The one at Vondelpark is fully booked when we need it. Do you know anything about the other two..one was supposed to be opened this month. Is it?

The three are:
Amsterdam Stadsdoelen
Amsterdam Vondelpark
Amsterdam Zeeburg

Stadsdoelen is very central, but in or near the Red Light District.

Zeeburg is not central - it looks like it's a 30-minute commute or so to tourist attractions. Zeeburg is the new one, and according to its web site, it opened July 4, 2007.

Check out www.stayokay.nl .

Zeeburg emailed me back and said it was a 10 minute tram ride from the station. That might be a bit of a pain.

On the other hand, it seems like a very nice facility. What dates does he need the room for? Try ratestogo.com .

There are zillions of hostels in Amsterdam - many just as good or even more fun than the HI (aka StayOK) hostels - get a copy of Let's Go Europe and read all about them - the best guide by far for this type of accommodation. Critques good and bad.

Didn't you see that movie? SCARY!
just kidding!

(BUT that movie was creepy - don't watch it until you get back!)

Nothing wrong with being a 10 min. tram ride from the Central area. For myself, I did not care for that part of the city too much (around the train station, RLD, the Dam). I liked it MUCH better out at Leidseplein and Vondelpark. I would definitely choose to stay there over the Central area.

As suggested above, and as I've mentioned in your other posts... Let's Go Amsterdam is what I used to plan my trip. Have you got a map of the city yet? That's really important in understanding the layout of Amsterdam (or anywhere, I guess!).

There are interesting attractions on the east side of the city as well, like the Zoo, the Tropen Museum, Rembranthuis, the Jewish Museum, the Resistance Museum. I'm not sure how far he is from those particular attractions, but the eastern side of the city is also rather green and attractive.

The main drawback I see with the 10-minute tram ride is that is to Centraal Station, which as Suze mentions is not particularly attractive. If he passes through the above-mentioned areas on the way, I'd probably get off and walk through them.

Well, Zeeburg is booked too and some of these other hostels we have researched cost almost as much as a hotel..I think I have talked them into the Vondelpark area..my son does not want to be in the Red Light district for lodging at all. Hotel Aalders has a triple on hold for me until the morning..it is in the museum district and close to the Leidseplein. I did indeed go to a book store and studied a map of the city..I get it better now..you all are most helpful!

Yes the Museum area is a short stroll from the Leidesplein and its energetic night life. Museum area a very nice area and vondel park hostel is a great area - right on park - huge chalet style house with modern wings.

Zeeburg is very remote - last tram about midnight and though there's night buses they are infrequent so i wouldn't want to tell youths to stay there as in Amsterdam folks their age often begin going out at 10 or 11pm it seems.

Though Stadsdoelen is near the Red Light district it's well away from it for all practical purposes - actually is in the University of Amsterdam area and very safe - not any spill over from tawdry Red Light district some blocks north. Not a factor. University area is great - i recently wondered thru the area and it's incredible old and neat. Students all over.

Hello all you very helpful people..just booked Hotel Aalders in the Vondelpark/museum area for 6 nights! I think it will work and will let you know how it is at the end of August if you wish. Take care!