With over 10 million tourists visiting Amsterdam each year, there are plenty of people looking for a hotel in Amsterdam. To keep up with this huge demand for hotel beds, Amsterdam counts over 400 hotels. Despite the 400 Amsterdam hotels with 55.000 beds, it can still be a challenge to find a reasonably priced place to sleep. Especially in high season from the end of April till October prices for a room or even a dorm can sky rocket. July and August are the busiest and most expensive. Also during holidays like Easter and Christmas prices are at its highest. For instance the Easter weekend can be twice as expensive as the weekend after. Therefore it is sensible to plan your trip carefully if you are travelling on a budget. Booking in advance will give you a bigger range of hotels and prices to choose from.
How to find an appropriate hotel in Amsterdam
If you are looking for a hotel, you’ll probaly be searching for a specific price range. But besides the price we do recommend checking some other things as well. You should also take in account what you plan to do. Although public transport is organized well, there are no subways and trams in the night time. So if you plan on going clubbing you might consider paying a bit more for a hotel in the centre instead of having to spend the money you saved on taxi’s. On the other hand if you don’t care about the night live you can save some bucks and have a nice quiet hotel outside the city centre.
When picking a hotel take in consideration the following aspects:
- Location of the hotel: outside the centre you’ll find more value for money, does that fit your plans? Downside of the centre is that it can be a bit noisy near the pubs.
- Type of visitors: some hotels are better suited for business people while others are better for young, outgoing people. If you would like to meet up with other travelers maybe a hostel is a good alternative.
- Facilities: do you plan on having breakfast in the hotel? Would you like to have a hotel bar?
- Reviews: all hotels will advertise themselves as clean and comfortable, but the most sincere and useful information might be found in the reviews.
Best hotels in Amsterdam
Probably the most famous most iconic hotel in Amsterdam is the Amstel Hotel, nowadays part of the Intercontinental hotel group. Prices start at approximately €500,- per night. When lucky in low season and booked far in advance, a room might be found for €400,-. Although that sounds like a lot of money, do expect to get lots of value for money. This five star hotel is situated at a unique spot with views over the Amstel River. The marvellous, monumental building was opened in 1867 and ever since offers all the luxury one can wish for, including a Michelin-star restaurant. This makes the Amstel hotel the perfect choice for a luxury trip to Amsterdam such as a honeymoon.
Other high class hotels
Besides the Amstel Hotel there are more high class hotels that offer the same high standards in hospitality. You’ll find the same kind of luxury for a better price. So if you are looking at value for money they are an excellent alternative. Check out these outstanding alternatives for the Amstel Hotel:
- De L’europe Hotel: maybe just as pretty as the Amstel Hotel. Situated in the centre near Rembrandt Square nightlife area. The hotel features a wonderful terrace on the waterside and a restaurant rated with 2 Michelin stars. On top of this you’ll find a wellness centre, spa, gym and swimming pool.
- Conservatorium Hotel: luxury hotel situated in the centre at the Museum Square. The hotel furniture in the hotel is modern. Facilities include a spa, gym,swimming pool and a excellent restaurant.
- Krasnapolsky Hotel: as Dam Square is considered to be the very center of Amsterdam, the Krasnapolsky has one of the best locations around. It is situated right on Dam Square and features spacious rooms, a grand cafe and a winter garden on site.
- Okura Hotel: the Okura hotel is situated in De Pijp, a trendy, relaxing neighbourhood just outside the city centre. After a long day you’ll feel totally at rest. Enjoy one of the four different restaurants in the hotel which have all been awarded a Michelin star, one of them even with two. After your dinner you can enjoy a drink at the terrace or the Japanes spa.
- Waldorf Astoria Hotel: not as famous as Amstel Hotel, but definitely as fabulous. The Waldorf Astoria hotel is situated on one of Amsterdam’s prettiest canal; de Herengracht. It is only a few hundred metres away from Rembrandt Square night life area, but the rooms are nice and quiet. Facilities include a big garden, spa and two Michelin star rated restaurant.
Cheap hotel in Amsterdam
Finding a cheap hotel in Amsterdam is a difficult task. If you are looking to spend under €90,- per room per night be prepared having to do some concessions. The hotel will probably be situated a outside the center and will have a one to three star rating and your options will be limited. When you have a bit more to spend you might consider paying around €120,- per night as you will have more options and better hotels to choose from.
Recommended cheap hotels
As said before, it is quite difficult to find a cheap hotel for under €90,- per night. Though it’s not impossible. We feel that you should check out the following hotels if you’re looking for a relatively cheap place to stay:
- Amstel Botel: a unique hotel in a boat. The rooms are small and simple but also clean and cheap. The Amstel Botel is situated in Amsterdam Noord and can be reached with a (free) 10-minute ferry from Amsterdam Central station. In the night time the hotel offers a free shuttle service from Central Station. Facilities include a terrace and hotel bar.
- ClinkNOORD Hostel: besides dorms this hostel also offers private rooms. It’s an ideal place for young people as there is a bar with regular live music, DJ’s and pool tables. It’s an excellent place to meet up with other young travellers/backpackers.
- The Student Hotel: besides being a hotel this place also functions as temporary place to stay for expats. It situated in Amsterdam West but has a frequent tram connection to multiple parts of Amsterdam just a few hundred metres away. The tram will take you to the centre within twenty minutes. There’s a big lounge and gym. It’s also a very good place to meet up with other people.
Alternatives for a Hotel in Amsterdam
Camping in Amsterdam: if the prices hotels and hostels are too high for you, your best bet is to go for a campsite. Your cheapest option is to bring your waterproof tent and sleeping bag. If you have little more budget you can also go for an accommodation of the camping.