Budget Dam Hotel

The smell was the downside. I was on the third floor, and when I opened the window, there was a really bad smell, probably from the kitchens below, since I could smell food and fried food. But with the window shut, the room was too hot. Other than that, all good. The location gets five stars from me: it’s a strategic spot, five minutes on foot from Amsterdam Centraal and within walking distance of the shopping areas. It can be hard to spot at first. Look for Damrak 32 rather than 31, as in the address, then go through the door and up to the first floor for reception. The staff are really friendly, and there’s a locker for luggage if you arrive before check-in. My room was very small, barely enough room to move, but the location makes up for it. It had a TV, safe, chair, hanger, heater, desks, and a bathroom with a hairdryer. The room and bathroom were clean. You get two towels daily, but no bathroom mat, so it’s better to ask for a spare. The stairs are very narrow and steep, so watch your step. There’s no elevator.