Finding a place to crash in Amsterdam that isn't a damp basement or a €500-a-night "canal experience" is getting harder every year. Honestly, the city is packed. But if you’ve spent any time looking at the Valkenburgerstraat area, you’ve probably seen the turquoise sign of the Motel One Amsterdam Waterlooplein. It looks like a standard chain from the outside, but it’s actually one of the more interesting stays in the city center if you know what to look for.
I’m talking about a hotel designed around a flea market. Literally.
The whole place is a tribute to the historic Waterlooplein market located just a few hundred meters away. Instead of the corporate, soul-sucking beige you find in most budget hotels, the lobby—or "The One Lounge"—is filled with upcycled weirdness. Think old window frames turned into wall art and chandeliers made from actual flea market finds. It’s a vibe.
The Design: Old Masters and Junk
Most people don't expect a budget-friendly hotel to have furniture by B&B Italia or lighting by Artemide. But Motel One Amsterdam Waterlooplein leans hard into this "luxury for less" thing. They partnered with Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek, who is basically the king of making expensive stuff out of scrap wood.
You’ll see his work in the lounge. It’s messy but calculated. There are these huge wallpaper murals that look like extreme close-ups of Rembrandt and Vermeer paintings. It makes sense because Rembrandt’s actual house is a seven-minute walk from the front door.
The contrast is the point. You have a Chesterfield sofa from Poltrona Frau sitting next to a workbench that looks like it was pulled out of a 1920s garage. It shouldn't work. It does.
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What the rooms are actually like
Let’s be real: the rooms are small. If you’re coming from the States and expecting a massive suite, you’re going to be disappointed. They are roughly 16 to 18 square meters.
Basically, they are "compact."
But the quality is there. You get a box-spring bed that actually feels like a bed and not a gym mat. The bathrooms are lined with dark granite and have rainfall showers that are surprisingly powerful. There’s no minibar and no kettle. That’s how they keep the price down. If you want a tea, you’ve gotta go down to the bar.
- The One: The standard. Queen or King bed. Tight, but clean.
- Special One: Usually has a bit more space or a balcony.
- Family One: Includes an extra sleeping surface, but don't expect a playground.
Location: The Waterlooplein Sweet Spot
The Motel One Amsterdam Waterlooplein sits in a weirdly perfect spot. You aren't in the middle of the Dam Square tourist swarm, but you can walk there in 15 minutes.
The Mr. Visserplein stop is right there. You can hop on the metro at Waterlooplein station and be at Centraal Station in three minutes. If you’re into the Jewish Cultural Quarter, you’re basically standing in it. The Portuguese Synagogue and the Jewish Historical Museum are right around the corner.
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Is it quiet? Mostly. The rooms are soundproofed well. However, if you get a room facing the Valkenburgerstraat, you might hear a bit of city hum. Ask for a room facing the courtyard if you’re a light sleeper.
The breakfast situation
Breakfast is about €17. It’s a continental spread. Don't go in there looking for an omelet station or a full English breakfast. It’s mostly high-quality organic stuff: rye bread, cheeses, fruit, and decent coffee.
Is it worth it?
Kinda.
If you’re in a rush, yes. But you’re in Amsterdam. There are roughly a thousand cafes within a five-minute walk where you can get a pannenkoek or a poached egg for similar money.
The Bar: Where the Gin Lives
The bar is open 24/7 for guests, which is a lifesaver when you realize everything else in the neighborhood closed at 1 AM. They take their gin seriously here. There are over 50 types on the menu.
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You can grab a local Dutch gin, sit on a Moooi chair, and look at the upcycled window wall while the "Old Masters" look down at you from the ceiling. It’s a good spot to answer emails if you’re traveling for work. The Wi-Fi is fast and, more importantly, free.
What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of travelers see the name "Motel" and think of a roadside shack in the desert. This is not that. It's a "Design Hotel" that happens to have a lower price point.
One thing that surprises people is the lack of "stuff." There are no paper pads, no pens, no plastic bottles of water. It’s part of their sustainability thing. They use 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and eco-friendly shower gel. They also don't have a gym. If you want a workout, go for a run along the Amstel river; it’s two blocks away.
Practical Insights for Your Stay
If you’re planning to book, keep these specific things in mind to make the trip easier.
- Join the beOne club: It’s their free loyalty program. It usually gets you a free bottle of water and sometimes a later checkout. It’s worth the 30 seconds it takes to sign up.
- Parking is a nightmare: There is no parking at the hotel. None. If you drive, you’ll end up paying €50+ a day at a nearby garage like Markenhoven. Take the train.
- Check-in is at 3 PM: They are strict about this. They have a luggage room though, so drop your bags and head to the Nemo Science Museum nearby while you wait.
- The "Two Singles" issue: Like many European hotels, "King" beds are often two singles pushed together. If that bothers you, specifically ask if they have a unified mattress available.
- Climate Control: The rooms use an eco-friendly air circulation system. Some guests find it a bit warm in the summer. You can open the windows, but if you're on a lower floor, the street noise might join you.
Staying at the Motel One Amsterdam Waterlooplein is about trade-offs. You trade room size and a gym for a killer location and a bar that actually looks cool. For most people exploring Amsterdam, that's a trade worth making.
Next Steps:
If you're ready to book, check their direct website for the "beOne" rates, which are usually €10–€20 cheaper than the major booking sites. Also, download the "9292" app—it's the only way to navigate Amsterdam's trams and metros without losing your mind.