Amsterdam is often called the "Venice of the North" and situated, as it is, at the confluence of five canals, the Apollo nearly lives up to this title itself. Downstairs, the tangerine and terra-cotta-hued La Sirene offers a French-Mediterranean menu crafted by the famous Parisian chef Michel Rostang. Few can resist feasting on fish on the restaurant's beautiful canal-side terraces (higher-priced rooms also offer great views of the canals). As un touche finale, the hotel even has its own private marina.