Artsy in Amsterdam
Exploring the city of Amsterdam is a must for any intrepid European traveler. With its unique mix of high and low culture, collection of world-class museums, amazing architecture, hip clubs, expansive parks, beautiful canals, and places of historic significance around every corner, there's always something cool to do or see. The city's no slouch in the accommodation department either. Despite the plethora of seedy youth hostels catering to saucer-eyed college kids looking to take advantage of the laid-back attitude towards sex and drugs, a quick online search pulled up Cocomama, a brand new boutique hostel located in a renovated brothel.
The project of two twenty-something women with a background in the music industry and hotel design, Cocomama aims to be a chic, yet affordable accommodation option that's as luxurious as a hotel but as friendly as a hostel. Cocomama's concept is very similar to that of Hi-Matic, the Parisian hotel aimed at business travelers on a budget, and indicates a new and very cool travel trend.
The owners hope Cocomama will be the first in a series of boutique accommodations all over the world that take the professional services and designer stylings of luxury hotels and blend them with the communal informality of hostels.
Along with private rooms and hip decor, Cocomama also offers guests complimentary internet, a fully equipped guest kitchen for cooking, and a cozy common area to exchange tips and information about the city with fellow travelers.
Cocomama offers several levels of accomodation to meet all price points. For the more upscale traveler, four private double rooms with en-suite bathrooms are available. Toiletries and Wi-Fi are provided, as is an in-room coffee and tea set up.
There's also shared 2, 4, and 6-bed, dorm-style accommodation for travelers on a budget.
Each room has been given a traditional Dutch "theme" with a funky, flea-store spin. Choose from themes such as "Windmills", "Tulips", "Bikes & Traffic", "Red Light District", or "Cow & Milk", among others. Fresh linens are provided daily; definitely not a common service in most hostels.
In addition to the indoor communal area, there's a large garden for outdoor lounging and connecting with fellow Cocomama guests. The hostel is ideally located in the center of the city, within walking distance of all major museums and a daily outdoor market. We're excited to see how this exciting new travel concept develops, so if you're heading to Amsterdam in the near future, check out Cocomama here. And send us a postcard! MT
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