DURTY NELLY'S INN, Amsterdam

The hostel sits directly above an Irish pub on a bustling street packed with bars, clubs, and restaurants, with a supermarket and nightlife all within a 5-minute walk. Schiphol Airport is connected by a direct train to Central Station. The area is very central for sightseeing but can feel intense, especially for solo female travellers, with occasional catcalls or drug offers. The location is best suited to those who want to be in the very centre of the action; for a quieter stay, accommodation further from the Red Light District would be more appropriate. Walking to museums and other attractions is easy from here.

Dormitories range from 6 to 20 capsule beds. Each capsule has a curtain for privacy, a light that increases brightness when held, a shelf, and personal air ventilation. Mattresses are firm and covered with clean linen; blankets are provided. Top bunks are reached by steep, narrow ladders that can be difficult when tired or after drinking. Road-facing rooms experience loud music and street noise from the pub until the early hours, but free earplugs are available. Some rooms have no opening windows, and motion-sensor dormitory lights can be triggered by moving curtains. The space in each capsule is compact - described as like a 'coffin' - and the overall rooms can feel cramped when full. Bathrooms are shared, with heated floors, rain showers, free toiletries, and hair and body wash provided. Hot water supply has been noted as inconsistent, especially in colder months. The hostel has three floors without an elevator; rooms on the top floor require climbing many steep stairs.

Durty Nelly's Irish Pub operates directly below the hostel, offering a full menu of pub-style food and a cocktail bar. Guests receive a 20% discount on all food and drinks, plus a free welcome shot. The pub hosts live music, live sports broadcasts, and a pool table (with a €30 deposit). Outside food and drink are not permitted in the rooms. Breakfast is not available on site, but reception can advise on nearby cafes and a discount breakfast arrangement at a local venue. Several restaurants - including steakhouse, gluten-free, pizza, and juice bars - are within a 5-minute walk.

The on-site bar provides free live music and live sport events, as well as a pool table, DJ sets, and nightclub atmosphere. A free walking tour departs from the hostel, and pub crawls can be joined for an additional fee. Bicycle rental is available (charged separately). There is no dedicated common room or kitchen, and only basic seating downstairs; guests aiming to socialise will find the bar the main hub. The hostel is adults-only, and those looking for a quiet wellness retreat should note that the focus is firmly on nightlife and social experiences.

Reception is staffed 24/7, and multilingual staff can offer practical area advice. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. In-room lockers are free (cabin-sized, can fit a small suitcase); guests providing their own padlock avoid the €5 deposit. Larger secure lockers are available in the pub for a small daily fee (€1 per hour or €5 per day). Luggage can be stored before check-in (€4 for a small locker) and after check-out until midnight (in pub lockers, free). Daily housekeeping is included, and towels can be borrowed with a €5 deposit. CCTV, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, key-card access, and safety deposit boxes are provided, and the hostel entrance is separate from the bar. No cooking facilities or fridge are available, and eating is not allowed in the rooms. There is no on-site parking. Checking bags before going upstairs is routine, and the reception area is the only public space in the hostel; no common room exists beyond the bar.