Colby P.
Yelp
ClinkNOORD Amsterdam was really my first time trying out a hostel. I've been told stories about some more spartanistic hostels and have heard horror stories, but ClinkNOORD was actually super accommodating and very modern.
The entry way is hard to find, but it's hiding in the corner looking at a stream. You walk in and have a few sets of staircases, but just go to the right. The front desk was really interesting. All the employees have badges detailing what language they spoke. Check in wasn't later, so we stored our bags in their basement area which was super helpful and a must when you're carrying a crap ton of luggage. We got our keys and headed to our room.
The rooms weren't anything out of this world, but very clean and -I'm assuming-standard. There are lockers in the room, which is an absolute must have when you stay in hostels (just bring your own lock). The bunk beds were fine, if not a little squeaky, but my boyfriend and I shared on. The bathrooms were single stall down the hall and the showers were spread out. I never personally had problems finding open bathrooms or showers.
There was a bar downstairs with a mini restaurant. We were there on St Patrick's Day, which seemed overly Americanized. Oh well because we had some free beer tickets! We also tried some absinthe for the first time and... WOW!
Breakfast was absolutely amazing. They do have a guest kitchen, but why cook breakfast when it's $8/night when you book early? The breakfast was a smorgasbord of local meats, spreads, fruits, veggies, breads (rye, wheat, sweet bread, and etc.), and so much more. The coffee machine has a thousand settings, including chocolate lattes. I highly recommend the chocolate latte with their farmer's bread and chocolate hazelnut spread.
All in all I was very pleased with my first hostel experience. We stayed in Air BnBs the rest of the vacation, but I appreciated staying in the hostel. Clink was so close to everything and the central train station hub was a short fairy ride. Definitely invest in the Amsterdam rail pass and you have a quick way to get around town.