Hostel Ani&Haakien

Hostel Ani&Haakien Overview

Hostel Ani&Haakien honestly surprised me – and I mean that in the best way possible. When you’re walking down Coolsestraat in Rotterdam‘s city center, you might actually walk right past it if you’re not paying attention. The entrance is pretty understated, which I guess fits with the whole boutique hotel vibe they’ve got going on (they don’t bother with official star ratings, but trust me, this place has more character than most hotels that do).

The thing about this spot is that it’s genuinely quirky without trying too hard, you know? The owners – I’m pretty sure one of them is named Ani based on conversations I overheard – have created something that feels more like staying at an artsy friend’s place than a typical hotel. The rooms are small but thoughtfully designed, and honestly, the beds are way more comfortable than you’d expect from somewhere that still calls itself a “hostel.” I stayed on the second floor and could hear some street noise from Coolsestraat, but it wasn’t the kind that keeps you up – more like that gentle city hum that actually helps you sleep. The bathroom in my room was tiny but spotless, with this amazing rainfall showerhead that made morning routines feel a bit luxurious.

What really sets this place apart is the common areas – there’s this cozy lounge space where people actually hang out and chat, not just scroll through their phones. I ended up having coffee there most mornings with other travelers, and the staff (who speak perfect English, obviously, since this is the Netherlands) were always around to give genuine local recommendations. They pointed me toward this incredible Ethiopian restaurant just a few blocks away that I never would have found otherwise. The location is actually perfect for exploring Rotterdam’s center on foot – you’re maybe ten minutes from the Markthal and even closer to some fantastic local bars that locals frequent. Parking is typical Rotterdam city center situation (meaning expensive and scarce), but the tram connections are solid if you’re coming from Centraal Station. I’d definitely stay here again, especially since the vibe feels more authentic than those sleek chain hotels near the waterfront that charge twice as much for half the personality.

Early hotels booking in Rotterdam requires advance planning during peak seasons when visitors flock to enjoy the city’s innovative architecture, world-class shopping, and Dutch cultural attractions.

Hostel Ani&Haakien Accommodations

Reviews of Hostel Ani&Haakien

• I will come back! – Berker from Poland – September 15, 2025 (10/10)

  Cozy, friendly environment. I love the hammock and lights in the garden. Posters are amazing to decorate the whole walls, I love it. I will come back!

• I wish I had stayed longer than 1 night. – Anastasia from Germany – September 13, 2025 (10/10)

  What I liked:
  1. Location – super close to the train station/tram
  2. The area itself is very quiet, had zero issues with sounds at night.
  3. The staff (reception and the girl at the bar in the morning) were very kind and welcoming.
  4. Everything was clean.
  5. The space is cozy and full of character.
  6. There’s a cat living on the first floor, very cute, though guests with allergies should be aware.
  7. A lovely garden where you can enjoy your coffee.
  8. Free filter coffee, and breakfast is available (for an extra charge).
  9. Welcoming atmosphere, all guests are very social, soo many board games.
  
  What could be improved: What could be improved:
  1. Towels are only available for an extra fee 🙁
  2. There’s no soap in the bathrooms on the residential floor, only on the ground floor.
  3. The hairdryer is quite weak, make sure you bring one from home.
  4. The stairs are steep and narrow, which can be a bit challenging with heavy luggage, though that’s also part of the Dutch charm.

• Brilliant stay overall, a must-stay place! – Marston-bolton from United Kingdom – September 7, 2025 (9/10)

  The vibe is absolutely amazing, everyone was friendly and there’s loads of activities run – something for every night! We wish we stayed longer
  
  What could be improved: The only downside was the lack of soap in every bathroom – on our floor only one dispenser had soap out of four and we found this to be a consistent issue in every bathroom. Also randomly on one day our curtains were taken away.

• Exceptional – Rostuslav from Ukraine – August 25, 2025 (10/10)

  I was welcomed warmly. The interior was cosy. I felt right at home! I liked the world map and the money from each country. Even Ukraine and its currency — 100 hryvnia featuring Taras Shevchenko!
  
  What could be improved: –

• Exceptional – Sebastian from United Kingdom – August 23, 2025 (10/10)

  Very Friendly and inclusive.

• Exceptional – Nova from United Kingdom – August 12, 2025 (10/10)

  Fantastic chillled friendly place
  with the loveliest of people
  
  What could be improved: Nothing this is just a lovely place

• Feels home! – Leia from Netherlands – August 4, 2025 (10/10)

  Best people and place ever!!!

• Exceptional – Alice from United Kingdom – July 22, 2025 (10/10)

  The staff are really friendly, the kitchen is very well kitted out – everything you would want a youth hostel to be, while also playing great music, having a couple scheduled things, some free, that happen from the hostel.

• Very Good – Nicolas from Chile – July 12, 2025 (8/10)

  very social, good location

• Exceptional – Boukens from Ukraine – July 8, 2025 (10/10)

  It’s a nice place
  I like the decoration of the hostel also I like that it’s clean and organised

Surroundings

Facilities