The Complete Guide to the 10 Best Budget Hotels in Amsterdam Central
Amsterdam is a city known for its canals, art galleries, and lively nightlife. This article will show you the best places in Amsterdam for you and all your friends. We want to make it easy for you, so here are our top picks for the best budget hotels in Amsterdam Central.
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Best Hostels in Amsterdam – Table of Contents
What are Budget hotels in Amsterdam Central really like?
In Amsterdam central, many hostels are available, and they have the added benefit of being within walking distance of the main attractions, canals, and nightlife. But prepare yourself for old-fashioned décor, extremely steep stairs, and frankly, somewhere you just want to get your head down for the night. In my list of the top hostels in Amsterdam, you will find a variety of places, what they’re good for, and the kind of people they will suit.
Best of all, hostels in Amsterdam also offer a range of rooms to suit all people. From mixed or single-sex dorm rooms to private rooms with shared bathrooms or ensuite. If you’ve never been to Amsterdam before, one thing to bear is that the tall buildings have very narrow, steep staircases. If you have heavy luggage or limited ability, contact the hotel and request a room on the lower floors.
Some people wonder whether hostels in Amsterdam are safe, and the answer is yes, they are. However, like any shared rooms, keep your luggage secure and don’t travel with valuables if you can help.
How much are hostels in Amsterdam?
Firstly, Amsterdam hostels are much cheaper than hotel rooms, particularly if you travel solo. However, they’re still not that cheap. If you’re travelling over the weekend, the prices will be higher, and the city is always in season, so you won’t save much by travelling in the colder months. You can expect to pay between 45 – 80 euros per night to stay in the best hostels in Amsterdam central. Most of them have very basic facilities.
You also need to budget for additional city tax charges and fees that are not included in the cost of your booking. The cost will depend on the price of your room, plus a fee per person staying.
Top 10 Hostels in Amsterdam Central
So now we’ve covered the boring stuff, read on to discover the best budget hotels in Amsterdam and also some of the top party hostels.
1) Budget Hotel Tourist Inn
Complimentary breakfast in a popular location only 800 meters from the Ann Frank house make this one of the best budget hotels in Amsterdam. There is a great choice of rooms for solo travellers and people in larger groups and the décor is better than most low-cost options.
Accommodation options:
Double or twin rooms with private bathrooms.
Single, triple, and quadruple rooms are available with private or shared bathrooms. You can also get all of these options plus private rooms for five or a bunk in a dorm with a shared bathroom.
Price range: £75 – £469
Check price and availability on booking.com
Check price and availability on hostelworld.com
Highlights:
- Hostel world rating of 8.1, Tripadvisor rating 4
- A complimentary continental breakfast is included
- This hostel scores more highly in traveller reviews for cleanliness than many of the other budget hostels in Amsterdam
- Free lockers are available as well as luggage storage after check-out
Lowlights:
- There is no communal area, so if you’re travelling to Amsterdam solo, you may not meet people easily here.
- There are limited shared bathroom facilities for the number of people sharing them.
2) Durty Nelly’s Inn
This inn may be worth considering if you’re looking for a more unique experience than standard hostels offer. It’s located in an old canal house and has been renovated into a quirky yet cosy place to stay. The ground floor is a lively Irish pub, so you’re always close to a bar and all the nearby attractions making it one of the top party hostels in Amsterdam.
Accommodation options:
Capsule beds or standard bunk beds in either a 12 or 20-bed dorm.
Price range: £42 – £102
Check price and availability on booking.com
Check price and availability on hostelworld.com
Highlights:
- 24-hour reception
- Hostel world rating of 8.5, TripAdvisor rating 4
- You can opt for a ‘capsule’ to yourself with a privacy curtain / electric point
- Two minutes walk to Dam Square and other popular landmarks/areas
Lowlights:
- The capsule-like dorm room beds are hit and miss when it comes to lights, with some travellers complaining that they stay on all night.
- The water pressure in the showers isn’t very powerful.
3) Van Gelder
Within 5 minutes of the train station, you’ll arrive at Van Gelder, a historic building from the 16th century. While this hotel is on the main road, it is not surrounded by bars like many other hostels, making it a better choice if you want to take a break away from it all.
Accommodation options:
Double or twin rooms with either shared or private bathrooms.
Triple rooms, quadruple rooms or family rooms.
Price range: £155 – £308
Check price and availability on booking.com
Highlights:
- 24-hour reception
- Hostel world rating of 7.5
- Easy to get to or from Amsterdam Centraal Station
Lowlights:
- TripAdvisor rating 3.5
- Not all rooms have windows/views of the city, and this affordable hotel requires modernisation
- There isn’t much of a social vibe at this hostel, and the lack of a decent communal space contributes to that.
4) Old Quarter
Overlooking one of Amsterdam’s biggest canals, Hotel Old Quarter is within a historical building within walking distance of the main attractions. While it doesn’t have dorm rooms, it is one of the best budget hotels in Amsterdam and you might have a wonderful canal view to wake up to.
Accommodation options:
Double or twin rooms with either shared or private bathrooms.
Triple rooms, quadruple rooms or family rooms.
Price range: £124 – £368
Check price and availability on booking.com
Check price and availability on hostelworld.com
Highlights:
- Own restaurant and sports bar
- Modernised in 2017
- 24-hour reception
- Close proximity to red-light district and Dam Square
- Hostel world rating of 8.7
Lowlights:
- TripAdvisor rating 3.0
- One of the more expensive hostels
- Being centrally located and has its own bar, this hostel can be a noisy choice if you’re looking for an early night.
- Not all rooms have windows/views of the city.
5) Hotel Continental
Located on the Damrak just minutes from central station, Hotel Continental is a convenient, budget-friendly Amsterdam hotel. This hotel has no dorm rooms, and it isn’t on a busy street at night, so you won’t experience the same noise as you may experience with some of the other options. The reviews mean that this hotel is technically not one of the best budget hotels in Amsterdam but the location makes up for many of its flaws.
Accommodation options:
Double or twin rooms with either shared or private bathrooms.
Triple rooms, quadruple rooms or family rooms with a mixture of single and bunk beds.
Price range: £126 – £362
Check price and availability on booking.com
Check price and availability on hostelworld.com
Highlights:
- 24-hour reception
- Hostel world rating of 7.7,
- Great location within walking distance of many key points of interest.
Lowlights:
- TripAdvisor rating 2.5
- Many travellers have complained that this budget hotel is dirty, and the rooms/bathrooms are small.
- Dated décor with an inconvenient room layout that leaves very little space for your luggage
6) St Christophers at the Winston
If you’re heading to one of the many Dutch festivals, then you might be familiar with Winston’s, as it is a popular meeting place for festival goers. The 241 drinks offered and great value food is one of the top reasons Winston’s is one of the best party hostels in Amsterdam. Attracting people far and wide, it’s social, lively and the city centre location means you’re close to everything you need.
Accommodation options:
Single, Double or twin rooms with either ensuite bathrooms.
4, 5, 6, 8 or 10-bed ensuite dorm rooms (mixed and same-sex). If you’re a big group, you can also book a private dorm room for your whole group.
Tip: book the top floor room which has a balcony if you can
Price range: £ 92 – £182
Check price and availability on booking.com
Check price and availability on hostelworld.com
Highlights:
- Hostel world rating of 8.9, Tripadvisor rating 4
- Hostel guests receive 25% off the food and drink deals at the on-site party bar; Belushi’s
- Outdoor beer garden and fun features like a pool table in the in-house bar.
- Guests receive free breakfast when booking direct.
- Lockers are available for free (just take your own padlock)
- Uniquely themed rooms by upcoming designers
Lowlights:
- Some travellers have complained that the hostel lacks ventilation or fresh air.
- The breakfast doesn’t have the best reviews, particularly if you’re vegetarian.
7) The Bulldog Hotel
If you’re unfamiliar with Amsterdam, you will soon become familiar with the Bulldog, the first coffee shop in Amsterdam. This success story has resulted in several coffee shops, souvenir stores and now one of the top party hostels in Amsterdam located right in the centre of the red-light district. Staying in this popular hostel will mean you’re right in the heart of the action.
Accommodation options:
Double or twin rooms with either shared or private bathrooms.
Triple, quad, and 8, 10 or 12-bed dorm rooms (mixed and same-sex).
Deluxe or private suite options are also available.
Tip: try and get a room on the 4th floor to be close to the roof terrace
Price range: £40 – £250
Check price and availability on hostelworld.com
Highlights:
- The Bulldog’s central location is highly rated, as well as its friendly staff
- TripAdvisor rating 4
- Lively hostel bar that has great reviews for the quality of the food
- Rooftop outdoor terrace and connected coffee shop
- Lockers are available for free (just take your own padlock)
- Heineken happy hour runs from 2000 – 2100.
Lowlights:
- Not all dorm beds have personal power outlets, so check before you bunk up.
- The bunk beds in the dorm room don’t provide much headroom for taller folk.
- If you’re not looking to party or don’t like the smell of cannabis, then this social hostel may not be for you.
8) Flying Pig
The Flying Pig is one of the best party hostels in Amsterdam city centre. It’s renowned for providing a fun, friendly atmosphere. This perfect backpackers hostel is great for solo travellers and groups of friends. What’s more, you can also join a free walking tour run daily.
Accommodation options:
Double or twin rooms with either shared or private bathrooms.
Triple rooms, quadruple rooms or family rooms.
Price range: £155 – £308
Check price and availability on booking.com
Check price and availability on hostelworld.com
Highlights:
- 24-hour reception
- Hostel world rating of 8.9, Tripadvisor rating 4
- Modern, colourful rooms and well-equipped guest kitchen.
- Lively hostel bar with cheap drinks and DJ well into the evening
- The smoking area is great for meeting fellow travellers
- Lockers are available for free (just take your own padlock)
Lowlights:
- If you’re not there to party, you might find this hostel too much, especially if you’re staying in one of the 10-bed dorms.
- Restrictive terms to change your booking unless it is over 3 weeks in advance
9) Ciao Papa Hotel Amsterdam Central Station
Recently renovated, this is one of the best budget hotels in Amsterdam. The modern rooms will give you a greater feeling of value than some of the other central hostels listed. So close to the shopping area, you’re also not on the main roads or bar alleys’ which is great for people wanting to escape to a room they can relax in.
Accommodation options:
Double or twin rooms with either shared or private bathrooms.
Triple rooms and single rooms are also available.
Price range: £140 – £276
Check price and availability on booking.com
Check price and availability on hostelworld.com
Highlights:
- Hostel world rating of 8.9, Tripadvisor rating 4
- Recently renovated
- Close to all the action but guests comment that they can’t hear the street noise; great if you want a good night’s sleep!
- Complimentary tea and coffee every morning
Lowlights:
- Some of the rooms/showers have been commented on for being small, particularly if you’re taller than 5’9.
10) Hotel my Home
A family-run affordable hotel in central Amsterdam in the shopping district and close to the colourful Jordaan. This hotel is one of the best budget hotels in Amsterdam central and is good for people who want to stay central but slightly away from the lively streets.
Accommodation options:
Double or twin rooms with shared bathrooms.
Triple rooms and 5-bed mixed dorm rooms are also available.
Price range: £50- £150
Check price and availability on hostelworld.com (this hotel isn’t available on booking.com)
Highlights:
- 24-hour reception
- Hostel world rating of 8.8, TripAdvisor rating 4
- Inclusive continental breakfast with quirky touches like a mini toaster on your table.
- Great location in the shopping district
- This is one of the cheap hostels, particularly as you’re not sharing a room with that many other people.
Lowlights:
- Small rooms with limited space for bulky luggage
- Some people consider the hotel old fashioned
Summary
Budget hotels and hostels in Amsterdam still come with a hefty price tag that often gives people unrealistic expectations of what to expect. You can pay significantly more for a private room or hotel and still find it basic quality.
Amsterdam is an expensive location, so if modern features, or even cleanliness in some cases, is important to you, spend more or travel further out. However, suppose you just want somewhere to lay your head as you explore this fantastic city. In that case, central hostels could be the perfect option. Knowing the best way to book hostels will help you weigh up what is most important to you. So what will it be, one of the best party hostels in Amsterdam or one of the top budget hotels? Check out hostelworld.com for other options slightly out of the city and my travel resources page for other useful planning tools.
I’d love to know your thoughts. Please let me know in the comments.
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