Amsterdam, The Bulldog Red Light District

I booked a bed here for three days, after which I decided to stay for another two. I went to the reception and, without knowing if I had enough cash, I started looking for money in my pockets. The receptionist asked my what I want. I told her to give me a second, I was looking for something. She asked me again and I replied the same thing, smiling. She asked me for a third time, in a matter of seconds, and then she went completely mad and started yelling and me. She asked for my key and told me I couldn't stay there. I asked her why and she said that she is the manager, and when she asked a question people should answer. I tried to solve the situation, didn't react badly, asked for the manager but nothing worked and, incredibely, I had to leave the hostal. She kept yelling and menacing with calling security. The rest of the staff smiled and asked me to leave. Finally, she handed over my passport (they kept them) and when she realized I was from Chile she said something like "oh, of course, you are latin american". No comments.

I am a non-violent guy who was in Amsterdam to give a short course at the university, and this is one of the more violent and incomprehensible things I've suffer from a receptionist in my life. During my other three days there I saw the staff yelling at people frequently, but I though they were just tired of these stoned people doing crazy things. Now I think it is just because The Bulldog is such a well-known place that they know they will always have people eager to check-in. I don't advise this place to anyone (plus, the showers are quite smelly).

The Bulldog apartments are just down the road from the main hotel in the red light district. We paid 360 euros for two nights for what can only be described as spacious but basic accommodation. The area was fine but I can't say the same for the apartment we had (Apt E). It had clearly not been cleaned for some time mould in the bathroom, cobwebs on the ceiling, badly stained carpet, filthy windows and curtains and stained sofa. There were two battered dining chairs but no dining table, just a coffee table which was also shabby and had loose legs. The front panel of the tv was missing as was the remote control, the dvd had a remote but no batteries and battery cover missing. The kitchen facilities were equally basic - the cupboard doors ill-fitting, only one mug, no tea towel, no basic welcome pack ((tea/coffee), shelves missing from the fridge door. The lamp in the bedroom did not work, the bed linen was jumble sale 'mix and match' quality and the fitted sheet was not clean. The website promises bathrobes and slippers but these were not provided. These are NOT luxury apartments as suggested on the Bulldog website, they are at best 2* accommodation.

The Bulldog was central and easy to find. We used a 10 bed dorm which was basic, clean, tidy and comfortable. The rooms are non-smoking so smell fresh and clean. Smoking is allowed in the lobby and lounge area.

The lobby was clean and tidy with a lovely little cat. It had potential to get very crowded if lots of people were checking in/out at the same time.

The lounge was a like a pub. Clean and tidy, reasonably priced drinks (hot and cold). Food was available to buy but I didn't eat there (noodle bar - Wok to Walk on the way to Rembrandt Square is FAB!). In the corner there are sofas where you can sit and watch a DVD - with subtitles as there is music.

There is also a roof terrace which my friend went to but I didn't. She said it was lovely

Breakfast was served in the lounge and consists of usual dutch things - bread, cheese, ham, salami, yoghurt, granola, juice, tea/coffee. All good to fill you up for a day of trekking.

There are cheaper hostels in Amsterdam and hotels that are probably nicer but more expensive. This one is a very good price and very comfortable. I will definately staying here again!