Hans Brinker Hostel Amsterdam

The Hans Brinker Budget Hotel is one of the cheapest hotel options that’s located within the heart of Amsterdam. The hotel’s website doesn’t mince words, calling itself “the cheapest, the worst, and the best” hostel in the city. The mainly dorm-style rooms are basic at best, offering little in the way of comfort and no decor.The multi-story brick structure sits on a cobblestone street in between a series of canals. There’s no seating inside the lobby, which is cluttered with vending machines and tourist brochures. The hallways look sterile and are void of any warmth or decor. Outside there is a bright, large courtyard with a little flower garden, but again, no seating for guests.The restaurant looks like a college-style hangout with happy hour signs, Foosball tables, and beer pong. The nightclub in the basement, which is open only to guests of the hostel, has a gritty bar area, dance floor with stripper poles, and graffiti covering the walls.

Situated near a series of canals, the Hans Brinker Budget Hotel is located in the heart of Amsterdam and is within walking distance to shopping, dining, and tourist attractions. It’s located about three blocks from the Leidseplein entertainment district, and less than 10 blocks from the museum district at Museumplein. The tram stops near the hostel and runs throughout the city, and connects to Amsterdam Central Station. A bike rental shop and boat tours are located right outside the hostel.

Rooms consist of white walls and tiny blue metal bunk beds with thin mattresses, and lockers. While single and triple rooms are available, the majority of rooms are set up like dorms and can sleep up to eight people. Each room (whether multiple-bed dorm rooms or singles) has it’s own basic, white-tiled bathroom, which is tiny and often gets waterlogged after someone showers. The hotel staff cleans the rooms each day, but many guests have complained about dingy bathrooms and bed bugs. There is no shower gel, shampoo, or conditioner -- guests have to bring all their own products. Rooms located on the lower levels can get noise from the nightclub. There’s an intercom system that blasts at random times and could disturb guests who are sleeping. The check-out time is early, and guests are charged for another night if they don’t strictly adhere to the policy.

Like most hostels, the Hans Brinker Budget Hotel has few amenities -- no pool, room service, gym, or spa. The standout feature of the hotel is the nightclub located in the basement that’s open only to hotel guests, but it can get crowded during the high season. There is a daily free breakfast that ends early; the food and drink choices leave some guests impressed and others unsatisfied. The on-site restaurant offers daily happy hour specials. Free Wi-Fi is only available in the public areas (not in the rooms), and there is no on-site parking.