Exploring Amsterdam Without Breaking the Bank: A Local’s Guide to Budget Stays
Ah, Amsterdam! The city of canals, bicycles, and painted clogs so iconic they’ve become the footwear equivalent of Mona Lisa’s smile. Whether you’re a local looking for a mini staycation or a tourist dodging the wallet-draining vortex of the tourist traps, you’ll find plenty of cheap hotel options in Amsterdam that offer a blend of comfort and value. Let’s jump on our virtual bicycles and pedal through the best cheap hotels in this vibrant city.
Hotel Not Hotel: Seriously, It’s a Hotel
First stop, Hotel Not Hotel. Contrary to its name, this quirky place is, in fact, a hotel — albeit one with a penchant for the wonderfully weird. Each room is uniquely designed by local artists; you might find yourself spending a night inside a tram cart or coming face-to-face with secret library doors that lead to snug sleeping quarters. Located in the Oud-West district, Hotel Not Hotel offers an economical refuge with personality. Just don’t let the name confuse you, and ensure you check into the right building!
The Student Hotel: Where Young and Young at Heart Collide
Next, let’s coast over to The Student Hotel. Despite its academic-sounding name, you don’t have to dig out your old textbooks to stay here, and neither do you have to be worried about having your homework graded. This funky hotel caters to students, travelers, and those who sneak into their kids’ TikTok videos. The hotel provides modern, stylish rooms at reasonable rates and is centrally located. Plus, with social spaces galore, it’s a fantastic spot to meet fellow globe-trotters.
Cocomama: A Royal Hostel Without The Royal Price Tag
We take a brief detour to Cocomama, proudly holding the title as Amsterdam’s first boutique hostel. Formerly a brothel (oh la la!), this cosmopolitan crib features rooms themed around Dutch clichés like “Tulip Mania” and “Van Gogh’s Madness.” It’s budget-friendly, central, and more fun than cycling across a canal bridge with a flock of geese chasing you — don’t ask. Part hostel, part hotel, Cocomama offers a fabulous blend of shared and private accommodations, perfect for those who believe that a frugal Euro trip should still include a touch of class.
Volkshotel: Not Just for the Folks
Last but not least, we roll up to Volkshotel where locals and tourists intermingle, united by their love for big savings and bigger personalities. Previously a newspaper office, Volkshotel is now a bustling hub of creativity and affordability. Economical rooms boast stunning views and clever design tweaks, making your stay in the city memorable without jabbing holes into your wallet. Oh, and the rooftop hot tubs? They’re free for public use. Make it your mission to soak whilst appreciating Amsterdam’s expansive beauty.
Rooms On a Budget and Canals For Days
When choosing your hotel in Amsterdam, remember that location is key, much like in romance and real estate. Staying centrally enables you to cruise through the captivating canal rings, explore nearby attractions in Amsterdam, and indulge in some of the finest bars in Amsterdam. You’ll be giving your feet a rest, saving transport fares, and earning your carbohydrate indulgences in the form of stroopwafels and gouda.
While it’s always good to keep an eye on accommodation sales and last-minute deals, the hotels we’ve directed you to have loyal followings for delivering great stays without that heart-stopping ‘credit card statement’ moment. So go ahead, cycle with confidence, suitcase in tow, as you set forth to conquer Amsterdam with your new collection of Dutch inn-jokes.