Ballast Holidays

Small but clean room with excellent facilities. Helpful staff.

I was a solo traveler for a two week trip to Europe, and I'd say location was great, close to Vondelpark and I never felt unsafe being a solo female traveler in a new country. I originally booked for 3 nights, but stayed 2. It was too expensive for the lodging experience. I felt like I was catfished by the hotel photos, because upon arrival it looked nothing like it. It gave me hostel vibes. The building is in bad condition and old, it definitely needs a renovation. The bed and pillows were comfortable, the window view was beautiful, but the shower/bathroom were hideous, with an old shower curtain, and poor water pressure on shower. This should've cost me 1/3 of what I paid. So be it, I was already there and worked with what I had. There were was one English channel on TV, and no AC. I imagine it would be very hot and difficult to sleep in the summer time. My stay was the first week of October and it was still very warm in Amsterdam, I didn't leave the window open because of bugs, but I did use the fan which was helpful. One major issue I had was on my last day, I noticed a tiny speck of a bug crawling up the curtain by the window, I grabbed it and killed it. Took a photo, and it looked like a bed bug. I immediately informed the front desk, the gentleman came up and dismissed my concern. So I left to another, cleaner hotel around the corner. I reached out days later requesting somewhat of a refund with no luck. I would never stay here again.

Love love love this place. Whether you’re hosting a work retreat, need a break from the bustle, or on holiday like me, this Social Hub has something for everyone. Modern ambiance and vibes for days. The DJs on weekend nights have excellent taste in records The staff is stellar. Thank the interior decorator too. I will be coming back with friends.