The long-awaited renovation of this beloved property (originally built in 1855) added a new spa, a leafy courtyard garden, and carefully tailored experiences that show off the best of the Dutch capital: canal cruises in an antique saloon boat, private dining in a field of tulips, behind-the-scenes tours of the 17th-century Wynand Fockink distillery next door.
The staff is also meticulously attentive. An in-the-know concierge is de rigeur for five-star hotels, but how many— upon hearing your kid loves street art by Invader— would tap their contacts for help in locating the works, and then transcribe them onto a special map? anantara.com; doubles from $350. —Mary Winston Nicklin