THE ELEPHANT HOSTEL, Amsterdam

Situated 17 km from Schiphol Airport, the hostel sits in a calm, safe area near the Artis Zoo and the Holocaust Museum. Tram 14 from Amsterdam Centraal stops right in front, providing direct access to the city centre, museums, and Dam Square. Major attractions like the Dutch National Opera & Ballet are also nearby. The location scores 9.2, with a 10-15 minute walk to the heart of Amsterdam. Several cafes and restaurants, including Cafe Eik en Linde and Pizzeria La Roma, are within 0.3-0.5 km. For airport transfers, take a train to Centraal Station and then tram 14.

Private rooms include en-suite bathrooms, while dorms may have either private or shared bathrooms. The triple room features a private shower and hairdryer. All dorms include personal lockers (31x60x18 cm) secured with the room key, and each bunk is fitted with a privacy curtain, reading light, and charging point. Towels and linen are provided, but guests must make their own beds. Dorms range from 5 to 24 beds, with female-only options available. Rooms vary in size - some are very compact and may feel cramped, while private family rooms offer more space. Windows in some rooms cannot be opened; air conditioning is central and controlled only by reception. Sound insulation is limited, so quieter hours are enforced. Hairdryers are available in the bathrooms. Bicycles can be stored in private rooms but not in dorms.

The reception area functions as a café and bar, open throughout the day. On arrival, guests receive a complimentary drink. The menu includes simple breakfast options (crostini, pastries), pizza, coffee, and baked goods like banana bread at reasonable prices. There is no self-catering kitchen, but guests can ask staff to store perishables in a fridge and heat up leftovers using an oven. For a wider meal choice, many restaurants and cafes are within a 3-5 minute walk, including Burgermeester and De Plantage.

The fitness room contains modern equipment and is a valued addition for travellers who want to keep active. The common lounge is a highlight - beautifully decorated with a warm, historic atmosphere, offering a comfortable space for relaxing, working, or meeting others. Board games are available, and the hostel occasionally organises pub crawls and game nights to encourage socialising. Bicycle rental can be arranged at reception, and a WhatsApp community is used to connect guests and share activity options. The lounge is open 24/7.

The 24-hour front desk can assist with check-in, bike rental, pub crawl sign-ups, and luggage storage. Luggage storage is free before check-in but costs €2.50 per piece after checkout. Lockers in the rooms are personal and key-operated. The hostel has a lift, though a few small steps remain. Wi-Fi is free and available throughout. Laundry service is available for a reasonable fee. Daily housekeeping cleans common areas, but room cleaning is only every 5 days (extra charge for more frequent). A stroller (baby pushchair) is available for families. No parking on site. Payment is accepted by Amex, Visa, Maestro, and MasterCard. Security features include CCTV, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and 24-hour security patrols.