5 Best Hotels in Oud-West, Amsterdam

Ideal for the eco-conscious traveler who appreciates modern design, this bright and airy hotel on the west side of Vondelpark features furniture made from recycled materials, bio-certified linens, eco-smart showers, bicycle rentals, an organic breakfast buffet and a lobby store selling eco-products like snacks and travel accessories. Good-size guest rooms feature Coco-Mat beds, and some have small balconies with city views. Additional locations include Westerpark and Museumplein.

This sleek, modern hotel has industrial accents like metal rails, tall windows, and polished concrete that pay homage to its former use as a tram depot. The rooms have a relaxed, Scandinavian feel and modern design accents along with comfortable Coco-Mat beds and leather headboards; suites include spacious Jacuzzi tubs. Guests can hang out the intimate Red Bar, with colorful couches and decor, or dine at Remise47, the “urban bistro” serving classic French-international cuisine downstairs. Or simply stroll around the corner to choose from the many eateries at De Foodhallen.

If you've always wanted to stay in a hidden room behind a library bookcase or sleep inside an old tram car, this quirky budget hotel, inside a large brick complex in the up-and-coming De Baarsjes area, is for you. Artists from the Eindhoven Design Academy have built out concepts like the Casa No Casa (in the style of a Spanish villa) and the Printed House Room (where much of the decor, down to the comforter cover, has literally been printed) to create 23 unique places to sleep—although that's pretty much all they are, since each is only big enough for a bed or two, very spare, and (most) share a large communal bathroom reminiscent of a hostel. That said, guests are encouraged to spend more time hobnobbing in the sleek, industrial bar (cheekily named Kevin Bacon), lounging in the comfy couches in the sitting area, or exploring nearby restaurants.

Convenient, no-nonsense, and with few amenities (elevator, breakfast), this well-known budget choice has another great thing going for it: low rates—especially if you're willing to share a bathroom. Double rooms without private bathrooms start at less than €100, while those with an attached bathroom will run you more. Although guests have complained about the sometimes-surly staff, you're here for the location: near Leidseplein and a short walk to Vondelpark and the museums.

This cozy and contemporary boutique hotel is perfect for guests seeking a charming environment away from the hustle and bustle yet within walking distance to the Jordaan. The striking black-and-white color scheme of the entranceway contrasts with the light-color walls in the sleek guest rooms, some of which are split-level and boast beamed ceilings; all have air-conditioning and bathrooms with showers or tubs. Be prepared to climb lots of stairs, as there's no elevator. Guests will want to hang out in the hip bar downstairs or outside on the spacious terrace of the attached restaurant for some prime people-watching over a glass or two of wine.