Having scoured the length & breadth of the 'net trying to get four nights accommodation in Amsterdam we'd almost given up. Then, either by luck or fate as we'd almost decided to forfeit the plane tickets, we found somewhere to stay...

Not terribly well advertised this hostel is small, and more like a guest house than a traditional backpackers - which is what it's billed as.

There are only three rooms in the entire place and a separate shower-room and toilet which are shared by all guests. We were in the 3/4 person room (two singles & one bunkbed) and there is a double and a single room. So, you'll never have to wait that long even if the hostel's full!

There's basic bedding & towels supplied, and there's central heating so presumably it doesn't get too baltic during the winter (we were there mid-May).

The decor is pretty funky and in the biggest room is quite a bizarre lampshade/hanging thing. We didn't quite work it out... Also the top bunk is quite high up and there's no ladder just a chair, so toss a coin to see who gets it!

It's clean, the couple who own it are really friendly and helpful and will assist you in any way that they can. They come down and clean it every day and make sure that they're around when you arrive to pass on the keys to the main door and your room. Other than that you are left to your own devices and can help yourself to the free coffee & tea courtesy of the machine at the main entrance, and there's a computer giving you 24 access for free if you simply HAVE to surf or send emails!

It's slightly off the beaten track as it's just south of the main city central area (about 15 minutes walk to the Van Gough Museum) and is in a residential area. It takes about a half hour to get into the heart of things but frankly the walk along is worth it and you really get to feel like you're actually staying in Amsterdam! Plus,
for the four of us staying four nights we were £55 each - cheaper than the flight which was £90 return from Aberdeen. Well worth the extra walk and there's always plenty of trams, taxis or of course you could always hire a bike!

As for the clientelle I imagine it's a bit of a mixed bag, our group were four females ranging from 25 to 35, and there was a young french couple there at the same time. I would think it would suit pretty much anybody that wanted somewhere to dump their bags and go out and enjoy Amsterdam. Why on earth would you want to spend any length of time in a hotel room when you're there?!

Highly recommended!

http://www.bedcoffee.nl/