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Reviews of The Elephant Hostel

17 Plantage Middenlaan, Amsterdam City Center, 1018 DA Amsterdam, Netherlands

#10 of 467 hotels in Amsterdam

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 147 hostel reviews

9.2

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.4

  • Comfort

    9.4

  • Location

    9.2

  • Facilities

    9.4

  • Staff

    9.6

  • Value for money

    9.2

  • Free Wifi

    9.5

Verified guest reviews from real Bookers

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Showing 1 - 25

  • Reviewed: April 4, 2025

    10
    Stay here for your Hostel needs!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Single Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room 16 Beds
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    NA

    From booking the hostel to arriving there, being welcomed to checkout, all was excellent!

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: April 1, 2025

    10
    great stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Triple Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    location - couldn't find it for ages

    hotel was beautiful, staff were absolutely amazing and so friendly. Loved our stay here

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 31, 2025

    8.0
    Perfect short term stay, safe for solo travel.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bunk Bed in Female Dormitory Room 9 Beds
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    I found the dorm can be too warm - and the window was to be left closed. Some fresh air would help to regulate the temperature!

    Such a friendly atmosphere, perfect as a solo traveller. Excellent value and lovely location. Comfortable facilities. Great food! Really friendly staff. The guests in my dorm were also respectful.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 31, 2025

    9.0
    Nice hostel (private room with attached bath), interiors are good, shower is amazing, and staff are wonderful.
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Triple Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The hostel staff, especially Julia, are all friendly and accommodating. Thank you for the free breakfast during our check-out.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 29, 2025

    9.0
    One of the best hostels
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bunk Bed in Female Dormitory Room 12 Beds
    • Stayed 4 nights

    Some guests may not always respect quiet hours, leading to noise at night and early in the morning. That's why I recommend booking a 12-bed room.

    The hostel is really nice and well-maintained. The staff is friendly and helpful. The bed is comfortable, with a good duvet and pillow, and there's a socket right next to it. It's great that there are no hidden charges, like extra fees for a locker or a towel—everything is already included. The shower is good, with good water pressure and plenty of hot water. The WiFi is excellent!

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 27, 2025

    9.0
    Great Vibe Overall , recommended
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Single Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room 16 Beds
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Not a big deal, but some things can be improved. The automatic light in the dorm room turns on when someone moves. It creates unnecessary brightness suddenly. Also the privacy curtains are not totally covering so they let some light pass from outside. I recommend using low lights automatically at night time and a stronger light if the person needs it and extending the privacy curtains. Also, I think the bed sheets and covers should be handled by staff in any paid accommodation rather than making guests make their own bed.

    The entrance and common area is great! The showers and bathroom is well equipped and clean. The staff is very friendly and approachable. The lockers automatic with your key card, so no need to buy or bring lock.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 27, 2025

    10
    Perfect retreat for my Amsterdam trip!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Single Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room 16 Beds
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Had an excellent stay! The location was perfect, close to the city center but far enough to be quiet and pleasant in the evenings. Staff was incredibly helpful as well with making changes and giving info. The dorm beds have a great amount of privacy with the curtains and walls as well. Definitely recommended!

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 27, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bunk Bed in Female Dormitory Room 12 Beds
    • Stayed 1 night

    Nothing

    Best hostel I've ever been.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: March 24, 2025

    9.0
    A great find
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bunk Bed in Female Dormitory Room 9 Beds
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    That you had to make your own bed after a long day of travel. I was already exhausted.

    All the staff were really friendly and helpful. The facilities were clean and easy to use - the shower was incredible. Nice atmosphere and a good location. It wasn't loud and the people in my dorm where mindful of noise. All in all - a great stay and I would stay again.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 22, 2025

    10
    Overall a delightful stay at the hostel.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bunk Bed in Female Dormitory Room 12 Beds
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing to mention. Three of my 6 photos are not of the hostel. Unfortunately, I could not remove them.

    Overall a delightful 4 night stay. I stayed in a female only room. The property is located on a quiet street. It is very clean, offers a cafe and 24 hour reception. I used the gym but not the laundry services. One staff member stood out. Giulia was friendly and very helpful. 😀

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 21, 2025

    8.0
    Good value for money
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bunk Bed in Female Dormitory Room 12 Beds
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The bunks were too high! I fell whilst I was climbing and hurt myself. Bed was very tiny too.

    The location was very good, having public transport just outside the hotel. Hotel was super clean and smelled good. Clean toilet, sheets, and towels. Good value for money.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 20, 2025

    10
    was really good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bunk Bed in Female Dormitory Room 9 Beds
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    it’s too dark in a room, literally after light is off you can not see anything, when u close your curtain on top you don’t have any air, definitely too dark and too claustrophobic

    v friendly staff, exceptional reception and lounge

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: March 15, 2025

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    It was very clean and tidy

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 12, 2025

    9.0
    Beautiful and clean
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bunk Bed in Female Dormitory Room 12 Beds
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Not many things to help meet people at the hostel and no kitchen

    Place is clean and very well designed, good location and nice staff, beds were very comfortable and heating was very nice

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 12, 2025

    9.0
    great
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 4 nights

    nothing much. there wasnt any handsoap in the bathroom for a day and a half probably longer as i left during this time

    Even though the location wasnt in the city centre, this is a benefit. As the surrounding areas are very pretty and clean. Transport links are great and only takes 10 mins to get into the city centre

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 12, 2025

    10
    Amazing, clean and perfect location! Definitely value for money!
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Bunk Bed in Female Dormitory Room 9 Beds
    • Stayed 4 nights

    Amazing location, 10 minutes from the center and 5 with the tram that was just outside the hostel. Super friendly staff and really comfortable beds. Very clean especially the bathroom was perfect! I strongly reacommend it !!

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 11, 2025

    10
    Awesome!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bunk Bed in Female Dormitory Room 9 Beds
    • Stayed 3 nights

    The lighting was overall very dim in the room, and in the bathroom, it was a bit hard to get ready. Some additional hooks and sitting stools would have been nice in the room.

    All the staff members were very kind, and the reception is 24/7. They can hold your bag and store your food in the fridge there, which is useful. I believe the place was recently renovated, and everything was clean. The bed was comfortable, as well as the bedding. This is a calm hostel, which I appreciated. The reception was functioning as bar/café as well. A tram station was just in front of the hostel.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 10, 2025

    10
    lovelly
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room 24 Beds
    • Stayed 2 nights

    i would have appreciate; more; to get a refound for the night i've missed due to the problem with the bomb in paris.

    the vibe, the placement, the availability and the contact with the staff

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 9, 2025

    8.0
    Comfortable, beautiful, welcoming and easy access to public transport.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bunk Bed in Female Dormitory Room 12 Beds
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    1. One shower had water flowing outwards in the bathroom which I believe is some irregular floor slope. Needs fixing as it's right by the door to the dorm. 2. There are 2 huge beautiful mirrors in the female dorm (12 occupancy) but poor lighting makes everyone do their makeup in the washroom with only 2 sinks which is a pain. 3. Oh yes, carry your own water bottle from the supermarket (Albert Hejin) in the city instead. Not available at the hostel for purchase.

    1. The staff was friendly and welcoming and also served a welcome drink. 2. Has a WhatsApp community to engage people staying at the hostel with biking rentals available. 3. The dorm was easily accessible. 4. The shower was amazing and toilets kept clean. 5. Beautiful cubicle bed with clean sheets, pillow cover, duvet, charging point and a screen for privacy. I loved this. 6. Silent dorm. 7. Easy n close access to public transport via tram. 8. To travel to Schipol airport, I wish someone had answered this before in FAQs. Take a train (intercity - you get tickets at the airport or station kiosks) to Amsterdam central station. Right outside the station at track A take tram 14 Javaplein to Artis/holocaust Museum to reach the hostel. Use GVB app for tickets for team,metro and buses. I enjoyed my stay and would recommend it.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 6, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room 24 Beds
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    You gotta make your own bed after checking in. Doing on the third bunk was not a easy task.

    Very nice experience. Reasonable price and clean place. The room was quiet during night.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 6, 2025

    9.0
    Beautiful hostel
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bunk Bed in Female Dormitory Room 12 Beds
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The hostel was very nice, the staff were helpful and the room was very well designed, the room was warm and the beds were comfortable Only thing I didn't expect was having to make my bed on a top bunk at 2.5 meters high, a challenge I wasn't prepared for... But other than that everything about the hostel was great and I would 10/10 recommend 👌

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 5, 2025

    10
    Clean and conveniently located
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room 15 Beds
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    I wish the overhead light in the dorm wasn’t motion activated because the curtain in each bed doesn’t completely block light out and it’s pretty annoying to get woken up every time someone comes back to the hostel at 2am.

    Clean and conveniently located ― right by a tram stop that you can take to virtually anywhere in Amsterdam. Staff are friendly and helpful and the property is very clean and up-to-date.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: February 27, 2025

    10
    A Hidden Gem
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room 15 Beds
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    I really can't think of anything.

    Front desk service was exceptional. The beds were extremely comfortable.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: February 26, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Bunk Bed in Female Dormitory Room 12 Beds
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Amazing place, very nice and welcoming team !

    Stayed in February 2025

Showing 1 - 25

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