Amsterdam is a great city to visit. There is so much to do. From world-famous museums to beautiful canals, and from sightseeing possibilities with canal boats and sightseeing buses to restaurants serving super tasty dishes: Amsterdam has something for everyone. However, while it may not be a cheap city to stay in, finding cheap accommodation can be quite difficult. Fortunately, this has changed in the past few years. A lot of hip hotels are opening their doors, and charging decent rates, making it easier for tourists to find a place to stay when they visit the city.
Amsterdam has many beautiful places to spend the night. Are you looking for a nice bed & breakfast, a low-budget hostel or do you prefer a stylish night in a luxury 5-star hotel? With more than 41,000 beds, Amsterdam has something to offer everyone, whether you are on holiday with friends or family or on a business trip!
The city centre is the oldest part of Amsterdam. The inner city is the area around Dam Square and is bordered by the Singel, the Amstel, the Kloveniersburgwal, the Geldersekade and the IJ (behind the Amsterdam Central Station). The famous canal belt was later laid around the city centre.
A hotel in the city centre has the advantage that the major museums, shopping streets and nightlife are within walking distance. There are many luxury hotels in the centre of Amsterdam, but also some of the cheapest hotels in Amsterdam.
Spending the night in the Jordaan
The Jordaan working-class neighbourhood was built in the early 17th century. The polder ditches were filled during the construction of the Jordaan. The small streets of the Jordaan are similar to those in Scotland. These days, however, the Jordaan is no longer a working-class neighbourhood. In the Jordaan, you will find small antique shops and atmospheric pubs. A hotel in the Jordaan is a good option if you don’t want to spend the night in the busy and expensive city centre but still want to be close by.
Stay overnight at Amsterdam Airport (Schiphol) Area
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is outside of Amsterdam. Schiphol can also be easily reached by train via Amsterdam Central Station. If you need to be at Schiphol early, you can stay in the centre of Amsterdam because the train from Central Station stops under the departure hall of the airport. However, there are also several good hotels close to Schiphol. There are even hotels at the airport Gates.
Amsterdam hotel boats and botels
The canals and inland ports of Amsterdam are home to more lots of boat hotels and hotels where you can spend the night. Lots of them can be found in the Oosterdok area, near Amsterdam Central Station. There are historic ships and cargo ships that have been converted into hotels, B&B or hostel, but you can also rent a houseboat in the Amsterdam canals.
Spend the night on the Grachtengordel
At the beginning of the 17th century, around 1612, the digging of Herengracht, Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht was started. These canals were later extended to the Amstel River and in the second half of the 17th century, they were even extended, and that gave birth to the Nieuwe Herengracht, Nieuwe Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht.
In the 17th century, rich merchants had beautiful mansions built within this canal belt. Some of these mansions were called canal houses and Het Grachtenmuseum does an awesome job of telling the story of these canals and the canal houses located around them. The canal belt is currently one of the most important attractions in Amsterdam. Many luxury stores have now been established within the canal belt. Some of the canal houses have now been converted into hotels. Examples of hotels in old mansions are the Pulitzer Hotel and the Ambassade Hotel.
Spend the night at the Museumplein (in Old South)
The museumplein is where you find the Vondelpark and the three major museums: the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum and the Van Gogh Museum. The Concertgebouw is also located on the Museumplein.
There are a number of good hotels in the Museumplein. If you spend the night in a hotel at the Vondelpark you will sleep in a peaceful environment and also be close to popular museums and some wonderful shops and restaurants.
Hotels, bed & breakfasts and campsites
Amsterdam has a selection of exceptional accommodation options – from boutique hotels to budget hostels and bed & breakfasts. Amsterdam locals can rent out their houses/houseboats via AirBnB when they go on holiday, so you can also live as a ‘local’ (note: only allowed for a maximum of 4 guests and up to 60 days per year).
Do you want to book a cheap hotel in Amsterdam? Several popular & affordable hotels in Amsterdam are listed here on this page. Cheap or budget hotels are also not scarce in Amsterdam but you have to book early because they are usually filled up in the summer by backpacking young folks. The range varies from basic & budget hotels to luxury hotels that currently have an affordable offer.
Your hotel price ultimately depends on, among other things, the date of your check-in, duration of stay, and how many people you want to spend the night with. If you only want to see cheap hotel deals for a specific period and group, it is best to check the check and book via this link (insert Booking.com link). You will then see an overview of all the cheap hotel nights in Amsterdam that you can actually book during that period (and that are therefore not yet fully booked).
Below is a selection of different types of accommodations that can be found in Amsterdam. There is always something for every type of visitor or traveller.
Hip hostels
Are you in your twenties or traveling or backpacking with a small group? Then consider a hostel. And not just a scanty or dirty hostel, but a hip one like WOW Amsterdam Hostel. Which is one of the best hostels in Amsterdam. This hostel has enough affordable places for travelers who want to discover Amsterdam. Another good option is Generator Amsterdam Hostel, in a beautiful old building on the edge of the Oosterpark.
There are plenty of good cozy hostels in Amsterdam. Just use the tool from Hostelz.com to help you to compare prices for all Amsterdam hostels. Save yourself the hassle, since they compare Hostelworld, Hostelclub, and Booking.com for you.
Budget hotels
A comfortable and affordable accommodation option is absolutely possible at Hotel Teun. This hotel has attractive rooms with a shower and toilet that can accommodate 2 or 3 people. In the lobby of the hotel, you can have breakfast, lunch or dinner for a reasonable price, but you can also just enjoy a cup of coffee and a piece of homemade cake outside on the terrace. The Student Hotel Amsterdam West is also an absolute must for those looking for a budget-friendly hotel room that is fully equipped.
Cosy B & Bs
In addition to the huge selection of the budget hostels and hotels, there are also surprisingly many affordable B&Bs in Amsterdam. Often nicely and personally decorated and in cosy neighbourhoods. Take Bed in Boat Amsterdam in Amsterdam-Noord, for example, in a cosy houseboat, overlooking the water and the lights of the city. Or La Corte Sconta B&B in Zeeburg, with different rooms in a special house on the water. You can easily reach the Amsterdam city centre by bike.