LGBTQI+ friendly accommodation in Amsterdam

W Amsterdam *****

Right in the heart of our city, just behind Damn Square, stands the luxury spa hotel W Amsterdam. Split across two monumental properties, this stylish getaway has a small but well-placed heated pool on its rooftop, giving you the ultimate urban spa view. The W brand is known for creating a welcoming space for its LGBTQI+ customers. Especially during Pride, the hotel hosts various parties and sails with a giant float during the canal parade.

Sofitel Legend The Grand *****

Known for its royal grandeur, Sofitel Legend The Grand is one of the iconic hotels in Amsterdam. The 15th-century building, prime location, and five-star service make it a well-sought accommodation for the queer traveller who seeks sophistication and luxury. During Pride, the hotel organises the annual Pride Cocktail, transforming its courtyard into a colourful place and inviting all kinds of people who are of importance to our LGBTQI+ community.

The Pulitzer Hotel Amsterdam *****

Occupying 25 canal houses from the 17th and 18th centuries, The Pulitzer is a household name within Amsterdam’s hotel scene. The canal-view rooms, intimate ambience and beautiful breakfast buffet are just a few reasons why. During Pride, the hotel is a prime location to stay right in the middle of everything rainbow-related. The Homomonument is within walking distance, and the canal-view rooms on the Prinsengracht will give you the ultimate private canal parade experience. Or you can join the 30-meter-long Pulitzer Pride Pink Deck in front of the hotel to get as close to the parade as possible.

The Unbound Amsterdam ****

Sometimes, a weekend city trip can be overwhelming, especially when you need those seven hours of sleep to get yourself ready for the next day of urban exploration. Set in the green gardens of Amsterdam West, on the edge of the Dutch countryside, The Unbound Amsterdam will give you that full “nothing but pasture and fields” feeling. This modern boutique hotel (with the cutest outdoor sauna) is designed to unwind. But whenever you are ready to hit the shops, restaurants, or clubs, it only takes 30 min by bike or car to get back into the city centre.

Amistad Hotel **

Formerly known as the “Gay Friendly Hotel”, Amistad Hotel welcomes all guests. Located right in between Club Church and Bar Spijker, the hotel is still an excellent fit for the gay male traveller who likes to stay close to all the action. And when you need those few extra hours of sleep in the morning, they got your back with breakfast served daily till noon! It’s served family-style on one big table where you can enjoy freshly prepared egg dishes and Dutch pancakes.

Art’otel *****

Right across from Central Station, art’otel Amsterdam is a modern five-star hotel/gallery that combines exceptional design with excellent service. Signature artist Atelier van Lieshout brings with 120 unique sculptures the contemporary art world directly to your bedside. Two other good reasons to stay here: bar Prik and Amsterdam's only gay sauna, Nieuwe Zijds, are within walking distance. Also, check out their art’beat culture calendar for an ever-evolving lineup of events celebrating the arts, culture, wellness, food, drinks, and lifestyle.

The Albus ****

The Dutch family-run boutique hotel The Albus is the perfect spot to set up camp when you are planning to dive into Amsterdam’s queer nightlife at the Reguliersdwarsstraat. Almost directly across from the hotel, you find the entrance to this street with bars like Taboo, Soho, Blend, and Club NYX. Next to being LGBTQI+ welcome, the hotel puts an emphasis on sustainability and is the first hotel in Europe with no direct CO2 emissions.

The Social Hub Amsterdam City ****/ Amsterdam West ***

Do you find it hard to leave work at home, or are you a digital nomad? The Social Hub Amsterdam City and Amsterdam West are the places to be. Both “hubs” are a hotel, co-working space and event space in one where locals, students, and travellers get together to work, stay, and play. During Pride, The Social Hub turns into The Pride Hub with many panels, parties, and classes that are all focused on connecting with each other in a safe and fun environment.

Amsterdam the Crane by Yays ****

Designed around repurposed industrial harbour equipment, The Crane by YAYS is a luxurious three-story apartment on the KNSM island with some of the best panoramic views of the IJ River. The crane is a testament to urban transformation and design innovation with the help of renowned Dutch designer Edward van Vliet. It's a bucket list experience for those seeking a romantic getaway filled with history, design, and adventure. Maybe not for everyone because you have to climb some outdoor stairs to get to the master bedroom with a panoramic view.

Supper Hotel ****

After a night of food, drinks, and partying, you might just want to head upstairs. At Supper Club, you can do so with Supper Hotel! This one-of-a-kind accommodation near Koningsplein has ten rooms with the seven sins as their inspirational virtues. The Darkroom suite for two has a kingsize bed, and you can stay, play, eat, and sleep here with up to five guests. With other rooms named Disco Suite, Le Noir Supper, Champagne Suite, Le Neige Supper, and the Art Suite, there are plenty of choices to find a fitting room for your Amsterdam city weekend trip.

Pension Homeland

Right in the middle of the Marineterrein, which used to be a Dutch navy base, Pension Homeland stands out between the trees, grass, and water of the Oosterdok harbour. This vintage 1960 building has been thoroughly restored to bring back the times when officers would stay here and have dinner, play billiards or go for a drink at the bar. Nowadays, during summer, the grass field surrounding the property is a gathering spot for the LGBTQI+ community, earning the title of ‘Amsterdam’s gay beach’.

Travel Proud

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, most accommodations in Amsterdam will ensure you feel welcome and might have information about the LGBTQI+ scene at their front desk. To know what to expect before you book, check the Travel Proud filter when searching for accommodation over booking.com. This filter shows you which hotels are Proud Certified, meaning they have gained insight into the specific challenges LGBTQ+ travellers face and put in the extra work to accommodate our community in the best way possible.

As a born and raised queer local, Daan knows all the ins and outs of LGBTQI+ life in Amsterdam. Follow him and his boyfriend Karl on their gay travel blog coupleofmen.com for queer-welcoming destinations around the world.