When choosing a hostel I’d want to stay in, I always consider the following: cost, location and reviews. Just like Paris, finding good accommodation in Amsterdam (that wasn’t already booked) was like finding a needle in a haystack. I originally planned on going cheap, wanting to say somewhere within the city centre, but wasn’t keen of the idea of staying in a 10-12 mixed bunk dorm. When I came across Lucky Lake Hostel, I fell in love. Between the aesthetics, the staff, the camp grounds and everything in between, Lucky Lake was true Instagram #goals.
Located just beyond Amsterdam’s city limits near the Amsterdam-Holendrecht metro station, the line will take you less than 25 minutes to get to many places throughout the city, such as Amsterdam-Centraal, the Red-Light District or Waterloo Square.
Getting to Lucky Lake
Amsterdam’s public transportation is very reliable and getting to the hostel is quite easy. The hostel is about 10 minutes from the Amsterdam-Holendrecht metro station, but Lucky Lake has a free shuttle that will take you right there. I would recommend buying a metro card based off of extended time rather than one time purchases (i.e. 5 day pass, 10 day pass). I ended up spending more than I should have by not doing so.
Coming from Antwerpen, Belgium, I booked my train ticket directly to Amsterdam-Centraal. I hadn’t done much research before purchasing my tickets or getting on the train, but I am sure I could have gotten a train directly to Holendrecht or switched trains along the way to prevent going into the city, only to have to turn around.
Lucky Lake Dorms
I was put into a cottage-style room – Pink Lady – a four bed all female dorm. I was a bit bummed at first, as I wanted to stay in one of the cute little trailers, but as soon as I saw how adorable and spacious the room was (and felt how warm it was!) I was happy. The room was very clean. It was a four bed dorm and three of the beds were already occupied, but all three girls were super sweet.
The bed was ridiculously comfortable. They were impeccably clean and a storage bin was provided in each nook for you to store your phone or snacks in. There was also a personal bed light and chargers in each. Next to the beds were large lockers for you to store your stuff in, which were great. Prices ranged from €29 to €41 per night for each bed.
I was in bunk #4 
What to do at Lucky Lake
Lucky Lake is comprised of 30+ cabins and caravans to sleep in. Breakfast is served on an old yellow school bus each morning and there is a cabin in the middle of the grounds, the Lucky Lounge, where you can smoke and socialize. The bathrooms are outdoors, and can get chilly, but were kept very clean. On the hostel’s grounds, there is a gorgeous lake area, great for swimming, diving, kyaking, fishing, water-skiing, or just hanging out. Oh, and did I mention it’s a cannabis friendly hostel? A real #glamping experience.
When I decided on Lucky Lake, I was solely thinking of an adorable, Instagram friendly place to sleep while I spent my days exploring the beautiful Dutch city of Amsterdam. However, if you plan on booking Lucky Lake, I’d leave a day or two to spend some time on the camp grounds. Head to the lake to boat, ski, swim or fish in, grab a beer (or a joint) and hang out with other travelers in the Lucky Lounge, or rent a bike and ride over to the traditional Dutch town of Abcoude.
The hostel offers DIY breakfast each morning in this rad open kitchen that is on a yellow school bus. Unlike most of the other hostels I have stayed in, Lucky Lake’s breakfast was available until 11:30 a.m., which is nice if you want to sleep in. During my time there, there was a choice between eggs, pancakes, cereal, juices, as well as a jam spread and bread for you to toast.
As mentioned, Lucky Lake’s grounds are smoke friendly. You’re allowed to partake in all common and outdoor areas, which is nice for those who don’t love the smell of smoke. The Lucky Lake lounge is a great place to relax and light up if it’s cold and rainy like it was when I was there. When in Amsterdam, right? 😉
Lucky Lake Hostel and the people I met were some of the most memorable experiences I had during my Euro trip. The hostel is open from early spring until late summer and books fast, so make sure to make your reservations early! If you’re looking to have for a unique time in Amsterdam, Lucky Lake is the place to stay.
For more information, check out the links below:
Website – Facebook – Instagram – Hostelworld
