Stayokay Hostel Amsterdam Vondelpark

As one of the biggest hostels in Europe, one might expect the Stayokay Hostel Vondelpark to be a 24-hour party, but despite Amsterdam’s reputation, not all of its hostels are wild. In fact, Stayokay Hostel Vondelpark is one of the more tame, family-friendly options. The grounds feel collegiate, as the hostel is spread out over a few buildings, including a lovely red brick former schoolhouse that's surrounded by trees and walking paths. The purple-lit bar and funky game room mean there's plenty of opportunities for socializing with other guests in a fun and relaxed setting (though without the overly boozy goings-on found elsewhere). Because of Stayokay’s size, with over 500 beds, it tends to attract groups as well as the typical lone backpacker, and since it’s family-friendly you’ll really find any type of traveler here.

This Stayakoy Hostel is located next to the large and leafy Vondelpark, to the southwest of the center of Amsterdam, but still convenient to all of its main attractions.The hostel doesn’t get much traffic, as it sits at the end of a dead-end street, and the area immediately surrounding the hostel is residential and quiet compared with the location of most other hostels in Amsterdam. There is no major party scene right nearby, but because Amsterdam isn’t sprawling, nothing is far away. Popular tourist district Leidesplein is a 10-minute walk away, as is Museumplein, the cluster of three world-famous museums including Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum. Wild nights in De Wallen, the best-known Red Light district, is 15 to 20 minutes away via public transportation. Arrivals and departures are easy, with Centraal Station about a 20-minute ride away on public transportation. Expect a 30-minute commute to the airport by public transit. 

Rooms at this Stayokay Hostel are clean and basic, but pleasantly modern. Decor is minimal, limited mostly to the occasional poster-photo of Amsterdam. Guests can expect sturdy, wooden bunk beds, a small table with chairs, and painted lockers, without much room for anything else. Rooms range in size from a large dorm with several bunk beds, as well as six-, four- or two-bed rooms are available to accommodate all types of travelers. Unlike some hostels, families with young children are welcome, but they must book the more private rooms or the Two-Plus Rooms. Bathrooms are en-suite and they are clean, with separate rooms for the toilets and showers, making it easy to share among multiple bunkmates. Towels and locks are available, but for a fee, and guests are handed their linens at check-in for making their own beds. Wi-Fi is available and free in rooms. 

As far as features go, the Stayokay Vondelpark has all that one might expect at a hostel, plus some extras for added fun. A fun bar with a food menu, a big lounge area for socializing, and wall-mounted flat-screen TVs is often crowded, though rarely rowdy. For entertainment, there's a pool table, air hockey, and foosball, while the couches make a good spot for guests to chill with friends when they’re not exploring Amsterdam. You can add breakfast at booking, and the buffet is open for a few hours each morning, but be warned that it’s popular and lines can be long. The hostel rents bikes and also has a station in the lobby for booking tours and buying tickets for museums and other attractions. The lobby also has an area with several computers where guests are able to check email and arrange travel, among other things. There are amenities for convenience, too, like luggage lockers (locks must be brought or purchased) and a laundry room. Children are allowed and special beds for them can be requested, but families with kids under 12 must book private rooms. There is no communal kitchen. Wi-Fi is free throughout, and the hostel is wheelchair accessible.