Last verified: April 2026

The Problem: Almost Every Hotel Bans Smoking

Amsterdam may be the coffeeshop capital of the world, but its hotel industry is overwhelmingly non-smoking. Most 3-, 4-, and 5-star hotels strictly prohibit all smoking (tobacco and cannabis) in rooms, hallways, and common areas. Cleaning fees for violations can run €150–300. This disconnect catches many visitors off guard.

That said, options exist — you just need to know where to look.

Cannabis-Friendly Hostels

Budget travelers have the best cannabis-friendly options in Amsterdam. Several well-known hostels actively accommodate smokers:

• The Bulldog Hotel (Oudezijds Voorburgwal 216–220) — Part of the famous Bulldog coffeeshop chain. The hotel has a dedicated smoker lounge on the premises and a coffeeshop on the ground floor. Dorms start around €55/night. The most cannabis-integrated accommodation in Amsterdam
• Flying Pig Downtown (Nieuwendijk 100) — Steps from Centraal Station. Has a dedicated smoking room and rooftop terrace where cannabis is permitted. Popular with backpackers, social atmosphere, clean facilities
• Flying Pig Uptown (Vossiusstraat 46) — Near Vondelpark and the Museum District. Same smoking-friendly policy as the Downtown location but in a quieter, more residential neighborhood. Good for visitors who want to be near the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum
• St. Christopher’s at The Winston (Warmoesstraat 129) — In the Red Light District. Belushi’s bar downstairs, sociable vibe, close to Centrum coffeeshops. Has designated smoking areas

Apartments and Private Rentals

For longer stays or groups, a private apartment with a balcony is often the most practical cannabis-friendly option. Key considerations:

• Look for a balcony or terrace: Even apartments that ban indoor smoking usually tolerate outdoor smoking on a private balcony. Filter your search by this feature
• Read the house rules carefully: Platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb require hosts to list smoking policies. Look for “smoking allowed” or “balcony/patio smoking”
• Canal house apartments: Amsterdam’s signature narrow canal houses are often converted to rental apartments. Many have steep stairs (no lifts) but charming canal views and private outdoor space
• Houseboats: Renting a houseboat on the canals is a uniquely Amsterdam experience. Some allow outdoor smoking on deck. Prices range from €100–250/night depending on size and location

Hotel Strategies

If you prefer a proper hotel and still want to consume cannabis during your trip:

• Consume at coffeeshops: The simplest solution. Buy and consume at the coffeeshop, then return to your hotel. This is what most visitors do
• Vaporizers are more discreet: Dry-herb vaporizers produce far less odor than smoking. Some hotels are less strict about vapor, though this is never guaranteed
• Edibles leave no trace: Space cakes and cannabis-infused drinks produce no smoke or smell. If your hotel is strictly non-smoking, edibles are the most accommodation-friendly option
• Check for outdoor terraces: Some hotels have rooftop bars or garden terraces. While cannabis smoking is not officially permitted, outdoor spaces are generally more tolerant

Location Tips

Where you stay determines your coffeeshop access:

• Centrum / Red Light District: Highest density of coffeeshops. Walk out your door and you are there. Also the loudest, most tourist-heavy neighborhood
• Jordaan: Quieter, more charming, excellent coffeeshops (Paradox, La Tertulia, Siberië). 10-minute walk to Centrum
• De Pijp: Local vibe, Albert Cuypmarkt for munchies, good coffeeshops like Katsu. 20 minutes from Centrum by foot or one tram ride
• Museumplein / Vondelpark: Near major museums, green space for relaxing. Fewer coffeeshops but easy tram access to Centrum and Leidseplein