Ben Center Hotel

We’d recommend this to budget travelers who aren’t too picky and would rather be in the city center than have luxury amenities. For visiting Amsterdam without spending too much, it was a practical choice. The best part was the location, right in the center and just a five-minute walk from Central Station, which made it easy to get around and pop back to the room during the day. We stayed at Hotel Ben Centre, and for a one-star hotel, the experience was positive. The rooms are very small and basic, and the simple level of cleanliness fit the hotel category. It was well heated, maybe a bit too much, and the bathroom was fine. The room didn’t seem to be cleaned daily, though towels were changed every two days. The atmosphere was casual and relaxed, with young travelers and families with children during our stay. Staff were always kind and helpful, and letting us store our luggage after check-out was very convenient.

The location and price are the main pros. It’s about a ten-minute walk from the train station and close to major attractions. There’s a coffee vending machine in the lobby, and an adorable cat greets you each time. There are lots of stairs, which aren’t very suitcase-friendly, though that’s common around the Netherlands. The room we booked had a shared bathroom, and the hotel could be cleaned better, it feels like dirt has built up over years. Wi-Fi in our room was very spotty, perhaps because we were in the far corner, since it worked fine elsewhere. There’s no kettle. I also wasn’t told in advance about the cash deposit, so I didn’t have cash with me. At check-in, they said they’d knock on the door an hour before checkout, which seems unnecessary and could be annoying.

The hotel cat is the star here, and I’d definitely book again. We stayed recently as a family of three, on a budget, and the hotel was exactly as advertised, no Hilton expectations. It’s central, only a four-minute walk from Centraal station, easy to find, and well placed for exploring central Amsterdam. Facilities are basic but work well and are all you need for a short stay if you’re out sightseeing all day. Reception is open 24 hours too.

They knocked on the door at 8 in the morning and asked for cash for some extra nonsense. They charged me for an extra day without telling me there. The guys working there act like they’re doing charity when you’re paying your money. This is the worst place to stay in Amsterdam.