3 Best Hostels in Rotterdam

Are you excited to discover the best hostels in Rotterdam, Netherlands? You certainly should be! We have no hesitation in saying that this collection of Rotterdam hostels is fantastic.

The hostel game in Rotterdam is first class and each recommendation is as good as the last. It’s going to be a tough choice, dear reader! Or is it?

Your shortcut:

1. Ani&Haakien – great for solo travellers (5 Star Hostel!)
2. King Kong Hostel – top tick for backpackers
3. Hostel Room – best for female solo travellers

Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.

It’s a top destination for art lovers, solo travellers and swanky couples. It is on your way from Amsterdam to Brussels, so stay over for 2 nights and soak in another authentic Dutch city.

On that note, here’s our best hostels in Amsterdam and the best hostels in Brussels. Also interesting: there are some gorgeous hostels in The Hague nearby, too. Some female-only hostels as well as boutique hostels.

This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…

• are tired of crappy hostels!
• want a social Hostel to actually meet people
• are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience

Our 5 star hostel Ani&Haakien really shows off the artsy design of this city. You may never want to leave. Keep scrolling to discover our 5 secret tips to Rotterdam.

Quick Introduction to Rotterdam

Average price for a bed: Hostels in Rotterdam cost 17€ – 24€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 52€ up to 82€ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea.

Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.

Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.

🎁 New to Hostels? Read my guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. I especially recommend reading:

• How to book hostels?
• Understanding Hostels in Europe - and what makes them special

The 3 Best Hostels in Rotterdam

Let’s jump right into the boutique and backpacker hostels in Rotterdam.

1. Ani&Haakien – great for solo travellers – our favorite
2. King Kong Hostel – top tick for backpackers
3. Hostel Room – best for female solo travellers

We put all three accommodation on the map, you will find the map at the end of the article.

Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type

🦸 Solo Traveler:	Ani&Haakien
🙎‍♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler:	Hostel Room
👫 For Socializing:	King Kong Hostel
👩‍❤️‍👨Couple Hostel:	Hostel Room
👨‍👩‍👦 Family Hostel:	Ani&Haakien
👩‍💻 For Digital Nomads:	Ani&Haakien
🎒 For Backpackers:	King Kong Hostel

1. Ani&Haakien – Our Favorite

Ani&Haakien is without doubt the hostel to be in Rotterdam. It’s our only 5 star hostel in the city! We wrote a big review on Ani & Haakien hostel.

Start off by giving hostel cat Suzy a scratch behind the ears and wander amongst likeable style. We’d describe this as purely artsy, cool and charming. A true community charm.

Find yourself rubbing elbows with locals as you dine at daily dinners and enjoy free tours. There’s actually so much to mention. Here’s a handy overview:

• Bike & long board rental
• Dinner Nights
• Movie Nights
• Free Walking Tours – highly recommended to join
• Vegetable garden
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Free coffee & toast
• No curfew (reception closes overnight)
• Give & take shop

Alongside free tours around the city, there is also pancake mornings and night walks to nearby markets.

What a wonderful social atmosphere!

As for rooms? There are dorms with 6, 8, 10 and 12-beds. There is also one double room which is super cosy. It is a small double room though and the bathroom is shared.

Once you’ve grabbed a bed, head on down to the beautiful living room where the good vibes can be found.

There’s so much space to wind down, chat and enjoy a beer. Perhaps you’d also like to finally try playing the guitar – it would be rude not to!

Note: Ani&Haakien accept groups but require contact and arrangement before your arrival.

Location: PERFECT! Just 600m from Rotterdam Central Station. It’s located on a quiet street, walking distance to top sights and nightlife.

This is one of the best hostels in Rotterdam for

• Solo travellers
• Backpacker
• Groups
• Everyone who loves a social hostel to meet people

Book Ani&Haakien here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Full Review

2. King Kong Hostel

From a tattoo shop, famous brothel and illegal casino to an industrial design and 21st century contemporary art blend hostel – welcome to King Kong Hostel.

Step inside and observe a new feeling of inspiration to make the world a better place.

Probably because you’ve just enjoyed a big cup of Rainforest coffee!

There is a large Loft Dorm split in to trendy spaces that can accommodate up to 48 people.

Rooms start from 6-beds up to 16-beds. Even if you opt for a larger size, you can enjoy some privacy behind a curtain and needn’t worry about rickety old bunks.

So many fun and cosy spaces fill the place including:

• Movie basement (Netflix)
• Restaurant w/ homemade food
• On-site bar
• Old school gym
• Fully equipped kitchen

If you’re looking to treat yourself, we suggest gorging on the luxury buffet breakfast for less than 8 euros.

A few freebies include WiFi, walking tours, lockers and linen and towel.

As a bonus, reception is open 24 hours and the lovely staff will happily print your boarding pass for free.

Location: from here it’s a 20-minute walk to Central Station. King Kong is right in the middle of the popular bar and restaurant street. Great if you’re looking to socialise and stay up late.

This is one of the best hostels in Rotterdam for

• Luxury Traveller
• Night owls

Book King Kong Hostel here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

3. Hostel Room

Let’s mosey on over to #3 on this list on cool Rotterdam Hostel, the Hostel Room, a renovated national monument built in 1923. The Art Deco style now accommodates 17 themed rooms.

It’s a great option for budget travellers coming over to Rotterdam!

Let’s have a closer look at the rooms:

• Private twin, double & quad
• 6, 8 and 14-bed mixed dorms
• 6-bed female dorm
• Family room

Alongside different themes, these rooms are super spacious and offer a cosy, homely vibe.

After a delicious breakfast from the local bakery, there’s lots to do in and out of the hostel.

Consider staying in to make use of the board games, table soccer and old fashioned Dutch game called Sjoelen.

There just to happens to be a bar on-site so you can wind down with your favourite drink.

Fancy some fresh air but don’t want to go far? Head out to the terrace, easy!

The sofas in the lounge are great for snuggling and enjoying the free Wi-Fi. Either that or catch up with Netflix.

Cook up a feast in the kitchen and direct any questions you may have toward the friendly staff. The reception has limited hours but when they’re open you can always expect a smile.

Location: …is spot on! Popular restaurants and bars are close-by and Piet Blom’s Cube House is a 20-minute walk. It is a doorstep away from the famous Erasmus bridge, the Park and the ferry to Kinderdijk (UNESCO).

This is one of the best hostels in Rotterdam for

• Female solo travellers
• Couples

Book Hostel Room here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

What about the cheapest hostels in Rotterdam?

Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Rotterdam.

1. Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Rotterdam
2. add your dates
3. Order the listings by price

Simple as that.

Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.

Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.

Best Hostels in Rotterdam for Solo Travellers?

What is seriously the best hostel in Rotterdam for solo-travellers?

Well, because Rotterdam is awesome, we couldn’t possibly only offer one option.

All of the hostels in this guide are great for solo travellers. Let’s look at them again:

• Best hostel in Rotterdam for solo travellers: Ani&Haakien
• Best hostel in Rotterdam for female solo travellers: Hostel Room
• Best hostel for solo backpackers: King Kong Hostel

If we were to pick only one?

We’d always go with Ani&Haakien – our absolute favorite place!

There’s a reason it’s our 5 star hostel in Rotterdam and it’s many activities and social spaces make it a perfect place to meet new people.

Party Hostels in Rotterdam

As for fun party hostels in Rotterdam, there isn’t an obvious choice.

Again, Ani&Haakien is amazing to meet people too, and there is always something going on.

If you stay at King Kong Hostel you have the best of both worlds.

Enjoy a drink and kick start the social vibes at the in-house bar, and then head to kick-ass bars just down the road to continue your night.

This way you can enjoy a fun time with new found friends before heading back to a quiet, relaxed room to sleep.

Book King Kong Hostel here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

For Families and Older Travellers

Have you heard of the world famous Cube Houses of Rotterdam? If not, you’re about 30 years behind and in for a real treat.

No two rooms in StayOkay Rotterdam Cube Hostel are the same.

You’ll feel like being in your own home thanks to the restaurant, free breakfast and warm rooms.

Families will love it here as there are private rooms for up to 6 people, and there are activities designed specifically for kids. You can even order packed lunches for the day!

Bonus: it’s possible to get a StayOkay family discount card.

Older travellers can enjoy a smaller 4-bed dorm exclusively for either men or women.

Rent a bike or wander the short distance to top sights. Come back after a great day exploring and wind down with a drink at the bar.

Book StayOkay Rotterdam Cube Hostel here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

5 Secret Tips for Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a beautiful Dutch pearl right at the Atlantic ocean. The city has one of the biggest ports on the planet, so you can imagine what industrial influence there is ruling.

We are keen to share with you our 5 secret tips Rotterdam. Travel tips you won’t find anywhere else. They are:

1. Cool Skyline Bar with the best drinks: Aloha Bar

A former old tropical swimming pool, now an awesome restaurant and outside area with swings, good vibes, great coffee and truly an amazing view of the skyline of Rotterdam. Check out facebook.com/aloharotterdam for more details.

Address: Maasboulevard 100, Rotterdam, Netherlands

2. Fenix Food Factory

An old fabrik turned into an organic local food factory on the waterside of the South in the central district area close to the hostel Ani&Haakien. You can find different types of food, food trucks, and even join several workshops. If you stay here, you have to drop by.

Address: Veerlaan 19d, Rotterdam, Netherlands

Facebook: facebook.com/fenixfoodfactory

3. Biergarten * BAR * Annabel

The place to be! Electronic night live, sun, beers & Design (GROOS) next to the railway with a real urban vibe! It was one of the lost places in the city center of Rotterdam. Young entrepreneurs are taking over the area and bringing it back to life! (LUCHTSINGEL & MINI MALL).

Check ‘em out at Facebook here.

Address: Schiestraat 18, Rotterdam, Netherlands

4. Take your beautiful windmill photo

This big park right in the city center is the local’s favorite spot to ride a bike, relax with friends, and to get some sun.

There are even some bbq spots around, and you can rent on boat. From here you have a panoramic view to the city skyline, and those of you who are looking for the typical windmill; here you can get your vintage windmill photo!

Address: Kralingse Plaslaan, 3011 Rotterdam

5. Unique Cooking Classes and Bistro – exclusively open just once a week!

Schieblok Dakcafe grows its own vegetables on the rooftop, and open up their little bistro every Wednesday from 12.00-15.00 – a delicious lunch party!

And FYI the cook Valerie of Food Rhapsody also hosts cooking workshops, showing you how to cook in a creative, sustainable way – if you love food, this is a must-do for you! Check this website for more info.

Address: Schieblock, Schiekade 189, 7e etage Rotterdam, Netherlands

Any Discounts?

From time to time, I receive special promo codes for booking platforms, hotels, or hostels. I will be sharing these here once received. Bookmark this page to get an update.

How to book?

The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.

I included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.

I recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Rotterdam best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.

My Best Hostels in Rotterdam for Female Traveler on a Map + Sights

Let us have a look on the map. Below we list all three best Rotterdam hostels on a map.

Personally, we love to plan our trips with a map having all sights and potential hostels on it. We thought this map will help you with planning your trip too.

We also included the main tourist attractions you’ve to know in this list:

• Cube Houses
• Euromast
• Erasmusbrug
• Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen
• UNESCO World Heritage Kinderdijk
• Het Park
• Plaswijckpark

What about fun things to do in Rotterdam? Here are some ideas:

• Grand Holland: Rotterdam, Delft & The Hague (+ free cruise)
• Architecture Walking Tour
• 2.5 hour Bike Tour of Rotterdam Highlights
• Rotterdam Icons Walking Tour
• Rotterdam Harbour Tour

Grab a Holland Pass and get access to 100+ attractions and museums.

My best tip: Stay at Ani&Haakien and join their free walking tour on your first day. This way you have the perfect introduction to the city plus you meet all the other backpackers right away.

My Best Hostels in Rotterdam for Female Traveler on a Map + Sights

FAQ

Alright, you should have found your accommodation already. Below we list all the frequently asked questions. Have a look.

More guides

Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Rotterdam.

We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations:

• Best hostels in Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Hello I’m Local in Haarlem
• best hostels in Belgium
• best hostels in Bruges, Belgium
• best hostels in Brussels, Belgium
• best hostels in Antwerp, Belgium
• best hostels in Cologne, Germany
• best hostels in Dresden, Germany
• best hostels in Paris, France
• Ecomama Amsterdam – 5 star hostel

You can find all our new and updates articles for Best Hostels in here.

We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list and more.

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