The rooms of the Hotel Pulitzer fit together like a cryptic jigsaw – you wonder how it works but it's a beautiful sight. It is made up of 25 restored 17th and 18th century canal houses, knocked together but their distinct character preserved and most keeping their original wooden beams or split levels.

Overlooking two the Prinsengracht and the Keizersgracht canals, the hotel's 230 rooms each represent a small piece of Dutch history and culture. As a result, the rooms are a charming hotchpotch of shapes and sizes. Away from the bustle of Amsterdam's narrow streets, through the underwhelming lobby, the décor of the rooms is cool and calming, in deep creams and cosy biscuit tones.

The bathrooms have heated marble floors to warm toes worn from traipsing around the city's cultural sights.

If you're after a memorable or romantic experience, take a cruise in the hotel's private boat, with champagne and nibbles available for hire.

Captain Rotteveel is immensely proud of his sleek saloon cruiser and the cheery boatsman is a fountain of knowledge about the sights and architecture you pass.

At the heart of the hotel is an elegant courtyard with gardens and an outdoor dining terrace for sunny afternoon lunches and evening cocktails.

Venture outside for coffee and boutique shopping in the 'nine streets' district of old Amsterdam which is next to the hotel.

Rates: From £230
Tel: 00800 325 45454