Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre
Most of the businesslike rooms in this striking glass skyscraper, built on an island within the docks area on the IJ River, offer stunning views of the Amsterdam skyline and beyond; you can't get closer to the river cruise ships if you are planning on taking a cruise. The location is not as remote as it might seem: a complimentary shuttle connects the hotel with Centraal Station; culture vultures can make the most of classical and jazz concerts at the neighboring Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ complex; and the NEMO Science Museum, a must-see for kids, is within walking distance. The hotel is Green Globe–certified for its sustainability policy, which extends to organic coffee, eco-friendly linens, and economic use of water and electricity.