Stayokay Amsterdam-Stadsdoelen
Kloveniersburgwal 97, Amsterdam, North Holland 1011 KM, The NetherlandsWhy We Like It
Stayokay Stadsdoelen is a bare bones option for backpackers and budget travelers who want to be in the thick of it.
Fodor's Expert Review
This canal house hostel at the edge of the Red Light District has become a backpackers’ favorite for its basic accommodations in an awesome location for a reasonable price. That said, Stayokay merely promises an “okay stay” and very few amenities are included, so if you’re a creature of comfort, you might want to keep on looking… A much-needed refresh is planned for 2019.
You Should Know This hostel doesn’t have the party atmosphere of similar properties like The Flying Pig Uptown Hostel or Hans Brinker Budget Hostel, so keep that in mind if your goal is to meet people.
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Room
The rooms and dorms--some with canal views--come with free Wi-Fi and steel-framed bunk beds. Bed sheets are included in the price, but you’ll have to make your own bed (and strip it when you leave: yes, really!).
You Should Know There is no air conditioning and some dorms have poor ventilation.
Bathroom
Shared bathrooms down the hallway from the dorms come with a showers, sinks, and toilets (with toilet paper). Towels must be purchased for an extra €4.50. There’s also a laundry room to wash your clothes.
Tip Bring your own soap, as it’s only available for purchase at the reception here.
Lobby
Simple and functional with a 24-hour front desk. Everyone congregates in the lobby or bar area to make new friends, watch TV, and charge their phones, as outlets in the shared dormitories (which sleep up to 20 people) are few and far between. There's also a small courtyard.
Tip Not ready to check out? There are extra large storage lockers for your stuff in the basement (for €0.20per hour).
Dining
Breakfast (not included) is served in the bar/lounge area.
Drinking
There is a bar with a billiards table, and guests receive a 50% discount voucher on their first drink when checking in.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
Located in the heart of the Old Center, this hotel offers good access to just about all the sights on foot. Metro and tram access is available at nearby Waterlooplein.
Restaurants
Warm up with Café Bern’s deeply filling (and affordable) fondue (5-minute walk). For cheap-and-cheerful Israeli food (you’re in the Jewish Quarter, after all), you can’t go wrong at Hummus House (5-minute walk), where you’ll find housemade hummus served with warm pita bread and plenty of pickles and sauces. Craving some comfort of the Cantonese kind? Head straight for Chinatown, where Nam Kee (7-minute walk) is an old locals’ favorite.