Volkshotel, Amsterdam: Affordable design hotel with a naughty streak

Set in the former HQ of the De Volkskrant newspaper, Volkshotel is an affordable design hotel with a naughty streak. The hotel’s former life is repeatedly referenced in the newspaper print artworks and décor, but the current design theme is a real mixed bag from a myriad of eras, with some comedy signage, risqué comics and plenty to eat/see/do thrown in for good measure.

Standard rooms start from €59 for a Miss Petite, or you can check in en masse – a Ms. Big room has space for four and costs just €139. All rooms have huge windows and great views.

Alternatively, you can splash out a little for a Special room, each of which has been individually dreamt up by a different designer (from €139). Stand out rooms for me were the minimalistic Japanese-inspired Bathing Bikou Room, White Bike Room (dedicated to the Dutch love for bikes, with “all parts of a bike utilized around the room”) and green and serene Cabin In The Woods. With a full spectrum from classic to wacky, there really is something for everyone.

But it’s not all sleep at the Volkshotel. There’s Canvas, the 7th floor bar and restaurant; Doka, the basement speakeasy cocktail bar; and Werkplaats, a spot for eating or working (there are meeting rooms available to rent for those with business to get down to).

Three barrel-style hot tubs plus a wooden sauna are up on the eighth floor for those who fancy a soak with a view, or sit-up-and-beg Dutch bikes can be hired for €12 a day, the quickest and most atmospheric way to get to the city centre for sure (there’s also a Metro stop right outside).

Volkshotel is fun, functional and affordable – a great mini break choice for the young at heart.