Marnix Hotel & Hostel

Marnix Hotel & Hostel is a small, cosy hostel located in Marnixstraat, which is a small street off the main throughfare of Leidseplein. The hostel is a good place from which to explore the lively city of Amsterdam. Although the hostel is centrally located and extremely convenient to the numerous bars and pubs of Leidseplein, actually getting to the hostel from the train station (Amsterdam Centraal) can prove to be a bit of a hassle. If you choose to walk, it is at least a twenty- to thirty-minute walk through pretty confusing and very similarly named streets. A better idea would be to take the tram to the main Leidseplein area, then walk to Marnixstraat from there.

The counter staff are quite welcoming and friendly, and really take pains to ensure that the guests are happy with the rooms and know where all the amenities like the showers are. The rooms that are located on the upper floors of the building have to be accessed by way of a narrow staircase, which can be challenging to ascend especially with luggage or a backpack. The corridors and rooms are rather small and cramped, but still relatively comfortable, since you shouldn't be aiming to spend a lot of time in your room.

The hostel rooms and shower and toilet facilities are very clean and well lighted, though simply furnished. The hot water showers are of a good temperature, and do not give the lukewarm water that you come to expect from many hostel showers, and the bedding is comfortable with sufficiently thick mattresses and pillows. The morning breakfast provided is simple but fresh and satisfactory to prepare one for a whole day of touring around.

The surrounding neighborhood of Leidseplein is definitely one of the most lively and buzzing places to hang out in at night, with its many pubs, bars, and other nightspots. The location of the Marnix hostel is just a stone's throw away, thus one can stay out late without worrying about missing the last tram or having to walk through the streets late at night. The Leidseplein area also makes a refreshing and more wholesome change from the Red Light district area, the other place in Amsterdam with exciting nightlife.

We would definitely recommend this hostel to anyone looking for a comfortable, clean, and reasonably priced place to stay in Amsterdam. However, you should book in advance, as the hostel is rather small and tends to run out of available rooms quickly, especially in the summer tourist season.

— Avis exclusif de Hostelz.com
October 2006