Unique experience in Amsterdam on the water

Exceptional

The highlights: My friends & I come from the US and had never experienced Amsterdam. My sister (a 2-year area resident) suggested trying a houseboat for a memorable adventure. She was right! Though more expensive than a hotel, it offered ample room for our group of three (with extra space—we could have comfortably fit several more visitors) and provided a safe, serene, and welcoming retreat after long days of sightseeing (and sometimes wet weather). This floating home is wonderfully distinctive, captivating, and has everything needed. I’d endorse it for any able-bodied person visiting Amsterdam for any length of time. We spent most days out—wish we’d had more hours to enjoy the houseboat!

The drawbacks: 1) Only one mirror exists, located in the bathroom. It would help if mirrors were added to the bedrooms at minimum, or even the common areas and entryway. 2) The houseboat sits below street level, which made it hard for Ubers and the delivery driver to find. I knew the location because I’d researched it on Google maps beforehand. Truthfully, I’m not sure how to make it easier to spot. It’s just a practical challenge that required some navigation. 3) The entryway stairs are steep (though safely constructed) and one night a sprinkler caught us (on the porch) as we went down them! We laughed it off, but it could have been worse ;P

Exceptional

The houseboat is located half a block from a metro station, making it quick to reach Amsterdam Central. A shop for groceries is about three blocks south. Bicycles for rent are positioned across the bridge, just five minutes’ walk away. We biked during our stay and found it delightful to cycle through the city, particularly around Vondelpark! We sampled the wood-fire hot tub experience—quite distinctive, though heating the water via fire took about two hours, and given the early April timing, conditions were crisp. Various restaurants operate nearby, though we dined throughout this fantastic city. The proprietor/host was wonderful about replying and the location was simple to find and access/leave. The sloped descent to the boat could be difficult for those with movement limitations. Everything was spotless and matched the listing; you’ll need a smartphone to operate the property because of its smart home systems. The toilet is also a bidet which helps reduce waste. Resting on the pier in the evening while taking in the sunset was wonderful.

Exceptional

Perfect location for us. It’s just outside the downtown area which suited us well. If you’re looking to be in the middle of all the action, this might not be the spot for you. We really enjoyed the patio in the evenings with a drink watching the watercraft drift by. The stairway up and down might be difficult for younger or elderly visitors. We’d definitely return here.

Exceptional

Beautiful houseboat location near the center of the city. The deck area at this property is absolutely stunning. Everything was very clean and cozy, along with the shower and bathroom. The living room contains a Murphy bed that’s exceptionally comfortable. The primary bedroom is truly lovely. We were able to stream Netflix/HBO to the Samsung televisions.

My wife and I had a wonderful time during our first-ever stay aboard a houseboat. Like any new experience, we required a little time to learn how the systems operated. We simply couldn’t have envisioned a more perfect getaway, and we were deeply grateful for Andrew’s attentive support, his helpful recommendations, and the generous local knowledge he shared with us whenever we asked.

Excellent stay on the houseboat – truly a delightful and one-of-a-kind experience! The vessel itself proved to be exceptionally cozy, with plenty of room for our entire group. We were particularly charmed by the special appeal of staying afloat on the water. Situated along a busy road, we were pleasantly surprised by how serene and tranquil it turned out to be. The location also proved quite practical, providing convenient access to nearby points of interest. We’re awarding 4 stars because although the overall experience was wonderful, there are a few minor touches in the amenities department that could use some refinement. In sum, an outstanding and unforgettable experience!

What’s the experience of living in a houseboat nestled in an urban environment? Absolutely thrilling and unforgettable. However, there are a few important considerations: individuals with mobility challenges should reconsider—the staircase is quite steep. Additionally, being situated in an urban area means noise is a constant presence. The owners thoughtfully provide earplugs, though our group uses white noise machines so it wasn’t problematic. The kitchen facilities are limited—essentially a kitchenette rather than a full kitchen. That said, the storage solutions for garments are surprisingly generous for a houseboat. The staff’s responsiveness to inquiries was impressive.