The Bulldog Hotel is a hostel-style property right in Amsterdam's Red Light District that caters to a party crowd. But unlike a typical hostel, the Bulldog offers a range of room types, including dorm rooms with en-suite bathrooms that include two shower stalls and double sinks, private rooms that include king size and single beds, and nearby apartments with kitchens, a separate bedroom, and flat-screen TVs.

People book a room at the St Christopher's at Winston Hotel to have fun and mingle with like-minded revelers. The property is set in a busy street just two blocks from the Red Light District, and is thus part of the throbbing heart of Amsterdam's nightlife. Eccentric and idiosyncratic guest rooms and dorms are generally clean and surprisingly quiet, though some noise is inevitable. Many hostels don't come this well presented and organized, but if you'd rather be a bit farther away from the edgier part of town, check out the Flying Pig Downtown.

The Hotel International is a budget hotel with eight rooms that's best suited to young travelers. Rooms include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and earplugs to help guests with bothersome noise from the street and from other rooms. Though the rooms are simple and some have shared bathrooms, they provide more privacy than what's found at a hostel. Cafe International, the on-site pub, has an antique nautical decor, a lively atmosphere, and doubles as the lobby. However, it's a little seedy, and families or solo female travelers may be more comfortable at the family- and budget-friendly, Hotel Luxer.

The budget Hotel Old Quarter is on the busy Warmoesstraat that runs parallel to the Red Light District. It’s a short walk to many landmarks, including the central train station. Other than location, its main attraction is the cozy, traditional Dutch bar and lounge, where a hot breakfast is served for a fee. The 50 rooms, which are spread across two buildings, come with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Family Rooms can sleep up to six, and some Doubles have canal views. On the downside, rooms are small, some share bathrooms, and complaints have been made about broken TVs and lights, peeling paint, torn drapes, and dank smells. Travelers might want to check out the mid-range Hotel Luxer, whose rooms were renovated in 2012, though rates can be higher.

The Hotel The Globe offers 20 budget private or shared rooms in Amsterdam's center near scenic canals and the city's notorious Red Light District, making the location great for party-minded travelers. A vibrant sports bar with meals and happy hours is open until the early hours, but that's it in terms of amenities. The spartan dorms and private rooms have modern bathrooms, but there have been reports of bed bugs, bunk beds lack ladders, and electric sockets are limited. Also, there are no in-room Wi-Fi, AC, TVs, kettles, or fridges, and lockers are in hallways. Staff also receive consistently poor reviews. The Flying Pig Downtown offers a far better value with cheerful decor, friendly vibe, and free breakfasts.

The best thing about this 37-room hostel property is its location in the center of Amsterdam's tourist and nightlife district. Catering to budget travelers, rooms sleep up to eight people and some are fitted with bunk beds. Some have en-suite bathrooms, while others share facilities. Rooms look newly renovated, but are cramped, with low ceilings and few amenities save for lockers and flat-screen TVs. There's no in-room Wi-Fi, but it can be accessed at the on-site bar, which is open 24-hours and has a pool table. The list of guest complaints is measurable, however, including stained sheets, noise, and bed bugs. Rooms at nearby Hotel Mevlana are slightly more expensive, but cleaner and have free Wi-Fi.