When the word “hostel” comes to mind, I can’t help but see images of cockroaches, peep-holes, and well…I probably have the 2005 horror film Hostel to thank for that. Thankfully, my stay at This Ho(s)tel wasn’t anything like the movie.
Like any major city, Amsterdam’s accommodation prices are steep. It’s often a gnawing compromise between location, cost, and comfort, but fortunately, there’s a middle ground. I paid approximately $120 per night for a private room. No, it’s not “backpacker” pricing, but it certainly doesn’t feel like your typical hostel. In fact, it feels much closer to that of a boutique hotel, and coupled with the proximity to the city center, makes the medium price well worth it.
Expect to pay more for weekends; the price can fluctuate anywhere from $80 to $250 per night. Shop around and, if possible, be flexible with your dates when booking.
Located in the historic Damrak houses (Dancing Houses), the hostel is only a few blocks from Amsterdam Central. In fact, upon leaving the train station, the Damrak canal and its row houses can be seen in the distance. Along with the train station, it’s within easy walking distance to many tourist spots (see map below) and offers a great location for exploring Jordaan, a popular neighborhood with numerous scenic canals and charming shops.
If you love historic buildings as much as I do, then you may be disappointed by the sleek modern interior, which is certainly not authentic to the building’s 17th-century bones. Modernity does have its upsides, though. You’ll find an elevator, beautiful bathrooms, and a clean ‘pod,’ the name I prefer to use for the room, as the size is closer to a Japanese capsule hotel than a standard hotel room. Every room is private and is equipped with a double bed. As a light sleeper, I’m always worried about noise, but my particular block of pods was remarkably quiet. While the rooms aren’t soundproof, my neighbors were incredibly respectful. Even the shared bathrooms, which are co-ed, but offer private showers and toilets, were spotless and fully stocked with quality shampoo and conditioner.
As a solo traveler I was extremely comfortable here, but the space works just as well for couples or friends who don’t mind being in close quarters together. You just might need to be creative in how you store your luggage. If you’re having trouble picturing the layout, check out my TikTok video below.
@alexisadrift If you're looking for an affordable hotel in the middle of Amsterdam, check out This HO(STEL). Yes, technically it's a hostel but it really doesn't feel nor look like it. As a solo female traveler it's important for me to feel safe but still be within my budget. Although getting ready wasn't the easiest thing to do, budget, location and safety mattered more to me. This place ticked all my boxes. Book your stay, you won't regret it!! #amsterdamhotel #capsulehotel #solotravel #solofemaletraveler #hostel #hotelrecommendation #traveltiktok #travellife #hotel ♬ original sound - alexisadrift | traveller - alexisadrift | travel & style
Staying this close to the center means you’re only minutes away from De Wallen, the famous Red-Light District. While the name carries a certain reputation, the reality of a stroll through its historic and charming streets was surprisingly domestic. My first impression was that it felt like a storybook pirate village—a place where Amsterdams oldest history, its deep nautical ties, and a modern, neon-lit party at night blend into one.
I’ll admit I was nervous at first as a solo female traveler, but the busy crowds made me feel like I could blend in. Of course, I can’t lie and say weird things don’t happen, especially when you’re least expecting it. The morning I woke up extra early—9am is early on vacation—to take pictures without the crowds, a random man came up to ask me where he could find services the district is famous for providing. Needless to say a pretty uncomfortable experience, and one I probably won’t forget. But for every strange moment, there’s a lucky one. Like meeting two other solo travelers while attempting to take an aesthetic shot of the illuminated city on a canal bridge just steps from my door. We spent the rest of the night exploring the city together, proving that the best part of staying somewhere like This Ho(s)tel isn’t just the private pod, but the ease of finding experiences and your people.
The Final Verdict:
If you’re looking for a historic 17th-century canal house with room service, this isn’t it. But if you’re a traveler who wants to stay in the center-city without the $400-a-night price tag, This Ho(s)tel is an exceptional compromise. It’s clean, remarkably quiet, and feels far more sophisticated than any hostel I’ve ever stayed in.
Stay here if:
You value privacy, a central location, and cleanliness. If you can afford to pay a little bit more, it far beats typical hostel bunks.
Skip it if:
You don’t want to pay a medium price or are claustrophobic in small spaces.
– Alexis