Ambassade Hotel, Amsterdam, Netherlands

The hotel is at a lovely, romantic location, a quieter stretch of one of the most attractive of Amsterdam's canals.

Its central location means you're a 10-minute walk from most sights including Anne Frank's House, Dam Square, Bloemenmarkt and the Royal Palace.
By plane: direct flights from London and Manchester take around 1 hour 15 minutes. The hotel is a 25-minute drive from Schiphol airport and a 20-minute walk from central station. Parking costs €55 per day. skyscanner.net

The hotel is geared to middle-aged and older guests, especially art and literary lovers, though younger guests clearly enjoy staying too. The lounge bar walls are made up of bookcases containing around 5000 books, signed by authors who have stayed at the hotel.

Most hotel business/office rooms have zero charm, but the Ambassade's is attractive and lined with vintage posters.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Games room
• Art gallery
• Fitness centre
• Wellness suite
• On-site parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Some rooms have a lovely view of the adjacent canal and historic canal houses. The king-sized beds are strikingly comfortable and of high quality.

Deluxe Classic, Deluxe Canalview, Superior Deluxe Canalview, Triple Room, Quadruple Room, Split-level Superior, Grand Suite
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom with BVLGARI toiletries, slippers, tea and coffee facilities, flat-screen TV, free bottled water, free Wi-Fi

The camembert with Calvados on the cheeseboard was divine. Few Amsterdam hotels offer an English breakfast; this one has bacon, eggs, tomato and mushrooms on the menu. It was nouvelle cuisine at its finest - finely chopped tomato and mushroom and slithers of bacon upon an egg.

Brasserie Ambassade: art restaurant and terrace. French cuisine with a modern twist. Open daily for breakfast and dinner.
Library Bar: unique, relaxed setting. Light bites to accompany beers, wines and cocktails. Open daily, 10am-12am