Amsterdam Canal Architecture: Traditional Dutch Gabled Houses

Travel Architecture History

Oct 5, 2026 · 5 min read

Amsterdam Canal Architecture: Traditional Dutch Gabled Houses

The Inntel Hotel Amsterdam Zaandam is a stacked architectural marvel. Twenty minutes from Amsterdam, it's a visual blast of historic Dutch gabled houses.

A façade of stacked houses lies in a picture-perfect setting, just 20 minutes from Amsterdam by train. Travelers might know this visual trick, but the experience of visiting it is rare. Amsterdam's Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam has stacked various traditional houses to create an impressive and unmissable hotel façade.

Amsterdam's Architectural Oddity

Jaandam is home to the Inntel Hotel — an Asian-meets-Dutch building that is known for its facade with stacked houses. The hotel showcases traditional Dutch gabled architecture. The building design makes for a unique visual treat — colourful with different Dutch styles on each level, framing a winding canal in the foreground. The hotel has a distinctly Dutch appeal, one that’s tough to ignore. Traditionally, Dutch architecture features gabled roofs. In the case of the Inntel Hotel, the façade presents multiple gabled peaks. Every layer of stacked houses has a gabled roof. This makes for a pleasing view for the traveler. At the same time, the use of bright colours makes the stacked houses visually attractive. The hotel offers a unique experience because it gives travelers the taste of traditional Dutch architecture — in a single building. According to the caption from Beautiful Destinations, the hotel showcases traditional houses from all over the Netherlands. How it works is simple. It highlights different Dutch styles with each stacked house, from the architectural elements to the colour palette. More than 20 houses from the regions of Zaandam, Deventer, and Volendam are stacked up into one multi-story building.

Dutch hoteliers Angle for Tourists

The city’s recently doubled its tourism in 5 years, making it an ideal place to stay for travelers. The reason for tourists to visit this building is to get a taste of Dutch architecture in one place. Jaandam is also very close to Amsterdam, making the hotel one of the best places to stay. At the same time, the hotel is only 20 minutes from Amsterdam, making it easy to visit both places as part of a single trip. This is one of the key advantages of this building. The hotel's location also makes Jaandam an ideal place to stay if you’re looking for a rich cultural experience.

How did the hotel manage to get this design?

When deciding on the design of the hotel, the owner wanted it to stand out while still feeling Dutch. Using traditional houses in local colours and all along the walls of the hotel — the hotel gives the feeling of staying in a building that looks Dutch. Apart from this, the hotel has a blend of elements from the traditional Dutch houses, including colourful styles and gabled roofs. All these elements make the hotel feel modern and classy. According to Beautiful Destinations, the hotel is made of modern materials, which makes it a perfect place for families and children.

Where are these houses from?

The hotel showcases 20 different traditional Dutch houses from different regions of the Netherlands. This distillation attracts many tourists. According to the Instagram caption, houses from Volendam, Zaandam, and Deventer are among the participants. These houses are from different regions and have been brought to the hotel to showcase the traditional architecture of the Netherlands. This is true to some extent because many tourists are attracted to the hotel because of its unique architecture — which makes it a must-visit location.

Is the hotel eco-friendly?

A regular concern in the architectural world, the hotel uses modern materials for construction, which makes it eco-friendly. The way the hotel has been built is a step towards sustainability. It features a rooftop garden and a green roof, which help in regulating temperature and improving air quality. The hotel also uses solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources.

What’s it like to stay in the hotel?

The hotel offers the best in class facilities and modern amenities. The experience of staying in this hotel is unmatched, as it combines classic Dutch architecture with modern comforts. In the Instagram caption, it calls the act of staying in the hotel an "impressive" one. According to the caption, the hotel offers free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, and a bar. The hotel also has a fitness centre and a spa, which makes your stay more comfortable.

Your Stay at Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam

To get the best of Amsterdam’s tourism, this hotel by Jaandam lets you get a traditional taste of Dutch architecture in a unique modern location. Book a stay based on your preferences. To make the most of your stay, make sure to choose a room that fits your travel style.

  • Location: Consider a room with an accessible view of the canal. To get the best experience of the architecture, book a room with a view of the stacked houses on the facade. The hotel is also close to Amsterdam, so it's worth considering it for your stay and travel needs.
  • Amenities: Explore the facilities offered in the hotel. The hotel offers a fitness centre, a spa, and a restaurant. The hotel also offers a range of dining options, including a restaurant, a bar, and a cafe. The most popular is a rooftop terrace, which offers stunning views of the city.
  • Tourist Needs: The hotel is ideal for tourists looking to explore Amsterdam and the surrounding region.

Visiting Amsterdam’s Architectural Oddity

The next time you’re in Amsterdam you have to visit this hotel. Inntel Hotel Jaandam exemplifies the traditional gabled houses and cultural heritage of the Dutch capital. You can spend hours exploring. Additionally, you can travel around the city and experience the best of Amsterdam and the Zaan region.

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Questions readers ask

What exactly are gabled houses and why are they significant in Dutch architecture?

Gabled houses are traditional Dutch homes characterized by their distinctive triangular or pointed roofs, known as gables. These roofs are significant in Dutch architecture because they were designed to withstand the heavy rainfall and strong winds common in the Netherlands. Additionally, the gabled roof design allowed for more attic space, which was often used for storage. They are not only functional but also add a unique aesthetic to the buildings.

How does the Inntel Hotel Amsterdam Zaandam incorporate traditional Dutch gabled houses into its modern design?

The Inntel Hotel Amsterdam Zaandam incorporates traditional Dutch gabled houses by stacking various traditional houses from different regions of the Netherlands onto its façade. This unique design showcases over 20 different houses, each with its own gabled roof and colourful style, creating a visually striking and culturally rich experience for visitors.

Can I visit the Inntel Hotel Amsterdam Zaandam and explore the interior of the stacked houses?

While the exterior of the Inntel Hotel Amsterdam Zaandam is a visual treat with its stacked gabled houses, the interior of the hotel is a modern design. The stacked houses are primarily a façade, and the interior does not necessarily reflect the traditional Dutch architecture seen on the outside. You can stay at the hotel or visit to appreciate the unique design, but exploring the interior of the stacked houses as individual units is not typically possible.

What other attractions are there near the Inntel Hotel Amsterdam Zaandam?

The Inntel Hotel Amsterdam Zaandam is located in Jaandam, just 20 minutes from Amsterdam by train. This makes it an ideal base for exploring both the hotel's unique architecture and the attractions of Amsterdam. Nearby, you can find the Zaans Museum, the Zaanse Schans windmills, and various other cultural and historical sites that offer a rich Dutch experience.

What is the best way to get to the Inntel Hotel Amsterdam Zaandam from Amsterdam?

Getting to the Inntel Hotel Amsterdam Zaandam from Amsterdam is straightforward. The hotel is easily accessible by train, with a journey time of approximately 20 minutes. This makes it convenient for travelers who want to explore both the hotel's unique architecture and the attractions of Amsterdam during their stay.

Are there other hotels in the Netherlands with similar architectural designs?

The Inntel Hotel Amsterdam Zaandam is unique in its design, as it stacks traditional Dutch gabled houses from different regions onto its façade. While there may be other hotels in the Netherlands that feature traditional Dutch architecture, the specific design of stacking multiple houses is rare. This makes the Inntel Hotel a standout attraction for architecture enthusiasts and travelers looking for a unique experience.

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