Perched in the Singel canal bend at the heart of the heart of Amsterdam, Kamer01 elegantly balances the building’s rich history—built in 1585—and contemporary convenience. With the level of personal attention only a two-room B&B can provide, guests are effortlessly made to feel at home—a more luxuriously appointed home, that is.

After scaling the typically steep stairs, guests are welcomed with delicious petits fours from the nearby Holtkamp patisserie on the first floor bel-étage, where artfully designed fridges hold all kinds of midnight snacks or post-shopping drinks. This is also where breakfast can be taken, or more aptly a four-course mini-spread, with locally sourced yogurts, cheeses, and cold cuts, even dessert.

As for accommodation, Kamer01 offers a choice between two floors: the top, blue room, which boasts a clear, Scandinavian decor, or the middle, red room, which gives off more Oriental vibes. Though both come with all the accoutrements a guest could want (DVD player, full iTunes library, capacious storage space, comfy seating) and a great view down both sides of the canal, neither room feels overstuffed, instead emanating a luxurious calm, a peaceful haven amidst the dollhouse busyness of central Amsterdam.

The bathrooms are the real eye-catchers, though, separated from the sitting and sleeping sections of the room by a glass partition—the squeamish of you will be happy to know that privacy is maintained by artfully placed matted circles on the glass. And when the weather’s bright or balmy, the rooftop terrace offers a unique location for romantic cocktails. Don’t have too many though, the ladder up there is a little steep as well.