Locating best budget hotels in Amsterdam can make visiting the city more fun. Amsterdam is full of charms (whether it be ancient canals and Dam Square or the Anne Frank House and markets). Therefore, being at the center of it will save you on transportation and enable you to see more. Luckily, there are many cheap hotels surrounding the center of this city, which do not ruin comfort.
Below we highlight some of the top budget hotels near Amsterdam’s attractions – each offering clean rooms, free Wi-Fi, and easy access to the city’s highlights.
Where to stay in Amsterdam on a budget?
You can look at such areas as the area of the Plantago/Jordaan, Red-Light District, or Amstel River. These areas are nearby to tram or ferry, so you can save money to spend more on museums and food. The following hotels are all value and good locations.
Most are within a few steps of a tram stop (or even a free ride on a ferry) to Dam Square, the Rijksmuseum or Amsterdam Central. This will mean you will have a budget hotels Amsterdam City Centre without having to feel out of the residential area.
How to find affordable hotels in Amsterdam?
The centre of Amsterdam might be costly, but as shown above, it is possible to find cheap accommodation that will still offer convenience. Tips: find deals in spring/fall, reserve mid-week, or book long stays to save. Never pay more than what is shown on the booking sites. Check what is included, e.g. some hotels do not offer breakfast but compensate for this with low rates.
Most of these cheap hotels (Plantage, Bulldog, Dwars) place you directly next to attractions, yet others (Botel, Flipper) are a little farther away but have free ferry or tram service.
Ultimately, it is possible to say that the best budget hotel in Amsterdam is one that is based on your priorities. In case you prefer walking, use one of the city-center alternatives (Hotel Plantage, The Bulldog, or Dwars). In case you are willing to use public transportation, Flipper or Botel allow you to save even more.
No matter what, these hotels prove that staying in the heart of Amsterdam doesn’t have to break the bank. Book early, pack a lightweight guide, and enjoy Amsterdam’s canals and culture. You’ll have more to spend on stroopwafels and museum tickets when your room rate is low!
Top budget hotels near Amsterdam attractions
1. Hotel Plantage
The exterior of Hotel Plantage – an affordable hotels in Amsterdam opposite the Artis Zoo. It is a low-end hotel in the heart of Amsterdam. It is comfortable with bedding and daily housekeeping. Hotel even has a tram stop (Plantage Kerklaan) outside on the Line 14 and you can be in Amsterdam Central Station within minutes. There one can take a fast tram or a walk to Dam Square or the Red-Light District, which makes Hotel Plantage a good budget-friendly sightseeing option.
- In-room bathroom, Wi-Fi, and flat-screen television.
- Super position, facing Artis Zoo; tram ride of short distance to Dam Square/Central Station.
- 24-hour reception, daily housekeeping, and on-site vending machines for drinks/snacks (No breakfast provided – there are drink machines and nearby cafés).
2. Amstel Botel
Inside Amstel Botel’s ship-cabin style room – a floating hotel on the IJ River. To be unique, visit the Amstel Botel (also known as Botel Amsterdam). It is a 3-star hotel that is a literal boat, moored on the IJ in Amsterdam Noord. The cozy cabins have their own bathrooms and the canal or harbor views. Botel’s on-site bar and two-way lounge provide free entertainment (pool table, TV). There’s a sunny rooftop terrace overlooking the river and Amsterdam’s skyline. So even though the boat is docked in the north, you reach the city center almost instantly – an excellent budget hack!
- Free 10-minute ferry to Central Station (every 15 min) – connects you to the center
- Each room has a private bathroom; guests have access to a breakfast buffet, bar, and roof terrace
- Bike rentals available; free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
3. Student Hotel
The Student Hotel Amsterdam City (since changed to The Social Hub Amsterdam City) is a combination of modern design and low costs. It is targeted at youthful travelers; thus it has a casual atmosphere and a wide range of facilities. Student Hotel is a relatively cheap, design-conscious choice in case you need a bit of flair in the accommodation.
- Cafes, shops, and even campus nightlife are found near Wibautstraat yet the hotel remains as much a part of the city center circuit.
- Fashionable loft-like rooms, free Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms.
- 24h gym, study lounges, games room (pool, ping-pong), vibrant bar/restaurant.
- Easy access by metro – you are 5 minutes (or a 20-minute walk) to Central Station/Dam Square.
- Ideal when traveling alone or in a group and need space and place.
4. The Bulldog Hotel
The Bulldog Hotel Amsterdam’s facade on Oudezijds Voorburgwal in the Red Light District. For travelers wanting to be in the most bustling part of town, The Bulldog Hotel is a classic choice. It’s located at Oudezijds Voorburgwal 216 – smack in the heart of the Red-Light District. Despite the central location, the prices remain affordable. The Bulldog is a low-end establishment just steps away (Dam square, the canals, and nightlife).
- Newly refurbished rooms: 43 suites and 7 dorm beds, each suite is distinctly designed; all the rooms are soundproof so that you can be relaxed. All rooms are soundproofed to a minimum.
- Onsite lounge bar, late night snacks and a roof terrace with canal views.
- DJ nights and cultural events (performers check their calendar) every week to have the same Bulldog experience.
5. Hotel Flipper
Hotel Flipper is a very basic, no-frills budget hotel located in Amsterdam’s Berlage Quarter (southern De Pijp area). It’s not in the historic center, but it’s very close to the Amstel River and the Amsterdam RAI convention center. There are even a small garden courtyard and 24-hour reception. Hotel Flipper is ideal if you want ultra-cheap rooms and don’t mind a short tram ride to get to the main sights.
- Amstelkade tram stop (Line 4) 5 min walk; tram #4 goes to Dam Square/Central in ~20 min
- Budget rooms with private bathrooms, LED TV, and free Wi-Fi
- Nearby highlights: RAI Center (1 km away), Albert Cuyp Market, De Pijp’s cafés and shops
6. Hotel Dwars
Hotel Dwars is a small boutique hotel directly in the city center – directly off the bustling Utrechtsestraat (street with shops and cafes). Its central location (Utrechtsedwarsstraat) means that it is in easy walking distance of Rembrandtplein, the Anne Frank House, the Anne Frank House, and major tram lines. It is ideal when you wish to have a small, low-cost retreat in Amsterdam.
- – 9 rooms, each with a bathroom (rain shower), Nespresso coffee, box-spring bed, free Wi-Fi. Close to major attractions – a short walk to Rembrandtplein, the canals, and Central Station
- “Very nicely decorated” and highly rated for being “a quiet street but lively neighborhood” according to guests
7. Bottom Line
Amsterdam is not a very costly city when you select the right place to stay. Floating hotels such as Amstel Botel to central attractions make up a plethora of Best Budget Hotels in Amsterdam. It will keep you in the middle of the action without straining your wallet. You can walk to beautiful places, or you do not mind using a tram or a ferry, these cheap hotels can help conquer a budget.
FAQs
Q: Which budget hotels in Amsterdam city centre have the best reviews?
A: The Social Hub Amsterdam City, Budget Hotel Tourist Inn and Hotel Museumzicht are the Affordable hotels in Amsterdam. These hotels are highly suitable for low-end travelers because they provide excellent locations, price and customer satisfaction. They are also a good access to key attractions and transport.
Q: What time is check-in/check-out at most budget hotels in Amsterdam?
A: In Amsterdam city center, most budget hotels usually have a check-in time between 2 PM and 3 PM, and a check-out time between 10 AM and 11 AM. Other hotels provide luggage storage services when arriving early or leaving late, which is a bonus.
Q: Are there budget-friendly restaurants near Amsterdam’s budget hotels?
A: You want to know where to go to eat without emptying your pockets. Then you must read about our comprehensive budget restaurant guide in Amsterdam. It is full of cheap selections around tourist spots, ideal to those staying in low-cost hotels.
Q: Is it better to stay in or outside of central Amsterdam?
A: Do not go far out of Amsterdam unless you can afford to take transit every day. You can never save a couple of euros by wasting an hour in traffic. The Red-Light District also is not the best place to stay overnight, is too noisy, too touristy, and unsafe at night.
Q: What neighborhoods in Amsterdam offer the best value for budget travelers
A: Budget Hotels Amsterdam City Centre, including Noord, home to cheap hostels and a relaxed atmosphere only over the river (IJ) and a free ferry to the city centre. De Pijp is a vibrant, neighborhood-like place with affordable cafes and markets. Whereas, Oud-Zuid is affordable and has major attractions and access to good transport. These are the areas which are very accessible to Amsterdam highlights and not expensive like the central canal belt and the Jordaan.
