| Red Light District Hotels |
Amsterdam is a smallish city, with a smallish population of only 750,000, but there are nearly 350 hotels. It can however, seem at times, that that number is not nearly enough!
Do take care to book well in advance, particularly in high season.
The following is not a mere random listing. We have, at one time or another, stayed at all of them (with the exception of the hostels!), and each one of them has certain features or a combination of features that we like; charm, location, price, etc.
Bed and Breakfast
Xaviera Hollander
Stadionweg 17, tel: 020-673-3934
One of the most famous Hollanders in the world will welcome you into her home, Xaviera Hollander, The Happy Hooker herself. The internationally renowned author of a bunch of books no one cares about anymore, theatrical entrepreneur of plays no one goes to see, and rapidly fading icon of the 70's promises to show you the time of your life. If you're here in Amsterdam for what so many come for---relax, what better place to call your temporary home than the home of an old dear like Hollander? We don't know about you, but the idea causes us to vomit into our mouths a little.
This brush with faded celebrity will cost you a mere € 120,- per night. Why stay at a similarly-priced tourist class hotel without faded celebrities? Hollander provides 10% discounts if one mentions finding her place in certain other websites, although not this one, for obvious reasons.
Hotels
Hotel Acacia
251 Lindengracht,
tel: 020-622-1460
In the picturesque Jordaan district, convenient location. Ask for one of the 2 canal boats, they are a blast, but do it well in advance, as they are quite popular. Hans and Marlene are the amiable owners and operators and are good people to know.
Hotel Toren
164 Keizersgracht,
tel: 020-622-6352
Located in a lovely antique furnished canal house, and a few doors over in a new annex, the hotel was founded in 1968 as a family business by Mrs.Toren, and is now operated by her 3, now aging, children. It offers a variety of rooms for every budget; although it's a four-star hotel, you may be forgiven for thinking it better than that. If budget permits, treat yourself to the sumptuous split-level bridal suite, which includes a Jacuzzi. Colossal candlelight breakfast buffet served in the dining room.
Hemp Hotel
Frederiksplein 15,
tel: 020-625-4425
We're not sure where to add this one, as it's both a small hotel and a great late night bar, where we have been very, very drunk. Besides the friendly night bar, (or was it us being so drunk?), the hotel is what really distinguishes this place; sheets, soaps, shampoos and what- have-you are all derived from hemp. Various hemp made items can also be purchased. We'll trust that you won't eat your shampoo, because you know better, right?
Canal House
148 Keizersgracht,
tel: 020-622-5182
Situated near the Hotel Toren (actually between) this charming 26 room, 17th century house restored in period style, with antique furnishings throughout and detailed decor (deeds can be trace back as far as 1640) offers no clue that is owned and operated by an expat American family; flower vases are even included in the rooms.
Hotel Prinsenhof
Prinsengracht 810,
tel: 020-623-1772
Budget hotel in an 18th c canal house, superb "real Amsterdam" location. Ambitious and chatty webpage---sadly, it seems to have been abandoned in 1997.
Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky
9 Dam,
tel: 020-554-9111
The Grande Dame of the Dam. This 5 star deluxe establishment is very near the Red Light District. Other than that, it's a bit impersonal and the desk staff should have better training in the manners and courtesy department. No matter how nice a place is, it's always the staff that create the biggest impression, and in several separate instances we found the staff appalling. Our final bit of advice: Examine the charges on your bill carefully when you check out. It's that kind of place.
Hotel de l' Europe
Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2-8,
tel: 020-531-1778
Now owned by a daughter of Freddie Heineken, the Hotel de l´Europe opened its doors in 1896, in the grand age of hotels, and reflects the stylishness of that era. They strive to spoil their guests, and they succeed. Fresh flowers, chocolates, and fresh fruit,, are all brought to your room daily, even a supply of ice. It also offers wonderful views of the Muntplein or the Amstel from your own terrace. AXXXTW staff splurged and stayed here for the millennium festivities at nearby Rembrandtplein.
IBIS Stopera
Valkenburgerstraat 68,
tel: 020-531-9135
We dislike and avoid tourist chain hotels, and the drab-modern exterior appearance and location of this hotel, on one of the less attractive streets in the city caused us, as we arrived, to regret booking there. Until we got to our room. The large, modern, and cheery room, located in the back end of the hotel, overlooked through a large window one of the better views we have had in quite a long while, a pretty canal and just beyond, the leaning Montelbaanstoren. We actually ended up liking this place quite a bit, and the young and accommodating staff only added to the pleasure we found there. It's also located within a stones throw of the Waterlooplein, Rembrandthuis, Nieuwmarkt and Wallen. IBIS Stopera gives you very good value for your money.
Amsterdam Prinsengracht
Prinsengracht 1015,
tel: 020-623-7779
First class hotel in canal house. Refurbished and modernized in 1991. All amenities offered.
Prinsen Hotel
Vondelstraat 36-38,
tel: 020-616-2323
This comfortably furnished city hotel has recently been renovated also. It's located in a nice quiet area close to Vondel Park. Boat/Bike rental are available directly at the hotel
Die Port Van Cleve
NZ Voorburgwal 176-180,
tel: 020-622-6429
The building which houses this fully modernized hotel dates from 1870, it served as Heineken's first brewery. Next to Magna Center, behind Royal Palace on Dam Square. Brand new brasserie De Poort with 130 seats. Bar-Bodega De Blauwe Parade with genuine Delft blue tiles as the centerpiece of decor runs entirely around the room near the ceiling.
Winston Hotel
Warmoesstraat 129,
NZ Voorburgwal 176-180
tel: 020- 623-1380
The Winston, on one of Amsterdam's oldest streets, is a 67-room hotel, it's also a bar, a club and an art gallery. The art is not only hanging on the walls in frames, it confronts you everywhere you turn. If you're looking for quaint, then move along, because the Winston is not tulips or lace curtains, but a pulsating, pounding place to stay, to hang, to be. This is what they advertise :)
The truth is that it's a cool place, the rooms are decorated by local artists in different themes and nobody annoys you for smoking dope in the hallways. At least it smells like it. Downstairs at the bar you can chill out with a view of the Warmoesstraat. The Winston offers all the comforts of a budget hotel, an unbeatable location, and young people all around. Did we mention Oude Kerk is just around the corner? If you are lucky, you'll see a few of the hotties from your window.
Prices go from € 64, for a single room with shower to € 188, for a six-person room, with shower and toilet during high season. Breakfast is included.
Hostels
Kabel Young Budget
Warmoesstraat 38-42, tel: 020-623-7158
Now boarded up, we presume Kabel is closed permanently.
Hotel Meeting Point
Warmoesstraat 14,
tel: 020-627-7449
Online reservations are now available. Dorm beds start at € 16. No curfue
The Flying Pig (Downtown)
Nieuwendijk 100,
Tel: 020-421-0583
This is, we think, the finest of the hostels on offer in the city. Two other locations are also available---one near Vondel park and the other near the sea in Noordwijk. The Beach Hostel offers a free shuttle service for guest with hostel reservations between the Flying Pig Downtown / Palace hostel and the Beach Hostel.
Bob's Youth Palace
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 92,
tel: 020-623-0063
Bobs was started over 20 years ago by, guess who, Bob. He wanted to create a different kind of place, and he may have succeeded. Rates start at € 18, and apartments are also available.
Houseboats
PhilDutch
A nice houseboat for your stay, with a very reasonable price, is the "Luctor en Emergo". It's located on the Singelgracht, very close to the Museumplein and Heineken Brewery. The amiable owner, Efren Quintana, will see to your every need. Rates are given as €35 per day. You might be able to see video of the place on YouTube, we noticed quite a flood over there recently.
Apartments
Amsterdam House
Amsterdam House offers both apartments and houseboat rentals, as well as a hotel, for both short and long term visits. Most of the apartments and hotel rooms and all the houseboats overlook the picturesque Amsterdam canals. One of the apartments even has a sauna and a piano.
Apartments Amsterdam
Canal side accommodation is offered in Amsterdam South near Vondel Park. Minimum stays of either 1 month or 6 months depending upon location.
City Mundo
Looking for a temporary apartment? An online catalog of properties to rent around Amsterdam, searchable by location or price-range. Find a place you like, and request it online. If available, a deposit is then required to reserve it, but what is not disclosed until you've actually paid the deposit, is that the balance is payable in cash (upon arriving)---we think it'd be nice to know this up front. Now you do! Other than this not small item, we like City Mundo quite well, have utilized it ourselves for guests, and are otherwise well pleased with their fast, professional, hassle-free approach to a service that is much requested.
HousingPartner
Specializing in longer term rentals for professionals, expats, and the like---2 mos minimum.
Krasnalpolsky Apartments
9 Dam,
tel: 020-554-9111
Owned and managed by the Grand Hotel Krasnalpolsky and located just behind it, these 36 luxurious apartments located on Oudezijds Voorburgwal are quite a bargain, with rates starting as low as € 100 per day. Guests are entitled to full use of the nearby hotel's facilities. A two week minimum stay is required.
Sasja's Hotel-Apartment
Warmoestraat 5,
tel.: 020-535-3222
The address given is for Hotel Koopermoolen, where you check in. Sasja Hotel is opposite Centraal Station.