Trifter

Europe’s fifth busiest destination – Amsterdam is a vibrant and exciting city for tourists. Museums, art houses, fashion, shopping, the notorious coffee shops and red light districts can all be attributed to an increasing number of visitors. The city not only boasts a vibrant amount of attractions but a staggering array of accommodation. Out of the 350 something hotels, two thirds of these are located in the city’s center and provide over 19,000 rooms!

At the high end of the scale, with stars, ratings and luxury stamped all over them are the chains, boutiques and stylish accommodations one would expect. The classiest of them all is reputed to be the NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky. Located in the heart of Amsterdam and close to the house of Anne Frank, the Red Light District, the Van Gough Museum and the Heineken Beer Brewery, the hotel is housed in a landmark building which dates back to 1865. The hotel is also home to the Wynand Fockink Distillery, where you can try or buy exquisite liqueurs. Other well healed hotels in the centre of Amsterdam include, the Marriott Hotels of Amsterdam, Park Hotel Amsterdam, located next to the canal and the art galleries, Hotel old Quarter Amsterdam, a mere three minute walk from Central Station, Synopsis Hotel Accommodation, established in a state classified historical canal house and located in central Amsterdam close to museums, theatres and restaurants, Lloyd Hotel & Cultural Embassy, centrally situated in the fashionable heart of Amsterdam’s Eastern Docklands area, Crowne Plaza Amsterdam City Centre, near the Central Station and Dam square, Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam, located in the heart of the city’s shopping and business centers, opposite Central Station and Die Port van Cleve, located near the entertainment precinct of the city, near the Royal Palace on Dam Square.

Slightly more homely than many of the hotels are self catering apartments. These are well known for offering superior accommodation and convenient locations for sightseeing. Self catering apartments are the closest thing you’ll get to a home away from home experience. Most apartments are fully furnished with TVs, sofas, fully-equipped kitchens, dining areas and spacious bedrooms. Apartments are the ideal option for families or large groups who wish to have cooking and washing facilities.

Not quite as luxurious as a five star hotel or an apartment are one or two star hotels. Although they don’t boast grand foyers and vast bedrooms, most of them have their own bathrooms and bedrooms and some even include a basic breakfast in the price.  Hotel Vijaya Amsterdam, located 3 minutes from Central Station and Dam Square, Hotel Princess Amsterdam, located within walking distance from the Rijks Museum, the Van Gogh Museum and the museum of Modern Art, Hotel Fantasia Amsterdam, located on a  canal in the centre of Amsterdam, Hotel Ben Amsterdam, right between Central Station and Dam square, Amsterdam Hotel The Crown, a short distance walk from Central Station, Hotel Torenzicht Amsterdam, located in the heart of the Red Light District, Hotel Internationaal Amsterdam, in the centre of Amsterdam, Marnix Hotel City Centre, within 200m from the Leidseplein entertainment area, Bicycle Hotel Amsterdam, centrally situated, City Hotel Utrechtsestraat, located near the famous Rembrandtplein, Continental Centre Hotel Amsterdam, right between the Dam Square and the Central Station, Hotel Orfeo Amsterdam, Amsterdam’s largest gay-friendly hotel, Hotel De Mallemoolen Amsterdam, a two minute walk from Central Station,  Hotel Flipper Amsterdam, located within walking distance from Amstel station, the Albert Cuijp market and the Heineken Brewery, Thorbecke Hotel Amsterdam, situated in the heart of Amsterdam’s biggest nightlife area Thorbecke Square, Gay Hotel The Golden Bear Amsterdam, in the centre of the city, Hotel de Bloeiende Ramenas, near Central station, Hotel Manofa Amsterdam, situated in the heart of Amsterdam and Hotel Old Nickel Amsterdam, a 2-minute walk from the Central Station are some of the more established one star hotels in Amsterdam.

If all this sounds a bit much for your budget, don’t fret. Amsterdam has a vast array of budget, hostel style accommodations and even campsites to suit any itinerary. If you’re wanting something central, the eclectic mix of youth hostels are the cheapest kind of accommodation but are notorious for being rowdy. Dorm rooms and shared bathrooms and kitchens are the norm here and a great way to meet new and exciting people. Some hostels have strict curfews and are non drinking or smoking, check each accommodation providers website to ensure you book the right style of hostel for you. Budget accommodations are usually sold out during weekends and holidays so make sure to book in advance. The Abba Hotel located in the center of Amsterdam, 5 minutes walk from Leidseplein, the night live area, or the White Tulip Hostel located near Dam Square and Central Station come highly recommended. Some of the Christian hostels feature only single-sex dorms. Shelter Jordan and Shelter City provide a good base for single female travelers. Shelter City is located right in the middle of the Red Light District but the gate closes at the respectable hour of  2am. For those unafraid of catching public transport or with their own transport camping is a cheap option. The average number of campers per year ranges from 12,000 to 65,000.

Most of the campsites are based on the edges of Amsterdam and are open in spring until the end of October. The Lucky Lake caravan hostel located just south of Amsterdam is situated near a beautiful lake. Open all year round, Camping Zeeburg is situated on an island in the IJmeer, twenty minutes from the city-centre.

Amsterdam boasts a wealth of accommodation in or around the city. There is something for everyone and every budget. The only problem is deciding on where you would like to stay.