By the Where to Stay in Amsterdam editorial team · Updated November 5, 2026
The Short Answer
Stay on the east side of the station, along the Oosterdok and the Prins Hendrikkade, where the hotels are bigger and a little calmer than on the Damrak. Our pick is the DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station, right beside the station with a rooftop bar over the IJ.
For a splurge with character, the Grand Hotel Amrâth is in one of the city's finest buildings, a few minutes east. The Park Plaza Victoria is directly opposite the station but faces the busy Damrak. Room Mate Aitana and the Mövenpick trade canal streets for water views. On a budget, the Singel Hotel puts you on a canal five minutes from the trains.
The Areas Around Centraal Compared
| Area | Best for | Downsides |
|---|---|---|
| Stationsplein and the Damrak | Stepping straight off the train | Busiest, most touristy streets |
| East waterfront (Oosterdok, Prins Hendrikkade) | Big modern hotels, NEMO, the docklands | Busy roads around the station |
| West waterfront (IJdok) | Water views, a quieter feel | Modern area, no canals |
| Nieuwendijk and the Singel | Budget hotels, canals, the Jordaan nearby | Nieuwendijk is a busy shopping street |
Map of Hotels Near Centraal Station
The station is in the middle; the IJ waterfront runs along the top, with the IJdok to the west and the Oosterdok to the east.
Map prices come from Booking.com and other partners through Stay22. Enter your dates on the map to see live rates.
Search all Centraal Station stays →Best Splurge
A landmark building for architecture fans.
Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam
Prins Hendrikkade, Centraal Station
A splurge in the Scheepvaarthuis, the Amsterdam School landmark on the Prins Hendrikkade.
Best for: Architecture lovers
- In the Scheepvaarthuis, an Amsterdam School landmark
- Short walk from Centraal Station
- Near Nieuwmarkt and the Old Center
More about this hotel
Set in the Scheepvaarthuis, the shipping offices begun in 1913 that gave the Amsterdam School of architecture its name, a few minutes' walk east of Centraal Station. It suits architecture fans who want a grand base next to the trains.
Opens Booking.com with prices for your dates
Photo: Gillfoto, CC BY-SA 4.0
Best Mid-Range Hotels
Large, modern hotels within a few minutes of the platforms.
DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station
Oosterdokseiland, by the station, Centraal Station
Our top pick: a big modern hotel next to the station, with a rooftop bar and views over the IJ.
Best for: Easy arrivals and day trips
- Next to Centraal Station
- LuminAir rooftop bar
- Gym and LOT61 coffee bar
More about this hotel
A big, modern hotel next to Centraal Station, with floor-to-ceiling windows, views over the IJ and the LuminAir rooftop bar. Trains, trams, the metro and the free ferries to Noord are a few minutes' walk away.
Opens Booking.com with prices for your dates
Photo: C messier, CC BY-SA 4.0
Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam
Damrak, opposite the station, Centraal Station
The landmark hotel directly opposite the station.
Best for: Train travelers
- Opposite Centraal Station
- About 300 rooms
- Refreshed lobby and bar
More about this hotel
A landmark hotel directly opposite Centraal Station at the top of the Damrak, with about 300 rooms. Its lobby and bar were refreshed recently.
Opens Booking.com with prices for your dates
Photo: Gillfoto, CC BY-SA 4.0
Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre
Piet Heinkade, IJ waterfront, Centraal Station
Modern rooms on the IJ waterfront, east of the station.
Best for: Waterfront views
- On the IJ waterfront
- Base for the docklands and Noord
- Away from the canals
More about this hotel
A modern hotel on the Piet Heinkade waterfront, east of Centraal Station along the IJ. It is a good base for the Eastern Docklands and quick trips across the water to Noord.
Opens Booking.com with prices for your dates
Photo: Steven Lek, CC BY-SA 4.0
Room Mate Aitana
IJdok, west of the station, Centraal Station
A design hotel on the water, about 800 meters west of the station.
Best for: Water views near the trains
- About 800 m from Centraal Station
- Large windows with city and water views
- Lounge bar, restaurant and gym
More about this hotel
A design hotel on the IJdok waterfront, about 800 meters west of Centraal Station, with big windows over the water and the city. It suits travelers who want water views and quick train access more than canal streets.
Opens Booking.com with prices for your dates
Best Budget Options
A canal hotel, a chain hotel and a hostel, all close to the trains.
Singel Hotel
Singel, by the Koepelkerk, Centraal Station
A small canal hotel about five minutes' walk from the trains.
Best for: Budget canal views
- About 5 minutes' walk from Centraal Station
- On the Singel canal
- 32 rooms
More about this hotel
A 32-room hotel on the Singel next to the domed Koepelkerk, about five minutes' walk from Centraal Station. It is one of the cheaper ways to wake up on a canal this close to the trains.
Opens Booking.com with prices for your dates
ibis Amsterdam Centre
Stationsplein, by Centraal, Centraal Station
Basic, reliable rooms right on the Stationsplein.
Best for: Early trains and late arrivals
- Right by Centraal Station
- Simple, comfortable rooms
- 24-hour bar
More about this hotel
A simple, reliable chain hotel right by Centraal Station, useful for late arrivals and early trains. Rooms are basic but comfortable, and the bar is open 24 hours.
Opens Booking.com with prices for your dates
Photo: Sneeuwvlakte, CC BY-SA 4.0
The Flying Pig Downtown
Nieuwendijk, Centraal Station
A social backpacker hostel on the Nieuwendijk.
Best for: Backpackers
- Dorms and private rooms
- Fully equipped guest kitchen
- Bar and regular parties
More about this hotel
A long-running backpacker hostel on the Nieuwendijk, a few minutes' walk from Centraal Station, with dorms, private rooms, a bar and a guest kitchen. It is social and loud, so book elsewhere if you want early nights.
Hotels Near Centraal at a Glance
Prices change by date and room type, so check your own dates on Booking.com before you decide.
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DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal StationOosterdokseiland, by the station, Centraal Station · Mid-rangeEasy arrivals and day tripsCheck prices -
Grand Hotel Amrâth AmsterdamPrins Hendrikkade, Centraal Station · SplurgeArchitecture loversCheck prices -
Park Plaza Victoria AmsterdamDamrak, opposite the station, Centraal Station · Mid-rangeTrain travelersCheck prices -
Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City CentrePiet Heinkade, IJ waterfront, Centraal Station · Mid-rangeWaterfront viewsCheck prices -
Room Mate AitanaIJdok, west of the station, Centraal Station · Mid-rangeWater views near the trainsCheck prices -
-
ibis Amsterdam CentreStationsplein, by Centraal, Centraal Station · BudgetEarly trains and late arrivalsCheck prices -
| Hotel | Location | Price level | Best for | Prices | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station
Large city hotel
|
Oosterdokseiland, by the station, Centraal Station | Mid-range | Easy arrivals and day trips | Check prices |
|
|
Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam
Historic landmark hotel
|
Prins Hendrikkade, Centraal Station | Splurge | Architecture lovers | Check prices |
|
|
Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam
Classic city hotel
|
Damrak, opposite the station, Centraal Station | Mid-range | Train travelers | Check prices |
|
|
Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre
Waterfront hotel
|
Piet Heinkade, IJ waterfront, Centraal Station | Mid-range | Waterfront views | Check prices |
|
|
Room Mate Aitana
Design hotel
|
IJdok, west of the station, Centraal Station | Mid-range | Water views near the trains | Check prices |
|
|
Singel Hotel
Small canal hotel
|
Singel, by the Koepelkerk, Centraal Station | Budget | Budget canal views | Check prices |
|
|
ibis Amsterdam Centre
Chain hotel
|
Stationsplein, by Centraal, Centraal Station | Budget | Early trains and late arrivals | Check prices |
|
|
The Flying Pig Downtown
Backpacker hostel
|
Nieuwendijk, Centraal Station | Budget | Backpackers | Check prices |
Hotel details checked on November 5, 2026.
Getting To and From Centraal Station
- Schiphol: trains run frequently and take about 15–17 minutes. There is no tram to Schiphol.
- Free ferries to Noord: from behind the station, free GVB ferries for pedestrians and cyclists cross the IJ. The short crossing to Buiksloterweg, for the A'DAM Tower, runs day and night; the ferry to the NDSM Wharf takes about 15 minutes. See our Noord guide.
- Trams and metro: many trams start and end at the station, and the metro runs from about 6 am to 12:30 am. Check in and out with a contactless bank card or a GVB ticket.
- Day trips: intercity trains to other Dutch cities leave from here, which is the main reason to stay this close.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to help you choose where to stay.