Hans Brinker Hostel Amsterdam
The world's worst hostel (their words, not ours) with 12,000 reviews that disagree
Legendary budget hostel on Kerkstraat near Leidseplein. Famous for its self-deprecating marketing ('It can't get any worse'). Bar, club nights, happy hour, breakfast available. 12,000+ reviews and a cult following among repeat visitors. Central location between Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein.
Hans Brinker is probably the most famous hostel in the world, and it earned that fame by telling you not to come. The marketing campaign ('It can't get any worse,' 'Now with even less service,' 'Hans Brinker Budget Hotel: just like home, but worse') is legendary in the hospitality industry. It's been studied in business schools. It's won advertising awards. And it's been running since the 1970s.
The reality is better than the marketing suggests. Kerkstraat puts you between Leidseplein (Amsterdam's main nightlife square) and Rembrandtplein (the other main nightlife square), which means you're equidistant from two of the city's biggest party zones. The canal ring is your neighborhood. The Rijksmuseum is walkable. Centraal Station is a 15-minute tram ride.
The bar is the social heart. Happy hour is packed, club nights run on weekends, and the basement area hosts events that pull in a young, international crowd. Breakfast is surprisingly decent and saves you from the €12 coffee-and-eggs that Amsterdam restaurants charge. Staff are the right mix of professional and irreverent, matching the brand.
Rooms are basic but clean. The 8.0 rating across 12,000+ reviews proves the formula works: you're paying for location, social scene, and a hostel that doesn't take itself seriously. Beds are comfortable, cleaning staff come daily, and towels are provided. It's not luxury. But it was never trying to be, and that honesty is the entire point.
- 01The marketing is iconic. 'It can't get any worse' is honest, hilarious, and the opposite of every other hostel trying to be Instagram-perfect.
- 02Location between Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein means you're 3 minutes from Amsterdam's two biggest nightlife zones.
- 0312,000+ reviews with 8.0 rating. That volume means the quality is consistent, not just a few lucky stays.
- 04The bar and club nights create genuine nightlife without leaving the building. Happy hour is the best icebreaker.
- 05Daily room cleaning and towels provided. The 'worst hotel' claim is tongue-in-cheek; the cleanliness is real.
- Cult-status hostel with legendary marketing
- 12,000+ reviews with 8.0 rating
- Walking distance to Leidseplein & Rembrandtplein
- On-site bar, club nights, happy hour
“Everything was clean, they have a manager who checks the rooms everyday after cleaning. Great location right in the center, surrounded by great restaurants.”
“Great location and reasonable price, with a good breakfast for €9. The room is adequate: the bed is comfortable, but the room is small.”
“Rooms were good, towels available and changing everyday. Clean with good space to lock stuff. Friendly staff and good location.”
- Leidseplein3 min walk
- Rembrandtplein8 min walk
- Rijksmuseum10 min walk
- Albert Heijn Kerkstraat1 min walk
- Canal Ring0 min (you're in it)
- Tram 1/2/5 stop3 min walk
