Amsterdam has long been on my travel bucket list, with its picturesque canals, vibrant culture, and rich history. During my recent visit, I had the chance to stay in a well-located, budget-friendly hotel that exceeded my expectations.
My Stay at The Quentin England Hotel
During my trip to Amsterdam, I chose to stay at The Quentin England Hotel, a charming budget-friendly option located in the heart of the city. Here’s a breakdown of my experience.
Geographical Location
The Quentin England Hotel is located at Roemer Visscherstraat 30, 1054 EZ Amsterdam, in the Oud-West district, just a short walk from Vondelpark. This location is perfect for travelers who want to experience the best of Amsterdam while staying in a peaceful area away from the busiest tourist spots. The hotel is also within easy walking distance of the city’s major attractions, including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum.
How to Book
I booked my stay at The Quentin England Hotel through Booking.com, which offered competitive rates and a straightforward booking process. The hotel is also available on other popular booking platforms like Expedia and Hotels.com, but I found the best deal on Booking.com. The booking process was smooth, and I received an instant confirmation along with detailed instructions on how to reach the hotel.
How to Get There
From Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, the hotel is easily accessible by public transport. I took the train to Amsterdam Central Station, which took about 15 minutes, and then hopped on Tram 1, which dropped me off at the Overtoom stop, just a five-minute walk from the hotel. Alternatively, a taxi from the airport takes around 20 minutes, but I found the tram ride to be both efficient and affordable.
Environment and Facilities
The Quentin England Hotel is housed in a beautiful 18th-century building that is part of a row of six national heritage buildings. The hotel’s classic architecture gives it a quaint, cozy feel, and the interior decor is simple yet welcoming. The lobby, though small, is well-maintained, with a friendly staff ready to assist with any questions.
My room was compact but comfortable, equipped with all the essentials: a comfortable bed, free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom. While the room wasn’t luxurious, it was clean and functional, making it a perfect base for a solo traveler like myself. The hotel also offers a continental breakfast for an additional fee, which I found to be convenient, especially on busy mornings.
One of the highlights of staying at The Quentin England Hotel was its proximity to Vondelpark. I took advantage of this and enjoyed morning walks through the park, which offered a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
My Experience and Rating
Overall, my stay at The Quentin England Hotel was pleasant and hassle-free. The location was ideal, allowing me to explore Amsterdam’s top attractions on foot. The staff was courteous and helpful, and the room, though small, met all my needs for a short stay. I would rate my experience at 7.5/10. It’s a great choice for budget-conscious travelers who prioritize location and convenience.
Top 5 Budget-Friendly Hotels in Amsterdam
For those planning a trip to Amsterdam and looking for affordable accommodations, I’ve researched and found five other budget-friendly hotels that offer excellent value for money.
1. Hotel Not Hotel
Location: Piri Reisplein 34, 1057 KH Amsterdam
Overview: Hotel Not Hotel is one of the most unique budget accommodations in Amsterdam, offering a blend of creativity and comfort. Located in the up-and-coming De Baarsjes neighborhood, this hotel is just a short tram ride from the city center. Each room at Hotel Not Hotel is designed by a different artist, making every stay a distinct experience. The rooms are more like art installations, with designs ranging from a vintage tram car to a hidden library. Despite the quirky designs, the rooms are functional, clean, and surprisingly affordable.
Facilities: The hotel features an on-site bar and a restaurant called Kevin Bacon, which serves delicious Thai-inspired cuisine. Guests can also enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the property. While the rooms vary in size and theme, they all provide a unique and memorable experience. The hotel’s atmosphere is laid-back and social, making it a great place to meet fellow travelers.
How to Get There: From Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, you can take the train to Lelylaan Station and then transfer to Tram 17, which stops near the hotel. Alternatively, a taxi ride from the airport takes about 20 minutes.
Price Range: Rooms at Hotel Not Hotel start at around €80 per night, making it an affordable option for those looking to stay in a more artistic and less conventional setting.
Nearby Attractions: The hotel is close to Rembrandt Park, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll or a picnic. It’s also within easy reach of the Ten Katemarkt, a popular local market where you can sample Dutch street food and shop for souvenirs.
2. The Student Hotel Amsterdam City
Location: Wibautstraat 129, 1091 GL Amsterdam
Overview: The Student Hotel Amsterdam City is a stylish, modern hotel that caters to both students and travelers. Located in the vibrant East Amsterdam district, it’s close to several universities, which gives it a youthful, energetic vibe. The hotel offers a variety of room types, from standard rooms to fully-equipped studios, all designed with a contemporary flair. The minimalist decor, coupled with large windows that let in plenty of natural light, makes the rooms feel spacious and inviting.
Facilities: The hotel offers an impressive array of amenities, including a gym, a games room, and several communal areas where guests can relax or work. The on-site restaurant, The Commons, serves a variety of international dishes, and the bar is a great place to unwind after a day of exploring. The hotel also has a bike rental service, which is perfect for guests looking to explore the city on two wheels.
How to Get There: The Student Hotel is easily accessible by public transport. From Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, take the train to Amsterdam Central Station, then transfer to Metro 51, 53, or 54 to the Wibautstraat stop, which is right outside the hotel.
Price Range: Prices start at around €90 per night, offering excellent value for the modern amenities and convenient location.
Nearby Attractions: The hotel is within walking distance of the Amstel River, where you can take a scenic boat tour. It’s also close to the De Pijp neighborhood, known for its lively street markets, trendy cafes, and the famous Heineken Experience.
3. MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam City West
Location: Orlyplein 1-67, 1043 DR Amsterdam
Overview: MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam City West is part of the MEININGER hotel chain, known for its affordable, clean, and well-located accommodations across Europe. This particular hotel is situated in Sloterdijk, a rapidly developing area with excellent transport links to the city center. The hotel is ideal for budget travelers who don’t mind staying slightly outside the city’s core. It offers a range of room options, from dormitories to private rooms, catering to solo travelers, couples, and groups alike.
Facilities: The hotel offers a variety of amenities, including a guest kitchen, a bar, and a game room. The communal kitchen is particularly useful for budget travelers who prefer to cook their own meals. The rooms are simple but modern, with comfortable beds, free Wi-Fi, and en-suite bathrooms. The hotel’s lobby and lounge areas are spacious and inviting, making it a great place to relax or meet other travelers.
How to Get There: From Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, take a direct train to Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station, which is just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel. This convenient location makes it easy to reach the city center in about 10 minutes by train.
Price Range: Rooms at MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam City West start at around €70 per night, making it one of the more affordable options in the city.
Nearby Attractions: While the hotel is located outside the city center, it’s just a short train ride away from popular attractions like the Anne Frank House, the Jordaan district, and the bustling Dam Square. The nearby Westerpark is also worth a visit, offering green spaces, cafes, and cultural events.
4. ClinkNOORD
Location: Badhuiskade 3, 1031 KV Amsterdam
Overview: ClinkNOORD is a vibrant and modern hostel located in Amsterdam Noord, just across the IJ River from the city center. Known for its social atmosphere and stylish interiors, ClinkNOORD is perfect for young travelers and backpackers looking to experience Amsterdam’s nightlife and culture. The hostel is housed in a former laboratory building, giving it a unique industrial-chic vibe. It offers a variety of accommodations, including shared dorms and private rooms, all designed with comfort and functionality in mind.
Facilities: ClinkNOORD offers a wide range of amenities, including a bar, a cafe, and a self-catering kitchen. The bar, called ZincBAR, regularly hosts live music events, DJ nights, and other social activities, making it a great place to meet other travelers. The hostel also has a library, a cinema room, and plenty of communal spaces for relaxation. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and there’s a 24-hour reception for added convenience.
How to Get There: The hostel is easily accessible from Amsterdam Central Station. Simply take the free ferry across the
IJ River to the Buiksloterweg ferry terminal, and from there, it’s just a five-minute walk to ClinkNOORD.
Price Range: Dorm beds start at around €30 per night, while private rooms are available from €80 per night, making it an excellent option for budget travelers.
Nearby Attractions: ClinkNOORD is located in the trendy Amsterdam Noord district, known for its creative scene and vibrant nightlife. Nearby attractions include the Eye Film Museum, the A’DAM Lookout, and NDSM Wharf, a former shipyard turned cultural hotspot with street art, cafes, and markets.
5. Hotel Clemens
Location: Raadhuisstraat 39, 1016 DC Amsterdam
Overview: Hotel Clemens is a small, family-run hotel located in the heart of Amsterdam’s historic canal district. This charming hotel offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere and excellent service, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers who still want to stay in a central location. The hotel is housed in a traditional Amsterdam townhouse, with steep stairs leading up to cozy, well-appointed rooms. Despite its central location, Hotel Clemens offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Facilities: Hotel Clemens offers a range of amenities, including free Wi-Fi, a complimentary breakfast, and a lovely terrace with views over the city’s rooftops. The rooms are clean and tastefully decorated, with comfortable beds, flat-screen TVs, and modern bathrooms. Some rooms even offer balconies, providing a great spot to enjoy a morning coffee while taking in the views of the nearby Westerkerk and the famous Anne Frank House.
How to Get There: The hotel is easily accessible from Amsterdam Central Station by tram. Take Tram 13 or 17 to the Westermarkt stop, and from there, it’s just a short walk to Hotel Clemens. The central location also makes it easy to explore the city on foot.
Price Range: Rooms at Hotel Clemens start at around €100 per night, making it slightly more expensive than other budget options, but the central location and personal service make it well worth the price.
Nearby Attractions: Hotel Clemens is ideally located for exploring Amsterdam’s top attractions. The Anne Frank House is just a two-minute walk away, while the Jordaan district, with its charming cafes and boutiques, is right on your doorstep. The nearby Dam Square and Royal Palace are also within easy walking distance.
Amsterdam is a city that offers something for every type of traveler, and finding the right accommodation is key to making the most of your visit. Whether you’re looking for a quirky, artistic hotel like Hotel Not Hotel, a modern, social atmosphere like ClinkNOORD, or a centrally located gem like Hotel Clemens, there’s a budget-friendly option to suit your needs.
