Cocomama

Cocomama is housed in a historic townhouse that was once a brothel, before two friends converted it into a hostel in 2010. The idea was to invoke some of the style of the boutique hotels they admired, while retaining the cheaper rates and social atmosphere of the hostels they loved. The outside is painted a chic black with white trim, but inside the small entryway the white walls and cream molding are badly chipped. The original wooden staircase winds steeply up from a hall next to a tiny lobby. The other communal spaces take on more character, and were renovated after our visit for a minimalist look. A cat named Joop resides here, and is often seen lazing about the kitchen or in the lounge.

Situated on the outer edge of the Canal Ring neighborhood, Cocomama is just south of Frederiksplein and north of De Pijp. The Canal Ring -- with its shops, historic buildings, and boat-lined canals -- is one of the most picturesque and popular places for visitors to stay, and De Pijp is home to several popular tourist attractions, including the Heineken Experience and the bustling Albert Cuyp Market. The hostel is walking distance from the Museum Quarter, home to major tourist attractions including Vondelpark and the Van Gogh Museum. There's a tram stop right outside the hostel for easy access to other parts of the city. Schiphol Airport is 20 minutes away by car.

All 13 rooms have been individually decorated based on quintessential Dutch themes (such as "Tulips" and "Van Gogh") and feature a distinct mix of vintage furniture and crafts. The five private rooms have queen beds with goose-feather duvets; the rest of the units are shared dorms with en-suite bathrooms. There's also a larger family room, charmingly done in white and blue and featuring Delft pottery; it has a lofted section with a double bed. The shared dorms have equally whimsical themes, with bunk beds that have individual reading lights and storage compartments or lockers. The tiled bathrooms are clean, with contemporary fixtures and walk-in showers. All rooms have free Wi-Fi.

Cocomama encourages guests to socialize by staging different events -- from pub crawls to game nights -- throughout the week, as detailed on a chalkboard in the lobby. The main communal space has a kitchen with a dining area that spills into the lounge. The whole space was renovated after our visit and has a boho-chic look, with new seating, rugs, and hanging plants The communal kitchen is stocked with cookware, and staples such as rice and pasta are made available on a free shelf section. There's also a pair of refrigerators, a coffeemaker, a microwave, and eight stovetop burners, but no oven. A bar top and four stools were also added, and there's an honesty bar with drinks and snacks. There's also free Wi-Fi throughout the property. The backyard has a patio with several picnic tables, though it's only open during limited daytime hours in order to not disturb the neighbors. Guests allergic to cats should note that there's a resident feline that roams freely through the entire area.