St. Christopher's Inn - The Winston

Not actually a hostel -- costs a lot more
Here are the good parts. I slept very well, the room was nice and dirt cheap by hotel standards (but three times hostel standards), the breakfast was downright luxurious by European standards (the meats and cheeses rocked), and the outdoor beer garden is a piece of quiet in the middle of the Red Light District. Now that I've covered that, here come the important details. There isn't an official lock-out time at night but they stop being interested in letting you back in once the bar closes at 1. This can be very disconcerting when you've been trailed by sketchy dudes for half an hour and have no proof you'll get in. Let me close on an upbeat note -- the art in the rooms is totally worth the cost. No two are alike and mine was a little jarring but made me feel like someone had a heart. That's a good welcome to a weird, weird city.

Good fun hostel, great location
The hostel is in an awesome place, halfway up Warmoesstrat, which is the street to be on when in Amsterdam. I stayed in an eight-bed dorm for E 27 a night, which is a bit pricey but it was early July. The dorm had a shower and separate toilet of its own, both of which were pretty clean, which was nice. The hostel also houses Belushi's bar which is pumping, we got there on a monday at 6 p.m. and it was already pretty busy, when we came back in from exploring the city at about 9 it was packed and stayed that way until closing at 1. The staff were also cool and helpful with any requests.

Location is the best thing
The location is the best thing about this centrally located hostel. It has more of a bar with hostel facilities feel about it rather than the other way around. The dorm was small and very warm in the evenings, but they provided a fan which was sweet relief. The bar had a couple of drink specials but overall the prices weren't that crash hot. Would stay again but would be tempted to look elsewhere first.

Good
I only stayed for one night but it seemed a good hostel, despite the price (which in amsterdam is one of the best i got). my room was as simple as it gets so not all the rooms are decorated as the way you see in the pictures. the hostel's bar was very friendly and had a good atmosphere.

Exceeds your Expectations
This Hostel truly exceeded my expectations. I, not a party person, got a clean room, comfy bed, good breakfast, and amiable staff. I truly felt at home and was able to connect with my roommates, even if our reasons for visiting Amsterdam were different. I always felt safe (good security, twenty-four-hour staff member, heaving solid locking security door) and was able to come and go as I pleased. Don't pass up this great hostel!

Very good
It's a nice and comfortable hostel. I stayed four nights in a double room with my girlfriend and we had a great time. The breakfast is very satisfactory and the location is perfect, close to museums, central station, and good shops and restaurants. The staff is also nice and friendly. The most important -- it's a quiet place but that doesn't mean boring place.

I stayed three nights in the winston and had a great time. It's a great relaxed atmosphere and all the stay were good craic. if you're going over with a few friends then this place is highly recommended, rooms were cool also, and the bar food was great. If I was to go to amsterdam again I'd definitely stay here again. Only problem some people might have is the smell of weed throughout the building, but for me it just added to the whole experience.

Stayed there for just under a week, first room had a door that couldn't be locked but we were moved to another room straight away. Helpful, friendly staff. I never actually made it to breakfast (too hungover!) so can't comment on it but my wife says it was great! Yes it is noisy but then this is Amsterdam so one would expect the noise! Having said that it does quiet down enough to sleep in the early hours! Rooms were clean and had a shower/bath with very hot water! Only thing they failed to mention was if you want to watch the TV that is in each room you have to ask for the remote at reception and then leave a small deposit which you get back when you leave. Bar was great, spent a few nights propping it up! Overall a great place to stay, central to everything, would definitely stay again!

Stayed twice in August 2006 in shared dorm. Staff were proper awesome and the rooms were pretty good too. Ideal location and a great place to hang out.

Spent three days in in September there. The staff was great and the breakfast good. The room (a double) was a bit tired. Worst part was the noise! They are rebuilding a office building next door and the building rackets started at 6 a.m. Monday morning. Also the bar next door played loud, bad music next till about 4 a.m. Hey its Amsterdam and it rocks, but having a room where you can get a bit of sleep would be good. Worse thing was that we received all sorts of 'bites' during our stay. Not sure if it was fleas or what, but we were glad to leave! If they cured the bug problem and the building work is finished it would be and ok place to stay. Till Jan '07 I'd suggest finding somewhere else!

This place is centrally located slap bang in the middle of the Red Light District and the noise that goes with it. If, like me, you value your sleep, avoid this area and go elsewhere. Alternatively, insist on a room at the rear of the building.

Had a very good stay there. I was quite impressed by the breakfast (bread, ham, cheese, orange juice, hot drinks, etc.), and the dorms (fresh linen, towels, etc.). The staff is local and friendly. The only downside is probably the lack of atmosphere, as the bar is not very lively, but the reception girl told me that they will actually put up a new bar in the coming months. Great location as well, only 5 minutes walk from the station. I would recommend.