3 Epic Hotels In The Netherlands For 2025

Forbes

4 days ago

Château St. Gerlach Oostwegel Collection
T he Netherlands is a country of captivating contrasts—where endless tulip fields ripple in the breeze, centuries-old windmills turn lazily against the horizon, and sleek modern cities loom like gentle giants beside medieval town centers. Its iconic capital, Amsterdam , is a city shaped by water—with a UNESCO-listed canal belt lined with whimsical gingerbread gables, arched stone bridges, and charming floating houseboats (best admired from a candlelit cruise). Art lovers flock to the world-renowned Van Gogh Museum, while the Anne Frank House offers a deeply poignant window into the harrowing trauma of the holocaust.
But the Netherlands is far more than just Amsterdam—venture a little further south and you'll uncover Maastricht —a city nestled near the Belgian and German borders, at a rich cultural crossroads of Roman ruins, Gothic churches, and candlelit squares like the Vrijthof. Explore the Maastricht Underground, a mysterious labyrinth of caves and tunnels, or browse books beneath soaring vaulted ceilings at Boekhandel Dominicanen , a bookstore housed in a 700-year-old church. So, whether you're surfing through indie boutiques in Amsterdam's artsy Jordaan district or sipping wine beneath the majestic spires of Maastricht's St. Servatius —here are our handpicked pillow stops along the way.
Pillows Maurits at the Park Pillows Hotels
Nestled within a former university dissection lab on the edge of Amsterdam's leafy Oosterpark, dating back to 1908, Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits At The Park is an elegant boutique hotel where chic flair meets industrial minimalism—think glazed brick corridors and curated Dutch art, including works by Raphaël Hermans and even a discreet Picasso in its Fitz's Bar .
Its crown jewel? The Pillows Grand Suite . Spanning over 700 square feet, this light-drenched cavern houses a signature Pillows king-sized bed, a sweeping kitchenette, and a private lounge area overlooking the park; adorned with a baby grand. Its marble-clad ensuite, however, is a spa-like retreat, with a deep soaking tub, double rainfall shower, and soft fluffy robes to wrap yourself up in. You'll also receive little perks like valet parking and complimentary access to its private sauna. Forbes How To Spend The Perfect Weekend In Guernsey By Lewis Nunn
Once settled, descend to VanOost Restaurant , cocooned in the former anatomy hall, anchored by an open kitchen helmed by rising-star chef F loris van Straalen . Expect a seasonal tasting menu with standout dishes like Indonesian Langoustine and Anjou Pigeon Rossini —served under trusses that once held cadavers. Don't skip the cheese trolley or the wine pairing, sourced from European vineyards like Zind-Humbrecht and Van Volxem ( Pillows Grand Suite from $1,740 per night). 2. Kruisherenhotel Maastricht Location: Maastricht
Kruisherensuite Oostwegel Collection / Laura Knipsael Photography
Once a 15th-century Gothic church and Kruisheren monastery of the 'Crutched Friars,' Kruisherenhotel Maastricht is an uber-stylish bolthole, nestled in the heart of Maastricht's historic city center. Up until 1797, it was the home of monks, before serving as military barracks during the French Revolution—and later as the site of the National Agricultural Research Station . Today, as a proud member of Design Hotels, a collection of over 300 independent hotels rooted in design, locality, and culture—its artistic flair is present throughout—think quirky pop art, stained glass windows, original frescoes and stone masonry, and fine furnishings by Philippe Starck and Le Corbusier. Read More: Forbes The Ultimate Guide To South Africa Cruises By Lewis Nunn
Its Kruisherensuite , however, is chic and minimalistic—sitting in the former monastery—set across 700 square feet, boasting beautiful stained glass windows, Cardinal tones, an Auping custom-made bed, and a lavish ensuite dressed with a whirlpool and double rainfall shower. Once you're settled into the suite life , saunter down to its French-inspired 'court of fine dining'—Spencer's. With grand original frescoes to gaze upon, you'll feast on a 5-course Chef's Menu , with dishes like fine cured salmon, shellfish from the North Sea, and slow-cooked veal chuck—complete with fluffy yogurt mousse and a gorgeous cheese board. Be sure to opt for its 4-course wine pairing too ( Kruisherensuite from $490 per night). 3. Château St. Gerlach Location: Valkenburg
Château St. Gerlach Oostwegel Collection
Set within the rolling hills of Geul Valley, Château St. Gerlach is a storybook estate where baroque grandeur meets pastoral serenity. Once a 12th-century monastery, this Relais & Châteaux jewel has been exquisitely restored into a sumptuous countryside retreat—surrounded by lush vineyards, aromatic herb gardens, blooming rose beds, and a charming church adorned with 18th-century frescoes—where sculptures grace the manicured gardens and wild horses roam the nearby Ingendael nature reserve. Read More: Forbes The Ultimate Guide To Croatia Island Hopping By Lewis Nunn
Inside, you'll find interiors blending classic elegance with contemporary comfort—think vaulted ceilings, antique heirlooms, and 114 individually styled suites and apartments—housed in former grain lofts and farmsteads. Beneath the Château's ancient stone arches lies Spa & Wellness St. Gerlach —a Roman-inspired sanctuary housing a serene 14-metre indoor pool, a traditional Turkish hammam, and soothing sauna, with treatments ranging from Sothys facials to aromatherapy massages.
Gastronomy is a centerpiece too: at Les Salons , in the former living quarters of the last aristocratic resident, Baron de Selys de Fanson , estate-sourced dishes are served beneath gilded ceilings and glittering crystal chandeliers—like sea bass filet, Dutch Yellowtail Kingfish, wild garlic panna cotta, and Limburg mozzarella flan. Burgemeester Quicx , however, offers a more relaxed affair, serving artisanal coffee and light bites—think farmer's cheese and Limburgse vlaai —in a chic farmhouse setting. Read More: Forbes How To Spend The Perfect Weekend In Guernsey By Lewis Nunn Forbes The Ultimate Guide To South Africa Cruises By Lewis Nunn Forbes The Ultimate Guide To Croatia Island Hopping By Lewis Nunn Forbes Is This The World's Most Expensive Cruise? By Lewis Nunn Forbes An Insider's Guide To The Ned, London By Lewis Nunn Forbes An Insider's Guide To Carden Park Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa By Lewis Nunn