St Christophers Inn at The Winston

St. Christopher’s at the Winston, or, as we like to call it, the "Winston Museum of Contemporary Art," has been offering wacky and wild themed rooms in the lusty heart of the Red Light District for many years. It’s a fun choice for travelers looking for something different, and for those who don’t mind a loud scene.

The Winston can consider itself a trendsetter in the art hotel scene, as it holds the distinction of being the first hotel in the Netherlands (and one of the first in the world) that offered specially designed "art rooms". Each of the seven floors (there's an elevator) has a different theme that begins in the hallways and carries into most of the bedrooms. Paintings and pieces of art, which were created expressly for the hotel, adorn the walls and boast varying degrees of originality, functionality and normality.

Room themes vary widely, from those dominated by sexy centerfolds to those with more of a fantasy twist, and one (highly popular) room that takes inspiration from Heineken bottles. We once spent three fun nights in the hotel in a room plastered with vintage kink photos. There’s nothing like waking up to photos of women with whips... Note that some rooms are not themed, so check when booking.

Room sizes range from singles to eight-bed dorms. Standard and premium double rooms are equipped with a TV and safe, and Wi-Fi is free, although it works better downstairs in the lounge. All private rooms have private bathrooms, while dorms share one bathroom.

In the summer, the Winston opens its courtyard, allowing guests to lounge with a book or grab a drink at the 24-hour bar. The hotel runs a popular bar, restaurant and smoking lounge on the ground floor, along with the dance club next door. You, like, never need to leave!

The Winston is a branch of the St. Christopher’s Inn hostel chain. It’s located on one of the oldest and noisiest streets in Amsterdam. If you don’t plan to stay here, at least stop by and check the place out. It's a tourist stop in its own right.

A continental breakfast is included in the room rate (double check when booking), although you can upgrade to a full English breakfast. Lockers are available downstairs (bring your own lock). Earplugs are available for free (but really, if silence is a priority for you, you’re probably better off at a different hotel).