Check In: Stay In The Centre Of Amsterdam And Save The Planet

Curating a space for conscious travellers to meet people, discover the city and contribute to a greener planet is what Ecomama Hotel is all about.

But forget the tie-dye and josssticks, Ecomama is more boutique hotel than gap-year party time.

What’s it really like at Ecomama Hotel?

Ecomama Hotel is the lovechild of a 60s style commune, a boutique hotel and an urban hostel. It feels like a reclaimed office, thanks to the commercially high ceilings and concrete walls - and indeed it used to be a travel agents.

The large communal space is split between cosy corners with record players, books and armchairs, an a enormously long communal table and an almost chef-standard kitchen, set up for cooking meals for groups, that everyone is welcome to use (even if you’re just making tea).

There's a wall covered in bikes to hire, indoor swings and a tiny courtyard garden. It's the kind of space you want to linger in, despite all the attractions of Amsterdam.

Even for solo travellers in Amsterdam, the place isn’t intimidating. Friendly staff and interesting guests make for a great home away from home.

The rooms

Don’t panic, it’s not all shared dorms with damp towels and other people’s socks.

On the ground floor, tucked away behind a huge indoor teepee, are individual ‘flashpacker’ private rooms, set up in cargo containers and decorated with local artists and lamps. Once inside, they’re peaceful and cosy. While they don’t come with bathrooms, there’s one double deluxe in the building that does have an en-suite.

Ecomama also has two single sex dorms and an El Cheapo option (where you make your own bed). Shared bathrooms and showers are modern, clean and light.

11 Easy Cocktail Recipes To Make At HomeThe service

Ecomama keeps the price down by operating underneath the cool decor and conscious vibes, as a hostel. You do have to bring (or rent) your own towels and you’re left to your own devices, which is perfect for independent travellers.

The menu

From the street Ecomama looks like a vegan cafe - and it is a vegan cafe, The Fix, at the front. Overnight cabin guests get a free drink (we love the oat milk lattes) and a bagel in the morning, and the tiny pretty tables are busy with digital nomad types tip-tapping away on laptops.

It’s friendly nevertheless, cafe staff have often started out as guests. It also serves lunch, cocktails, barista level coffees and smoothie bowls.

The bar

There’s no actual bar as such but there is an honesty bar and the Fix cafe can knock up cocktails and sells beers.

How To Support Fairtrade Fortnight With These 9 BrandsThe sustainable bit

Ecomama really does have a green heart, and lives by the same vibe as pebble - it’s all about small differences in your daily life that can make big changes.

The place uses natural stone heating and has eco-friendly water and waste systems. The cafe uses Fairtrade products and most of the furniture has been recycled or upcycled. For every stay at Ecomama Hotel, it donates 1 Euro to an NGO in Guatemala.

Founder Anika Jacobs’ idea of eco travel is bang on. She says, “It’s not rocket science! Just reach out to the person next to you, connect and make small steps to living a more sustainable life.”

Three reasons to book Ecomama Hotel

• Ecomama Hotel organises weekly family night dinners, which are great place to meet people.
• The hostel also organises nightly events and activities both in the hostel and out in Amsterdam, from canal boat parties in the summer to movie nights with popcorn.
• The communal kitchen often has free food that people have left or no longer want. Nothing is wasted.

Where is Ecomama Hotel?

Close to Centraal Station. Find Ecomama Hotel here, just around the corner from Waterlooplein and a few minutes walk from the tram system. On its doorstep are quirky cafes, major museums like the Hermitage and vibrant neighbourhoods.

Free Wifi - yes
Children - yes 
Dogs - no