Originally built in the 16th and 17th centuries as a trade network and water management system, Amsterdam’s canals are an engineering marvel and an iconic sight to see in the Netherlands. Usually, travelers experience these UNESCO-designated waterways via barge or small motorboat. But to have a canal “in your backyard,” as guests at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam do, is a whole other treat.
The 402-room Krasnapolsky faces busy Dam Square and the National Royal Palace; just behind it is the Oudezijds Voorburgwal canal. Although the building dates back to 1856, the Anantara name is newer.
The hotel joined the Anantara portfolio in 2022, and with the designation came a level of service and luxury expected from the global brand. Here’s what else will impress clients.
Book clients in a guestroom or suite with a canal view.
Credit: 2025 Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky AmsterdamSuites to Impress
After the stress of a canceled flight and a rescheduled 16-hour travel day, the lobby of the Krasnapolsky was a reprieve for my family this past June. The front desk team greeted us with bubbly welcome drinks and scented towels to freshen up; within an hour, we had the keys to our suite — a generous gift for a sleep- deprived foursome.
Upon entering our 839-square-foot suite, my 5-year-old daughter pulled back ceiling-high curtains to reveal the Oudezijds Voorburgwal canal two stories below. Our eyes grew wide at the fairytale view — narrow and sculptural brick houses lined the canal, and small boats sailed through the arches of a stone bridge, all of which we could see from almost every corner of the suite.
To deliver a similar wow factor, travel advisors will want to ensure clients are booked on this side of the property.
Dining on Dutch Delights
My two-part, caloric-intense strategy to stave off jet lag was this: stroll the surrounding area for an hour or two, pausing to snack on piping-hot friet (the Dutch version of French fries) and just-griddled stroopwafel (sweet Dutch biscuits), then sit down for a very early dinner at the hotel’s Grand Cafe Krasnapolsky, which is beautifully lit by massive windows looking out to Dam Square.
At the latter, we stayed on track by ordering all the Dutch delights on the cafe’s menu, including gamba (shrimp dressed with garlic, chives and chili) and bitterballen (breaded and fried beef balls). With happy bellies and heavy eyelids, we called the day a success and practically sprinted to our beds.
The Wintergarden is a beloved venue for a sunlit breakfast.
Credit: 2025 Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky AmsterdamThe next morning began in The Wintergarden, a venerated dining venue also off the Krasnapolsky’s lobby. It was once home to a tropical garden — which explains the room's vaulted, 19th-century glass ceiling — and now the spectacular space is reason enough to book a room at the hotel.
At breakfast, clients can expect everything from fresh waffles and omelettes to Dutch breads, cured meats and cheeses (including gouda, edam and beemster) and pastry towers stacked high with apple tartlets, poffertjes (Dutch pancakes) and sprinkle donuts. A chocolate fountain with fresh fruit for dipping is even flowing at brunch.
Amsterdam’s canals are lined with historic, sculptural homes.
Credit: 2025 Chelsee LoweExploring On Foot Near the Hotel
Amsterdam is worthy of a week (or more) of exploring, but if clients have less than that, the Krasnapolsky’s city-center setting will help them make the most of their time. We walked to the Anne Frank House (14 minutes) and stopped for coffee and play time in public parks along the way.
An additional 15-minute stroll delivered us to the lush, 120-acre Vondelpark, where we upgraded to bikes, including a Dutch cargo bike with a giant wooden bucket suitable for carrying small humans. Ponds, paths and playgrounds abound here, and pedaling around gave us a glimpse of local life in a city known for having more bikes than residents. Have clients stay for lunch at one of the cafes in the park — sipping a cold beer by a stream is another great way to spend an hour in the park.
When we could cycle no more, we returned to the Krasnapolsky, drew back the curtains once again and watched the rhythm of Amsterdam from our suite.
