If you’re looking for a place to stay in Amsterdam, then you basically have to choose between being in the middle of the madness or being slightly removed from it. Ever since Holland decriminalized the sale and use of marijuana, this place has become a pilgrimage spot for any young
Schiller Hotel in Amsterdam
rebel worth his/her weight in booze and intoxicants. Visitors and locals alike tend to party real hard in the area between the Central Station and Dam Square where the Red Light District meets the Coffee-shop Strip.
You won’t be able to avoid this scene (who would want to) because many of the city’s best sights are also within the small area that is comprised of the Central Station, the Rembrandtplein and the Leidesplein.
So once you’ve made your choice (utter madness or slightly edgy), then you should take a look at your goals and price range. In a group? Going with family? Passing through? Just you and someone special?
Are you talking 3-star treatment (usually 150 Euros and up) or are you trying to skimp on the room and leave cash for coffee, beer and food? After all of this has been sorted out, then you can sit back and take a look at the options available:
Amsterdam Hostels
Now, if you want to be in the pure center of nightlife and are looking to spend most of your cash on party favors, then you’re in luck as there are dozens upon dozens of options. Hostels come into play here, more so than hotels, so you should decide what kind of night owl you are; one that wants to return to the after-party and sleep after you die, or one that wants to slip into sleep while giggling about the madness while sharing a quiet room with your best friend.
Stayok hostel
Some of the more famous hostels are the Stayokay, with a couple locations as around town. The Bulldog is another great hostel. It is, in fact, one of the most famous spots in the world, so you can imagine how the rooms are there: well-used but clean and comfy, and the staff are always smiling as they have they’ve seen it all before. And, the clientele might be old school players or just out of high school.
If you stroll through the Red Light District and around the Dam Square, you will find an abundance of hostels at which to stay. They can be as much as 30 to 50 to 70 Euros for rooms at places like Hotel Torenzicht — a really nice place near Nieuwmarkt with some good travellers and helpful staff.
3-star to 5-star Hotels in Amsterdam
The American Hotel in Amsterdam
For mid to high range spots around town, you might want to check out the Amsterdam American Hotel on Leidesplein; is always a great choice. A huge tower overlooking the devious deeds below, this hotel offers great rooms, and a great location.
You might also check out the Bilderberg Hotel Jan Luyken, which is set in the middle of the city with rooms starting at 120 Euros.
For high class spots, you might want to check out the Grand Hotel Amrath, a five-star in the center of town; or perhaps the NH Schiller Hotel , a four-star hotel located right on Rembrandtplein.
You can also rent a service apartment in Amsterdam, which is a great move if you are staying awhile or are travelling in a like-minded group of people. There really is no reason why you shouldn’t find exactly what you want in a hotel in Amsterdam. The city has seen so much traffic over the past 20 years — from the rebellious youth to the art loving monied class — that it is impossible not to find a hotel that suits your needs.
Written by Sascha Matuszak for EuropeUpClose.com
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