Although the Red Light District might sound like a seedy place to stay, it's actually a relatively safe neighborhood as police patrol the area regularly, and there are crowds of people at night checking out the girls on display in brothel windows and visiting sex shops. The Erotic Museum, located in the district, gives a historical perspective of the area and of the world's oldest profession. There are lots of pubs, restaurants, and shops in the district and it's close to the Jewish quarter and other culturally significant and picturesque areas.
If you're on a tight budget, there are hostels and basic hotels that are easier on the wallet. The Heart of Amsterdam is a slick hostel with a different movie theme for every room, including Kill Bill, American Beauty, and Austin Powers. Dorm room beds start at 35 Euros a night, as of September 2010.
Hotel 83 is a clean, basic hotel in the District. There is a hotel bar, and breakfast is included with the room cost. A single room with a shared bathroom starts at 100 Euros a night.
Heart of Amsterdam
Oudezijds Achterburgwal 118/120
Amsterdam-Centrum
1012 DT Amsterdam
+31 (0) 20 6248879
heart-hostel.nl
Hotel 83
Oudezijds Achterburgwal 83
Amsterdam-Centrum
1012 DC Amsterdam
+31 (0)20 6262089
hotel83.com
If you're looking for a quieter, less-communal experience, the Hotel Luxer is a three-star hotel in the District. It has a bar and lounge. Rooms start at 149 Euros for non-peak season dates. Hotel CC, also with a three-star rating, is a stylish, modern boutique hotel. A small double room starts at 159 Euros.
Hotel CC
Warmoesstraat 42
Amsterdam-Centrum
1012 JE Amsterdam
+31 (0)20-5270027
hotelcc.nl
Hotel Luxer
Warmoesstraat 11
Amsterdam-Centrum
1012 HT Amsterdam
+31 (0)20-3303205
hotelluxer.tobook.com
If you're looking for true luxury, you'll have to step outside the Red Light District--but you won't have to go far. The NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky is a five-star hotel in a historic building in the center of Amsterdam, with a fitness center, winter and summer gardens, a distillery, a French restaurant and an Asian restaurant. Rooms start at 156 euros for non-peak season dates. Also in walking distance from the district, Sofitel Amsterdam The Grand is five-star hotel with a fitness center, heated indoor pool, spa and a restaurant with French and Dutch cuisine. Rooms start at 177 Euros a night.
Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky
Dam 9
1012 JS, Amsterdam
+31 (0)20-5549111
nh-hotels.com
Sofitel Amsterdam the Grand
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197
1012 EX Amsterdam
+31 (0)20-5553111
sofitel.com
