The Bulldog
The Bulldog Hostel in Amsterdam is one of the oldest and most famous hostels in the area. This hostel is located right in the heart of the Red Light District, making it close to almost everything. The entire interior was recently renovated, so it is cleaner and more modern than ever. Hostelworld website users rated the Bulldog as one of the top four hostels in the world in 2004 and Gomio named it the top hostel of 2008.
The Bulldog:
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 220
1012 GJ, Amsterdam, Netherlands
www.bulldoghotel.com/
+31 20 620 38 22
Amsterdam Cribs
With a name reminiscent of the popular MTV celebrity show, the two locations of Amsterdam Cribs have high expectations to meet. Luckily, they constantly meet and exceed them. The hostel only offers private rooms--no dorms, making them some of the safest hostels in the area. Guests at both locations can enjoy a kitchenette, free WiFi and a cable TV in each room. The Red Light location offers free PS2 consoles in every room as well. Unfortunately, these hostels are not handicap-friendly; they have narrow, winding stairways that some will find challenging or impossible to conquer.
Amsterdam Cribs:
Oude Hoogstraat 7
1012 CD, Amsterdam, Netherlands
+31 6 14833103
Amsterdam Cribs Red Light:
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 41
1012 EJ, Amsterdam, Netherlands
+31 6 14833103
Marie Anne's Houseboat
Like many top-rated hotels and hostels in Amsterdam, this hostel is a houseboat, providing guests a unique and enriching experience. Many people find the gentle roll of the canal's wakes soothing as they fall asleep. Marie Anne's is located a bit away from the majority of the city's attractions, but well within walking or biking distance from the rest of the city. There are only two rooms in this houseboat, so book early.
Marie Anne's Houseboat:
Dijksgracht 7
1019 BT, Amsterdam, Netherlands
+31 (0)20-4184200
www.marie-anns-houseboat.com/
Beagle Houseboat
The Beagle is another houseboat hostel and only a 3-minute walk from Central Station. Only four people at a time can stay on the houseboat so, again, be sure to book early. Guests have access to a top-floor common room, shared with the captain. The common room offers a mini-fridge, two computers and free tea and coffee. In nice weather, guests are invited to climb aboard the roof and enjoy a relaxing lounge in the sun.
Beagle Houseboat:
Oosterdokskade (next to Amstel Botel),
1033 RG, Amsterdam, Netherlands
+31 (0)6 5204 4203
Flying Pig Downtown
Right by Central Station, the Flying Pig Downtown was voted the best hostel in the Netherlands by Hostelworld users in 2008. The Flying Pig is a party person's paradise, complete with a lounge of pillows for social smokers, a 24-hour DVD viewing area and a bar that is open till 4 a.m. and features local D.J.s nightly. The hostel is right inside the Red Light District and only a 2-minute from Central Station, providing an ideal location for any Amsterdam visitor.
Flying Pig Downtown:
Nieuwendijk 100
1012 MR, Amsterdam, Netherlands
31 (0) 20 420 68 22
www.flyingpig.nl/
