The Unique Volkshotel: A Queer-Friendly Hotel in Amsterdam

Looking for a queer-friendly hotel in Amsterdam? I recently stayed at Volkshotel, and it stood out as a truly creative and inclusive place to stay in Amsterdam East. With queer events, nightlife, excellent food, workspaces, rooftop views and easy metro links, it offers much more than just a room for the night for LGBTQ+ travellers.

Introducing the Volkshotel: A Queer-Friendly Hotel in Amsterdam

I visited Amsterdam through a press invite with Amsterdam & Partners to learn more about the upcoming Amsterdam World Pride events. But also to experience a city that has long been known as queer-friendly year round. What surprised me most was how perfect Volkshotel felt as a base for LGBTQ+ travellers. Regardless of budget, travel style or trip length, it genuinely offers something for everyone.

Usually, that is just a tagline. Here, it actually feels true.

Amsterdam has a strong reputation as an LGBTQ+ destination, with plenty of queer-friendly and inclusive hotels across the city. But Volkshotel goes further. It supports the local community, creates accessible workspaces for creatives and hosts LGBTQ+ events throughout the year. It feels like the kind of hotel queer travellers are looking for. One with genuine programming, inclusive spaces and easy access to nightlife or the city.

In their own words

Volkshotel is a place for single mums, dandies, artists and night owls. A place where there’s life 24/7 and creativity flows. In Volkshotel, locals and travellers gather to eat, drink, work, sleep and play. With Werkplaats (café & co-working spaces), Doka (nightly basement soundbar), Canvas (restaurant on the 7th floor), Broedplaats VKG (85 work spaces for creative minds) and 216 hotel rooms, this former newspaper building is more than just a place for tourists to sleep. The reasonable prices and easy-going vibe make Volkshotel a place for everyone.

The Volkshotel vibe: creative, social and not too polished

When entering the hotel you are immediately greeted by a social workspace that’s open to the whole community and completely free. Its a win-win. Giving the hotel a consistent buzz and guests or locals a place to be creative without paying a small fortune for a co-working space. (I’m literally sitting in the space right now to write this blog). 

And who is the Volkshotel for? Everyone! Not just in the sense that it’s an inclusive hotel with strong roots in the LGBTQ+ community. But also in the fact that within the one building they offer everything from a small budget pod with shared bathroom, to a suite with sofa, balcony, kitchenette and suspended roof bed.

15 years ago I would’ve stayed here as a solo female traveller with a tight budget. And today I would still stay here with my wife and toddler for a welcoming and comfortable queer friendly Amsterdam accommodation. 

Volkshotel Location: Amsterdam East, Wibautstraat

Volkshotel is in Amsterdam East, a little outside the busiest central areas. However, it’s walkable in 20 or so minutes to the main central areas and only 50 metres from Wibautstraat metro station. The location gives some reprieve from the main hustle and bustle of the city, without being too far away from all the excitement. 

Volkshotel is located in the former head quarter of Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant. The newspaper’s past is incorporated into the architecture and interior of the building. In addition to the cosy lobby areas already mentioned, they also have a gorgeous rooftop restaurant Canvas with 360-degree views.

As if that wasn’t enough, the 8th floor is home to hot tubs and a sauna, available to all guests. A super unique offering for accommodation catering to travellers of all budgets.

And in the basement… a Nightclub!

All of this makes it a strong choice if you are searching for an LGBTQ-friendly hotel near Amsterdam city centre, regardless of your interests and how you like to spend your time.

Is Volkshotel a gay hotel?

Volkshotel is not a men-only gay hotel. It is better described as a queer-friendly, LGBTQ-welcoming hotel with queer programming, inclusive events and a creative social atmosphere. Many of the staff themselves are queer, and it shows in the genuine & authentic queer energy the property gives off. 

Who is Volkshotel best for?

Have I said “everyone” enough? Volkshotel has a huge variety of rooms, from budget-friendly pods to suites and everything in between. And I do mean everything: there are rooms with bathtubs by the window, cinema projectors above the bed, balconies, kitchenettes and even a suspended bed. This makes it perfect for:

• LGBTQ+ travellers who want a social hotel.
• Queer couples.
• Solo travellers.
• Pride visitors.
• Creative travellers.
• People who want events, drinks, food and culture in the same building.

It doesn’t sell itself as high end luxury. To me the luxury is quietly understated in the unique touches like the rooftop bar and hot tubs. 

Queer events and Amsterdam Pride at Volkshotel

With WorldPride 2026 coming to Amsterdam, Volkshotel is ready.  They have an epic program lined up. Built from a very authentic position of being a genuine ally to the community 365 days a year, and not just for Pride. 

Volkshotel’s Pride 2026 includes Queer as Volk, a project celebrating the queer makers, artists and staff members who help shape the hotel’s creative scene.

The hotel’s Pride programme has gone beyond nightlife. It includes drag cabaret, queer cinema, creative workshops, exhibitions, window drawing, a Pride flag project and Queer Unplugged: a queer digital detox.

Their promise: Freedom Within These Walls. A space to be truly and wholly your most beautiful and authentic self.

FAQ