Your stay — Asterisk
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The Property — Asterisk
The Asterisk hotel in Amsterdam is a no-frills, 3-star gem with a retro-chic vibe that suits budget-conscious travellers and backpackers. The lobby's orange-red colour scheme and vintage decor evoke a fun, laid-back atmosphere that's perfect for those looking for a relaxed, social stay. The hotel's communal spaces, including the rooftop bar, encourage mingling and people-watching, making it an excellent choice for solo travellers or those looking to meet new friends. With its central location near the city's main bus station, the Asterisk is ideal for those who want to explore Amsterdam's vibrant culture without breaking the bank.
Chronicles of Amsterdam
Amsterdam's history dates back to the 13th century, when it was a small trading post. The city's Golden Age in the 17th century saw the construction of iconic canals, bridges, and buildings that still dominate the city's architecture today. The 19th and 20th centuries brought rapid modernisation and urbanisation, transforming Amsterdam into the cosmopolitan hub it is now. Today, the city is known for its liberal attitude, artistic heritage, and world-class museums, including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Amsterdam's unique blend of history, culture, and innovation has made it a favourite among visitors from around the world.
Best Time to Visit
Full Amsterdam guide →Best months
June and September are ideal months to visit Amsterdam, with warm, sunny weather (average highs of 22°C and 20°C respectively) and manageable crowds. These months offer the perfect balance of pleasant temperatures and a more relaxed atmosphere, making them ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Peak / festival surge
July is the peak tourist month in Amsterdam, with the city hosting various festivals, including the Grachtenfestival (a classical music festival) and the Uitmarkt (a cultural festival). Prices for accommodations, including the Asterisk, tend to be higher during this time, and popular attractions can be very crowded. Hotel prices may increase by up to 20% during peak season.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are great budget shoulder months, with mild temperatures (average highs of 17°C and 18°C) and fewer crowds. You can find discounts on accommodations, including the Asterisk, and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere, making it an excellent time to explore the city's museums and canals.
Weather & packing
Amsterdam's climate is known for its unpredictable rain showers, so it's essential to pack an umbrella and waterproof jacket. The city's wind direction can change suddenly, making it feel cooler than expected, so pack layers for your stay.
Live City Briefing — Amsterdam
- The Amsterdam Canal Ring, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has undergone a major restoration project, with several canals and bridges being renovated. Visitors can expect some disruption to boat tours and pedestrian access during the day, but the project will enhance the city's beauty and functionality in the long run.
- The city's popular bike-sharing system, Donkey Republic, has expanded its services to include more stations and bike types, making it easier for visitors to navigate the city on two wheels.
- The Netherlands has introduced a new, more efficient public transport system, including a new metro line and improved bus services. Visitors can expect a smoother, more convenient travel experience, especially during peak hours.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Asterisk, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (4th or above) at the back of the hotel, away from the Den Texstraat, to minimize street noise from the busy street. This will also put you closer to the quieter rear exit.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the first floor, as they may be more prone to street noise from the nearby Den Texstraat. Additionally, rooms near the service entrance or lift may experience noise from staff and guests.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Den Texstraat doesn't provide a clear view of any notable landmarks or scenic areas. However, rooms on higher floors may offer a view of the surrounding cityscape.
Quietest floors
3rd floor and above are likely to be quieter due to the hotel's layout and the fact that higher floors are generally farther from street level.
🔊 Noise notes
Den Texstraat is a busy street, so rooms on the front of the hotel may experience noise from traffic and foot traffic. Additionally, the proximity to a major street may also mean some noise from nightlife in the surrounding area.
Insider tips
When checking in, be aware that the reception is located on the ground floor, and the lift may not always be available. It's a good idea to plan ahead and arrive at a reasonable hour to avoid any issues. If you're planning to visit during peak season, consider requesting a room with a quieter aspect, such as the rear of the hotel, to minimize noise from the street and other guests.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Asterisk
free in public areas, €5 per hour in rooms, login via hotel app
serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
complimentary PressReader access, physical papers available in lobby
14:00-22:00, early bag-drop available from 08:00, late check-out €50 until 18:00, €100 after
available 24/7, €10 per bag per day
step-free access, wheelchair accessible rooms available, some rooms have a bathtub without grab bars
on-site parking €35 per night, nearest public car park Q-Park Waterlooplein €25 per day, no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €2.20 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: €50 advance deposit, €100 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Gurdwara: Guru Ram Das Ashram (125 m · ~2 min walk)
- Synagogue: Gerard Dou Synagogue (472 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: Christelijke Gereformeerde Kerk - Amstelkerk (488 m · ~6 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: Shambhala (660 m · ~8 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Magna Plaza — 2.1 km · ~26 min walk
H.M. van Randwijkplantsoen — 239 m · ~3 min walk
Heineken Experience — 294 m · ~4 min walk
MyEscape.Club — 108 m · ~1 min walk
Hercules Seghersplein — 931 m · ~12 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Geldmaat — 203 m · ~3 min walk
Alphega Apotheek — 295 m · ~4 min walk
FermentFabriek — 480 m · ~6 min walk
Vijzelgracht — 331 m · ~4 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Use an ATM at a bank branch for the best rate; avoid the GWK exchange desks at Schiphol Airport and central stations as they charge high fees and poor rates.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; contactless is standard. Maestro/V-Pay are less common now. Many smaller shops and markets take cash only, so carry a bit of local currency.
Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service in restaurants is appreciated. Taxi drivers don’t expect a tip, but rounding to the nearest euro is fine. Hotel porters get about 1-2 euros per bag.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A filter coffee or espresso-to-go from a cafe or bakery costs around 2.50-3 euros.
A simple broodje (sandwich) from a bakery or lunchroom costs about 5-7 euros.
A main course in an average Dutch eetcafe (bistro) costs around 15-20 euros.
The Albert Cuypmarkt in De Pijp has herring, stroopwafels, and cheap takeaway stalls; also look for Febo automats for a quick, cheap snack like a kroket.
Albert Heijn (smaller 'to go' branches are common) and Lidl are the main budget supermarkets here.
The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat have H&M, Zara, and other chain stores; for market bargains try the Waterlooplein flea market.
A single GVB tram/bus/metro ticket is 3.40 euros for 1 hour; a 24-hour unlimited pass is 9.00 euros. From Schiphol, take train to Amsterdam Centraal (5.30 euros one-way) rather than a taxi.
Buy tram tickets using a contactless card or phone (tap in/out) to avoid the single-ticket surcharge. Eat lunch at a market or supermarket rather than a central tourist restaurant. Skip the canal cruise boat and take the free ferry behind Central Station to Amsterdam Noord for a similar view.
Good to know — Amsterdam
Type C/F · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.87 · EUR
Emergency Contacts
AmsterdamFor police non-emergencies, call 0900-8844. General non-emergency medical assistance: 088 123 1234 (GP service). Tourist help line: +31 20 551 3366 (Amsterdam Tourist Information).
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Amsterdam, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Asterisk
🕒 Check-in is from 15:00. Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Geldmaat — 203 m · ~3 min walk — pharmacy · Alphega Apotheek — 295 m · ~4 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) → nhow Amsterdam RAI hotel
💡 Direct bus service (route 397). Requires advance booking online for best rates. Luggage space guaranteed, good for groups.
nhow Amsterdam RAI hotel → City center / Amsterdam attractions
💡 Buy day pass (GVB €8.50/24hrs) for unlimited trams/buses. Hotel is on direct Tram 4 line to Dam Square. Skip taxis in city center; trams are faster and cheaper.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) → nhow Amsterdam RAI hotel
💡 Most economical option. Take train to Amsterdam Central, transfer to Tram 4 towards Centraal Station direction, get off at RAI stop directly in front of hotel.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) → nhow Amsterdam RAI hotel
💡 Book in advance via Uber app for fixed pricing. Avoid peak hours 8-10am and 4-6pm when traffic is heavy on A4 motorway.
About Amsterdam
Wikipedia ↗
Amsterdam (Dutch: [ˌɑmstərˈdɑm] ; lit. 'Dam in the Amstel') is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands. It has a population of 933,680 in June 2024 within the city proper, 1,457,018 in the urban area and 2,480,394 in the metropolitan area. Located in the Dutch province of North Holland, Amst...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Asterisk?
Request a room on a higher floor (4th or above) at the back of the hotel, away from the Den Texstraat, to minimize street noise from the busy street. This will also put you closer to the quieter rear exit.
Which rooms should I avoid at Asterisk?
Avoid rooms on the first floor, as they may be more prone to street noise from the nearby Den Texstraat. Additionally, rooms near the service entrance or lift may experience noise from staff and guests.
Is Asterisk noisy?
Den Texstraat is a busy street, so rooms on the front of the hotel may experience noise from traffic and foot traffic. Additionally, the proximity to a major street may also mean some noise from nightlife in the surrounding area.
Which rooms have the best views at Asterisk?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Den Texstraat doesn't provide a clear view of any notable landmarks or scenic areas. However, rooms on higher floors may offer a view of the surrounding cityscape.
What are insider tips for staying at Asterisk?
When checking in, be aware that the reception is located on the ground floor, and the lift may not always be available. It's a good idea to plan ahead and arrive at a reasonable hour to avoid any issues. If you're planning to visit during peak season, consider requesting a room with a quieter aspect, such as the rear of the hotel, to minimize noise from the street and other guests.
What time is check-in at Asterisk?
Check-in at Asterisk is from 15:00. Check-out is by 11:00.
Does Asterisk have Wi-Fi?
free in public areas, €5 per hour in rooms, login via hotel app
Is there a city or tourist tax at Asterisk?
€2.20 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Asterisk?
A simple broodje (sandwich) from a bakery or lunchroom costs about 5-7 euros.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Asterisk?
A single GVB tram/bus/metro ticket is 3.40 euros for 1 hour; a 24-hour unlimited pass is 9.00 euros. From Schiphol, take train to Amsterdam Centraal (5.30 euros one-way) rather than a taxi.
When is the best time to visit Amsterdam?
June and September are ideal months to visit Amsterdam, with warm, sunny weather (average highs of 22°C and 20°C respectively) and manageable crowds. These months offer the perfect balance of pleasant temperatures and a more relaxed atmosphere, making them ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Top Attractions in Amsterdam
💡 Take the lift to the 7th floor roof terrace for the best free view of Amsterdam's eastern docklands. Open to everyone, no library card needed.
💡 Go early (before 10am) to avoid crowds. The English Reformed Church inside opens at 11am for a quick look.
💡 Silence is requested—no loud talking or photos of residents. Entry via the gate on Spui, not the church side.
💡 Take the lift to the top floor café—coffee is cheap (€1.50) and the terrace overlooks the IJ river, a great free alternative to expensive rooftop bars.
💡 Enter through the arch on Spui—be respectful, as people still live here. No loud groups or bicycles allowed. Visit the chapel's wooden ship models hanging from the ceiling.
💡 Silence is required. No photography inside the courtyard. Go early morning to avoid tour groups – they start arriving around 10am.
💡 Respect the residents — no photos inside the courtyard, and keep your voice down. The English Reformed Church inside has free entry on Saturdays.
💡 Keep your voice down and don't take photos of residents. The hidden Catholic church (Houten Huys) at number 34 is one of Amsterdam's oldest surviving wooden buildings.