The 4 Best Hostels in Rotterdam

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Many backpackers in the Netherlands skip Rotterdam but not you! Let’s look at some of the cities very best hostels.

1. Hostel Ani & Haakien – Best Overall Hostel in Rotterdam

• Dorm (mixed): From $27
• Private Room: From $69
• Address: Coolsestraat 47-49, Rotterdam, Netherlands

Overall, I think you’ll find that Hostel Ani & Haakien is the best hostel in Rotterdam 2021, definitely. Why’s that then? Well, with that typically Dutch cocktail of traditional and modern making it equal parts homely and design-y, this top hostel in Rotterdam is also well located, being just 600 metres from the Central Station. And that’s great news: no-one likes traipsing around with hefty bags, do they? With its basic (but cool) and clean dorms, well-functioning kitchen, stylish common areas, Hostel Ani & Haakien is the perfect base for exploring Rotterdam – by bicycle, if you want! (Plus it’s a bargain).

2. King Kong Hostel Rotterdam – Best Hostel in Rotterdam for Solo Travellers

• Dorm (mixed): From $29
• Private Room: From $75
• Address: Witte de Withstraat 74, Rotterdam, Netherlands

The best thing, or one of the best things, about King Kong Hostel, is its sheer amount of communal space: there’s a ‘movie basement’ where you can watch films with new friends, chill on its many benches, plus when the weather’s nice it spills onto the street outside with a sociable terrace. It’s definitely in the running for best hostel in Rotterdam in 2024, too; with its design-led, boutique feel, it’s more like a chic hotel than a youth hostel in Rotterdam, so you can meet new people AND be stylish at King Kong – though I don’t know what the name’s about.

3. Will & Tate City Stay – Best Cheap Hostel in Rotterdam

• Dorm (mixed): From $25
• Private Room: From $63
• Address: Prinsegracht 51, The Hague City Centre, 2512 EX The Hague, Netherlands

The aesthetic at Will & Tate city stay is basic yet design-y, a bit edgy, you know: think dorms bunks with frames made of old pipes, walls plastered with pinups, graffiti, mismatched wood panelling, things like that. I’d say it falls short of the coolest hostel in the Netherlands (though it is still pretty cool to be fair), but as for location Will & Tate City Stay is pretty much smack bang in the heart of The Hague, and loads of other central sights of Rotterdam. This is somewhat reflected in the price, but still – it won’t break your wallet.

4. CityHub Rotterdam – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Rotterdam

• Private Room: From $57
• Address: Witte de Withstraat 87, Rotterdam, Netherlands

This is like, THE hostel of the future. Seriously. It’s less like a Rotterdam backpackers hostel though, and more like a Japanese capsule hotel – except with more of a lavish futuristic vibe, less of the drunken-businessman-who’s-missed-the-last-train-home feel. Each ‘pod’ at CityHub Rotterdam is a little slice of luxury, with a double bed, space to put all your stuff, plugs sockets and lights, whilst the bathrooms are sleek, modern gender-separated affairs, plus there’s space to socialise and work downstairs. It’s all top-notch. And the cherry on top? You get free pocket WiFi to take around Rotterdam. Now if that doesn’t suit a digital nomad I don’t know what does.

Want to stay in the party district or maybe somewhere more laidback? Decide on where to stay in Rotterdam before booking your hostel.

Stayokay Rotterdam Cube Hostel – Best Hostel for Couples in Rotterdam

• Dorm (mixed): From $31
• Private Room: From $83
• Address: Overblaak 85-87, Rotterdam, Netherlands

Rotterdam is actually famous for its Cube Houses, so the chance to stay in them (and for not a bad price at all) is definitely something you should consider. As a couple you’d wanna stay somewhere you’ll remember, and as far as the Cube Hostel goes you couldn’t go wrong. In fact, it’s probably the coolest hostel in Rotterdam. Each cube is stylishly decorated, angled at 45-degrees for a space-age feel, and do include dorms as well as private rooms. There’s also a hip bar/restaurant on site. So if you’re after a seriously unique budget hostel in Rotterdam, these iconic cubes will definitely do the job.

Sparks Hostel – Best Hostel with a Private Room in Rotterdam

• Dorm (mixed): From $30
• Private Room: From $82
• Address: Westersingel 1A, Rotterdam, Netherlands

Bunks with sliding doors for privacy and stairs instead of uncomfortable ladders (and no privacy) are definitely the way forward, and yep: Sparks Hostel’s got ’em. That’s the first of many points for this top hostel in Rotterdam, a firm choice right next to the Central Station. Add bedside plug sockets and lights to that. And don’t forget the huge kitchen, oh and the lobby where you can chill with fellow travellers. Add a knock-out location, with shops, bars, restaurants, cafes and cultural hotspots, and you can see it’s no wonder Sparks is a hugely recommended hostel in Rotterdam.

Hostel ROOM Rotterdam – Best Cheap Hostel in Rotterdam

• Dorm (mixed): From $28
• Private Room: From $71
• Address: Van Vollenhovenstraat 62, Rotterdam, Netherlands

Not only is Hostel ROOM the cheapest, it’s also a highly recommended hostel in Rotterdam – so whilst it’s budget, it’s also really really good. It’s warm and friendly. There’s a bar. And, in true Rotterdam backpackers hostel tradition, there’s a definite boutique-type thing going on here – each room is differently themed, and all of them done with the utmost care. Plus the common areas here are V comfy. Though not muchcheaper than other hostels, if you’re out to save pennies where you can, Hostel ROOM (capitals for emphasis?) is a solid bargain.

Hotel Light

• Private Room: From $82
• Address: s Gravendijkwal 100-102, Centrum, 3014 EJ Rotterdam, Netherlands

Man, whatever this building used to be it’s flipping impressive. So if the words historical and heritage get you going when it comes to places to stay then you’ll be very pleased to know that Hotel Light is a (relatively) cheap option when it comes to hotels in the city – though it is not exactly a budget hostel in Rotterdam. However, it does have a communal kitchen, and ample space in the lobby for sitting around, meeting-and-greeting, or working. And in classic Dutch fashion things are stylish and classy here – including the rooms. Couple that with the amazing building and you got yourself a very solid option for staying in Rotterdam.

The Student Hotel Rotterdam – Best Cheap Hostel in Rotterdam

Hmm, ok, so this is not a hostel – but if the idea of dorms is just too much for you to take, then you might as well book yourself into The Student Hotel. It’s a decent price for a hotel, but relative to a Rotterdam backpackers hostel it’s pretty pricey. To be fair though, it does bill itself as a ‘community style hotel’, meaning there’s a lot of space for communal sitting, working, chatting, meeting, all that sociable sorta stuff. There’s also a cafe/restaurant here that serves up tasty (and healthy) food, and the rooms are clean and stylish.

Youth Hostel The Hague

Youth Hostel The Hague – it’s unimaginative, but it definitely says what it does. It’s a youth hostel close to The Hague. And if what you’re looking for is culture and tourist sights – traditional Rotterdam – then you’ll be staying at the right place here. It’s pretty cosy and the rooms are basic but well designed. However, you will be paying that P for the location (literally in the heart of The Hague), whilst also staying in a traditional Dutch townhouse. But if that’s what you want I say go for it. Plus it is close to the fun and many of the main Rotterdam attractions.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Rotterdam

Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Rotterdam.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

By now I hope my epic guide to the best hostels in Rotterdam has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!

In case you are still unsure of which hostel is best for you, I’ll recap my top picks for you.

Hostel Ani & Haakien is my overall best hostel in Rotterdam, you’re five minutes from the central station and have everything you need within walking distance.

Will & Tate City Stay is the cheapest hostel in Rotterdam, a solid option if you’re backpacking Rotterdam and looking to save a few quid.

So, over to you, go make some memories and have a blast.