Hotel Old Quarter

Located a three-minute walk from Central Station in the thumping heart of the Red Light District, the Old Quarter offers the basics at low rates by Amsterdam’s standards. The hotel’s 32 rooms are clean if simple, and each includes a couple of chairs, a work desk, night stand, phone and TV. The furniture is typical Ikea-style, and perhaps 10 years old, but still in decent condition. Walls show some scuffs here and there.

Note that Wi-Fi is free downstairs, but doesn't really reach the rooms. Also note that, given the hotel's location in the middle of the Red Light District, things can get noisy. (Pack earplugs.)

Bathrooms are either private or shared and all feature showers (no tubs). Hair dryers are available at reception. The terrazzo floor makes it feel a bit dated, but the white tile walls and accessories are quite clean.

Downstairs, the Old Quarter Hotel runs a bar and a restaurant that has a party vibe (although never quite gets "crazy"). A bacon-and-egg breakfast is available for an extra charge. The menu remains a pretty good deal throughout the day. Lunch offers soups, burgers and sandwiches until 5 p.m. Dinner has budget-friendly salads and mains. Don't forget to ask for the drink specials, they’re big in Jagermeister deals. Happy hour is daily from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

One big perk is the Old Quarter’s elevator, which is quite unusual to find in such an old hotel in the historic center.

For deals on the Warmoestraat, the Old Quarter is a solid bet for providing the basics at Cheapo prices. Just don’t forget the earplugs.