Hotel Old Nickel

The Hotel Old Nickel in Amsterdam, located at Nieuwebrugsteeg 11, presents itself as an establishment that strongly benefits from its unparalleled central location. For potential guests who want to experience the city of Amsterdam without wasting time traveling, this Alojamiento offers a strategic starting point. With a rating of 3.7 out of 836 reviews (according to one source), this indicates a mixed but generally acceptable experience for guests who appreciate this unique location. This article analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of this specific hotel , so you can make an informed decision whether it's the right type of hospedaje for your trip.

The Absolute Plus Points: Location and Atmosphere

A Solid Foundation in the Center

The most prominent advantage of Hotel Old Nickel is undoubtedly its location. Situated in the heart of Amsterdam, it's just a short walk from the city's main attractions. Its proximity to Central Station (just a 3-minute walk) makes it an extremely accessible option for travelers arriving by train, significantly simplifying the logistics of your stay. Furthermore, it's located approximately 650 meters from Dam Square, the city's central square. This location is ideal for those who want to explore the city on foot. While these types of central accommodations often require compromises on tranquility, they are what many visitors seek in the bustling capital.

While it doesn't offer the spaciousness of a villa or the expansiveness of a resort , the direct access to the city offers a kind of luxury in itself. It's a type of accommodation more akin to a traditional hostal or a small-scale posada, but with the amenities of a hotel. Guests repeatedly praise this central location as the reason for choosing this Alojamiento, as it allows them to easily visit attractions like the Royal Palace and the Nemo Science Museum.

The Unique Bar and Extra Services

Another element that sets Hotel Old Nickel apart from many other budget hotel options is its atmospheric bar. This is the establishment's centerpiece, decorated with carvings and paneling from the famous 17th-century ship "De Kapitein," which once belonged to Admiral Michiel de Ruyter. This gives the bar a unique, historic flair that many guests appreciate. It's not just a bar; it's a local favorite, serving over 70 different beers. For guests seeking an authentic, cozy place to relax after a day of sightseeing, this bar serves perfectly. Unlike a more secluded albergue, this space functions as a social hub within the hotel.

Besides the bar, the hotel also offers essential, practical amenities to enhance your stay. Free Wi-Fi is standard, a must-have for modern travelers. Free luggage storage is also available before and after check-in or check-out, a huge advantage for those who want to spend their last hours in the city without lugging suitcases around. A free ticket printing service is also offered, and the staff are described as multilingual and helpful in providing information about the city. This level of service goes beyond what one might sometimes expect from a simple hospedaje.

Comfort and Cleanliness

The Habitaciones themselves are described as cozy and, in many cases, tidy. Daily housekeeping and fresh towels contribute to a feeling of well-being. Some guests consider the beds comfortable. While the term "basic" is often used, the presence of amenities such as a safe, desk, and flat-screen TV suggests that the Habitaciones are equipped with the necessary modern conveniences. While basic amenities are similar to those found in many hostales , the overall impression of cleanliness is confirmed by some reviewers, which is a positive point for the overall quality of the Alojamiento .

The Disadvantages: Space, Noise and Structure

To paint a complete picture for potential clients, it's necessary to highlight the downsides of this central location. The highly desirable location inevitably comes with drawbacks, especially for those seeking a peaceful night's sleep or preferring the space of a vacation rental or a more spacious apartment.

Noise Level and Wall Thinness

The most consistent criticism concerns the noise. Several guests report that the walls are thin, resulting in a lot of noise from the street and, crucially, from the popular hotel bar itself. The noise has been known to persist late into the night, sometimes as late as 3 a.m. For travelers visiting the city on business or simply needing a deep sleep, this can be a deal-breaker. This is a fundamental difference from the seclusion one would find in a secluded hostería in a quieter area. The liveliness of the bar can turn into a disturbing nighttime disturbance.

The Compact Habitaciones and Sanitary

The Habitaciones, though described as cozy, are also consistently described as very small. This lack of space is a direct consequence of the high real estate values in this central part of Amsterdam. This can be uncomfortable for taller people; one particular complaint concerned the cramped toilet space for someone 190 cm tall. This is a clear departure from the standard one would expect in a resort or even a modern Apartamentos Vacacionales . Furthermore, it was reported that the Habitaciones can get very hot. Although fans and air conditioning are mentioned in the amenities list, temperature regulation seems inadequate in some cases, which undermines comfort.

A very serious complaint concerned the cleanliness of the bathroom, with reports of dirt and a full trash can upon arrival. While other reviews praise the overall cleanliness, one such experience is concerning for a hospedaje . Communication following a complaint was also apparently problematic, as one guest reported receiving no response to an email about this, raising questions about customer service beyond direct interactions at the reception desk.

Lack of Elevator and Parking

Another practical drawback is the architectural reality of many older Amsterdam buildings: there is no elevator. Guests must use the steep, typical Amsterdam stairs. Although staff offer assistance with luggage, this is a significant drawback for travelers with mobility issues or very heavy suitcases. This aspect clearly places the Old Nickel in the category of simpler albergue -style buildings, rather than modern hotels with full accessibility.

Furthermore, there is no parking available at the hotel itself. Given its central location, this is to be expected, but it's important for guests traveling by car who are looking for a convenient parking space, unlike the larger facilities sometimes associated with a resort.

Summary Consideration for the Traveler

The Hotel Old Nickel is essentially a compromise, a classic example of a budget-friendly Alojamiento in a premium location. It excels in its accessibility and the unique historic atmosphere of its bar, but falls short on the tranquility and spaciousness one might associate with a Villas or a more luxurious Hostería. The Habitaciones are functional, clean enough by most standards, but small and noisy.

The potential guest must ask themselves: Is proximity to Central Station and Dam Square more important than a guaranteed quiet night and a spacious living space? If the answer is yes, and you appreciate the charm of a lively, somewhat rough-and-tumble, yet historically anchored place, then the Old Nickel, despite its shortcomings, offers good value for a short stay. However, if you're looking for the tranquility of a secluded Posada or the spaciousness of a Departamento , there may be other types of Hospedaje in Amsterdam that better suit your needs than this compact Hostal .

The combination of the historic bar, the free basic amenities, and the central location makes this an interesting, if demanding, option in the Amsterdam hotel market. The experience will depend heavily on the specific room you're assigned and your personal tolerance for urban nightlife. It's a place where Amsterdam's energy literally permeates your Habitaciones.