On my first trip to Amsterdam, I stayed in the Central Canal Ring at the Hotel Pulitzer. It is at Prinsengracht 315-331, just a short walk from the Anne Frankhuis. The five-star hotel is made up of 24 old canal houses centered around a garden courtyard that is really lovely. I really liked eating breakfast in the casual brasserie overlooking a canal. I highly recommend this beautiful property!
Hotel Roemer: This trip I stayed at this delightful small boutique hotel in an 18th Century Townhouse near the Vondelpark and the museums at Van Baerlestraat 5. I enjoyed the great staff and my contemporary room. They have a delightful small living room/breakfast room overlooking a lovely garden in the back. The staff was really exceptional and could not have been more accommodating in ordering taxis and making recommendations. Hope Fiona is still there when you go! It is close to the museums, great shopping and to restaurants like the sleek Seafood Bar. Roemer Visscherstraat 10.
Other properties getting great press and reviews include:
Hotel De Hallen at Bellamyplein 47, is a contemporary hotel next door that has been built in the trolley terminal. It also has a small, attractive restaurant Remise47.
Hotel 717: At Prinsengracht 717, this boutique hotel continues to get great reviews. With nine rooms, it is in a great location along one of the canals and has a more traditional, clubby decor.
Conservatorium: I had read several great reviews about the design of this new hotel, so I had to check it out. It is a stunning property. Opened in 2011, the building was the former Sweelinck Conservatory of Music that is a beautiful Neo-Gothic building originally built at the end of the 19th Century. It is in the museum district (Museumplein).
It has a bright atrium/courtyard with a Brasserie & Lounge. Stop in any afternoon after a visit to the art museums across the street. Van Baerletraat 27.
Andaz, Prinsengracht 587: Opened in 2012, this contemporary boutique hotel is located on one of the famous canals in Amsterdam. Some rooms have great canal views.
Other good choices include the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, the traditional Ambassade at Herengracht 347 and The Dylan.
The Maison Rika, a boutique guesthouse, that has two rooms and is owned by Ulrika Lundgren designer of the fashion label Rika.
Another is the one room Hotel Droog which is also on many lists for great design. Others include the Lloyd Hotel, the hip and contemporary Sir Albert, the Canal House, The Toren, Citizen M (I loved their hotel in Glasgow Scotland), Hotel Estherea, the inexpensive Student Hotel and the Weavery Boutique Bed and Breakfast. Wallpaper* Magazine loves the Ink Hotel, an MGallery Collection property.
I just read that Soho House Hotels plans to open a new hotel in the future.