Cocomama

This hostel has a great location - it’s a few minutes walk to the metro and just 2 stops from the Centraal station. The room was clean and each bed has working lamp, USB charging port, a tiny shelf, and a small basket. There’s a locker for each bed and the radiator worked fine. Toilet paper and hand soap are provided. The body wash was out and I didn’t check the shampoo and conditioner. Decent breakfast was provided each morning and you’re free to use the items in the kitchen if you want to make your own meal. I’ve removed 2 stars for the following reasons: 1. The bathroom smelled horrible…like really horrible. I stayed for 3 nights and this smell never disappeared. 2. The Wi-Fi doesn’t work well from the top floor. 3. It was difficult identifying the staff - so you enter the lounge and you don’t always know who’s a guest or who works there. One staff member entered the room while I was seated on the bed and didn’t even acknowledge me or say why they entered. They opened the door, entered the bathroom to check something and left. That’s it, no greeting. I felt like an intruder! Please also note that there are no lifts (I imagine many hostels located in older Dutch houses will be similar) and so you must go up 21 or 22 narrow steps to get to each floor. And if you’re on the top floor like I was, that’s 43 steps with uneven stair risers. There’s also a cat that hangs out in the lounge so you might need to think about this if you’re allergic.

My room was on the top floor, it was quite tedious to climb the stairs. The bed I had, had no plug or lamp, I asked for a cable and they offered it to me without problems but it was quite uncomfortable not having it nearby. The hair dryer didn't work and they didn't have another one to give me. The bathroom in the room had a very musty smell. The breakfast is reasonable, it was uncomfortable that the person who was there in the mornings did not show much willingness to replace what was missing, I even had to prepare coffee for two mornings because he did not bother to fill the coffee pot. On the other hand, Robert was a great host, always willing to collaborate and make me feel at home.

If you like the hostel vibe this place is perfect for you. The beds are comfy and you still have privacy despite being in dorms. Backpackers from all around the world flock to this place so you’ll always have someone to meet. The staff is slightly nonchalant but in a cool hostel way. Plus breakfast is included which is rare enough for it to be noted!