Stayokay Amsterdam Oost

Brightly colored tiles line the ample hallways of this large four-story brick building that used to be a schoolhouse, which features huge windows that fill the interiors with natural light. The spacious open-plan lobby is similarly covered in colorful tiles accented by a large, bright orange front desk and green plants in cherry red planters scattered throughout. The inviting space has several seating areas that include a large wooden table surrounded by rustic stools and benches and topped with fresh flowers. The adjoining restaurant and bar continue with the orange and cream color palette, covered with the same cheery floor tiling and filled with cafeteria-style tables with tangerine-hued tops. The property attracts many groups and school trips, and has a much more subdued atmosphere than the party hostels commonly found within the city center.

The hostel is situated in the quiet and residential Zeeburg/Oost neighbourhood, on a large open pedestrian square with a few local shops and restaurants within walking distance. Though the hostel is a bit removed from Amsterdam's city center and not within walking distance of sights, there are several bus and tram stops nearby which give access to the center in about 20 minutes. Bikes are also available to rent from the hostel and are a good option for transportation. The Centraal Station is about 20 minutes via public transportation, and popular sights like Dam Square, the Museum Quarter, and the Anne Frank House can be reached in 20 to 30 minutes. Schiphol Airport is about 40 minutes away.

Rooms at the hostel include doubles as well as four-, five-, or six-person dorms. The large, spare rooms have few features apart from open cubby holes for storage and bunk beds furnished with cheerily striped comforters, though they are bright and clean, with high ceilings and large windows letting in lots of natural light. Beds are equipped with reading lamps and linens. Thin mattresses may be uncomfortable for some and certain rooms have loft-style platforms which also house beds, though the side-by-side configuration of these mattresses might pose privacy issues. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms with a toilet and shower, as well as a sink inside the sleeping area.

A vast and open cafeteria-like space filled with dozens of wooden tables and chairs constitutes the restaurant and bar, which serves basic food like pizza and burgers as well as a free breakfast buffet. There are computers available in the lobby for guests' use, though for a fee, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the common areas. The hostel also has a game room with a pool table and large flat-screen TV, plus there are laundry facilities and several meeting rooms. The reception maintains a small store where umbrellas, toiletries, and a few souvenirs are available for purchase and bike rentals are also available.