Amsterdam is one very gay friendly city which we love visiting. It has one of the best gay scenes and we always have an amazing time here.
Booking a hotel to stay in Amsterdam has never been a problem for us. We have always felt welcome at every place we’ve stayed at and sharing a bed has never been an issue. We never feel like we have to hide our sexuality anywhere in Amsterdam or in Holland, which is why we think it is one of the most gay friendly countries in the world.
These are our 10 favourite unique gay hotels in Amsterdam based on our personal experiences and from recommendations by other LGBTQ travellers. Just remember, Amsterdam is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, so anything around $100 or less is considered budget, between $100-$200 is medium average budget, and over $200, high end luxury.
A romantic boat ride through Amsterdam
1. Quentin Golden Bear: budget hotel
The Golden Bear used to be a gay hotel, but recent change in management has widened the net to target backpackers and travellers on a budget. Despite this, it’s remained a very gay friendly hotel. It is located at Kerkstraat 37, which is walking distance to the city’s gay hangouts.
Rooms at the Quentin Golden Bear start from €94 ($107) and you can read more about it here.
2. ClinkNoord Hostel: budget hostel
This gay friendly hostel is located in Amsterdam Noord, close to the Royal Palace and Dam Square. There is a fun communal area to lounge in and meet with other travellers. It’s not as gay as some of the other hotels on this list, but it’s the sort of place you can stay at knowing you’ll be welcome as a LGBTQ traveller.
Rooms at ClinkNoord start from €98 ($112) and you can read more about it here.
3. Mauro Mansion: medium budget boutique hotel
Mauro Mansions is a 3 star hotel in a 16th century canal house, located just round the corner from Amsterdam Centraal train station. The hotel only has 9 rooms and is targeted to people looking for a boutique romantic stay. Large group bookings and children under 12 years old are not allowed here!
Rooms at Mauro Mansion start from €117 ($133) and you can read more about it here.
4. Amistad Hotel: medium budget
Amistad is probably one of the most famous gay hotels in Amsterdam. It is gay owned and managed with a really homely feel to it. Staying here feels more like you’re with a group of friends rather than in a faceless hotel. Amistad is located at Kerkstraat 42, near Club Church and is a short walking distance to the gay bars and clubs on Reguliersdwarsstraat.
Rooms at the Amistal Hotel start from €154 ($174) and you can read more about it here.
5. Hotel Expresso: trendy and modern medium budget
Hotel Espresso is a modern hotel with 68 rooms, located within walking distance to the Van Gough museum, Rijksmuseum and Vondelpark. They always have complimentary tea/coffee for guests in the lobby, and offer bike rental. It’s also convenient because it’s minutes walking distance to Leidseplein where the Airport Express Bus #197 stops, giving it a direct link to Schiphol Airport.
Rooms at the Hotel Expresso start from €159 ($181) and you can read more about it here.
Selfies in Central Amsterdam
6. ANCO Hotel: medium budget in red light district
ANCO used to be a men-only leather hotel, but has now become “hetero-friendly” welcoming straight guests. It’s located in Amsterdam’s Red Light District in a historic house dating back to the 1600s, so it’s full of character. It’s also walking distance to the Queen’s Head gay bar, which is famous for its Drag Bingo nights.
Rooms at ANCO start from €195 ($223) a night and you can read more about it here.
7. Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht: Hyatt 5* luxury
Andaz is a 5* luxury hotel in the business area of Amsterdam, owned by the Hyatt group. It has 122 rooms each with a stylish design. It’s so gorgeous that it’s also a popular venue for anniversaries, weddings and other special gatherings. It also has a fitness centre and a spa offering many difrerent treatments.
Rooms at the Andaz start from €296 ($337) and you can read more about it here.
8. The Hoxton: trendy luxury hotel
Hoxton is a chain of really trendy and modern hotels, which we absolutely love. The Amsterdam Hoxton is huge, with over 100 rooms spread over 5 buildings overlooking the canal. It’s also close to some of the best museums like the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh and the Rijksmuseum.
Rooms at the Hoxton start from €337 ($384) and you can read more about it here.
9. W Amsterdam: modern 5* luxury hotel
The W is a trendy and modern luxury hotel that is generally marketed towards a younger age group. It has a fitness centre, spa and a terrace hall. We especially love the W brand because it’s well known for being gay friendly internationally. It is owned by the Marriott who have always strongly supported the gay travel community, most recently with their #lovetravels campaign (see video below).
Rooms at the W start from €309 ($352) and you can read more about it here.
10. Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam: 5* luxury
The Sofitel Legend is a 5* luxury hotel located in the heart of the city, in the Canal Ring, between two of the most picturesque canals. The building is extremely grand, which gives it a unique historical ambiance. It has 177 rooms and an additional 52 suites each with Butler service. There is an indoor swimming pool, salon and even its own in house Michelin star restaurant called, “Bridges Dining“. As an IGLTA member you know they are more than happy to welcome LGBTQ travellers.
Rooms at the Sofitel start from €405 ($461) and you can read more about it here.
Some practical tips
Travel insurance: we often get asked by readers whether a travel insurance is necessary when travelling. And we always give the same answer: “you don’t need travel insurance until something serious happens. So make sure you’re covered!” Whether it is through your credit card, or a private insurer, it doesn’t cost much and it will give you the peace of mind. We use World Nomads because they offer a comprehensive cover at a reasonable price. You can also compare the best quotes for travel insurance here.
Accommodation is expensive so try Airbnb: we love Airbnb because it has places to rent to suit all budgets. We personally prefer staying in a hotel for short trips or renting an apartment if we’re staying longer. Airbnb has a huge offering for Amsterdam and given the gay friendly attitude, you can be sure most hosts will welcome you. Misterbnb is another useful directory to use which only includes gay hosts.
For more practical tips, check out our favourite apps for travelling, as well as our new gay travel apps we’re loving.
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