Summer 1999, Kelvin, Alan, Peter and I took a trip from London to Amsterdam. Heard there would be plenty of budget hotels, so we didn’t bother to pre-book our accommodation. Kelvin, Peter and I were carrying our backpack while Alan was dragging his luggage. I remembered when we stepped out of the Central Station, we just crossed the road and walked towards the famous red light district. Just right at the corner of the entrance to the red light district, we saw a building with a big signboard hanging outside named “HOTEL”. It was a typical old classic Holland building, it looked quite dodgy but “low budget”. The receptionist was an old man, we decided to send Kelvin to check it out. 5 minutes later, Kelvin returned and told us happily, “10 pounds per night per person, damn cheap man!! We settle here lah!” Everybody agreed. So, we took the key and the old man showed the direction of our room.
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The “hotel” is conveniently situated next to Amsterdam famous red light district :D |
Unique Fixtures
The entrance to our room was located at the side of the building (next to a canal). Once we open the entrance door, we could see the stairs slanting 75 to 80 degree leading from ground floor to the room at the1st floor. We had to walk carefully coz the stairs were narrow and steep. When we opened the door to our room (budget travel – 4 persons shared a room :D), we could see a double decker bed, a captain’s bed (all with different design bed sheets), an old dilapidated table, a few wooden chairs and 4 different sizes “worn out” towels. Okay… 10 pounds per night, what did you expect?
Peter and I went for the double decker bed and Kelvin and Alan opted for the captain’s bed. Since I was the only lady there, I got the priority to choose the towels. I got the best one – “seasoned” but still in good condition. Alan got 1 slightly smaller than mine but still good. Kelvin and Peter each took one. Kelvin got a big one, he opened it, discovered a big hole in the center LOL!! Peter opened his, only realized that it was slightly bigger than a face towel, not long enough to cover his waist :D :D We all laughed at each other in the room but still couldn’t complain much coz it was CHEAP!!
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| I went to Amsterdam with these 3 jokers :D |
The Dilapidated Table
That night, after dinner and some walkabout in red night district, we went back to the room for Gin Rummy games – using the only table in the room. We were enjoying the game and when the situation reached climax that we were in the midst of laughing, arguing, scolding and calling each other cheats , suddenly the whole table collapsed!! HAHA!! All evidence gone (those who lost money were very happy and the winners were cursing and swearing :D)! We got to fix back the table and someone had to hold and support the table while we continue playing the game. What a lousy hotel :D.
The Steepest Stairs
The next morning, Peter and I went for a walk beside the river. We forgot about the room key. Luckily our room was at the 1st floor and the window was wide opened. We shouted for Kelvin’s help . Kelvin showed his sleepy face and fluffy hair at the window,
“What’s up?”
“Sorry ya, forgot to take key. Heehee…”
“Okay… wait.”
We waited at the door, a few seconds later, we could hear him stepping down from the stairs. After a few steps, we heard the sound changed to “heavy thing rolling down the stairs” and finished with a “big bang”.
Door opened, we saw a painful face cursing and swearing , “@#$%^&!! Why forgot to bring key? The stairs are so freaking steep! I slipped down!!” We felt sorry but we couldn’t stop laughing :D Definitely an unforgettable experience!!
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| Shot in front of the Central Station, the one behind with blue shirt was the one rolled down the stairs :D |
Although we didn’t get to stay in a nice hotel, we really enjoyed that Amsterdam trip. We laughed about every single small matter and the “HOTEL” really left us with everlasting memory :).
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| Didn’t manage to take picture of the hotel in 1999. We purposely walked back to the building to take a picture during my recent trip to Amsterdam (19.8.2011)… It’s still there. Now the hotel has a name called “Voyagers Hotel & Coffee Shop” :D |
P/s: We do recommend this hotel for very low budget travelers, it’s cheap and cheerful at the very strategic location if you don’t mind shared toilet/bath room and without air-con (now only we realized that this hotel is for "cannabis connoisseurs") :D :D
For more details of the hotel, please log on to http://www.coffeeshopsamsterdam.com/amsterdam-shops/city-centre/voyagers.html
2 comments:
The red light district is the one of the craziest places on earth. Well, I haven't been there, but most of my friends have paid a visit there to party. BTW, good job on negotiating with the old man, Kelvin. That's pretty cheap for a night per person, especially for accommodation that's next to the red light district.
I had never visited red light district, but your experience makes me feel that if I will not visit it then I will miss something in my life. I will plan to go there in coming months with my family or friends.
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