One of the city's oldest hotels -- it actually started life in 1864 as the first Heineken brewery -- stands right across the street from the Royal Palace on the Dam. The ornamental facade, with its turrets and alcoves, is original and has been fully restored. Likewise, the interior was completely renovated a few years back. The guest rooms are relatively small, but are furnished with snappy style (lots of fine wood furniture, royal blue carpets, and every mod con). Back in the day noise from the busy (or bustling, if you prefer) street was a problem, but new window treatments seem to have solved the issue. You won't eat much more traditionally Dutch than in the Brasserie de Poort, and you can drink in the Bodega de Blauwe Parade watched over by a feast of Delft blue tiles.