I stayed in the Bulldog Hotel this August during a 3 day stay in
Amsterdam. I walked into the lobby to find the place to look immaculate. The
people at the counter were very friendly and very helpful. I arrived without
reservations but had no problems getting a room here and when I finally got into
my room, I was extremely surprised at how nice it was.
The room had 6 bunk beds
in it, with full size lockers next to each. I could almost fit my entire pack
into it! (locks were self-procured) The rooms were fully carpeted and since
it was summer the air conditioning was on and boy did it work good!
I checked
out the bathrooms and found 1 bathroom with just a toilet and then another
bathroom with 2 showers and a toilet in it. These were in-room bathrooms by the
way. They were tiled, had very nice amenities, and were well stocked with
extra TP. Beds were very comfortable and even had a light on the wall for
each individual bunk. Security for the rooms was good in that each room was
accessed by a key card. The downside was that the doors didn't always lock shut
if you just slammed it behind you. You had to make sure that it locked
shut.
The hallways were very nice with carpets everywhere and security cameras
monitoring the hallways. The elevator was a great touch as the stairways were
very steep.
Downstairs the lounge was very nice. Decorated with wood
everywhere, it seemed very luxurious. There were plenty of tables for hanging
out or to play card or board games, a pool table, a bar, and a couch area with a
TV and DVD player. They also had an extensive assortment of DVDs at the bar
that people could check out. 2 internet computers were also available but were
relatively slow. The only complaints about the lounge was that the bar didn't
open until 7pm so before then you have to go elsewhere to get a drink and then
also the music is very very loud and can almost drown out conversation. Outside
there is a patio area on the bank of the canal where guests can sit down and
drink and watch the people go by.
Next door is the Bulldog coffee shop where one
can purchase drinks and drugs, but their prices are somewhat more expensive.
All in all, after spending 3 months in Europe I can say that this was the nicest
place I stayed at, and rating in friendliness behind only the lady I stayed with
in Hannover, Germany. It is a very nice place situated in a prime location
in the middle of the Red Light District.
That being said, one guest of the hotel from Los Angeles did get jumped by a
group of 5 men 2 blocks away who took his wallet. Luckily, someone found
it the next day sans cash with credit cards and the ever handy American green
card still in place. After midnight I would say stick with better lit
areas especially if you are strolling by yourself and you are not of
linebacker/lineman proportions.
