If you’ve been following my travels, you already know I’ve volunteered in a few hostels before… but this one? This one hits different.
I’ve just spent 3 months volunteering in Rotterdam, and I can confidently say: this is the cutest, coziest hostel I’ve ever stayed in. And honestly, one of my favorite volunteering experiences so far.
The Hostel Life
From the moment I walked in, I felt it. You know that instant “okay yeah, I belong here” feeling? That.
👉 I use Worldpackers to find all my volunteering spots including this cozy hostel!! Sign up and use my code NIKKISOLO for a discount (because we don’t pay full price here 😌
We were two volunteers at a time, and we rotated night shifts. The work itself was super straightforward — honestly one of the most chill setups I’ve had:
- Cleaning common areas and the kitchen
- Helping with late check-ins (basically handing over sheets + a bracelet)
- Keeping the vibe going
- Create memories & connections with travelers
- Going to sleep 😴
That’s it.
And like most hostels, breakfast was included — which, if you’re a budget traveler, you know is basically free money saved.
But what really made this place special wasn’t the work… it was the people.
Cozy nights with Suzy at Ani & Hakiien 😍
The People & The Vibe
I’m not exaggerating when I say the staff were some of the most amazing, warm, and fun people I’ve met.
This hostel is:
- Super social (there’s even a WhatsApp group if you want to connect)
- Very inclusive
- A queer-safe space (which means everything to me)
There are female dorms for guests, constant activities, and just this energy that made it feel like home.
And Thursdays? ICONIC.
Every Thursday, we cooked for guests. And I’m talking full-on meals:
- Build-your-own ramen bowls
- Burrito nights
- Tortilla de patatas
- Lasagna
- Moussaka
All made with vegan meat. And FREE for guests.
Like… hello??? Who is doing it like this?
The Terrace, The Cat & The Cozy Corners
If you visit in summer — PLEASE spend time outside.
There’s a terrace with a hammock under a tree, and it’s the perfect spot to just exist, read, or romanticize your life a little bit.
And I cannot write this blog without mentioning Suzy the cat.
She is:
- Adorable
- Social
- The real owner of the hostel
If you visit, give her a little scratch and a kiss for me. Just don’t pick her up or feed her — she’s already living her best life.
Location: 10/10 for Travelers
One of the best parts? The location.
- 5 minutes from Rotterdam Central
- 2 minutes from grocery stores
- Right next to Chinatown
- About a 30-minute walk to Erasmus Bridge
As someone who loves walking, everything felt so close.
Also — underrated highlight: the small parks around the area. Perfect for sunny days (which I finally got during my last week 🥲).
Rotterdam… and My Unluckiest Work Era Ever
Now let’s talk about my personal Rotterdam experience outside the hostel… because WOW.
When I say unlucky, I mean comically unlucky.
Example #1:
Me and my friend Stelian (shoutout, I’ll miss you mate 🫶) applied for shifts through an app at the same time.
He got accepted.
I got rejected… because my face didn’t match my ID.
And yes — maybe I was a little heavier back then. Traveling really said ✨glow up✨ I guess.
Example #2:
I got a warehouse job. Showed up for my second shift at 6am, ready to work.
Tried to scan my badge… no access.
Turns out someone had deleted me from the system.
I stayed there for 9 HOURS trying to fix it (it never got fixed that day), and my next shift was at 4am the next day.
And guess what?
They didn’t pay me.
So yeah… I quit.
Example #3:
Uber Eats era.
Got everything ready. Was excited.
Someone stole my e-bike keys.
I paid a €50 fine.
And then only managed to get 6 hours of shifts per week.
At that point, I just had to laugh.
Am I dramatic? Yes.
Am I a queer drama queen? Hell yes.
But this was objectively tragic.
Winter vs Summer in Rotterdam
If you’re planning a visit:
- Summer: best vibes, terrace time, sunshine, social energy
- Winter: fewer crowds, but cozy nights, movie nights (with free popcorn!), and SOUP nights
And let me tell you — those soups?
Absolutely life-changing.
Meet Suzy — the real owner of the coziest hostel in Rotterdam, Ani & Haakien
The Goodbye (aka Emotional Damage)
I’m leaving tomorrow, and I’m not even going to pretend I’m okay.
I’ll miss:
- The staff
- Stelian (my volunteer brother for the last month and a half)
- Random guests I connected with
- The overall vibe
Goodbyes never get easier. But I’ve learned something:
If it’s hard to leave, it means you had a really good time.
And I really, really did.
This experience is easily in my top 3.
If you decide to stay in Rotterdam, I can’t recommend this place enough — it’s called Ani & Haakien. You can book directly through their website.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ever in Rotterdam:
Stay here.
Volunteer here.
At least visit.
It’s more than just a hostel — it’s a little community.
And I know for a fact… I’ll be back.
Until then, give Suzy a scratch for me 🐾
Till next time,
💫 Wander Woman Quest
