When we were planning our trip to Amsterdam, we weren’t sure where to stay. We didn’t know which location to choose since we wanted to stay only for a night and then we had a flight to our next destination. Amsterdam was only a one-day stop for us on the way to Central America. On the way there we also spent some time in Rotterdam and stayed in Stayokay Hostel in Rotterdam. And because we were so impressed by the hostel there, we wanted to try another Stayokay hostel, this time in Amsterdam. As there are more than one, we chose coincidentally - we chose Stayokay Vodelpark.
Stayokay Vondelpark hostel
It turned out that their location is perfect for everyone, coming from the airport. We took a bus to the city centre on the airport and the bus took us to a bus station, 200 metres away from the hostel. It’s also the last stop of this bus so you can’t make a mistake and leave the bus on the wrong bus stop. As soon as we stepped off the bus, we saw a sign, which showed us the way to the hostel. A few more steps and we were in the hostel’s reception.
We came to the hostel in the late afternoon and got a room with a nice view on Amsterdam’s streets. We slept in a small double bedroom. The room is very economical and the hostel is ecological. You can see so many signs to turn off the lights, to save water, etc. Common area in the hostel is comfortable and tries to connect people as much as possible. There’s also a sign that says: “Put down the phone and talk to people around you.” We sat in comfortable chairs in front of the bar, looked out to Vondelpark, which is one of the most beautiful parks in Amsterdam and made plans for the next day. In the meantime, the dinner we order was cooked and we ate in a “tropical” dining room. Why tropical? Because of all the greenery, spreading in the ceiling, which gives a feeling of being in a tropical forest.
In the morning, we got up early and left our backpacks in the locker by the reception. These lockers are usually meant for normal backpacks, but because we had extremely large baggage in awkward shape, the staff unlocked a special room for us so we could safely store our possession. We had a large breakfast, which isn’t typical for hostels. We are used to slim selection of food, usually toast and jam. Here there was so much food and so much selection. You could even get gluten free bread. And then they had so much spreads (including chocolate sprinkles Hagelslag), fruit, juices, hot beverages... Worth the money.
Later we took a free walking tour. The guide picked us up in the hostel, took us to the city centre and then showed us the most important sights of Amsterdam. If I’d be making plans to see the city again, I’d just borrow a bicycle in the hostel and cycle around the city. Bicycle is the main form of transportation in Amsterdam and is full of cyclers.
Hostel is currently being renovated. The middle part is already renovated, but the rooms are still in the process of renovation. We didn’t party in the hostel, it had calm winter vibes. We really enjoyed the hostel. It was perfect after the loud and wild Central America.
