If you have just booked your ticket to the Netherlands and are wondering where to stay in Amsterdam, you will definitely make a decision after reading this post.

Did I ever mention how much I love Amsterdam? I can easily write a book about how awesome this city is and why I love it, but I will save that for another time.

Just like me, there are millions of other people who love Amsterdam and it is one of the most visited cities in Europe. Believe it or not, more than 7 million international travelers visit Amsterdam in just one year. Obviously, the room tariffs in Amsterdam are so much higher than other places in Europe.

The first time I visited Amsterdam, I had absolutely no idea where to stay. I spent a lot of time looking at multiple booking websites but they confused me even more because Amsterdam has so many different types of places to stay. I eventually got lucky with my booking (God bless TripAdvisor) but only after spending many hours.

If you’re heading to Amsterdam soon and wondering where to stay, you’re going to love these recommendations from us and many other travel bloggers. Here’s a list of beautiful places to stay in Amsterdam for every budget. This is a very carefully curated list that also includes the nearby attractions and typical nightly cost in US dollars.

Best Places to Stay in Amsterdam

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Luxury Hotels in Amsterdam

01) NH Collection Amsterdam Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky

(Our recommendation)

A spacious room in NH Collection Amsterdam Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky

NH Collection Amsterdam Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky

The NH Collection Amsterdam Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky is an iconic building in Amsterdam which you won’t help but notice while you’re in Dam Square. If you’re looking for a luxurious place to stay in Amsterdam that’s close to everything, NH Collection Amsterdam Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky is the place for you.

This 5 star hotel is in Dam Square, right opposite the Royal Palace and just a few minutes away from most of the major attractions. The rooms here are spacious and are designed to provide extreme comfort along with luxury. I shared my room with a friend and the bed could have easily accommodated one more person – it was truly king sized.

Our room also had an espresso machine, which was a refreshing change than typical instant coffee bags. Our bathroom thankfully had a hair dryer as well. The hall with our room had a separate entrance so we didn’t have to go via the main reception each time.

  • Average Cost per night in USD: $300 – $400
  • Read reviews on TripAdvisor
  • Location: In Dam Square, close to the Royal Palace, Red Light District, Ripley’s Believe it or not and the Bulldog Lane.
  • Book Now (deals): Booking.com
Suggested reading: Amsterdam Travel Tips – How to save money in Amsterdam

02) Pulitzer Amsterdam

Recommended by Collette Stohler – Roamaroo

The Hotel Pulitzer is one of the most iconic and sophisticated hotels in all of Amsterdam. This posh hotel is located within the famed canal belt on the Nine Streets (De 9 Straatjes) and is within walking distance to landmarks such as the Anne Frank House, The Royal Palace, and Dam Square.

The Pulitzer is made up of twenty-five refurbished 17th and 18th century houses that have now been converted into a beautiful 5-star hotel. Originally modeled in the Golden Age, the Hotel Pulitzer effortlessly combines elegant architecture with modern luxuries.

  • Average Cost per night in USD: $360
  • Read reviews on TripAdvisor
  • Location: In Amsterdam Central, next to Westermarkt Tram Station. Nearby attractions are Dam Square, Anne Frank House, etc.
  • Book Now (deals): Booking.com

03) MΓΆvenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre

Recommended by Chrissy – Travel Passionate

Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre

Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre

On my recent visit to Amsterdam, I got to stay at the MΓΆvenpick City Centre Hotel. This riverside hotel is located in the center of Amsterdam 10 minutes on foot from the central station. If you don’t feel like walking the hotel offers a free shuttle to the central station every half an hour. The MΓΆvenpick is also strategically located next to the cruise terminal making it a great accommodation choice for cruise passengers. It is also a good place for those who want to experience Amsterdam’s crazy nightlife, since everything is within walking range.

My room was spacious with a fantastic room over the river and had all the modern amenities you would expect from a luxury hotel. The staff was very friendly and helpful and breakfast was amazing.

04) Courtyard Amsterdam Arena Atlas

Recommended by Elaine & DavidThe Whole World is a Playground

The modern and sleek Courtyard Marriott Arena Atlas Amsterdam hotel is a 20 minute train ride from Amsterdam Central Station. Located in the business district it’s a great option for anyone looking for a modern hotel in Amsterdam with good availability at a reasonable price. The rooms are spacious and extremely comfortable with all the creature comforts you’d expect from a Marriott hotel – comfy beds, super-fast wifi and a delicious breakfast served in the Nordic inspired GΓ₯RD restaurant.

We loved the open plan reception area where there was plenty of space to work or chat in a relaxed atmosphere. The large outdoor terrace is also beautiful on bright sunny days

The hotel has great transport connections to Amsterdam city centre and Schiphol Airport from the train station located next door. The hotel also rents bikes and the most famous museums of Amsterdam – the Van Gogh museum and Rijksmuseum less than a 30 minute easy bike ride away.

05) NH Amsterdam Museum Quarter

Recommended by Alexa Meisler – 52 Perfect Days

NH Amsterdam Museum Quarter

NH Amsterdam Museum Quarter

The NH Amsterdam Museum Quarter hotel offers a very convenient location to most museums in Amsterdam and is just far enough from the hustle and bustle of the city. The rooms are large, especially for European standards.

Breakfast was a lovely buffet with lots of choices. Most important for many; the Wifi in the guest rooms works and is fast. The hotel provides free bottled water and cookies at the front desk, which is a wonderful touch.

Amsterdam is an easy city to navigate on foot, but if you prefer, the hotel is a short five-minute walk to a tram stop. It’s an easy walk to many local restaurants, bars, Vondel Park and many museums. Jump on the tram, and in just a few stops you are in the heart of the city.

06) Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam – Sloterdijk

Recommended by Anuradha Rao, TravelHighway

Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam - Sloterdijk

Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam – Sloterdijk

If you have the budget and want to stay a little further than the bustling Amsterdam Centraal, I highly recommend Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam – Sloterdijk. The average rates are around 100 EUR but can go down during off-seasons. The location is excellent, with Sloterdijk station right beside the hotel, making Centraal just a stop away from your hotel (hardly 5 minutes!). I used to check the next train’s time in 9292 app and leave the hotel exactly 5 minutes before that! The rooms are spacious, well-lit, clean and the staff is polite and helpful. There isn’t any room service though and there isn’t much of a storage area in some of the rooms. But the breakfast is good enough to give you a nice start for the day.

07) Golden Tulip Amsterdam West

Recommended by Karen – Wanderlustingk

Golden Tulip Amsterdam West

Golden Tulip Amsterdam West

In Amsterdam, I recommend the Golden Tulip hotel. This hotel is located next to the Sloterdijk station, perfect for those who want to minimize walking in Amsterdam. Sloterdijk is only 15-20 min away by bus/train/tram from the most popular things to do in Amsterdam, but only 5-10 minutes from some great local neighborhoods with fantastic food.

The average room has a view of Westerpark, which is one of Amsterdam’s largest parks, perfect for runners on vacation. The rooms come complete with air conditioning (a rarity in Amsterdam), a Keurig, a temperature controlled bathroom, and a self-check in/out. The Golden Tulip only costs on average 80 euros per night and they offer a special membership program to get a free night’s stay. It’s the perfect hotel for those looking for luxury on a budget!

 

08) Lloyd Hotel and Cultural Embassy

Recommended by GΓ‘bor KovΓ‘cs – Surfing the Planet

Lloyd Hotel and Cultural Embassy

Lloyd Hotel and Cultural Embassy

One of the hotels with the most original concept we have ever stayed at is the Lloyd Hotel and Cultural Embassy in Amsterdam. This hotel situated in the harbor area has rooms of 1 to 5 stars, and more than 40 artists participated in designing the 117 rooms found in the hotel.

The 1-star budget rooms are fairly simple (double room costs around 120 USD/night), while the 5-star rooms are really luxurious (dr. 500 USD/night), each of them containing special elements that make them unique. One of the 5-star rooms has a huge piano in it, while another has a swing and a huge bathtub in the middle room. The hotel itself has a lot of history, and even tourists who don’t stay there come to visit. The location of the hotel is great, since it takes 10-15 minutes to get to either the museum area or the main railway station.

 

Mid Range and Budget Hotels in Amsterdam

09) Hotel Vossius Vondelpark, on Vossiusstraat

Recommended by Nadine Thomas – Start Where You Are Now

Hotel Vossius Vondelpark, on Vossiusstraat

Hotel Vossius Vondelpark, on Vossiusstraat

It was a simple, clean and very central hotel. The staff was wonderfully friendly. A filling breakfast was included each morning.

As is the habit with hotels in Amsterdam, the Vossius Vondelpark is a very tall and narrow building. The rooms are small but comfortable. While I was there, I walked out into the hall and got locked out at 3am whilst drunkenly looking for the bathroom. I woke everyone up trying to get back in.

The hotel is situated in two historic buildings that have been restored. It is located less than 500 yards from Leidseplein. You could stumble out of bed and be on a canal barge tour or having dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe within minutes.

10) Blossoms City Hotel – was earlier known as Vivaldi Hotel

Our recommendation

Blossoms City Hotel - earlier known as Vivaldi Hotel in Amsterdam

Blossoms City Hotel – earlier known as Vivaldi Hotel in Amsterdam

San and I visited Amsterdam for the first time in 2014 and we had a very limited budget. We searched for the most affordable room in the entire city and found this place, which was then called Vivaldi Guest House. This budget hotel has now been renovated and renamed β€œBlossoms City Hotel”.

If you’re looking for a very basic private room in Amsterdam that is close to everything, then you should consider Blossoms City Hotel. It is in one of Amsterdam’s typical narrow buildings and everything inside was tiny.

The room was comfortable with an en suite bathroom, which was as narrow as everything inside this building. The location was super convenient and just right next to the Heineken Experience and a few minutes’ walk away from the museum square.

Hostels in Amsterdam

11) Generator Amsterdam

I visited Amsterdam for a weekend in July 2021 and booked Generator Amsterdam. It was the highest hostel for that price because of the spaciousness. I must say I was very happy with the booking because everything was new, clean and super comfortable.

In terms of location, Generator Amsterdam wins hands down compared to everywhere else I have stayed, because it is in a quieter area and yet it is close to everything. The hostel is right next to Oostpark. In fact it is so close to the park that it feels like it is a part of the park.

The nearest tram station is just 2 minutes walk away, but if you want you can actually walk to places like the Waterlooplein market, Hortus Botanicus, etc.

The dorm room was very big with 4 beds and each bed has it’s own charging unit with USB slots too. There was a hair dryer, hangers and trunk for luggage under the bed among other things. The breakfast for 8.5 Euros if booked early and it was value for money because it was an entire breakfast set with coffee – so a combination of 4-5 things with coffee – fruits, cereal, bread, avocado, yogurt, mini pancakes, sausage, egg – depending on which breakfast set one ordered.

12) ClinkNoord

Inside ClinkNoord - a fun place to stay in Amsterdam-Noord

Inside ClinkNoord – a fun place to stay in Amsterdam-Noord

ClinkNoord is in Amsterdam’s hipster neighborhood – Noord. It’s super easy to reach Noord from Amsterdam Centraal because there is a free public ferry service that will take you there.

You can also take your bicycle or scooter on this ferry. Once your ferry reaches Noord, you will notice a tall building – that’s A’dam Tower, Noord’s iconic landmark. ClinkNoord is just around the corner from here, next to a canal.

ClinkNoord has got to be one of the cleanest hostels that we have stayed in. We slept in an en suite 4 bed dorm and it was perfect for us. Each bed had it’s own plug point, two USB charging sockets and a reading light.

The buffet breakfast was really good with a lot of fruits, breads, sausages, cheese, meat, egg, baked beans, couscous, flavored yogurts, cereal, juices, teas and coffee. The cost of this breakfast is just 6 euros, which is quite low if you compare it to other places in Amsterdam. The cocktail bar and the in house restaurant in ClinkNoord is really awesome. There are many games that you can play inside – ping pong, air hockey, a game of thrones themed table game and more.

  • Average Cost per night in USD: $35 – 53 for a dorm bed and $110 – $179 for a private room
  • Read reviews on TripAdvisor 
  • Location: In Noord, near the A’Dam Tower
  • Book Now (deals): Booking.com

13) The Bulldog Hotel and Hostel

Recommended by Jason Gotuato – Where’s Jason?

This hostel is within walking distance from the Central station. I prefer to be near the main station so I can just walk directly to my accommodation

This hostel is located right along the canal. Once you enter the lobby, you’d smell that stench of you know what. I’m amazed by the legality of drugs and whatnot, so this is interesting for me. It has a hipster vibe going on. The place is conducive for blogging or working if you prefer a little background noise.

The bedrooms and bathrooms are clean. The WIFI is strong. And the breakfast is good. Overall, it is a recommended stay for a backpacker. 

14) The Flying Pig Downtown Hostel

Recommended by Jason Gotuato – Where’s Jason?

I recommend this hostel because it’s within walking distance from the Centraal station, where you can hop on the next train to the airport, or another city like Paris or Brussels. It’s also convenient to walk around and see the famous canal and the infamous red light district.

Upon entering the hostel, you’ll be greeted by a pub, which is great if you want to drink and socialize with other backpackers. They also have paid lockers where you can leave your important belongings while you explore the city. But the most important factor is the hostel staff. They are hands-down, very accommodating.

15) Stayokay Hostel Amsterdam Vondelpark

Recommended by Bilyana Petrova – Owl Over the World

If you’re looking for a place to stay at near Amsterdam Vondelpark, then Stayokay Vondelpark hostel is a great choice for you. Especially, if you are a budget traveler. What I liked the most about the hostel was that is super close to everything, it’s located right next to the biggest park – Vondelpark and yet it’s very chill and easy going.
 
Also, it’s a good choice for a solo travelers, as it’s very sociable.

Alternative Places to Stay in Amsterdam and Around

16) Rent a Houseboat on Amsterdam’s Canals

Recommended by Dawn Nicholson – 5 Lost Together

Staying in a houseboat in Amsterdam

Staying in a houseboat in Amsterdam

For a truly unique place to stay in Amsterdam, consider staying in one of the many houseboats that line the city’s canals. These houseboats can range from a floating apartment with all modern conveniences to converted barge boats where you will no doubt feel like you are staying on a boat.

We loved watching boats go by our houseboat window and had to take ourselves away from our houseboat to explore the city. The houseboat we rented was located in the cute Jordaan district, which is close to the Anne Frank House and other city centre attractions. Available for rent from $170 – $500 for a family, they are definitely worth the splurge.

Suggested Houseboat Rentals in Amsterdam and cost per night in USD:

17) Sleep in a Caravan Outside Amsterdam – Lucky Lake Hostel

Recommended by Luke Marlin – Backstreet Nomad

Lucky Lake Hostel - Caravans outside Amsterdam

Lucky Lake Hostel – Caravans outside Amsterdam

A few years ago I booked a last minute trip to Amsterdam. I was on a tight budget so I booked a hostel out of the city. While I was waiting for the hourly shuttle to pick me up from under a bridge in the suburbs I began to have my doubts, but these quickly abated.

Set by a lake about 30 minutes from the city, Lucky Lake Hostel features dozens of cozy caravans for private rooms as well as the usual dorms. It’s an immensely relaxing setting with hammocks to stretch out in, the friendliest staff I’ve met at a hostel, and a wonderful area of canals and bridges to explore. Obviously the distance from the city may turn some people away, but for me, it was perfect escape.

18) Sleep in a Tent or an Eco Cabin at Camping Zeeburg

Recommended by James – Portugalist.com

Situated just outside of Amsterdam city centre, Camping Zeeburg is a fantastic option for the budget-conscious visitor who’s looking for something other than a hostel or cheap hotel. Accommodation choices range from a tent pitch (bring your own tent) to a sustainable eco-cabin or wagonette, suitable for either 1, 2, or 4 people. The city centre is only 15 minutes by bike or, alternatively, there’s a tram every 5 minutes.

  • Average Cost per night in USD: $11 (tent) to $100 (eco cabin for 4 people)
  • Read reviews on TripAdvisor 
  • Location: In Zeeburg, 7 minutes walk to the tram station for Amsterdam center.

Cover image by Djedj [cc0] via Pixabay

Have you visited Amsterdam already? Let us know in the comments. Share this post with a friend who is visiting Amsterdam and is wondering where to stay.

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