About Us
THE FANTASTIC STORY OF THE AMSTEL HOUSE
The Amstel House concept of hospitality consists of three interacting ideas: memory, experience and accessibility. Guided by the centenary history and beauty of our cultural heritage building, what moves us is to be a place where memorable encounters and experiences take place. To offer budget good nights of sleep for the most varied styles of travelers, as well as a 360° service experience might be our genesis. But it is as a hotspot where people come together that we see ourselves. Through our vibrant design – by award-winning architect Harm Rensink –, our many inviting common areas and our lively agenda of events. All – of course – at affordable prices. Come on in, there is much to know about us. Meet the fantastic story of the Amstel House, how we became Berlin’s best budget hostel and where we are heading to.
1913: THE BEGINNING OF EVERYTHING
The Amstel House building was born with a noble destiny: host the youth. Since its opening in 1913 it first sheltered young single men workers that newly arrived in Berlin. Designed by architect Otto Kohtz, the building was a hot novelty for its times - made to gleam! The advantages of natural light were being celebrated at the time, thus the big glass widows all around the lobby. There were even baths and a roof garden on the top floor – sadly lost over time.
THE LAST GERMAN KAISER
The official opening took place in 1914 in a celebrity party in honor to the 25th anniversary of William II’s reign with the presence of the Majesty himself! He was the eldest grandchild of the British Queen Victoria and – luckily! - the last German Kaiser. As a souvenir of that royal day the inaugural plaque has remained since then in our back yard.
A BERLIN CULTURAL HERITAGE IN ART NOUVEAU STYLE
Made in Art Nouveau style by Georges Morin our impressive hostel façade recalls the Lüftlmalerei, an upper-Bavaria art form of mural paintings. This over 100 years beauty is now a protected city’s historical heritage.
2005: THE HOSTEL OPENING
In the course of the last 100 years the building has undergone major reforms, until it caught the eyes of two friends. Bart Mouwen and Peter van Amstel discovered this hidden treasure on a bike trip throughout Berlin. They were instantly dazzled and decided to buy it and turn it into a hostel. Looking for a manager they put an ad on the papers, which caught the attention of German brewer Alexander Licht. In 2005 the Amstel House was born!
A PLACE TO REMEMBER
Since our opening we have hosted hundreds of thousands content guests from all around the world. And we have been making great memories together. Bikers check-points, live concerts, collective cooking events, open mike nights, parties and art exhibitions - besides of course countless hours of good and budget sleep - have been taking place between our wall since 2005.
HOSTEL DESIGN
For the past couple of years we've been investing in a major concept transformation. Besides more customized services and a livelier agenda, the core of this exciting new phase lies in the unique design we've been spreading throughout all our corners. Under the creativity of award-winning interior Dutch architect Harm Rensink our rooms and common areas are gaining a whole new funky look. Harms work is characterized by the fusion between architecture, fashion and art. He consider it his main task to create a unique and good looking atmosphere for travelers to truly connect. A lot has been done already, but there is plenty still to come.
BAR OPEN 24h/7
The fact that our general manager is a brewer tells a lot about our bar. Besides being open 24h/7 and serving Italian coffee, tasty cocktails, and organic lemonades, we offer a menu with 14 different types of beers. From Pilsner to black, from sweet to herbal, from the south or north of Germany, local or from abroad. And with our promos and happy hours our prices can get crazy cheap! We also offer a beer tasting fun box for those in the mood to try it all.
COMMON AREAS
At the Amstel House the last place you would want to stay is in the bedroom because we have plenty of fun and convenient common areas: 24h/7 bar, fully equipped guest kitchen, glamorous make-up corner, games room, outside garden and a spacious lobby.
AMSTEL SERVICES
To ensure a 360° experience we developed a range of affordable services based on the needs of young travelers and families. Reception and bar open 24h/7, full breakfast with flexible hours, free Wi-Fi in the whole house, bike rental, laundry service, luggage room and much more.
AMSTEL MUSIC NIGHTS
Live Music at the Amstel House Hostel Berlin! Since 2019 the Amstel Backyards are taking place. Every weekend, mostly in the warm seasons, high quality musicians, both travelers and Berliners, perform live at our stages.