discerning professional or leisure traveller and many afford magnificent views over the River Amstel and the Munt Tower. The hotel offers top-notch business facilities, including six elegant function rooms with built-in mod cons that are perfect for meetings, cocktails, luncheons and dinners. There is also an indoor heated swimming pool and a fitness centre. Complimentary boxes of sweets, fresh fruit and snazzy soapboxes are a nice touch in all rooms. The superior suites are opulent and have balconies overlooking the canals, with suite 102 a stand-out with its large dreamy dark-blue bed, hot tub and twin balconies. The Penthouse Suite is a palatial home from home, with two levels connected by a spiral staircase, a choice of balconies and a kitchenette. Always keen to remain at the top of the pile a new audio-visual system was recently introduced and the hotel now offers Wi-Fi connections in both the lobby and the guest rooms.

Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2-8
Tel: (020) 531 1777.
Website: www.leurope.nl
Price: $$$

Moderate
Bicycle Hotel
It would be difficult to miss this hotel, because the outside walls are decorated with bicycles. The best way for one to see Amsterdam is, without doubt, by bicycle and so where better to stay in town than the two-wheel-friendly Bicycle Hotel? Situated in the lively De Pijp district, yet only 10 minutes by tram from the city centre, this clean, basic bed and breakfast hires out bikes. On arrival, guests receive maps showing the city's main cycle routes and the young, friendly staff can also provide advice on how to discover hidden Amsterdam. Rooms are light, airy and simple, although not all are en suite. There is a relaxing communal area and Internet access is available in the breakfast room. Children are also welcome. Credit cards are not accepted.

Van Ostadestraat 123
Tel: (020) 679 3452.
Website: www.bicyclehotel.com
Price: $

Seven Bridges
This delightful, quiet guest house counts among the city's best value options. It is ideally located on one of the loveliest canals with a view of seven bridges, just a stone's throw from lively Rembrandtplein. Each room is a comfortable, stylish double, individually furnished and filled with antiques and there are hand-painted tiles in the en-suite bathrooms. All the rooms have a TV, telephone and free Internet access. Guests are assured a warm welcome and, with no dining room at the 300-year-old building, breakfasts are served on fine china in the guest rooms. As there are only 11 bedrooms, it is vital to book in advance.

Reguliersgracht 31
Tel: (020) 623 1329.
Website: www.sevenbridgeshotel.nl
Price: $$

Other Recommendations
The Dylan
This hotel remains one of the most popular places to stay in town amongst discerning travellers. Located in the trendy Jordaan district, this small boutique hotel is the epitome of style and sophistication. It is housed in a former 17th-century theatre, which, in its heyday, premiered plays by Holland's 'Shakespeare', Joost van den Vondel, and staged concerts conducted by the great Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi. Today, the minimalist East-meets-West designer decor of the 26 guest rooms (including every imaginable mod con from modem points and voice-mail to CD players and fax machines) combined with an intimate courtyard garden, spectacular canal views, young, efficient staff and an excellent Asian fusion restaurant, ensures an exclusive and luxurious stay. Business services are available upon request and there are conference facilities for up to 30 people.

Keizersgracht 384
Tel: (020) 530 2010.
Website: www.dylanamsterdam.com
Price: $$$$

Hotel Seven One Seven
This ultra-stylish boutique hotel is situated in an excellent location, right on the edge of the Prinsengracht canal. Hotel Seven One Seven only has eight units (rooms and suites) named after various artistic luminaries, with all of them boasting large beds, DVD and CD players, modem connections and fresh Dutch flowers. There are two patios where guests can take breakfast during the summer months. 'The Library' is a small and cosy conference venue that can house up to half a dozen delegates. On entering the hotel, it is soon apparent that it is owned by a designer (in this case Dutchman Kees can der Valk) with lush fabrics and ornate touches all part of a decor scheme that oozes class and understated sophistication.

Prinsengracht 717
Tel: (020) 427 0717.
Website: www.717hotel.nl
Price: $$$