Unexpected spaces
A hotel is more than a place to rest your head. It’s an experience. So here are 5 unusual Amsterdam hotels for you that you won’t find elsewhere.
For the art lover
Hotel not Hotel ***
An artistic concept like no other, the whole hotel is one massive living room. Each room is designed by celebrated local artists to give you a unique Amsterdam experience you’ll never forget — from Secret Bookcase Shelf room to an Amsterdam tram cart. Their in-house Kevin Bacon bar and restaurant serves up delicious cocktails and Thai dishes. Like the actor himself, they serve no pretence and make sure you have a good time. But if you’re claustrophobic and cherish privacy, this may not be for you. Their biggest room is 23 m2. And 13 out of 21 rooms are shared-bathrooms. So if you don’t mind small spaces and love originality, Hotel Not Hotel could just be the place for you.
Piri Reïsplein 34 (Amsterdam West)
€
Great for solo travellers + friends
Why we love Hotel not Hotel:
#1 – Unique concepts: secret bookcase room & vintage VW van
#2 – Delicious Thai food & cocktails @Kevin Bacon Bar
#3 – Located in the hip Amsterdam-West
For the urban nomad
Volkshotel ***
Volks is kind of a shapeshifter. Its past lives include the home of the Volkskrant newspaper and a work incubator hub for creatives. But in this incarnation, it’s one of Amsterdam’s funkiest hotels. A couple of our favourite reasons to stay here are the rooftop cocktail bar (with an awesome view) and an intimate live music venue. They also have a wellness rooftop with hot tubs and a sauna to sweat away that pounding hangover? Their offerings range from cosy cabins, studios to special themed rooms like Cinema Boudoir where you can enjoy a movie while having a bubble bath. Whether you’re an audiophile or a couple seeking a tasteful thrill, there’s something for you at Volkshotel.
Wibaustraat 150 (Amsterdam East)
€
Great for solo travellers + couples
Why we love the Volkshotel:
#1 – Buzzy rooftop bar. live music venue, sauna and hot tubs
#2 – The style: industrial chic and creatively Amsterdam
#3 – This amazing building is steeped in history
For the tiny home lover
SWEETS HOTEL
Dotted across 28 iconic bridge houses on canals
Sweets Hotel is definitely one of Amsterdam’s most special “hotels”. Spread out over 28 iconic bridge houses over our canals., each can accommodate up to 2 people, tops. Formerly, the bridge houses were homes to Amsterdam’s bridge keepers. So each individual suite (hence “Sweets”) has been converted from a bridge keepers’ office into a compact 1-bedroom “hotel” room. A happy side effect is the panoramic view available from each house. Dotted across Amsterdam, each individual house has its own theme and style. For a very unique experience in Amsterdam, we can’t recommend Sweet Hotels enough.
Everywhere across Amsterdam
€€
Great for solo travellers + couples
Why we love Sweets Hotel:
#1 – Their unique concept and one-of-a-kind locations
#2 – It’s cosy and fits two people tops
#3 – Each bridge house has an amazing panoramic and canal view
For the social butterfly
STUDENT HOTEL ***(*)
Don’t let the name put you off, The Student Hotel is far from basic. Long story short, they are a hotel with some student accommodation on the side. It’s the type of place where you could meet a digital nomad building the hottest new startup or a group of independent travellers taking on their next adventure. You could bump into anyone in between in the lobby – it’s the kind of place made for eclectic and open-minded folks can gather in their buzzing public spaces. Open, relaxed, with an eye for design, The Student Hotel is a great option if you want to meet other like-minded travellers and feel like a local in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam East and West
€ – €€
Great for solo travellers, couples and small groups
Why we love The Student Hotel:
#1 – Its welcoming atmosphere to meet interesting individuals
#2 – The open design is modern and sleek
#3 – They have many options for rooms, from family-sized to a built-in kitchen
For the rough ‘n’ ready
BOTEL ***
Looking for a unique Amsterdam experience? The Botel on NDSM Wharf offers you just that. This one-of-a-kind hotel on a boat has specially designed suites, including a Skater-style with a fully functioning skate ramp, a Kinky room with a swing (we’ll let your imagination do the rest), Work-a-Holic station for busy bees, a Japanese space for culture vultures and a Cinema room for movie buffs. Just 15 minutes away from Central Station by ferry that runs twice a day, Botel is a stone’s throw away from multiple funky nightspots and attractions the city centre has to offer. No house boat? No problem. Botel’s got you.
NDSM-Pier 3 (Amsterdam North)
€ – €€
Great for solo travellers, couples and small groups
Why we love Botel:
#1 – Waking up next to a functional half pipe and surrounded by water
#2 – Proximity to NDSM, renowned for its graffiti
#3 – Close to loads of hidden nightlife gems
Final thoughts
So that’s it! Our list of 5 unusual Amsterdam hotels to help you expand your Amsterdam experience.
Check out our curated collection of top-notch activities to make your Amsterdam trip one you won’t forget.
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