Like all Youth Hostel International accommodations, this place was pretty standard and had a college dorm room feel. The staff was helpful and the place was packed with information about things to do. The building itself was once a school so it gave it a really great atmosphere...however, it was not that homey and could be a little more sterile. The room I stayed in was a bright, open bay of about 20 or so beds, in general it was pretty quiet, but if you are a light sleeper you will not be able to rest...I recommend earplugs.

In the dorm room each person is assigned a bed and a wall locker. Remember to bring a lock. In the larger dorms there are two bathrooms, each with one shower, one toilet, and two sinks. During my stay there was never a problem with the bathrooms being crowded since everyone was working and playing on a different schedule.

One great thing about this place was how clean it was. I was impressed. The complementary breakfast was also very nice. There was a healthy selection and it was just what I needed to start a day filled with walking.

The location of this hostel was the best part. Everything was so close. The trams were right out the front door, the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum were down the street, and shopping was just a few minutes walk away.

The most interesting part of my stay was when I walked into the dorm for the first time. The area to the right of my bed was a little messy and there was something that looked like an incense burner on the floor. However, when I went over to investigate I realized it was a bong. The friend I was with started to freak out. She used to work for counter-drug. However, didn't worry...the hostel is a drug free zone...but that doesn't mean that an "incense burner" or two won't find its way in.

How to get there:

By train:
From Central Station you take tramnumber 1, 2 or 5. You get off at Leidseplein. From Leidseplein you walk towards the Marriott Hotel. In front of the Marriott Hotel you turn left. Zandpad is the 2nd street to the right.

The security is very high technology. The hostel is ideally situated in front of Vondelpark and is the best place to stay in Amsterdam. The hostel provides breakfast.

Friendly, clean and convenient. It was my first time staying in a hostel and I loved it! Even though one of the women in my dorm shouted in her sleep, I enjoyed the experience. Besides, great stories are part of the fun of traveling! The breakfast was only so-so with meat/cheese and cereal, but it was included and made a nice start to the day. Several special things: a) bedding is provided, b) internet access, c) lockers for day storage, d)bar/restaurant for evening meals and socializing and e)lots of tourist info and helpful staff. By the way, each room has a sink, shower and toilet, so you don't have to go down the hall. Just remember your own towel!

The current price p.p. in a dorm room (sleeps 8) is 19.00 to 21.00 euros. It is slightly cheaper if you are an HI member. The hostel is located near the Leidseplein where you can eat, drink, get a tram or just plain hang out. I can highly recommend hanging out in Vondelpark, where the hostel is located, for part of the day. Just don't go wandering too deep into the park at night. If you have no where special to go in the evening, hang out at the Brasserie Backbackers. Or go for a pre-evening Heineken. Each evening, after a full day of sightseeing, I would go to the bar and write in my journal, drink a beer and listen to the people talking in the many different languages around me. What a super reminder of what a small world we really live in!

The reason we had picked the City Hostel Vondelpark was that in one of our guide books it said it had a kitchen, which it didn''t. Our private room was $70 Canadian, which was one set of bunkbeds and a private bathroom. The room itself was a bit sterile and stuffy and we found it hard to sleep with all the school groups running and screaming in the halls. The location was great and in close walking distance to everything. Breakfast of meat, rolls, cheese and fruit is included. They have a cafe that serves food in the evenings and a TV lounge.

If you are interested in a private room, make sure to book early. It fills up months in advance due to the school groups.

Here is their webpage.

We stayed in a double room with a private bath for $63 a night, a bargain in expensive Amsterdam. Breakfast was included. Also, you need to bring your own towels.