The Best Places to Stay in Amsterdam: Choices for Every Travel Style & Budget
A World in Reach contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a commission at no cost to you! Read my full disclosure here.
Wondering about the best places to stay in Amsterdam for your next visit to the city?
Accommodation in Amsterdam can be SUPER expensive, so I’ve reached out to some of my fellow travel bloggers to help me put together this Amsterdam accommodation guide full of options for every budget. This list is full of REAL reviews on some of Amsterdam’s best hostels, hotels, and bed and breakfasts. No matter your budget or travel style, you can find a place to stay on this list that’s perfect for you!
A quick note: unfortunately, the amazing Airbnb I stayed in while visiting Amsterdam (you can read more about it while reading about my Amsterdam walk of shame) no longer has any availability. Because of this, I’ve chosen to not include it in this round-up of reviews. I will continue to check to see if it becomes available on Airbnb, and if it does, I will make sure to include a comprehensive review!
Keep reading for a list of the best places to stay in Amsterdam for every budget and travel style!
Some accommodations have prices listed – these are accurate at the time of posting. Keep in mind that prices can vary widely depending on travel dates.
This post was first published in May 2019 and was last updated in August 2021.
A World in Reach contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a commission at no cost to you! Read my full disclosure here.
BEST HOSTELS IN AMSTERDAM
Ecomama
Contributed by Gurvinder of Agapeless Travel
If you are interested in sustainability or enthusiastic about living a green lifestyle, Ecomama is not just a hostel…it is one of the greatest embodiments of eco-consciousness and green awareness.
Their furniture, decorations, heating, and water systems have all been designed with the environment in mind. For example, Ecomama uses fair-trade materials and maintains a strong relationship with non-governmental organizations by donating a euro for every customer that sleeps at their hotels.
In terms of staying there, it is simply an incredible experience. They have a wide range of themed bedrooms such as ladies-only and a ‘hipster’ 5-bed room for those who are looking for more budget-friendly options. On the other hand, they also have options for whole families or for those wanting to taste a little more luxury and privacy.
Perhaps the best part about Ecomama is their Teepee Tent. Here, they play all sorts of movies where you will be able to bond and make new friends with fellow travelers. After spending long hours sightseeing in a hectic city like Amsterdam, this is a great way to end the day.
Another of the many great things about Ecomama is their location. As it is situated at the end of the Red Light District, it is incredibly easy to find and is within walking distance to the majority of Amsterdam’s best attractions like the Rembrandthuis and the Artis Zoo. In terms of transport, if walking is not really your thing, you can easily hop on a train or tram from Waterlooplein or the Central Station.
In short, this is an excellent choice and an incredibly recommendable hostel to stay at while visiting Amsterdam. It might even be one of the best hostels in Europe!
Durty Nelly’s Inn Amsterdam
Contributed by Kaisa of Glam Granola Travel
If you’re a budget backpacker who loves the excitement and energy of central locations, you’ll love Durty Nelly’s Inn. In my opinion, it’s one of the best value hostels in Amsterdam. It’s also smack dab in the middle of Amsterdam’s backpacker street, easily walkable to almost all the main Amsterdam attractions.
Dorms start around €25 per night — I know, it seems steep for a hostel dorm. Trust me, for Amsterdam prices and the quality you get, it’s a good deal. Hostel guests also receive a 20% discount off anything from Durty Nelly’s awesome Irish pub. I recommend using it on their deliciously filling breakfasts! The pub has a nice beer selection I still miss to this day.
One of the best things about Durty Nelly’s is unquestionably its central location. It’s less than 10 minutes from Amsterdam’s main train station and very easy to find. It’s within a half hour stroll from most museums, like the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and let’s not forget, the Amsterdam Cheese Museum! Amsterdam is a fun city to walk around and Durty Nelly’s is a perfect home base.
It’s a social hostel for sure, but you can join in as little or as much as you’d like. The lovely staff host free walking tours and pub crawls. If you just want to chill in the (surprisingly quiet, for the location) dorm, the WiFi is superb. That’s saying something, since I always seem to be on the top floor!
Speaking of the top floor, the staircases at Durty Nelly’s are quirky, AKA treacherously steep and winding! It’s quite fun when you’re sober, and a challenge when not! All in all, it’s one of the best places to stay in Amsterdam with a ton of personality and bang for your buck.
Flying Pig Downtown Hostel
Contributed by Stephen of A Backpackers Tale
The Flying Pig Downtown Hostel has a vibrant atmosphere and great dorm rooms set in an 18th-century building. It’s in a prime location and it’s only a short walk away from downtown Amsterdam which makes it perfect for shopping, exploring, and partying all night. Because of its central location, it is less than a five-minute walk to and from the central station. They also provide a free walking tour of the city every day.
All those are reason enough to stay at the Flying Pig Downtown. However, what makes this my favorite place to stay in Amsterdam is the community. The staff is helpful and friendly; there are always a lot of people in the common room and bar chatting and playing games. At night the bar turns into a massive party with every night a different party and theme. There is also a “smoking room” in case you want to partake in some of Amsterdam’s infamous activities.
Overall, this is one of my favorite hostels to stay at when backpacking Europe.
RELATED POST: Incredible Hostels in Europe
BEST HOTELS IN AMSTERDAM
Ibis Schipol Amsterdam Airport
Contributed by Tavia of Big Brave Nomad
Ibis Schipol Amsterdam Airport is a convenient and budget-friendly hotel located a short bus ride from the Amsterdam Airport. We chose this hotel based on its proximity to the airport and ease of getting to the buses to take us to Keukenhof in the morning. If you’re needing to stay close to the airport, this is definitely one of the best places to stay in Amsterdam.
One of the advantages to this particular hotel is the price. We searched for a while to find an Airbnb or hotel to fit our budget, but we kept coming up short. This hotel is at an amazing price point of $135.42 per night. Since we were staying in peak Tulip season, I was very happy with this price. In other seasons, I have seen the rooms as low as $60 per night.
Another huge perk is the hotel has a free shuttle running to and from the airport. The schedule is located in the lobby. You will also have no problem finding food as there are multiple on-property restaurants and bars. They also have a grab and go service station in the lobby for a quick breakfast or snack. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and a business center for guests. There is an on property workout facility and paid laundry facilities for your convenience.
The best part of the entire hotel is the friendly staff. We have nothing but good things to say about them accommodating us as we traveled with 4 adults and two toddlers. They even provided a baby bed at no additional cost. The hotel staff is multi-lingual, so checking in will not be an issue if you don’t speak Dutch.
If you have forgotten some essentials, don’t worry, there is a shop located in the lobby of the hotel with small items. If you are driving to Amsterdam, this hotel offers free parking for up to 21 days.
The only real disadvantage to this room was its proximity to downtown. Yes, there is a bus station directly across the street and downtown is about a 15-minute ride, but it isn’t as convenient as staying in walking distance. However, this would not stop me from staying at the Ibis again, especially if I was going to be flying in and out of the city.
One extra pro-tip: If you are taking a train out of Amsterdam, this hotel is very convenient. You can catch the Thalys or other trains directly from the Airport station. All you have to do is catch the free shuttle to the airport, then catch your train!
Conscious Hotel Vondelpark
Contributed by Alice of Girl with a Saddle Bag
Conscious Hotel Vondelpark exceeded my expectations from the moment we walked through the door. Sleek, stylish and focused on reducing their environmental impact, Conscious Hotels are a small group of Amsterdam hotels that stand out from the crowd by being a little different. Checking into our room, we found it packed with thoughtful touches reflecting their eco-credentials. Not to mention, it was also supremely comfortable – which, let’s be honest, is pretty important too.
Throughout our stay, the staff were hugely helpful and welcoming – and kitted us out with bikes to get out and explore. What more could you want in a city that runs on two wheels?
Well, one more thing: a fantastic location. The hotel is just a stone’s throw from the lush greenery of Vondelpark, and also conveniently served by the number 11 tram. So it’s super easy to get to, and just as simple to reach other spots in the city. And, as you’d hope, being a little way out from the city centre meant that we could enjoy a mid-range hotel on our modest budget. It also gave us a chance to discover a vibrant and distinctly different neighbourhood. Don’t stay here without trying the fantastic array of craft beers on offer just a few doors down at Craft & Draft – or a laid-back brunch across the road at the charming Schuurmanoomkensgrassotti.
Hotel De Hallen
Contributed by Liz of Call Me Liz
Hotel De Hallen is a four-star hotel in Amsterdam located in a former tram depot in the Oud-West (Old West) area which is west of the Vondelpark. This is a cool neighbourhood with trendy stores, cool cafes and some of the best dining experiences.
You are far enough out of the main tourist areas but just a two-minute walk from the nearest tram stop (Ten Kinkerstraat station) to take you into the main city. It is also 2 kilometers from the famous Anne Frank House – the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum are both within easy reach too.
The design of the hotel certainly had the WOW factor and clearly every detail has been thought of. Decorated with modern and quirky furniture and contemporary art created a fantastic ambience overall. The hotel rooms were on two floors, inward-facing along a long open space meaning some rooms don’t have an exterior window, but this didn’t bother us as we weren’t inside the room that much. To make up for that, the rooms were spacious and minimalist with a large bed, chair, desk, Nespresso coffee maker, TV, and free wifi. The bathroom had an open concept with a rain shower and plenty of toiletries.
A trip to Amsterdam is not complete without trying their amazing food. If you prefer to not eat in the hotel there are plenty of options outside including The Breakfast Club for pancakes, Happyhappyjoyjoy West for Asian food, and if you don’t know what you fancy head to the Food Hallen right next door! This is a popular indoor food court in Amsterdam showcasing street food and drink stalls and is an excellent option for late night food and drinks. There was also a local street market serving different snacks when we arrived on the weekend.
Prices to stay at Hotel De Hallen can range from £70-£150 a night but it’s totally worth it if you want to see the cool and hip side of Amsterdam and feel like you’re one of the locals.
Hotel The Exchange
Contributed to Shireen of The Happy Days Travels
When the travel bug bit me in Amsterdam, it also set the standard high for quality accommodation. Hotel the Exchange is know as a ‘fashion hotel’ due to every room being designed by fashion students from Amsterdam Fashion Institute.
There is something quite special about staying in a gorgeous room that is completely unique. We had a double room with an Arabian feel to its decoration, with low lights setting the ambiance and cushioned, beige walls keeping you comfortable. Although small, it was well fitting for two of us. The bed was extremely comfortable and the most important thing for us as we were out exploring Amsterdam for the majority of our stay.
Located in the heartbeat of central Amsterdam, it is a 2-minute walk from Amsterdam Central train station. It took us, however, substantially longer to find the hotel because the entrance is so narrow and we walked past it three times! Its narrow door, however, is a nice introduction to most buildings in Amsterdam which are thin and tall. Every time we returned to the hotel, we looked out for the pizza place next door to find our way home (of course stopping off for the delicious pizza as a snack)!
Situated on Damrak 50, Hotel the Exchange is about as central accommodation as you can get and on the same street is the tram stop and tram-ticket sellers to take you on to further places if you don’t fancy walking. Within a 5-minute walk, you can find many attractions such as Madame Tussauds, the Sex Museum, the Red Light District, and an abundance of delicious restaurants/desert places. I have returned to Amsterdam since and when the hotel has been sold out, I ensure my accommodation is near to Damrak 50 because the location is just incredible. I can definitely recommend this great hotel mainly for its decoration and location, just watch out for that travel bug!
Hotel Dwars
Contributed by Jenny of Move to New Zealand
I would highly recommend Hotel Dwars for a stay in Amsterdam. Double rooms are available from €70 per night which makes it very affordable.
It’s located right in the heart of the city (the Canal District) which makes it super convenient. You’re within a five-minute walk from Carré Theatre and the nightlife area of Rembrandtplein. You’ve also got the restaurants of De Pijp handy too (it can get quite noisy over weekends though).
Hotel Dwars is a pretty basic and simplistic hotel but it’s great value for money when you consider the location. There is no bar or restaurant but there are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby. Whilst the hotel design is your typical narrow Amsterdam house the beds are comfortable and the bathrooms are a good size (for Amsterdam) and are kept clean.
Utrechtsestraat is just a short walk away where you will fine cafes and a range of restaurants. The rooms are also equipped with free WiFi which is very convenient.
misc eatdrinksleep
Contributed by Melissa of Suitcase and Heels
My best friend turned me on to misc eatdrinksleep when we were planning a girls trip to Amsterdam. She’d stayed there once before and liked it so much she wanted to return. It was a little bit of a budget splurge but it was my first time in Amsterdam and I was down for getting a canal view room with character.
misc eatdrinksleep is housed in a traditional tall and narrow 17th century canal house in central Amsterdam. Just a 10 minute walk to the train station made it perfect for getting around. We were able to walk to everything we wanted to see.
The hotel is boutique in every sense, having just 6 rooms – two per floor, each with a different theme. The staircase is a typical terrifying steep Dutch one but don’t worry, staff will take your bags up to your room and back down again when you check out.
The complimentary mini bar came stocked with non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, refreshed daily. You could also purchase a Heineken if the feeling moved you. In the morning, you’re treated to a homemade breakfast, which really adds value to your stay.
If you want to feel immersed in Amsterdam, a canal house hotel is the way to go and misc eastdrinksleep would be my first choice every time.
The Hoxton, Amsterdam
Contributed by Jeff of Our Passion for Travel
Perhaps not yet as famous as it’s London cousins, The Hoxton Amsterdam is growing a solid reputation in the Amsterdam accommodation scene.
A ‘Cosy’ room is an honest description of the size of the rooms (those buildings are small after all!) but has enough space to make for a restful stay. For clarity, there are larger rooms available at additional cost. A good night’s rest is easily achievable with a bed that finds that magic mix of being well worn in, but not old and dated. It’s definitely not cluttered, but you’ll find items like biscuit tins and older books to hark back to another era. You could be forgiven for thinking you were staying with your hip Dutch Grandmother.
The window looks over the canal, and from this vantage point, you could watch Amsterdam go by all day long.
The bathroom is snug but adequate. It’s decked out with a white subway tile and copper finishes reminiscent of a barber shop from the 1950s. Simple, elegant and all you need.
The lobby/restaurant/bar bursts to life in the evening. This is less lobby, more convivial meeting space. It’s clearly popular with locals as a place to enjoy some drinks and fare from the restaurant, Lotti’s.
The menu at Lotti’s is extensive. For pure gluttony, however, it is difficult to go past the truffle fries. The perfect accompaniment for a drink or three.
The Hoxton is one of those hotels where you feel at home the second you walk in. Warm staff and a rustic, yet modern décor, it lives up to its standing as one of the best to stay at in Amsterdam. The Rijksmuseum, Central Station and Dam Square are all located within an easy 20-minute stroll (shorter by tram) making it a perfect base for a trip to Amsterdam.
Kimpton De Witt
Contributed by Sarah of Earth Lists
A short 10 minute walk from Centraal Station and you’ll find the luxurious Kimpton De Witt Hotel. Ideally situated between Central and Jordaan neighborhoods, the Kimpton works as the perfect base to explore Amsterdam city.
The hotel’s interiors are beautiful, modern, stylish, and have luxury touches throughout. Til this day I can confidently say it is the best smelling hotel I have ever been to! A local lifestyle store Marie Stella Maris’s room diffuser is pumped through the air conditioner.
Our room was huge with a king size bed which I struggled to get out of each morning as it was so comfortable. A nice touch for me was the attention to detail when it came to drinks in the room. There was a real bone china tea set, two crystal champagne glasses, and a Nespresso machine. The amenities were from Marie Stella Maris too, which naturally made their way home with me.
Every day, complimentary wine and nibbles are served in the hotel lobby from 5pm-6pm for guests, and the wine was delicious too! They also have bikes you can use for free in the Spring/Summer months.
It costs £190 per night so on the more pricey side but it was worth every penny in my eyes. I would pay this again in a heartbeat. The Kimpton De Witt wasn’t a hotel, it was a home away from home.
BEST BED & BREAKFASTS IN AMSTERDAM
The Old Lady
Contributed by Alina of The Happy Kid
Average Price of Standard Room: $200/night
If you fancy staying in an Amsterdam canal house from the 19th century, this one might be the place for you. The Old Lady is located on Singel Canal, just minutes away from the Central Station. You can access Dam Square and the Royal Palace just by a short walk and the tram station is also nearby. Despite the very convenient location in the middle of the bustling city, The Old Lady offers quiet and peaceful rooms, with a very homey feeling.
You can enjoy breakfast in the common kitchen/living room area like you would be visiting relatives here. The host, a very friendly young Dutch man, will tell you interesting stories about the place while preparing your food and coffee.
The rooms at The Old Lady cost around $200/night, which is quite reasonable for Amsterdam, considering the location and the level of comfort provided.
Don’t visit Amsterdam without travel insurance!
Travel insurance is so, so important. It’s hard to think about the bad, scary things that can happen while traveling, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared. Pickpockets are widespread in Amsterdam and elsewhere in Europe, so it’s always a good idea to be protected in case your wallet or passport is stolen.
Visiting Amsterdam? Consider using World Nomads Travel Insurance, which I use and love. Check out their website to find the plan that’s right for you.
Amsterdam is full of great places to stay for every travel style and budget. Prefer the social aspects of a hostel? Amsterdam has that! Enjoy a luxury experience while traveling? Amsterdam has that too! There are great places to stay in Amsterdam for the budget backpacker, the luxury jet setter, and every traveler in between.
If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam, make sure to consider one of these great accommodations! You can also check out more of Amsterdam’s great options for accommodations on Booking.com or Agoda.
Where to you like to stay when visiting Amsterdam?Planning a trip to the Netherlands? Read these posts next:
- The Ultimate Amsterdam Bucket List
- The Best Day Trips from Amsterdam
- Coffeeshops & Cannabis in Amsterdam
- A Food Tour of Amsterdam
