ClinkNOORD

A former Shell laboratory, ClinkNOORD is a polished hostel with a stylish mix of industrial fixtures and colorful accents. Original 1920s features retain authentic charm, but it's the bold colors and artsy spaces that really stand out here. Clustered seating areas, mezzanine nooks, and picnic tables in pastels contrast bright-yellow paint throughout. Bicycles are displayed under factory ceilings, while polaroid photos of past guests pinned to the walls add a homey, friendly feel. A striking stained glass window and lockers designed to resemble the periodic table may seem a bit disjointed, though it also somehow works together. Several lounge spaces allow guests to mingle, and travelers can apply to pay for their stay by performing at ZinkBAR. Note, the luggage room is opened by key cards and while guest-wide access doesn't guarantee safety, security cameras enhance it. Guests are a wide mix of backpackers, families (young and old), and groups.

The hostel's docklands location is separated from the city center by water, and ClinkNOORD's quiet street setting is peaceful. Veer Buiksloterweg Ferry Terminal is a six-minute walk and 24/7 ferries from here regularly run direct to Amsterdam Centraal's main station, taking 15 minutes. The Noord area has relatively few offerings, although the EYE Film Institute is a seven-minute walk and some cafes dot street canals. All involving ferries and subsequent trams, busses, bike rides, or walks, allow 20 to 30 minutes for Dam Square, the Comedy Cafe, Anne Frank House, and Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat shopping streets. Schiphol Airport is 35 minutes by car or public transport.

Bare neutral-tone rooms offer little more than a place to rest your head, but having opened in 2015, they're polished and modern. While larger dorms are sparse in terms of decor, private rooms with De Stijl and scribble wall art have more character and range from Singles to Quads. Dorms have bunk beds that sleep between four and sixteen. Dorm-room lockers come at a fee and are too small for suitcases, plus guests need to bring their own lock. All except the larger dorms have en-suite bathrooms with showers and wall-dispensed soaps, but no hooks to hang clothes. Private rooms get basic toiletries, free towels, and a wardrobe space with hanging rails and shelving. Beds have built-in reading lamps and USB ports. Mirrors, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning are provided, but power is operated by key cards, so rooms can get cold in winter. Views are of the street, parkland, or picturesque canals and rooms are quiet. Note that windows do not open. Linens are changed daily and hairdryers can be borrowed from reception. Private rooms can be fitted with cribs. 

Guests can cook their own meals in the well-equipped kitchen or pick from CatalystCAFE's menu, which serves coffee drinks and tempting pastries, plus salads, burgers, and traditional "Flammenkuchen". The continental buffet breakfast is at a fee, and offers breads with peanut butter and jams, homemade egg and couscous salads, and cold meats alongside Dutch cheeses, plus cereals, fruit salad, and beverages. Cheap beer at ZinkBAR are popular, as is its nightly entertainment, which ranges from singer/songwriter performances and guest DJs, to beer pong and karaoke. A library with bookshelves and communal seating and an interior courtyard with picnic tables and three-dimensional art displays offer places to lounge or mingle. Laundry facilities are available for a fee, while Wi-Fi is free throughout.