Weekend away in amsterdam!

Hi,

I would go for Aivengo Youth Hostel Amsterdam (http://www.dutch.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/AivengoYouthHostel-Amsterdam-11942). The youthostel is in the centre of Amsterdam, so you are close to the Red Light District, the Dam Square and also to the Central Station of Amsterdam.

I know my way in Amsterdam and I am Dutch, so if you have any question you can send me a message!

horror stories about stolen passports

You will most likely be sharing a room with strangers unless there are enough of you to fill an entire dorm. Don't leave your valuables lying around in the dorm where they can "go for a walk". When you go to the bathroom don't leave your passport, camera, whatever, on the bed. Sleep with your passport, credit card etc. under your pillow. Not saying that hostels in Amsterdam or anywhere else are crawling with thieves, but don't make it easy for any that may be lurking there.

I don't know how many you are but as far as I know most hostels also have rooms for 6 or 8. That way you'd have your own room. Not sure if you can lock it though.
As for stolen passports, lock valuables up in a safe. Every hostel is bound to have safes at reception or even inside the room.

However, your main concern at the moment is finding accommodation at all at such short notice! There's a good chance that everything is fully booked.

Try StayOkay.nl. Also have a look at the cabins at Camping Zeeburg (although they're not centrally located). Friends of mine liked Rembrandt Hotel, very central.

For my recommendations on things to see and do in my home town Amsterdam (also outside the main touristy areas, and nightlife), go to my website > Travel > Amsterdam Tips.

Veel plezier!
Cécile
Amsterdam

P.S. As for the recommendation in post #1: for me the Red Light District, Dam Square, Damrak (and also Kalverstraat, Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein) are the most horrible and touristy parts of the city. Neon lights, coffeeshops, prostitutes, cheapo touristy restaurants, souvenir shops....
There are so many parts that are much nicer, for example the canal belt (Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht, and all the canals crossing those; these are also very near Dam Square), De Jordaan, De Pijp, Haarlemmerstraat, etc. Those areas are also very central and close to museums, but much nicer, with great cafes, bars, restaurants, shops and markets as well.

But I don't know what your age is and what you're looking for.

YHA Vondelpark is a good hostel. Good facilities, clean, comfortable. I THINK this might now be the StayOkay hostel.

I've stayed at hostels in at least 50 countries and have never had anything stolen, aside from a sarong. And that was once, in Ireland 5 years ago (bastard!).

If you take a lock for your backpack/case, you should be fine.