Recently Amsterdam has enjoyed a growth in new hotels ranging from Chic designer hotels to well know multi-national hotel chains. Cheap hotels in Amsterdam can be hard to find especially at peak times of the year – Christmas, Easter, July and August. Due to its popularity as a weekend break destination, you should book well in advance to ensure you are not disappointed. This popularity has been as a result of an explosion of cheap flights to Amsterdam from the UK.
Perhaps the best way to find cheap hotels in Amsterdam is to plan your weekend break outside the peak seasons. Being a small city, you are fairly certain that your hotel will be within easy reach of the city centre.
If you have any problems climbing stairs or are disabled, it is worth noting that some of the hotels in Amsterdam, due to their age, have very steep, narrow staircases and not all of them have lifts. If you see this as a problem Cheap Amsterdam’s advice would be check with the tour operator or the hotel direct before booking.
Cheap Amsterdam’s top tip is to check out the prices below for cheap hotels in Amsterdam. You can save up to 70% on rack rates if you book outside peak times.
Amsterdam hotel tips
If you are looking for cheap hotels in Amsterdam which are close to the sights check out hotels in and around Dam Square. Those looking for entertainment will be well served by hotels in the Red Light District, or Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein.
A word of caution
If you are travelling independently and arrive at Central Station looking for cheap hotels in Amsterdam, you will probably find yourself being accosted by hotel runners. (They will even accost anyone wearing a back-pack) So avoid them like the plague. They will make up rates on the spot just to get you to go to the hotel in an area you don’t know. When you get to the hotel you’ll find that the cheap Amsterdam hotel is no longer as cheap as you were led to believe. The runners can turn very nasty so best avoid them altogether.
Amsterdam hotel prices
Cheap Amsterdam Youth hostels
Youth hostels are a great way to do Amsterdam on the cheap and are a good cheap alternative for those who are on budget. They are popular with students and backpackers and are a great way to meet other travelers. The best cheap Amsterdam hostels are found in the city centre and prices vary from 20 to 40 euors.
Camping
There are several camp sites which are open in the summer which may be of use to those who would camp rather than get a cheap hotel in Amsterdam. For the adventurous, these camp sites are not near the centre but they are within an easy bike ride of the centre.
B&B
Until very recently B&B’s in Amsterdam were not that common, but with the scarcity of cheap hotels, B&B’s have become more popular. Some private landlords have started to specialise in renting apartments as B&B’s but don’t offer breakfast. This is not really a problem, living in the centre of Amsterdam and makes a good alternative to cheap hotels in Amsterdam
Amsterdam – houseboats
Amsterdam has many houseboats, either specifically built or converted barges, floating in many of it’s canals. These houseboats can be rented for week long stays and make a great alternative to staying in a hotel but it can be expensive.
Amsterdam for families with children
The area of Vondelpark, and its surroundings is the best place to stay in Amsterdam for families with small children. This area is much quieter than the noisier centre and lets you relax more, away from the main tourist areas, the Red Light District and noisy bars. The Vondelpark has lots of entertainment and will be a great hit with the kids.