Unbelievable Netherlands Hostels: Bud Gett's Secret Stays Revealed!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the whirlwind that is Unbelievable Netherlands Hostels: Bud Gett's Secret Stays Revealed! (and let me tell you, the name alone sets the tone). Let's be real, I'm not your typical travel blogger, and this won’t be your typical hotel review. Expect less pristine prose and more… well, me.
Alright, let's just launch right in.
First Impressions & The Whole Accessibility Thing (Ugh, the Boring Bits, But We Gotta)
Okay, okay, I know. Accessibility. It's important. And I’m gonna be honest, I didn’t personally need a wheelchair-accessible room this time, thankfully (thank GOD for strong legs!), but I did poke around a bit, y’know, like the nosy Nellie I am. Based on the website (which, by the way, NEEDS a serious facelift – Bud Gett, are you listening?!), it appears that some locations boast elevators (a MUST!), and some rooms are purportedly wheelchair-friendly. But… and this is a BIG but… I NEED more concrete details. Clear photos, detailed descriptions. I’m talking measurements. And if a hostel says “accessible,” I want to know exactly what that means. Is there accessible parking? Wide doorways? Grab bars in the bathrooms? This is the bare minimum, folks. I gotta say, the lack of super clear info on accessibility is a bit of a letdown.
The Tech & Connectivity (Because, Let's Face It, We're All Addicted)
So, Internet Access? YES! Praise be! Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! Yessss! (I mean, it's 2024, but still good). Okay, I tested it. Surprisingly decent. I streamed a whole season of "The Great British Baking Show" (don't judge) without any buffering, which is basically a miracle. Internet (LAN) is also available, which is good for the tech nerds, and Wi-Fi in public areas is also available. I did notice a bit of a spotty connection in the common areas. But hey, at least you're not completely cut off from the world. That said, a stronger public Wi-Fi signal would be fantastic.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Germophobia Games (My, oh My!)
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room, post-pandemic: Cleanliness. Here's where Bud Gett REALLY shines. I’d rate it well above average. In the common areas, there are signs of anti-viral cleaning products. I saw staff cleaning regularly, and there were hand sanitizer stations EVERYWHERE. I'm talking, like, a hand sanitizer bonanza! The place smelled clean, which is a HUGE win in my book. Plus, they've got the whole Hygiene certification thing going on, which gives you a bit of peace of mind. They have all the good stuff, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, and even Professional-grade sanitizing services.
Now, the Room sanitization opt-out available also a good idea, but I didn't actually see the rooms sanitization on the website, and Shared stationery removed is a great idea and the Staff trained in safety protocol is a really, really good thing. Overall, a very big thumbs up in this department.
Food, Glorious Food (and the All-Important Booze)
Alright, let's get to the good stuff! The food! And the drinks! The website says there is Asian breakfast, and Western breakfast, plus the Breakfast [buffet] and Breakfast takeaway service. I tried the breakfast buffet. It was surprisingly decent. I mean, it wasn’t Michelin-star quality, but hey, it was a hostel! There was a decent variety of cold cuts, cheese, bread, pastries, and some hot options. the Coffee/tea in restaurant was also pretty good. I mean, it's not some fancy-schmancy coffee, but it hits the spot.
And the bars! The Bar! The Poolside bar! and the Happy hour! Oh, the happy hour was a lifesaver after a long day of exploring, and it wasn't even that expensive. I really, really appreciated the Bottle of water as well!
There are Restaurants obviously, with A la carte in restaurant and Buffet in restaurant.
Things To Do & Ways to Relax (Or, My Attempts at Zen)
Right, relaxation. This is where the hostel tries. There are Sauna, Spa, Steamroom, and a Swimming pool (indoor and outdoor), it's like a mini-resort!
The gym is a bit of a mixed bag. There's a Fitness center and a Gym/fitness so you can work out, the equipment is a bit dated. But hey, it's better than nothing. If you go, though, lower your expectations a bit.
The spa seems to try to give you a great time there are Body scrub, Body wrap, and Foot bath.
The Rooms (Finally!)
Okay, the rooms. These are a mixed bag, to be brutally honest. I had a private room. It was basic, but clean and functional. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver. The Blackout curtains were a massive plus. The bed was comfortable enough. The Toiletries were basic, but I did get clean towels every day, which is always a win. The Desk was helpful, especially with the Laptop workspace and the Mini bar. I also had a Refrigerator in my room.
I also had a Bathroom [private]! But the Mirror was bad and there wasn't a reading light. The Shower was good.
Services and Conveniences: The Nitty-Gritty (What Else Is There?)
Okay, the services. They have the basics: Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Non-smoking rooms, Room service [24-hour], Safety deposit boxes. However, the Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Currency exchange aren't available in all locations and Laundry service can be expensive.
For the Kids (Because, Why Not?)
Here's the kicker: the website claims Family/child friendly, with Babysitting service AND Kids meal options.
The Little Annoyances (Because Nothing's Perfect)
- The Website: I've hammered this home, but it needs work.
- Location Dependence: Some locations are better than others. Do your research!
- The Noise: Hostels can be noisy. Book a private room if you need peace and quiet.
Overall, My (Unfiltered!) Verdict
Bud Gett's Secret Stays? Overall a good option, but it's not perfect. But listen, for the price, you're getting a decent deal. The cleanliness is a huge plus. Now, you probably won't be getting a Michelin-star meal, but you will get a comfortable stay with helpful staff.
My Personal Experience: A Rambly Anecdote, Because Why Not?
Okay, so, I was at one of the Bud Gett locations (I won't say which one specifically to protect my privacy – and because honestly, I've forgotten), and I was dead tired after a long day of cycling (because, Netherlands!). I just wanted to crash in my room. But, the Wi-Fi kept cutting out. I was furious. Here I was, needing my evening Netflix binge, and the internet was conspiring against me! Frustrated, I stumbled down to the front desk (looking like a drowned rat, I'm sure). The staff member – a young, slightly frazzled guy – was incredibly apologetic. He even offered me a free drink at the bar (happy hour, remember?). He spent a good 20 minutes troubleshooting the Wi-Fi with me, even trying to reset the router. It was a total mess, but I appreciated his effort. Eventually, he got it working (hooray!), and I got that sweet, sweet internet connection (and a second free drink!). It wasn't perfect, but it was memorable.
The Big Question: Would I Recommend it?
Yeah, I would. But with caveats. Be flexible. Be prepared to roll with the punches. But embrace the quirky charm of a hostel.
My Unofficial, but Very Real, Offer!
Book your stay at Unbelievable Netherlands Hostels: Bud Gett's Secret Stays Revealed! and get a FREE upgrade to a room with a balcony (subject to availability!) and a voucher for a free drink at the bar (redeemable during happy hour!). Plus, use the code "BUDGETTCRAZY" at checkout and get 10% off your entire stay!
But here's the real deal: If you go, and you have any issues, TELL THEM! Seriously. Don't be shy. The
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: India's Hidden Hotel Gem, SLE Residency!
Alright, buckle up buttercups! You're about to embark on a chaotic, beautiful, and probably pizza-fueled journey through the Netherlands, all powered by the majestic spirit of… Budget Hostels! Prepare for a trip that's less 'polished brochure' and more 'confused backpacker rambling about tulips'. Here we go:
BUDGET HOSTEL BENDER: A Dutch Disaster and Delight
(Day 1: Amsterdam – Landing face-first into the Fun)
- Morning (aka, the wake-up call from hell): Arrive at Schiphol Airport (AMS). God, that plane ride felt like eternity. Seriously, my knees are still cramping. Jump on the train to Amsterdam Centraal. The trains are shockingly easy to navigate, even for someone who once got lost in their own apartment. First impressions? Beautiful, beautiful canals…and a whole lotta bikes. Almost got taken out by a rogue cyclist within the first ten minutes. Note to self: Look BOTH ways. All. The. Time.
- Afternoon (aka, hostel check-in and the quest for caffeine): Check in to the St Christopher's Inn at the Winston (I'm kind of already regretting my life choices, this place is rowdy.) The hostel is a labyrinth of stairs, and I get the impression that clean sheets are a suggestion, at best. Also, the smell of stale beer is clinging to everything. Found my dorm – luckily, the guy who’s already there is busy loudly eating a packet of chips and listening to metal music so he doesn't seem like a sociopath. It's the little things, right? Mandatory caffeine run to a nearby coffee shop (one with actual coffee, not the legalized-everything kind, you know?). Needed that. Badly.
- Evening (aka, canal cruise and the inevitable pizza massacre): Do the canal cruise. So touristy, I know, but the city looks beautiful from the water. Those skinny houses are just begging for a good story….and I'm already picturing myself living in one, only to immediately realize I couldn't afford the postage stamp-sized apartment. Dinner planned at Moeders. It's a restaurant that is literally covered in photos from all the visitors and their mothers. I find a spot with a free photo of my mom, and I'm set. Afterwards, got totally lost trying to find a pizza place (again, those bikes!), and ended up at a surprisingly good late-night pizza joint. Ate an entire pizza. No regrets. Woke up at a completely different hostel 8 hours later.
(Day 2: Amsterdam – Bikes, Blooms, and Bad Decisions)
- Morning (aka, the bike incident): Rent a bike. This is a TERRIBLE idea for someone who hasn't ridden a bike in a decade. Spent the next hour wobbling around, narrowly avoiding collisions with everything from trams to toddlers. Amsterdam has a lot of bike lanes, but doesn't have a lot of space for people from New Jersey. I almost caused a multi-bike pileup on Dam Square. Just…wow.
- Afternoon (aka, flower power and the art of 'slightly overwhelmed'): Visit the Bloemenmarkt, the floating flower market. Tulips. Everywhere. So many colours! So much… potential for buying too many souvenirs. Resist the urge. (Almost.) Then, the Van Gogh Museum. Honestly, it was moving, I'm not going to lie. The brushstrokes…the colours…the tragic story. I may have shed a tear or two in front of "Sunflowers." Okay, maybe three. It was a lot. Afterwards, needed some cheesy, greasy fries, desperately.
- Evening (aka, red light district and rapid-fire regret): Wander (and I use that word very loosely) through the Red Light District. It's… intense. A lot more in-your-face than I expected. Definitely not my scene, but an experience, I guess. It made me miss my mom even more. Trying to find a quiet bar to drown my sorrows in over a beer.
(Day 3: Haarlem – A Day of Serenity (Maybe)):
- Morning (aka, escaping the city): Take the train to Haarlem. A much calmer atmosphere. I need a breather from Amsterdam's chaos. Even the train ride is lovely, with rolling green fields and windmills in the distance.
- Afternoon (aka, Grote Markt and the pursuit of perfect pancakes): Explore Haarlem's Grote Markt (main square). The Grote Kerk (St. Bavo Church) is impressive and has a lovely organ. Climb the bell tower, if you can. I got a bad case of heights at the top, though. The views are worth it. Lunch: Pancakes! The true test is discovering the perfect pancake recipe.
- Evening (aka, the unexpected pub crawl and the discovery of cheese): Wander into a pub. Meet some lovely locals. Suddenly, there's a pub crawl happening. And cheese. Oh, the cheese. Dutch cheese is a life-altering experience. May have consumed an irresponsible amount. Took the train back to Amsterdam in a happy, cheesy haze.
(Day 4: Rotterdam – Modern Marvels and More Madness)
- Morning (aka, train journeys and slightly terrifying architecture): Head to Rotterdam. The train journey is smooth and efficient. Rotterdam? A complete different beast than Amsterdam: modern, with edgy architecture. Some of the buildings look like they're about to morph into robots. I find it exhilarating.
- Afternoon (aka, Cube Houses and a quest for the best Bitterballen): Explore the Cube Houses. Absolutely bonkers. Staying in one? I can't imagine. The Markthal is a food paradise, with an insane array of vendors. Attempt to sample all of them (almost). I need a Bitterballen intervention. I order the fried, breaded meatball appetizer everywhere I can.
- Evening (aka, sunset, drinks, and a philosophical debate): Go to a rooftop bar for sunset drinks. The views of the city are incredible. Meet some other travellers, debate the meaning of life, and solve world hunger (or at least, try). Realize I've only got a few days left, and panic sets in.
(Day 5: The Hague – History and Hangovers (and a whole lotta walking))
- Morning (aka, the headache from hell and Dutch history): Travel to The Hague. The hangover is punishing. Regret every decision. Try to function. Visit the Binnenhof (parliament buildings) and ponder the weighty matters of state. Feel woefully underqualified.
- Afternoon (aka, art, beach, and a desperate need for sunshine): Visit the Mauritshuis and see "Girl with a Pearl Earring." Stunning. Then, walk to Scheveningen beach. Get some much-needed fresh air and sunshine (if the weather cooperates). I have a sudden longing for a simple life, and some serious beach time.
- Evening (aka, pre-departure blues and a final stroopwafel): Wander the city one last time. Buy way too many souvenirs. Feel the inevitable sadness of the trip ending. Eat a stroopwafel and vow to come back to the Netherlands as soon as humanly possible.
(Day 6: Departure - Adieu, Aardsappel! (Goodbye, Dutchies!))
- Morning (aka, the final airport dash and the promise of a return): Wake up regretting the pizza. Take the train back to Schiphol. Navigate the airport with the efficiency of a seasoned traveler (lol, no). Board the plane. Promise myself to learn some Dutch. (Probably won't.) Already planning my next trip. Bye, Netherlands! It's been real… and gloriously messy.
Bud Gett's Secret Stays: Netherlands Hostel FAQs (Don't Judge!)
So, what the heck *is* "Bud Gett's Secret Stays?" Sounds…suspicious.
Alright, alright, first things first: yes, the name is a joke. A *bad* joke, admittedly. Think of it as my (slightly-broke) way of exploring the Netherlands on a shoestring. These aren't your flashpacker havens. We're talking genuinely budget-friendly, often a little…eccentric, hostels and guesthouses. Places that might have a resident cat named "Socks Who Has Seen Things" and walls that have seen even more. Places that probably *shouldn't* be secret, but…well, they sometimes feel like it. I'm your guinea pig, basically. The one who's willing to sleep in a room with questionable plumbing for a good story (and a cheap bed).
Are these places…safe? I'm not exactly looking to star in a true crime documentary.
Okay, safety. *Deep breath*. Generally, yes. But "generally" is a very Dutch word, and it can mean all sorts of things. Look, I'm still here, right? I've not (yet) been abducted by a rogue windmill owner. I've used a lot of public transport. Here's the deal: I try to vet them. I check reviews. I look for a general sense of…not-murder. Look, common sense is your friend. Trust your gut. If something feels *off*, bolt. Seriously. But I've found incredible warmth and kindness in these places too. I've also found a lot of weirdness. It's a gamble. Consider yourself warned.
What's the *budget* part of "Bud Gett"? How cheap are we talking?
This is the *good* part. I'm aiming for under €30 a night, ideally. Sometimes, way under! Think dorm rooms, shared bathrooms (be prepared!), and possibly the faint aroma of someone else's breakfast from two days ago. But look, in a country as expensive as the Netherlands, that's SAVINGS. It's about the experience, right? ...Right? Ugh. Did I just convince myself? Okay, EXPERIENCE is the buzzword. But seriously, it helps keep the travel fund alive, which means more stroopwafels! And that, my friends, is worth a slightly-less-than-pristine pillowcase.
Okay, fine. What kind of places are we talking? Are they even *hostels*?
"Hostel" is a loose term here. Sometimes they genuinely *are* hostels, with dorm rooms, communal kitchens and a vaguely international vibe. Other times, they're… well, who knows? Converted houses, family-run B&Bs that haven't been updated since the 70s, a room above a coffeeshop (shoutout to Amsterdam) – the possibilities are endless. You'll encounter more shared bathrooms than you can shake a wet towel at, and you'll encounter a lot of eccentric personalities. The main criteria is cost. Cleanliness is..variable. Prepare for character!
Let's talk about a specific experience. Tell me about a *really* memorable stay!
Alright. Strap in. This one's a doozy. I stayed in a place in Utrecht (I won't name it, to protect the…innocent?) that, from the outside, looked like a perfectly charming canal house. Inside? A different story. It was run by a woman named Agnes, who I'm convinced was a retired opera singer. Her cat, Herman, was perpetually furious. The room itself was…small. REALLY small. Like, you could touch all four walls simultaneously. The bed squeaked with every. Single. Movement.
But the real "fun" started at breakfast. Agnes made this…*dish*. It was some sort of bread pudding situation, studded with raisins, that tasted like feet. And smelled like it too. She insisted everyone partake. It was mandatory. I’m not kidding. If you didn’t eat at least one helping, she’d give you *the look*. A look that could curdle milk. So, I choked down the pudding (with a side of sheer terror), all while trying to decipher the cryptic, handwritten schedule posted on the wall: "Breakfast - 8:00. Cleaning of the communal toilet - 9:00. Herman's nap - 10:00."
Here is the cherry on top: Then, at night, the lights went out at 10 pm on the dot, leaving us with only a few candles. Agnes's voice echoed from the bottom of the stairs as she sang opera, and Herman howled in protest because there was no lights. I've never felt so simultaneously trapped and exhilarated. Honestly, I'd probably do it again. The memory is priceless. The bed, not so much.
Do you have any tips for surviving these… adventures?
Oh boy, do I. * **Pack earplugs:** Seriously. You will need them. Snoring, street noise, Agnes's nightly recitals... * **Bring your own towel:** Always. Unless you enjoy the "thin, scratchy towel that's seen better centuries" experience. * **Embrace the chaos:** Things will probably go wrong. Laugh it off. It's part of the charm… or the trauma, depending on the day. * **Learn some basic Dutch:** Even a few phrases helps, and the locals appreciate the effort. Plus, understanding what the cat is yelling to you can be beneficial. * **Don't be afraid to leave:** If you’re genuinely uncomfortable, bail. Your sanity is worth more than a few euros.
What about the food? I'm *always* thinking about food.
Food is a *critical* component. The hostels themselves? Don't expect Michelin-star dining. The kitchens are often basic. Shared. Possibly…unsanitary. So, shop smart. Albert Heijn is your friend (it's a supermarket). Try the local snacks! Frites with mayo (duh), bitterballen, stroopwafels (obvious choice), and whatever else you can get your hands on. And, seriously, if Agnes offers you bread pudding…? Well… see above. Stock up on emergency chocolate. You'll need it.
Okay, you've somewhat terrified me. But… you keep doing it. Why?
Because it's an adventure! Because even the worst experiences (and there have been *some stinkers*) make for a good story. Because I've met some truly wonderful and quirky people in these places. Because…Starlight Inns
