This hotel borders the busy Leidseplein and is one of the favorite haunts of local literary legend Harry Mulisch, who seems to have been blessed with a lifespan to match his enormous ego.

The Café American claims to possess the oldest reading table in Amsterdam. The hotel rooms may be above your average budget, but you can still enjoy the high life by lounging around in the café or bar whilst sipping a refreshing cocktail. The current incarnation of the hotel stems from 1902, when it received the Art Deco look that was all the rage back then.

The interior is under continuous reconstruction, with a wall mural of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream dominating what is known as Amsterdam’s unofficial living room. The weekly Sunday Jazz Brunch is popular among older hipsters and well-to-do octogenarians alike, but it is wise to book your seat two days in advance.