With a grandchild planning their first trip to Europe with friends this summer, we took a look at the variety of hostels in the great European city of Amsterdam, in The Netherlands.
As a family of travelers, everyone has their opinion, but we all sat down and reviewed the candidates. I’ve traveled to the city many times and know the neighborhoods, we also consulted online community sites like yelp.com and tripadvisor.com to read reviews from other travelers. After a lot of research and debate, here are our top five choices for hostels in Amsterdam:
Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark One of half a dozen Stayokay hostels in and around Amersterdam, this most centrally-located inn offers double and quad rooms and dorms, some with flat-screen TVs Wi-Fi and private baths. In a stately former merchant’s house, the comfortable hostel is steps away from transportation, restaurants, taverns, shops and museums.
For getting around the city’s canal systems, this Stayokay hostel is just a short walking distance from several water taxi landing areas. Within the hostel is its charming brasserie Bite and Drink, that offers full-service meals and bar service. Free breakfast snacks are provided daily. Rates are from $30.
The Bulldog
Located in a picturesque 18th Century mansion alongside the canal, the five-star Bulldog offers singles, double rooms and apartments with private baths and kitchenettes. The dorms have access to communal baths.
The Bulldog Lounge Coffee Shop offers attractive food and drinks. Nearby is the Dam District, with scores of parks, museums, shops, cafes and bars. Rates start at around $27.
The Bulldog
Soudezijds Voorburgwal 220, 1012GJ, Amsterdam, Netherlands
bulldoghotel.com
The Flying Pig Downtown
This centrally-located hostel is near the main canals, restaurants and bars. Nearby are Dam Square, the Royal Palace and the Anne Frank house. It attracts a very young anything-goes crowd. The hostel features dorms and communal baths, with some private rooms Dorm rooms start around $21 per night, with private rooms going for around $60 per night.
There are three Flying Pig Amsterdam hostels, Uptown, Downtown and Beach, this Downtown location is closest to the heart of Amsterdam and best for travelers.
Hostelboat Anna Maria II The Anna Maria II is near Waterloo Square and moored alongside the Amsterdam Canal. The boat has ten small cabins, each with four bunk beds. There are three shared shower/bath compartments. Because of strict fire regulations, the boat is non-smoking.
Amsterdam’s Central Train Station is just a 10-minute walk away from the Anna Maria II. There are also the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, as well as coffee shops, restaurants, flower markets and theaters, all within easy biking or strolling. Rates start at $35, including breakfast
Hostelboat Anna Maria II
Oosterdok t/o 4, Pier 4, 1011 Amsterdam, Netherlands,
hostelsamsterdam.com
Hostel Cosmos
The Hostel Cosmos is a small lodging destination in central Amsterdam. It’s close to the city canals, train station, Anne Frank House, Rembrandsplein and Van Gogh museum. It’s also within scenic walking or short tram distance from the city’s restaurants, bars, shops and in the center of the famous Amsterdam night life and live music. Rates start at $35 per night.
