Pulitzer Amsterdam Review: A Family-Friendly Luxury Hotel in the Nine Streets
By Kate Van Dell for Sebastian Luxe Travel
By Kate Van Dell from Sebastian Luxe Travel
Our Stay at the Pulitzer Amsterdam
We recently stayed at the Pulitzer Amsterdam, and it completely exceeded my expectations. The hotel is technically on the larger side, but you’d never know it. It’s made up of 25 renovated canal houses, so instead of feeling like a big impersonal property, it has this wonderfully cozy boutique vibe. Every corner feels a little different, as though you’re stepping into another chapter of the city’s history.
Family Touches That Count
From the moment we arrived, my son was treated like a VIP guest. He had a welcome amenity waiting in the room and a scavenger hunt around the property, which set the tone for the whole trip—playful, engaging, and genuinely welcoming to families.
A Canal Tour Without Leaving “Home”
One of our favorite experiences was the Pulitzer’s own canal boat tour, which departs right from the dock just outside the hotel. No herding kids onto a crowded tourist boat—just us, an elegant salon-style vessel, and an amazing guide who managed to make the city’s history feel alive. It was the perfect first-day activity: equal parts relaxing and fascinating.
Science, Dutch-Style
We also made a visit to NEMO, Amsterdam’s famous science museum. This isn’t a place where kids stare at glass cases—it’s fully interactive. Think giant bubble experiments, chain reactions, hands-on labs, and even a rooftop terrace with sweeping city views. My son could have stayed all day, and honestly, so could I.
Shopping the Nine Streets
Another highlight was wandering through the Nine Streets neighborhood, right outside the hotel. This area has some of Amsterdam’s best shopping: chic clothing boutiques, vintage treasure troves, and funky little gift shops. My son loved digging through the toy and game shops, and I loved the excuse to “just peek” into stores I definitely wouldn’t have found on my own.
The Pulitzer Courtyard
One of the loveliest surprises was the Pulitzer’s courtyard. It’s quiet, charming, and beautifully designed—a little oasis in the middle of the city. We stopped here often for a coffee or an apero, and it’s clearly well-loved not only by hotel guests but also by locals who slip in for a peaceful break from the buzz of the canals.
Eating Well in Amsterdam
One of the joys of staying at the Pulitzer is that you’re surrounded by fantastic restaurants, both inside the hotel and just a short stroll away.
Jansz (inside the Pulitzer)
Breakfast at Jansz ruined me for all other hotel breakfasts. It’s not just a buffet—it’s a buffet plus a full à la carte menu. You can sip your cappuccino while deciding whether you’re in the mood for pancakes, poached eggs, or both (I suggest both). Dinner here is equally elegant but still family-friendly, which is not an easy line to walk.
Restaurant Sebastian
Just around the corner from the hotel, Sebastian became our go-to spot for pizza and wine. It has a perfect little terrace for people-watching, and a very chic clientele that manages to be half locals, half stylish tourists. The pizza was exactly what we wanted after a day of walking—delicious, unfussy, and paired with a glass of red while the kids nibbled happily.
Casa di David
If you’re craving Italian, Casa di David is a classic canal-side spot that’s been around since the 1970s, and for good reason. The pasta is handmade, the tiramisu is exactly the way it should be (airy and decadent at the same time), and the setting makes you feel like you’ve found a little slice of Rome in the middle of Amsterdam.
Between the Pulitzer’s own dining options and these neighborhood gems, we never once felt like we had to compromise. Every meal felt like an experience in itself.
Service That Stands Out
The concierge and service at the Pulitzer were fabulous. They made everything feel effortless—whether it was finding the right restaurant, booking a last-minute activity, or offering kid-friendly suggestions, they had it handled.
The only thing they couldn’t do (and asked me to note for my clients) was book tickets to the Anne Frank House. Tickets are extremely limited, and if that’s on your list—and I highly recommend it for everyone, though best for kids 12+—you’ll need to book online as soon as they’re released to guarantee availability.
Why the Pulitzer Works
The Pulitzer manages to be many things at once: historic and modern, elegant and easy, romantic for couples but surprisingly perfect for families. It’s rare to find a hotel that checks all those boxes, but this one does—and then some.