Another great Stayokay hostel and other Amsterdam, Netherlands Hotel/Accommodation Reviews

Part of the Stayokay hostels (part of Hosteling International so you need an ID card), this is one of the very largest hostels in Amsterdam. Located at Zandpad 5, it is convenient to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Leidseplein. Tram service is convenient. It is a little hard to find, but if you ask the tram personnel, they will guide you. Basically, if you are standing facing the entrance to Vondelspark, there is a small alley immediately to the right of the park. Just go down the alley about 2 blocks and you will be in front to the hostel.

There are different sized rooms from singles to large dorms and all have ensuite facilities. The rooms are clean, large and comfortable, the staff is friendly and helpful. You must rent sheets. This is NOT a real "party hostel" like some others, but It is certainly more quiet if you like the idea of being able to sleep. For a hostel, it gets 5 stars from me.

Unique Qualities: Beautiful location withing a few feet of one of the prettiest parks in Amsterdam. There is bike rental in the area, as well as museums and the "most happening" square in Amsterdam.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Hostel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$20-40  » Currency Converter
Phone: Tel. 31-20-589-8996
Address: Zandpad 5
Directions: In the Vondelpark/Leidseplein area.
Website: http://www.iyhf.org/dba/hostel040001.en.htm?n=

This is another of the Stayokay Hostels of the Netherlands, and part of Hosteling International. As with the Vondelpark hostel, the rooms are clean and well-kept. It is located at Kloveniersburgwal 97, a short distance from Rembrandt's House, the Zuider Kerk, and not far from the Red Light District, Rembrandt Plein, and Centraal Station (about 20 min. by foot).

The rooms are quite large and comfortable. They are all in the 6 bed variety. The area is quiet and lovely. The staff are most friendly and well-informed. You need to be a member of Hosteling International and have a membership card.

I have stayed at about 20 of the hostels that are part of Hosteling International, and have yet to be disappointed. They are generally not the party hostels that some people desire, but they are comfortable, safe, and very well administered. This is another of the 5 star hostels on my list.

Unique Qualities: Comfortable and in a very good location in a quiet neighborhood that is very convenient to sights in the area.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Hostel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$20-40  » Currency Converter
Phone: Tel. 31-20-6246832
Address: Kloveniersburgwal 97
Directions: Residential district between Zuider Kerk and Rembrandt Plein.
Website: http://www.stayokay.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Herbergen.showHomeHB&id=36&lng=2

Amsterdam is a super city (see my Amsterdam page in progress), and I truly enjoyed myself. It has to be my favorite walking city in the world. In fact, next time I go I will take my life in my hands and rent a bike. My ONLY negative comment about the city is in regard to the Hans Brinker Budget Hotel AND that I actually stayed at the place on 3 different occasions (probably afraid that the next one would be worse). I was first directed there by the TI at Centraal Station. I was given a regular dorm room (I think it was an 8 bed room), which had 8 metal bunks. One of the bunks was missing a mattress which seemed odd until I found that one of the guests was using 2 mattresses. I wish I had followed his example. The bunks had a metal bar under the spring that was inescapable. One of the other guests said that I would get used to it. I didn't, and still can't believe that I went back there on 2 other occasions. The hostel prides itself on having the most unfriendly staff, and there they do not disappoint. In fact, when I asked about a particular place I wanted to go, the staff member said, "I told you once yesterday. Now you have to find it yourself." I thought she was kidding. She wasn't! Some of the staff were much better (I have to remind myself). The rooms and bathrooms (ensuite) were not spotless, but not dirty either. Sheets were included but towels were extra.

Not everything was negative (depending on one's point of view). The breakfast (included) was pretty standard (bread, jam, cereal, lunch meats and cheese, etc., but they did have peanut butter. You could order eggs and bacon for an additional charge and they didn't seem to mind if you made a sandwich or two for your lunch. The meals were pretty good and the portions were large. The cigarette smoke wasn't too bad. The bar was open until 3:00 AM and there was lots of activity all night.

All in all, if you're looking for a party hostel and don't plan to sleep, the Hans Brinker is for you.

Unique Qualities: Good party hostel. If you are looking for a place where you can have a good time and pass out, this is for you. That way you won't notice the bed until you wake up at noon. Check out their website for information and ambiance, especially the cams.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Hostel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$20-40  » Currency Converter
Address: Kerkstraat 136-139, Amsterdam 1017 GR
Directions: Southwest side of city. Easy tram connections.
Website: http://www.hans-brinker.com