Where I Stayed in Amsterdam: Lucky Lake Hostel

In choosing which hostel to stay in I always consider the following: cost, location and reviews. As a budget traveler, amenities are just a bonus. As long as I have a bed to sleep on, I consider the rest to be the icing on the top.

Finding accommodation in Amsterdam was no exception. At first I was looking for a cheap place within the city center. Location is always important particularly if you are on a short trip and want to maximize your stay. I looked at Hostel World and Tripadvisor for some hostel listings. Although I saw a lot of reasonably priced hostels, there was one that caught my attention. The hostel's name is Lucky Lake Hostel. A hostel with a lake? Who could resist that?! The only catch is, it is 30  minutes away from the center of Amsterdam. It is located in Vinkeveen, a town in the Dutch province of Utrecht, 18 km south of Amsterdam. I almost passed booking this hostel but after reading all the reviews, I knew that this was just the place I was looking for.

Here are Lucky Lake Hostel's ratings in different websites (based on past guests' reviews)

www.hostelworld.com = 91%

www.tripadvisor.com = Certificate of Excellence

google reviews: 4.9 out 5 ratings

www.hostels.com = 92%

www.booking.com = 9.1 out of 10 ratings

To see the competitive prices between all these booking portals check out  www.Hotelscombined.ae 

I found that, although a little far from the city center, it would still be fairly accessible - just one metro ride away. I was sure I could overlook the distance when I would gain a quiet and relaxing place to stay.

After landing at Schiphol Airport, my journey to the hostel was simple. Firstly, I purchased a 3-day unlimited transport card which covers the trains to and from the airport, the metro, trams and some ferries (more of this in my upcoming blog on what I did in Amsterdam). Arriving at Holendrecht Station, the pick-up place for the hostel shuttle could easily be found. I saw other guests waiting for the shuttle as well (yey - instant friends!).

[caption id="attachment_3328" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Shuttle service pick up at Holendrecht Station[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3357" align="aligncenter" width="800"] greens and cattle . Starting to look promising.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3306" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Hotel Reception Area[/caption]

As we drove further and further away from Amsterdam, it became clear to me I had made a good decision in choosing this hostel: from a backdrop of buildings and town houses the scenes gradually transformed into grassland and cattle.

Eventually we arrived at our hostel and the first think I saw was a cute cluster of brightly coloured trailers beside a very funky-looking reception area. As I received my welcome kit (yes they have a welcome kit!) I knew that this place would be different from any other places I have stayed in.

[caption id="attachment_3307" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Aside from free wifi, there is also a lounge where you can get connected to the web world.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3308" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The very cool welcome area with a small shop where you can get some last minute souvenirs[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3330" align="aligncenter" width="800"] My full hostel kit! Cute right/[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3337" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Colorful trailer rooms[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3310" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Some are too artistic[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3339" align="aligncenter" width="800"] While some are just chilled[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3311" align="aligncenter" width="800"] ...and playful[/caption]

Even though there were several trailer dorms on offer, I was given a cottage-style room. At first I was a little bit disappointed. I wanted a trailer room! But as soon as I saw how cute the interiors of our little cottage were, I stopped complaining to myself.

Our room was very clean (considering it was a hostel – and 2 beds were already occupied). It was very spacious, with plenty of room for all our stuff, even if we placed all our luggage on the floor (hahaha – those who stayed in hostels know this very well).

[caption id="attachment_3309" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Cabins for sharing[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3335" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Our cabin![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3327" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The interiors are way tooooooo cute[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3329" align="aligncenter" width="800"] My bed! #1[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3332" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Feeling like I am in a capsule bed[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3331" align="aligncenter" width="800"] So the owner is a wild hunter[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3320" align="aligncenter" width="800"] I told myslelf to hunt down this lamp --- I suspected IKEA but didn't find any here in Dubai[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3334" align="aligncenter" width="800"] My future chandelier[/caption]

There was also a study table which you could use as a dining table (but I recommend you to eat outside). The beds were pristine and very comfortable. I love that you are expected to put the covers on your own duvet and pillow cases: I have had the same experience in hostels in Denmark and Germany, and it makes everything feel cleaner. It was comforting to know that each guest was given their own locker and ....wait for it ..wait for it .....you don't need to bring/buy your own lock as the hostel provides one.

All showers and vanity are communal and mixed. Even though the hostel was full, there was never a line for the shower (or maybe I just always managed to take a shower earlier than the rest of the guests).

[caption id="attachment_3312" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Common wash area[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3313" align="aligncenter" width="800"] yheap in Netherlands they take a bath using flowers[/caption]

The hostel is organized to feel like a small community of campers instead of being a hostel. Because of this, there are a lot of common areas for all the guests to mingle and sit down together. There is the breakfast bus, the barbecue and kitchen area and also several tables around the grass areas.

The hostel offers free breakfast for all their guests. Aside from the usual cereal, toast+nutella+butter and preserves, they also offer DIY pancakes and poffertjest (mini pancakes). Yheap, the Dutch love their pancakes. I love that most of the hostels offer free breakfast because I often get stuffed in the morning and skip lunch hahaha --- YEY for saving some Euros for museum entrance fees!

[caption id="attachment_3314" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The kitchen and bbq area[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3338" align="aligncenter" width="800"] ...and the Breakfast Bus[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3336" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Perfect for a good start of the day[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3322" align="aligncenter" width="800"] ...you can also eat inside[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3324" align="aligncenter" width="800"] UNLIMITED NUTELLA!!--- DONE![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3323" align="aligncenter" width="800"] DIY Pancakes ala Dutch[/caption]

I loved that Lucky Lake was away from the city but not too much. You can easily visit the center of Amsterdam, with their shuttle service running every 30 mins during the day) while also being able to enjoy being in the countryside. So my first impressions of the Netherlands were views of a refreshing lake and a quiet community with beautiful, cute houses along a series of interconnecting canals.

During check-in, I was given a map with with my welcome kit that showed all nearby villages which can be accessed by bikes. Of course, I won’t pass on any opportunity to hop on a bicycle, so after dropping my luggage inside our room I immediately rented a bike (for 1.50 Euro/hour) and ended up biking around for about 3 hours ( they charged me only for 2 hours – yey!). Aside from going around the lake and getting lost around the villages, I was able to buy some groceries which would become my very first dinner in the Netherlands.

[caption id="attachment_3315" align="aligncenter" width="800"] My steed for the day. Mr. Blue Steal![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3326" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Luvin the view and the fresh air around the hostel[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3321" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The near by lake where you can reach from the few minutes walk or bike in just a quick zoooooom[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3317" align="aligncenter" width="800"] @TheTravelingJournalProject ---- of course[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3316" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Can't believe that there are people who actually live like this --- MY LIFE PEG![/caption]

My favorite part of staying in any hostel is the people that I meet, so aside from enjoying the view and all the amenities that Lucky Lake Hostel offers to its guests, I was delighted over dinner to be able to meet two American ladies and two Swedes with whom I got to discuss taxes and social welfare systems around the world (whew heavy I know). Most of all, I enjoyed getting to know my two Scottish roommates, who were visiting the Netherlands on their way to France. The staff members were also very friendly, most of them being travelers as well who had applied to help out in the hostel for a summer job and maybe free lodging.

[caption id="attachment_3361" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The best bit of my stay in Amsterdam is to meet some new friends. Here are my ultra young Scottish roommates  Sean and Lottie[/caption]

I really enjoyed my stay here. Although I wasn't able to maximize the lake (kayaking, swimming..etc because it was too cold for me and when the sun was out I was touring around the city center), it was a completely different environment from Amsterdam. After a busy and crazy day strolling around Amsterdam, it is a perfect place to relax and cap your awesome day in the Netherlands. Now I know why everyone is raving about this place. Now its time for you to try it yourself.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CHECK OUT THE LINKS BELOW

Website

Facebook Page

Book via Hostel World

Book via Tripadvisor

Book via Hostels.com 

 



 

My First Impressions of Amsterdam

My visit in Amsterdam was just an afterthought. I had originally planned to fly straight from Dubai to London in the summer and spend the whole time in the UK (and maybe parts of Ireland) but I ended up visiting 4 countries in total...whew.

[caption id="attachment_3227" align="aligncenter" width="800"] I amsterdam!!![/caption]

I decided to pursue a trip to Amsterdam knowing that I could easily get a flight from Dubai to Amsterdam and then on from Amsterdam to London. Aside from simply wanting to visit because I hadn't been there before, I was hoping that I could be granted a longer Schengen Visa there, as I had been hearing people getting 1-year to 18-month visas after applying at the Netherlands Embassy here in Dubai. I prepared a simple checklist before committing to my plan:

1. The flight from Schipol to Heathrow should be less than Aed 500 (which I got for Aed 300)
2. Accommodation should not exceed 50usd per night (I got a perfect hostel for only 24 euros/night)
3. Visa fee should not exceed AED 350 (I got it for AED 280 )

All items ticked, so off I went!---> and for those who are curious, I was granted a 1-year Schengen Visa...hooothoooot.

[caption id="attachment_3244" align="aligncenter" width="800"] On board my flight via Emirates Airlines from Dubai[/caption]

Amsterdam is indeed a city for the curious as there are a lot of things which are legal there while illegal in most other places in the world. This thought alone might be enough to encourage or discourage people from traveling there, but Amsterdam is much more than these thing; I had heard so many beautiful stories about the city that made it well worth a visit.

THE VENICE OF THE NORTH

Originated as a dam in the city of Amstel, Amsterdam was a fishing village turned into one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age.

One of the things on my priority list to do in Amsterdam was to cruise along its famous canals. The city is surrounded by a web of interconnecting canals just like Venice, although unlike Venice there is still enough land  in Amsterdam to walk, drive and cycle (we'll come to more on that later). That said, it is still  evident that water is a big part of life in the Netherlands' capital city: the canal ring area of Amsterdam even is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.

[caption id="attachment_3228" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Canal Tour[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3232" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The view of Central Amsterdam from the canal[/caption]

The canals certainly contribute to the charm of the city. Houses along the canals are regarded as prime properties. I don't doubt it. Imagine, waking up with a view of the canal kissed by the morning sun...whew.

You can enjoy this famous canal ring either by boat or by walking or biking beside them. I saw a lot of locals (and even a few tourists trying to live like the locals) sitting down by the canal reading books, eating, chatting with friends (and smoking you-know-what). I loved how everyone looked so relaxed.I guess that's the kind of feeling that calm waters coursing through a city can evoke. [ ERMM - it's also the kind of feeling that smoking you-know-what can evoke..!!!]

[caption id="attachment_3235" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Watching the sun sets. Never fails to bring a smile on my face.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3234" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Aha!! Finally I found a boat house! I made a research about this during one of my projects.[/caption]

CITY OF BIKES

If the canals are all about the boats, the streets of Amsterdam on the other hand are all about the bikes,  whether chained up to railings and bike racks throughout the urban landscape or being ridden by a busy local or a tourist appreciating the city.

[caption id="attachment_3226" align="aligncenter" width="800"] bikes everywhere-----and some Vespas[/caption]

As a city bike enthusiast, the idea of a city having more bikes than people is heaven. Statistics show that for every 1 Amsterdam resident there are 2 bicycles. Last summer when I visited Denmark, I was overwhelmed with all the bikes that I saw, but Amsterdam can easily give the Danish a run for their money. I have never seen so many bikes together in one city----> and I have been to China!

[caption id="attachment_3218" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Usual parking slot![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3233" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The main bike parking area just beside Amsterdam's Central Station[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3242" align="aligncenter" width="800"] You can find a lot of bike rental shops around the city.[/caption]

Everywhere you look at, you can see bikes bikes bikes..even in the water (yes in the canal!). For everyone living in Amsterdam, THE BICYCLE IS KING!

CULTURAL CITY

Compared with other European capital cities, from a perspective of an Asian, I never really considered Amsterdam to be especially rich in culture. Sure it is an old European town but I had initially thought if I wanted to experience a taste of Europe, I should visit Paris, Rome or London instead.

[caption id="attachment_3219" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Anne Frank House[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3222" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Artwork installation along the Museum Square (Museumplein)[/caption]

While researching what to do in Amsterdam, I found out that there are multitude of museums around the city. The most popular ones are the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and the Heineken Experience. If you are in the city for a just a few days, I recommend visiting these places.

[caption id="attachment_3231" align="aligncenter" width="800"] My museum loot! :)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3216" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Monumental houses around Amsterdam[/caption]

Not only is Amsterdam brimming with museums, but you could say that Amsterdam itself is an outdoor museum. I mentioned earlier how its canals have been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site, and everywhere you look you can see beautiful and well preserved monumental houses.  (check out the list of historic houses and monuments in Amsterdam)

SIN CITY

Of course when talking about visiting Amsterdam, you cannot fail to mention the tolerance for weed and prostitution there. If you are one of those (like me) who are not interested in trying different types of cannabis products you should stay away from establishments labeled as 'coffeeshops'.

[caption id="attachment_3237" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The very first coffeeshop in Amsterdam[/caption]

Keep in mind that in Amsterdam a café is different from a coffeeshop. If you are looking to pump up your caffeine level and have some sweet treats you should go to a café. On the other hand, if you are thinking of getting some space cakes or special brownies, a coffeeshop is the place to go.

Consumption of weed (and carrying it) is tolerated in the city but there are a lot of rules that you need to know when engaging in this activity (and you should take time to study them; tourist are subject to the same restrictions as residents when it comes to handling and smoking cannabis products).

In addition to weed, prostitution is also openly available in Amsterdam. In fact the Red Light District is a top tourist attraction in the city. I have traveled around a lot of cities and although I try to maintain an open mind in each culture, I must say I always feel uneasy and sad to see prostitution being offered (whether legal or not). During my first trip to Bangkok my friend persuaded me to pass by the red light district just to see how things happen there; we can put it down to curiosity that I accepted. He recommended it so my eyes would be opened to these real life occurrences. My heart was crushed to see minors being escorted by western male tourists to their hotel rooms.

Since then, I can't help but pray for an end to this kind of activity around the world.

In Amsterdam, most of the prostitutes are regarded as entrepreneurs, with business licenses and may well have turned to prostitution 'willingly' but I can't help but think that there are still better opportunities out there than becoming a sex worker.

[caption id="attachment_3238" align="aligncenter" width="800"] You will know that you are in the Red Light District when you start seeing ----> RED LIGHTS[/caption]

I walked along the Red Light District with the same heavy heart I had when I was in Bangkok. The area looks like a normal neighborhood with mixed-used buildings, except the store windows display no produce or apparel for purchase, but ladies in their underwear. There is no signage to point out that you are entering the district: anyone (even minors) can just roam around the center of Amsterdam and suddenly find themselves in the middle of the Red Light District.

I understand that the Red Light District is regarded as an intrinsic part of Amsterdam and I am just a tourist and I don't have any right to intervene, but I am still hopeful that we could all do something to change it. (ok next topic!!! ^^)

PANCAKES AND WAFFLES

I don't know why the Dutch are so fascinated with pancakes and waffles but I am not complaining!

The most famous ones are the Poffertjest which is a mini pancake topped with powdered sugar and Stroopwafel (my favorite), a waffle made from two thin layers of baked waffles with caramel filling in-between.

[caption id="attachment_3243" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The very bite size poffertjes[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3223" align="aligncenter" width="800"] My favorite!! ----> Stroopwafel[/caption]

The best part is, they are available E V E R Y W H E R E!

A BIG PLAYGROUND

With all being said, Amsterdam is a big playground. You can do almost anything and everything there! This is perhaps the reason why Amsterdam is becoming Europe's fastest-growing tourist destinations.

[caption id="attachment_3214" align="aligncenter" width="800"] No Data => No Google Map[/caption]

You cannot run out of things to do in this city: biking (including tandem riding) water activities (such as cruising along the canal, canoeing and dragon boat racing), Ice skating (during winter), horse riding and even tai-chi and lots more.

[caption id="attachment_3221" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Filipinos I met and told me that they read my blog featured in Rappler :)..yippeeee[/caption]

Amsterdam is a tourist-friendly city and for sure if you are traveling solo (like me) you can easily navigate around it. People are friendly and almost everyone speaks English. My trip to Amsterdam as mentioned earlier, was an afterthought and driven by curiosity, but I can say that if I were given more opportunity to visit the Dutch capital, I would visit over and over again.