Kloveniersburgwal 97, Amsterdam, Netherlands | (618) 248-8274
Less than a 10-minute walk to Waterlooplein Market and Royal Palace
Simple dorm rooms with bunk beds and provided linens
Private two-person room with bunk beds and shared bathroom
Cozy bar with drinks, pool, foosball, and board games
Breakfast buffet of pastries, cold cuts, and fruit
Small courtyard with a table and lovely plants
Public computer (for a fee) and free Wi-Fi
Laundry room on-site (for a fee)
Lockers and bikes for rent
Reports of cleanliness issues in rooms and bathrooms
Breakfast costs a fee
Towels are not included
Rooms lack air-conditioning
Beds are not made up for travelers
The one-and-a-half-pearl Stayokay Hostel Amsterdam Stadsdoelen is a simple hostel that guests either love or hate, with little in between. Since rates aren’t overly cheap, most travelers are surprised to learn that a basic breakfast isn’t free and towels cost a fee. For that matter, guests have to make up their own beds with provided linens upon arrival in the 10-person dorms. There are some private rooms, but they include bunk beds, too. The bar gives guests a place to socialize when they’re not out and about exploring the property’s central location that's within a 10-minute walk to the Royal Palace and Waterlooplein Market. Travelers can get more bang for their buck at the trendy St. Christopher’s at Winston Hotel which offers a free breakfast, restaurant, and free towels.
Scene
Typical hostel with a youthful clientele, outdoor patio, and some wear in public spaces
Stayokay Hostel Amsterdam Stadsdoelen isn’t one of those trendy hostels with tons of features, but it does okay with what it has. It sits in a dark brick building and has a lobby with some color in an orange reception desk and posters on the wall. Brown and red couches are provided for travelers to relax or read a book from the small library. An outdoor garden with a table is a nice spot for guests to mingle during warm weather, though no smoking is allowed which could be a pro or con for some. The hotel’s bar has a pub-like vibe with brick walls and rustic wooden tables that show a lot of wear and tear. But it’s cozy overall and the most happening place in the building. As might be expected, most guests are groups of friends or solo budget travelers who want a cheap stay and a vibrant social atmosphere.
Location
Located in Amsterdam's city center about a 10-minute walk or less to most main attractions
The hostel’s location is one of its most impressive features. Set on a canal in the city center of Amsterdam, it’s within easy reach a lot of attractions on foot. It’s a six-minute walk to the Red Light District and eight minutes to the Waterlooplein Market. The Royal Palace takes nine minutes to reach on foot. The Anne Frank House is a bit farther away, but still doable at a 19-minute walk. There’s a bus and tram stop that take a five-minute walk to reach. It’s a 30-minute drive to Amsterdam Airport Schipol.
Rooms
Choice of 10-bed dorm rooms with no air-conditioning or two-person private rooms; all have shared bathrooms
Rooms at Stayokay Hostel Amsterdam Stadsdoelen are either two-person private rooms or 10-bed dorm rooms, all with shared bathrooms. The overall look is simple with glossy floors and plain walls that slightly contrast with silver metal bunk beds. Though private rooms in other hostels usually offer a bit more in design or amenities than dorm rooms, the private two-person rooms at this hostel just include a single bunk bed in a private room -- which isn’t impressive at all. But many guests complain about sleeping in crowded rooms with 10 other people, so it could be a better deal. There’s free Wi-Fi in all rooms, though no air-conditioning or any other amenities. Travelers are given linens upon check-in, and they must make the beds themselves. Towels are available for a fee. All rooms are subject to shared bathrooms, which are spacious with multiple toilets and showers, though no toiletries are provided. Note that some guests report cleanliness issues in rooms and bathrooms.
Features
Lively bar in the evenings serves a simple paid breakfast in the mornings
Stayokay Hostel Amsterdam Stadsdoelen’s amenities aren’t the worst we’ve ever seen, but they’re not the best by far. The bar is a favorite among guests as it offers happy hours, a pool table, board games, and foosball. In the mornings, a breakfast is offered that includes pastries, jams, fruit, cold cuts, and juice. Note that the meal isn't included in room rates. Pesky fees appear in other areas of the hotel like locker and bike rentals, use of the public computer, and in the laundry room. Bikes are available for rent. Wi-Fi is free.