Editor Pick
The Bulldog Hostel
- March 25, 2008
- Rated 4 of 5 by
Travelny2 from New York, New York
Everyone we talked to said The Flying Pig was the place to be when staying at a hostel in Amsterdam so we were naturally disappointed when we found out it was fully booked and turned to The Bulldog. The Bulldog turned out to be an excellent choice and none of us had any regrets whatsoever. This hostel was considerabely nicer then some of the budget hotels we stayed at in places like Barcelona. The staff was very friendly, attentive and well-organized. We got a private room at a very reasonable price, I think about 120 euros for the night. Obviously more expensive than sharing a room but you don't have to worry about your belongings and you get your own bathroom and shower (which was very clean).
I could not find a more central location for this place if I tried to. Regardless of what direction or where you are coming from if you keep walking around for at least 15 minutes you will inevitably stumble across this place by mistake. Walking from the train station we actually found the place by accident and everytime we left it we never really knew how to get back but it would always appear. It is right near Dam Square and located directly on one of the main canals not far from the red light district. It is a 5 minute walk from almost everything.
The bar area of the club is a great place to grab a couple of drinks and just chill out. Beers are only a few euro and the place isn't unbearably smoky. They have a pool table and some other standard bar games. The bar here is an interesting place to meet people. We had a few conversations with other travelers here that were pretty much on the same page as we were although they had been in Amsterdam a few days already so it was great to get advice from them on things to do. There is a coffee shop directly adjacent to the hostel if you are in town to sample some of the local "delicacies". Feel free to take your purchases back to the hostel and enjoy them in the bar before heading out into the town.
Overall this place was a great experience for the short amount of time that we stayed there and by far the nicest official hostel that we stayed at on the trip. Don't forget to grab some free fold out illustrated maps in the lobby. They had piles of them when we were there for almost all of the cities we still had left on the trip so we just took a couple of each. They fit perfectly in your pocket and have suggestions of restaurants, bars, things to do, museums and other highlights on the back that came in really really handy compared to other maps we had.
From journal 24 Hours in Amsterdam
The Bulldog Hostel
- February 10, 2006
- Rated 5 of 5 by
AdrienneEC from New York, New York
One of the better hostels I've been in—it's decor is fun and different. The rooms and the entire hostel are all very clean and comfortable. The lounge/bar is a very cool and welcoming environment, with a TV if you want, or just several good areas to socialize in. The rooms are very nice with lockers, a toilet, and a shower all in the room with you. The chance of getting a room with a view is very good and doesn't cost extra. Laundry facilities are easy to use and easily accessible. Breakfast is very nice, since it offers more than just bread and butter. And for a few more Euros you can ask the cook to prepare an even more filling dish, like eggs if you'd like. It's in a prime spot as well. Just steps away from the Dam square, as well as the red light district. And it is certainly very easy to get wherever you need to go by catching a tram—making it a simple trek from the main train station. Staff is also very helpful, they make sure you feel at ease as they don't let just anyone roam up to the rooms. Late nights they might even check your keys. So, although, the price may be a little higher than your average hostel (€16-136, higher prices for private rooms) it is well worth it.
From journal Reaching Happy Heights in Amsterdam