Fodor's Expert Review W Amsterdam

This design-focused hotel on the edge of Dam Square occupies two historic buildings—the Royal Dutch Post telephone switchboard building (called "the Exchange") and a bank ("the Bank," obviously)—yet the W Amsterdam still bears the chain's trademark cool and contemporary rooms and public areas, with moody grays throughout. The Exchange has a hipper-than-hip lobby ideal for people-watching with floor-to-ceiling windows, a cocktail bar, and a narrow outdoor pool, while the Bank houses the gym, a spa with subterranean plunge pool, and the X BANK art and design store. Guests have their pick of restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Mediterranean restaurant The Duchess, housed in a beautiful space with soaring ceilings, as well as the Mr. Porter steakhouse, sceney W Lounge, and a branch of THE BUTCHER burger chain.