Amsterdam (Rough Guide) - Martin Dunford [105]
Accommodation | Hostels |
Grachtengordel south
Hans Brinker Budget Hotel Kerkstraat 136 020/622 0687, www.hans-brinker.com. Tram #1, #2 or #5 from CS to Prinsengracht. Well-established and raucously popular Amsterdam hostel, with around 500 beds. Dorms are basic and clean and beds go for around €22–25, and singles, doubles and triples are also available. All rooms are en suite. The facilities are good: free internet after 10pm, disco every night, and it’s near to the buzz of Leidseplein, too. A hostel to head for if you’re out for a good time (and not too bothered about getting a solid night’s sleep), though be prepared to change dorms during your stay. Walk-in policy only in high season.
International Budget Hostel Leidsegracht 76 020/624 2784, www.internationalbudgethostel.com. Tram #1, #2 or #5 to Prinsengracht. An excellent budget option on a peaceful little canal in the heart of the city. Small, simple rooms sleeping up to four with shared bathroom; breakfast in the café is extra. Young, friendly staff. Singles and twin rooms with private facilities (€80), dorm beds between €22 and €32 per person.
Accommodation | Hostels |
The Jordaan and Western docklands
The Shelter Jordan Bloemstraat 179 020/624 4717, www.shelter.nl. Tram #13 or #17 to Marnixstraat. The second of Amsterdam’s two Christian hostels (the other is Shelter City) is situated in a particularly attractive and quiet part of the Jordaan, close to the Lijnbaansgracht canal. Great-value beds start at €22.50 (down to €16.50 in low season) including breakfast. Fri & Sat €3–5 supplement. Dorms sleeping 14–20 are single-sex and non-smoking; downstairs there’s a decent café.
Accommodation | Hostels |
The Old Jewish Quarter and Eastern Docklands
Stay Okay Zeeburg Timorplein 21 020/551 3190, www.stayokay.com/zeeburg. Closest train station: Amsterdam Muiderpoort. A brand spanking new hostel located in a former school in a residential area on the eastern outskirts of the city. Large dorms from €22.50 for non-members (up to €33.50 if you’re unlucky), breakfast included. Located in the same building is Studio K, which shows arthouse films and has a decent restaurant. In high season a minimum of two nights is required when you want to stay a Saturday.
Accommodation | Hostels |
The Museum Quarter and Vondelpark
Flying Pig Uptown Vossiusstraat 46 020/400 4187, www.flyingpig.nl. Tram #1, #2 or #5 to Leidseplein, then a short walk. The better of the two Flying Pig hostels, facing the Vondelpark and close to the city’s most important museums. Immaculately clean and well maintained by a staff of travellers. Free use of kitchen facilities, no curfew and good tourist information. Fourteen-bed dorms start at €21.90 per person and there are a few two-person queen-size bunks, as well as double rooms – great value.
Stay Okay Vondelpark Zandpad 5 020/589 8996, www.stayokay.com/vondelpark. Tram #1, #2 or #5 to Leidseplein, then a 5min walk. Well located with good facilities such as a bar, restaurant, TV lounge, internet access and bicycle shed, plus various discount deals on tours and museums. Rates vary enormously, but in high season you can expect to pay as much as €33.50 for non-members (€31 for members), including use of all facilities, shower (though no towels), sheets and breakfast. Secure lockers and no curfew. To be sure of a place in high season you’ll need to book at least two months ahead. In high season, there is a minimum stay of two nights if you want to book on a Saturday.
Accommodation |
Apartments and houseboats
For groups or families, short-term apartment rentals can work out cheaper than staying in a hotel, with the further advantages of privacy and the convenience