Amsterdam Accommodations

Unless you're going to be shelling out for one of the glitzy, multi-star hotels in Amsterdam, chances are you'll either be staying in a big backpacker hostel or a small hotel in a converted canal house. For the most part, pretty much anything you find in the city center will be a decent option, but there's a huge variety in value—some rooms are simply small white boxes with a bed, while others are lovingly decorated with modern elegance or a cool theme. To stretch your euro the most, consider staying in one of the neighborhoods outside of the main canal ring. Otherwise, the hostels in the center are well-maintained and home to vibrant social scenes.

Room rates fluctuate wildly according to season and time of the week. The closer you get to the cold of winter, the cheaper your room will be (except for the days surrounding Christmas and New Year's, when prices skyrocket). To visit Amsterdam in the more pleasant summer months and still save money, try scheduling your trip from a Monday to a Thursday. Always call or check the website of a prospective hotel for any new discounts or last-minute deals. While in the high season it's unadvised to show up in the city without having booked a room, owners with too many beds unoccupied have been known to radically slash prices at less busy times.

Virtually all accommodations these days provide Wi-Fi, and most have computers with internet available. Few are wheelchair-accessible, however, thanks to the city's proliferation of tall, teetering staircases. Most establishments take credit cards, but some will charge a 3-5% fee to compensate for what the credit card companies bill them. A city accommodations tax is usually included in the advertised price, but confirm with the management before paying to avoid any nasty surprises.

Hostels

Hostelworld.com. Compare hostels, B&Bs and budget accommodations across Amsterdam, and book your stay in advance at Hostelworld.com. Many hostels are laid out dorm-style, often with large single-sex ...more

Hotels, Guesthouses, And Pensions

Hotel singles in the Netherlands cost about €50-80 per night, doubles €70-100. You’ll typically share a hall bathroom; a private bathroom will cost extra, as may hot showers. Some hotels offer ...more

Other Types Of Accommodations

For a cozy alternative to impersonal hotel rooms, B&Bs (private homes with rooms available to travelers) range from acceptable to sublime. Rooms in B&Bs generally cost €80-100 for a single ...more

By Neighborhood

Most accommodations are concentrated in the Red Light District and Nieuwe Zijd, leaving the Oude Zijd with slim pickings. However, it's here that you can find two of the city's best and most affordable ...more