Lucky Lake: the only Hostel on Wheels
Many hotel room in Amsterdam are like rabbit hutches. They are so small that two people cannot move about at the same time. Budget hotel prices start at €80 for a double and single rooms are almost the same price. Hostels are a good alternative because they often charge per bed.
Hostel sounds as if only young people stay there. But this is not true. The over 60 are generously represented and so are the 40+.
True to say hostels in the centre of Amsterdam are less expensive than 1-star or 2-star hotels but they are not cheap either.
My favourite hostel is a true gem. Lucky Lake Hostel combines affordable prices with privacy and fresh air. It is just south of Amsterdam in Vinkeveen near Vinkeveense Plassen, a lake dotted with sailing boats in summer. It is only 30 minutes by public transport away from the city centre and only 10 minutes by car.
To name it a hostel is not quite right because guests stay in small camper caravans, arranged in a circle for ultimate gezelligheid (cosiness) as the Dutch say. Each of the 31 caravans is a comfortable free-standing room on wheels surrounded by a green plot of land. The rooms are as comfortable as the one home. Prices range from €19 for a single to €36 for a double. Dorm beds are cheaper: € 15 to 20. These are in chalets each consisting of three separate rooms for 4 people sleeping in bunk beds. One dorm is female only.
The communal showers and toilets are functional and clean, separate ones for men and women. The common room is a tent where you can relax, play boardgames (provided) or socialise with other guests or staff. Gas rings, pots and pans and other kitchen stuff is free to use including two fridges and a BBQ. This is the perfect place to prepare breakfast and if you are too lazy treat yourself to a hostel breakfast; cereals, yoghurt bread galore and cheese etc. but it is not included in the price.
No need to tramp to Amsterdam every day, rent one of the hostel's canoes or bikes or swim in the lake or the local pool. If you want to do things the Dutch way, cycle all the way to Amsterdam centre. It is safe and easy to find. The route is via well sign-posted cycle paths. Too tired to pedal back? Don't worry, you can take your bike with you on the metro.
Lucky lake is open from March to October. There is no heating, but enough covers are provided. If spring or autumn nights get a bit chilly you can borrow more blankets or rent a heater at €2 per day.
How to get to the centre of Amsterdam
The Lucky Lake shuttle bus to Holendrecht metro station runs from 9.15 am to half past midnight, to meet the last metro train.
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Public transport bus runs from 7 am Mon-Fri, 8.30 Sat, none on Sunday.
Metro Holendrecht to Amsterdam centre starts at 7 am. The last train leaves Amsterdam at a quarter past midnight.
The hostel shuttle bus runs hourly. Call +31 294 28 28 14 if you want to be picked up from Holendrecht. The bus will arrive in 10 minutes.
During the peak hour the metro runs every 7 minutes, off-peak every 15 minutes.
The public transport bus every 30 minutes during the day and every hour in the evening.
A taxi from Amsterdam centre sets you back €35.
The airport is 45 minutes by public transport and 20 mimutes by taxi at about €40