Hotel 717

"Seven One Seven is a grand mansion in the heart of the Canal District, within easy walking distance of the main museums. Grand it may be, but inside it’s relaxed and domestic—rather like visiting the home of some very fortunate friends who happen to have a passion for antiques and curiosities. Expect honeymoon couples galore. There are nine sumptuously decorated suites named after artists, writers and composers, plus the more prosaically titled Room at the Top. There’s no bar or restaurant: you simply ring and order drinks or high tea in the library or drawing room from the charming staff." - Amber Port

"Seven One Seven is as haute-luxury as they come, just nine sumptuous suites in a landmark 19th-century house along the Prinzengracht, outfitted by the former owner, fashion designer Kees van der Valk. The hotel’s own promotional materials sell Seven One Seven as an “exclusive private guesthouse,” which is pretty much right on the mark. In physical terms they’re equally well suited for business or pleasure, but when it comes to atmosphere they seem purpose-built for romance." - Mark Fedeli

"Before it became a nine-room guesthouse, Seven One Seven was a Dutch fashion designer’s private Amsterdam pied-à-terre, a lovingly restored canal house where friends gathered for long weekends. And long before that, it was a 17th-century home occupied by a sugar trader, who added the 19th-century front house, right on the canal, to better display his wealth. When the current owners bought it in 1997, they had the fashion designer leave every little piece of the refined, spice trade–inspired aesthetic he’d cultivated for the building, from the Hague School paintings and tweed sofas to the brass bed frames and African pottery. So, when you stay at this hideaway in the heart of the city, it still feels quite like you’ve just wandered into the home of a well-to-do friend with excellent taste. The library-like living rooms, with their wingback chairs and fireplaces, are just the places to curl up à deux or to let the welcoming proprietors ply you with wine and cookies. The quiet back garden is just the respite needed from the busy city outside."

"How did it strike you on arrival?Stepping into the stately 19th-century building on the Prinsengracht feels like you're entering a wealthy friend's private mansion. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.The nine different suites are named for writers, composers, and artists. While each room has a unique design, they all lean on the romantic side, with antiques throughout. How about the amenities?Despite the old-fashioned design, each room has a DVD and audio system. The two largest suites have Bose Sound bar with bluetooth. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.Tea, cocktails, and beer can be ordered in the library Bottom line: how would you sum it up?Historic elegance and sumptuousness (not to mention large guest rooms) combined with a surprisingly low-key attitude." - Meredith Bethune

"Hotel 717, a 19th-century mansion turned boutique hotel on the Prinsengracht canal that still feels like an impeccably decorated aristocratic home, with nine suites kitted out with antiques, big brass beds, and overstuffed couches."