Monnikenstraat Apartments

We were five, one couple and three singles, and the apartment worked really well for us. It was huge, spread over several floors, with a rooftop balcony and a kitchenette with an oven and dishwasher. A laundromat across the street could wash and fold our clothes, with pickup just a few hours later, which was fantastic. The train station was a short walk away, and stepping outside put us right in the heart of Amsterdam, with shops, food, drinks, and attractions all walkable. Reception was staffed all the time, and the attentive gentleman there helped carry our bags on the stairs, even when we checked out at 6 a.m. for an early train.

We booked the penthouse for a May 2023 stay, and it was perfect for us, with a rooftop balcony. Getting up there meant climbing quite a lot of stairs, as you’d expect in Amsterdam. The WiFi wasn’t great. The location is amazing, right in the red light district.

I’d had this apartment booked for 10-14 May 2025 for nearly a year when they cancelled just ten days before my trip, saying they were refurbishing. I suspect they either sold it to someone for more or were simply incompetent. They seemed to think ten days was enough time for me to find somewhere else at the same price. Booking.com, through whom I’d booked, first said they would cover the difference, but now say they won’t. I won’t book with either of them again.

We stayed last week and had a great time. The hosts were lovely, and the apartments were both comfortable and beautifully done, with everything we needed. The location made it easy to get around, too. We’ll be back!