Dutch Masters

With its majestic Rijksmuseum and gorgeous Van Gogh depository, Amsterdam is a must on any culture vulture's tour of Europe. But your brush with art doesn't have to end at the museum exits. These days, you can stay in hotels that are part accommodation, part art space, part salon.

Occupying a former orphanage on a preserved, 19th century red-brick square, the Hotel Arena, tel: (31-20) 850 2420, was an art center-cum-hostel until it went upmarket some years ago, and six new, mostly duplex suites have been added. These showcase work by the Netherlands' hottest artists and designers, including...