The Canal House by Joanna Monkhouse

The Canal House is a friendly and popular hotel housed in a 17th century building on the Keizersgracht, owned and run by an Irish couple. The 26 pretty rooms are individually decorated with period furnishings, antiques, old paintings and prints. Some have patchwork quilts on the carved wooden beds, and no two rooms are alike. The simple bathrooms have a bath and/or shower. There is an inviting bar next to the reception area with an ornate plaster ceiling.

There is a sunny breakfast room with tall windows overlooking a quiet garden. There are no televisions or minibars at the Canal House, and children under 12 are not permitted. There is a lift, but due to the layout of the conversion, steep stairs must still be climbed to reach some rooms. 10 rooms overlook the canal, and 9 the garden. Those seeking authentic charm in an elegant setting will not be disappointed by the Canal House, although those seeking more facilities are best served elsewhere.