AmsterdamNL3-Star Hotel

Joy Hotel: Pros, Cons & Is It Worth It? (2026)

By Jessica Lane, Travel Editor·Updated Mar 2026

7.9/10

Very Good

★★★★★

9,181 guest reviews
385 Hullenbergweg, Amsterdam

Overview

Joy Hotel is a modern three-star hotel located in Amsterdam, just 1.2 km from the Johan Cruijff Arena. This hotel caters to both leisure and business travelers seeking comfort and convenience. Guests benefit from a daily buffet breakfast and well-appointed rooms with free WiFi. With the Heineken Experience and Dutch National Opera & Ballet within 10 km, it's a practical base for exploring the city.

Pros & Cons

What works

The location is a bit further from Amsterdam Central, but the nearby Bullewijk metro station makes it easy to reach major attractions. If you don't mind a short walk, you can get to the heart of the city in no time.
This hotel offers great value for money, especially for those traveling on a budget. You get a comfortable bed and essential amenities without breaking the bank.
The breakfast is a highlight, offering a variety of delicious options to start your day. It's a pleasant surprise to find quality food that caters to different tastes.
The rooms with windows provide a much better experience than the budget options without them. Natural light makes a huge difference in how welcoming a space feels.
The staff are friendly and helpful, which can really enhance your stay. Their recommendations for local dining and attractions can help you discover hidden gems in the city.
Having a small fridge in the room is a nice touch, especially if you want to store snacks or drinks during your stay. It adds an extra level of convenience for guests.
The bed quality is decent, which is crucial after a long day of exploring the city. You can expect a good night's sleep, allowing you to recharge for the next day's adventures.

What doesn't

Cleanliness can be hit or miss, which might leave you feeling uneasy about the overall upkeep of the hotel. A clean room is non-negotiable for many travelers.
Some areas of the hotel seem dated or in need of maintenance, which affects the overall room quality. You might find that the furnishings and decor don't match your expectations for a comfortable stay.
The location, while having metro access, isn't the most appealing. The surrounding area is under construction and lacks the charm that you might find closer to the city center.
Service issues can arise, such as malfunctioning lifts, which are frustrating especially when you're staying on a higher floor. It’s less than ideal to deal with such inconveniences after a long day of sightseeing.
The budget rooms without windows feel claustrophobic and may not be worth the savings. Opting for a room with a window can significantly enhance your experience.

Ready to check availability?

Prices update daily — see today's rates.

Photos

Location

Joy Hotel is located in the bustling business district of Amsterdam, specifically on Hullenbergweg, which provides a unique blend of urban energy and accessibility. While this area leans towards corporate activities, it also offers a glimpse into local life with its array of cafes and eateries that cater to professionals and visitors alike. The hotel is a short walk from the Amsterdam Arena, home to the famous Ajax football club. This makes it appealing for sports fans looking to catch a game or enjoy the surrounding entertainment options. For travelers wanting to explore more of the city, the hotel is well connected to public transport. The Bijlmer Arena train station is nearby, providing easy access to the city center and attractions like the Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House. The surrounding area has a mix of green spaces and urban development, offering a taste of Amsterdam without the typical tourist hustle. This location suits business travelers and those seeking a quieter base from which to explore the city.

Guest Reviews

Alfred

solo_traveller · NL · Feb 2026

10Exceptional

✓It was a great experience!

Aimee

couple · GB · Feb 2026

10Exceptional

✓right next to the train station so super easy to get the the centre city! staff were also super friendly and helpful with recommendations

Mussie

couple · AE · Feb 2026

10Exceptional

“Best”

✓Nice

✗All

Svetlana

solo_traveller · RU · Feb 2026

8Excellent

✓I liked good location near with the metro station. Value of money for single room. Varieties of delicious breakfast. There were needed facilities as kettle, hairdryer, good shampoo and etc and pleasant staff :)

✗There was cold room near with wide windows. I had heating, but it wasn’t not enough for warming. I would like to have more something new of food for breakfast every day. I hadn’t chip fork and spoon, it would be better.

Kiril Raychev

extended_group · BG · Feb 2026

7Very Good

“Decent room for a budget stay in Amsterdam”

✓The original room has no windows so i upgraded to a one with a window on an upper floor. I would not recommend the budget room without windows as the one with a window is so much better. The bed is comfortable, decent quality, TV has a good enough screen, the bathroom is clean too, there is also a small fridge available which is good. Location is a quite further away from Amsterdam Central, but easily accessible via the nearby Bullewijk metro station,the neighbourhood is new on the edge of the city, mostly new hotels and office buildings, the nearest and most affordable nearby option for shopping and food is Ikea which is 300 metres away. Also a lot of the nearby area is under construction. The metro is about a 10 min walk from the hotel. If you prefer a private room and you're with a partner/friend it works fine, just keep in mind you usually need to walk more.

✗The location itself is not ideal, what makes it good is the metro access. Overall it's less convenient than staying closer to the center but it's a normal tradeoff for a more budget room in Amsterdam.

Guests frequently praise Joy Hotel for its convenient location near public transportation and the friendliness of the staff. However, complaints arise about the comfort of the rooms, particularly regarding heating and the quality of breakfast options. Some reviews also highlight the drawbacks of the immediate area, noting that it can feel less ideal due to construction and distance from the city center.

Who Should Stay Here?

Budget travelers and those seeking basic accommodations will find value at Joy Hotel. The comfortable beds, decent breakfast, and proximity to the Bullewijk metro station make it a sensible choice for those who prioritize cost over luxury. If you don’t mind a short walk to access the main attractions, this hotel can serve as a practical base for exploring Amsterdam. On the other hand, travelers who expect cleanliness and well-maintained facilities should consider other options. The inconsistent housekeeping and dated decor might not meet the standards of those looking for a polished experience. If you are sensitive to your surroundings or require top-notch service, you may want to steer clear of this hotel.

Joy Hotel

Check live availability and the latest prices before you decide.

The Verdict

“

Our Take

Joy Hotel offers solid value for budget travelers who prioritize location and a decent breakfast over luxury. The proximity to the Bullewijk metro station makes city exploration easy, though the surrounding area can feel uninviting due to ongoing construction. Cleanliness and maintenance issues detract from the experience, but if you can overlook these shortcomings, the comfortable beds and bright rooms with windows make for a satisfactory stay. For those on a budget who want to experience Amsterdam without overspending, this hotel is a reasonable choice.