The site of Amsterdam's first ever gay hotel, dating from the early 1950s. However, on 1 October 2013 the Golden Bear changed hands dramatically and is now part of the small non-gay Quentin Hotels chain, which owns five Amsterdam outlets (Quentins Amsterdam, Arrivé, England, Zoo and Golden Bear) and four in Berlin (Quentins Berlin, Boutique, Design and XL Potsdamer), plus one in Prague. In 2016 and 2017 the hotel experienced a physical reinvention with a conversion of its 17 rooms from budget to full-blown modern. Prices remain relatively inexpensive, and the location — seconds from shopping mecca De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets) — is gay-convenient. Adjacent to Leidse Square.
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When we checked-in I knew something was off
We had made our booking months in advance because we loved this little hotel. Even with the spiral staircase with 5" high steps that are only 2" to 3" deep and the staircase is 3' wide. We learned how to carry bags up and down the stairs over our 2 prior stays. This time I noted it seemed off. Then it hit me. Everything that said "gay" had been removed. Even the staff was no longer the same friendly group. It was ok, but ask for suggestions and the staff had a look of "I don know" or "be gone" I can only guess the prior owners decided to get out of the biz because they could do it indefinitely. It definitely isn't "gay friendly" more a "gay? we'll put up with you" hotel. I will not go back .
Bad place to stay
Staff are very rude!!!!!! Not helpful at all. I go to amsterdam a lot but I would never stay at this hotel again.
Gay History but a BAD present
This is not a gay hotel anymore. BEWARE of the many reports of rip-offs and poor service. The location may be good, but that is about it. The stairs are dangerous as well.
Very bead choice!!
well, i booked the room based on the reviews on here! however, very very disappointed ! to start. the room all the way up stairs , and its really hard to take your bag up stairs, its hard to go up stairs with out the bags, as well. no elevator . the room, very small, witch i booked the bigger room or the called that SUITE ! wireless internet !! what is that? you got it going one min, then its off for the all day. and when you call the front desk, they say , it is what it is. i am like , what? i ask before i booked the room, because i needed to work as well. bottom line, very very not recommended !
Nice stay.
We had a great time at this hotel.The staff was wonderful,and helpful.Breakfast was good, and very dutch.The location was very central.It was a little noisy at night.