Flying Pig Uptown

Flying Pig Uptown strives for a fun, party-like atmosphere that appeals to its young clientele. The hotel occupies an old Amsterdam mansion next to Vondelpark. Upon entering, it’s easy to get a sense of its vibe -- the front desk is connected to the bar. Walls in the small lobby are entirely taken up by posters and signs about the hostel’s amenities and tours around the city. As for the bar, it’s got a gritty dive bar atmosphere with worn wooden tables, a chalkboard listing drinks, and cool art hanging on the walls. The smoking room is separated from the bar by a glass door. Common areas like the hallways have colorful decor, such as paint splattered walls or prints of clouds or pigs. The biggest drawback here is the lack of elevator, and for those with rooms on the top floor, it can be exhausting. Those allergic to cats should be aware that there’s a resident feline that prowls the common areas (but is not allowed in the rooms). Though the hostel caters to young guests who enjoy partying, it provides them with the opportunity to be charitable by donating their room deposits to Team Margot, a charity that helps raise awareness about bone marrow and stem cell transplants. 

Flying Pig Uptown has a great location next to Vondelpark, a large and beautiful public park. Tourists and art lovers will appreciate that the Museum Quarter is just a five-minute walk away, home to the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Stedelijk Museum. Leidsplein, a popular and lively square, takes eight minutes to reach on foot, and it’s a 14-minute walk to the Heineken Experience. Pieter Cornelisz Hoofstaat, a popular shopping street, is around the corner and has a number of high-end retail shops like Chanel, Gucci, and Prada. There are several cafes and dining options within walking distance. A tram stop takes four minutes to reach on foot, while a bus is six minutes away, making it easy to explore other areas or attractions around the city, such as Dam Square and Anne Frank House, both of which take about 20 minutes to reach. The central train station takes about 25 minutes to reach by public transportation, while Amsterdam's Schipol Airport is about a 20-minute drive or a half-hour by public transit.

This hostel offers a variety of room options, from private rooms with or without en-suite bathrooms to shared dorms with four to 14 beds (some of which have en-suite bathrooms). Rooms are usually colorful and feature fun decor like vibrant, patterned walls, Van Gogh prints, or checkered ceilings with chess pieces glued upside down -- though some just have plain white walls. Shared rooms have metal bunk beds with storage lockers underneath and white linens (included in the price). Some even provide queen-size bunk beds that couples or friends can book and split the cost, making for a cheaper option. Private rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs (and sometimes DVD players), free bottled water, small snacks, and toiletries. Drawbacks include no Wi-Fi in rooms, a fee for towels, and a lack of air-conditioning in some rooms. Some rooms -- both dorms and private rooms -- have small en-suite bathrooms with showers and soap in wall dispensers. There are also shared bathrooms with showers, hairdryers, and straighteners. Private rooms without en-suite bathrooms are equipped with sinks.

One of the most popular features here is the hostel's hip on-site bar. Not only does it serve drinks and small snacks like pizzas, but it also has an indoor smoking room, games, and an exchange library -- plus it's the only place on the property with free Wi-Fi. In the mornings, there’s a basic breakfast provided that’s included in room rates, though guests can take advantage of a communal kitchen and vending machines for snacks and meals throughout the day. There’s a few amenities that are offered for free like skate rentals (with a deposit) and free walking tours. On the other hand, bikes, laptops, and storage lockers require fees to rent. The hostel offers some perks like free entrance or guest-list privileges at clubs and a dining discount at Belushi’s restaurant and bar (though note that it’s a 30-minute walk away).