The Hoxton, Amsterdam: From Modest Classic to Canalside Jewel
How a forgotten tourist hotel became one of Amsterdam’s most stylish stays
Type: heritage hotel, lifestyle & creative hotel
Vibe: lively
DNA: LHBTIQ+, pet friendly
A Quiet Past, a Bold Revival
When The Hoxton first opened its doors in 2015, it marked the brand’s first venture outside London and the start of its international story. But long before it became a hotspot for creatives and travelers, the property had a much humbler past. Once home to the Amsterdam Centre Hotel (previously the Rembrandt Classic Hotel), this canalside building was the definition of underwhelming—a standard tourist stay in an unbeatable location. What The Hoxton team saw, however, was potential. They took that same historic row of canal houses—one of which had belonged to a 17th-century Amsterdam mayor—and transformed it into a destination that perfectly captures the city’s creative, easygoing energy. The result? A design-led haven that proves what you can do with a pearl hidden in plain sight.
Canal Houses Reborn
Stretching across five grand Herengracht canal houses, The Hoxton, Amsterdam seamlessly merges Dutch heritage with contemporary flair. The renovation, led by Nicemakers, preserved the buildings’ original features—ornate ceilings, timber beams, and elegant gables—while layering in soft leather, velvet textures, warm lighting, and clever details that make each space feel personal. Guestrooms come in five playful categories, from the compact Shoebox to the expansive Roomy, all infused with a sense of lived-in comfort. Some offer sweeping canal views, others peek into leafy courtyards, but all share that signature Hoxton warmth: high design without the fuss.
Spaces That Spark Social Flow
The Hoxton isn’t just about sleeping—it’s about staying. The Apartment, a cluster of living-room-style meeting spaces, doubles as a hub for creative workshops, pop-up dinners, and cultural happenings that draw both locals and visitors. Meanwhile, Lotti’s, the hotel’s all-day restaurant and bar, anchors the social life of the building with hearty European fare and a relaxed, neighborhood vibe. The open-plan lobby—complete with vintage furniture, bookshelves, and buzzing energy—feels more like a friend’s loft than a hotel lounge. Whether it’s morning coffee or evening cocktails, the flow here is effortlessly social.
The DNA Hotels Verdict
The Hoxton, Amsterdam is a masterclass in transformation—a once unremarkable tourist hotel reborn as one of the city’s most beloved design destinations. With its canalside charisma, eclectic interiors, and inclusive community spirit, it embodies everything modern Amsterdam stands for: creativity, warmth, and understated cool. What began as a quiet revival has become a landmark of style—and proof that with vision and soul, even the most ordinary hotel can become extraordinary.
