Pulitzer Amsterdam – The Netherlands

Set within 25 linked canal houses dating back to the 17th century, the hotel enriches its historic beamed ceilings, fireplaces and antiques with contemporary art and Dutch design, all set within the Unesco-protected Canal Ring.

Take in the architecture from the canals on the hotel’s vintage boat or prepare for art at Amsterdam’s renowned museums in Pulitzer’s Collectors Suites, which are each decorated with impressive collections of art, antiques, books and music.

Throughout the day, hip Jansz restaurant on the canal offers classic bistro dishes and some of the city’s best people-watching.

Back in the 1960s, local businessman Peter Pulitzer had the idea of combining 10 canal houses into a hotel. He was one of the very first to do so. Today, Hotel Pulitzer runs through 25 different 17th- and 18th-century buildings, between two major canals.

A network of inner gardens offers up serene spaces where guests dine alfresco or lounge in cocoon-like basket swings.

Laid-back luxury style. The hotel is full of art, history, and endless Instagram opportunities.

It is a delightful warren of passages, stairways, sudden open spaces, with many an original feature intact, but with a fresh, contemporary atmosphere. Prints and paintings from the hotel’s extensive modern art collection decorate the walls.

Clean lines and muted colours predominate, and zany design touches (many referencing Amsterdam and its past) delight at every turn.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Jansz serves contemporary bistro fare in a bright space overlooking the canal. Named for a 17-century craftsman respected for his taste and style, the restaurant specialises in seasonal, modern takes on classic dishes, which could include morano-spiced salmon with couscous or roasted lamb with lentils, all prepared in the exhibition-style open kitchen.

The Dutch cheese platter is nearly mandatory to round out the meal. With a wall of windows and a menu of light dishes, casual breakfast plates and crisp wines, the more casual restaurant, Pulitzer Graden, is an excellent place to recharge between bike rides or take tea on the terrace.

Breakfast at Janz is a magnificent spread of locally sourced products, as well as classic egg dishes, inventive omelettes and pancakes.