Appartement - Hauseboot in Amsterdam

I have always spent my time in Amsterdam in a houseboat. This one was exceptional. The host is great. He is a real positive energy to the travel experience. The space is great for one traveler especially. The location is optimal for reaching a wide variety of town locations.

Accueil tres sympathique et tres chaleureux et tres attentionne.
Situation de la peniche ideale pour se ballader et decouvrir Amsterdam, tout pres du centre, tout pres du tram et metro.
Il ne faut pas chercher le grand confort sur cette peniche mais elle est tres agreable, depaysant et romantique. A recommander.

Fantastic and unusual place to stay in centre of Amsterdam. Great location. Would definitely recommend and also stay there again.

Staying on Hans' houseboat was a wonderful experience. We had exclusive use of the wheelhouse, from where we could see the Skinny Bridge. The bathroom was completely private and the shower had running hot water and great water pressure. The mattress on the bed is about the equivalent of a US queen size bed, maybe slightly bigger. Additionally, the mattress platform has extra space at the side and top and bottom edges of the mattress (as it is in the hull of the boat) that makes the bed feel bigger, since the platform is only about an inch or two shorter than the mattress. There is a tv with a few English channels. The downstairs area does not feel claustrophobic, as there are enough windows/portholes to let in a decent amount of light during the day. We used the included space heater to warm up the place when the built-in radiator was inadequate--it was more than enough, and in fact a couple of times we turned the heater down when it got too warm. Also, it helps to stay warmer if you close the gate and the lid that cover the entry way from the wheelhouse to the downstairs area. The kitchen was adequate with a fridge, microwave, and 2 hot plates, and kitchen essentials such as plates, flatware, glasses, condiments, etc. Space for 2 large suitcases in the downstairs sleeping area is a little tight, but not impossible. We created more space for ourselves by leaving our large bags upstairs in the wheelhouse (you climb down a short ladder (5-6 steps) from the wheelhouse to get to the main living area with the bedroom, kitchenette, and bathroom. Fair warning--when getting to the room, you will have to walk for about 10 feet on a very narrow walkway on the boat--there is no guardrail (well technically there is one about 1 and a half feet tall) between you and the water, so be careful, especially if you return to the room not completely sober. We were nervous at first, especially since we had to carry large suitcases on that walkway, but quickly got used to it. The location is great. It's very quiet as it is on a residential side street, although it's very close to Rembrandt Square (<7 minute walk), and walking distance to Dam Square (15-20 min walk) and Leidseplein (15 min walk). Hans was out of town, but his friend Niels stayed next door on the boat. He was very accommodating, and non-intrusive. Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and we're so glad we chose this place over a hotel.

The houseboat was very well located, on the Amstel River just north of the Skinny Bridge and opposite the Hermitage. There was easy access to two major grocery stores, an excellent bakery, and lots of pubs and restaurants. A major shopping street was only one block west. Acces to public transit was also convenient (the Rembrandtsplein tram stop was a five minute walk).
The houseboat itself was comfortable and cozy (a houseboat is not for the claustrophobic), and provided all the basics. The bed was big and we were rocked to sleep every night... The wheelhouse was a great place to sit and watch all manner of boats go by. The view at night was superb.
We had a 22-month old baby with us and we were advised by the rental company to stay in an apartment instead of a boat. We promised to watch her like hawks while on board and we were allowed to book the boat. It was very easy to stay on board with a little one and she enjoyed the boat and people watching from on board as much as we did. The bed, a said, was large and the three of us bunked in very comfortably.
Hans was available and very helpful to us when we needed it. We had a great stay in Amsterdam and would never consider a hotel in Amsterdam after staying here! An excellent choice for almost anyone.

A small boat with everythinyou need for two people
the wheelhouse is great for watching the boats sail up and down the amstel
hans is a very interesting guy who made usvery welcome
we always stay in houseboats as you have more freedom than staying in a hotel
Amsterdam is an expensive city so having a small kitchen and a great view means you can save money by eating on the boat now and again

We spent a wonderful weekend from 14th july in this typical houseboat on the Amstel River and we had a great time! Weather was not so god but Hans the owner was so kind, the place so cool and everything was so magic that we really appreciated!
It's a really nice and unusual alternative to the hotel and we really recommend you!!!!
Daniela

Our Stay on the houseboat was excellent. We enjoyed every minute. Our host was very friendly and helpful. Our room was clean and cozy. It is just the thing for people who like it funky. We recommend it without reservation.
Another high point was the location. We went for walks every evening and anywhere we wanted to go to explore areas and neighborhoods was within walking distance.
Robin and Susan Lambert
Basel Switzerland

My husband and I just came home from a four day stay with Hans on his wonderful boat! Unfortunatley on the first night there I got a terrible toothache and Hans was wonderful! Although it was a Sunday he found me a dentist, printed a map and even helped us find transport there! (I had to have a root canal, and the dentist was a star as well!!) After the trauma of the first day we spent the second day travelling around by bike. We cycled out to the Amsterdamse Bos, through several parks and it was a great day and a great journey!! The boat was perfect. Cosy and comfortable bed, but to be honest you will spend your time in the wheel house watching all there is to see! The skinny bridge is beautiful, especially at night! There are boats travelling by all day but mostly between 5-9pm while we were there. It only rained once, but we spent several meal times and evenings just haning out in the wheel house. We really enjoyed the stay on the houseboat and spoke only of our return. From a woman's point of view you can tell this is run by a man, nothing horrible though!! Just the little touches like lack of pillows for comfort. If your interested in experiencing Amsterdam, this is the place for you. If you just want to watch telly, find somewhere else. Finally, even though I knew we booked a boat, it didn't really dawn on me the 'walking the plank' feeling you get getting to the door. Might not be the best place to come home steaming drunk to, if you drop your keys, their gone in the water and if you stumble and loose your footing, so are you!! lol
A great romantic retreat, I could ot recommend the location, boat or Hans highly enough and hope to see him again soon.

The boat was small, authentic and lovely! It really emphasised the idyllic Amsterdam-experience to live on a gently rocking boat with creaking noises. Don't expect too much space or luxury, the place is very small and quirky. But it's clean, friendly, ideally located and brings an extra wonderfull dimension to a stay in Amsterdam.

We have no words to describe how wonderful this experience was. The boat is very cosy and clean, there is plenty of room for a couple, pretty romantic and pleasant way to stay in Amsterdam. It was a pleasure to meet the owner, Mr Gugten, he let us very comfortable, with much privacy. Outstanding, thank you!

Amazing. Located on the Amstel river in a gorgeous part of town, only 2 km from
Centraal, this houseboat was a great experience that I'm recommending to all my friends. With a proper kitchen and bathroom and a great sitting area above in the skippers cabin with the ships helm/wheel etc. Loved it - the owner was great.

Enjoyed our stay on the Amstel. Location was perfect. The facilities were small and not clean, although the bath and bed were clean. It was an Amsterdam experience!

Lo cierto es que teníamos ciertas preocupaciones de dormir en una barcaza en Amsterdam dado que mi pareja se marea, pero a la vez mucha ilusión...
La experiencia no podía haber sido mejor... lejos de marear a nadie, la barcaza nos mecía -casi imperceptiblemente- cada noche como si de una gran cuna se tratase.
Además la habitación, la cocina y el baño están perfectamente restaurados y acondicionados, haciendo las delicias de cualquier aficionado a la nautica...
Para colmo estaba situada en pleno centro, permitiéndonos pasear a cualquier sitio para visitar la ciudad.
¡¡¡Totalmente recomendable!!!
Truth is that we were a bit hesitant about sleeping in a boat house in Amsterdam, since my significant other gets seaseek, yet at the same time we were much looking forward to it.
The experience couldn´t have been better... Far from making anyone seasick, the barge rock us -almost unoticeably- to sleep every night as if it was a hughe cradle.
On top of that, the room, the galley, and the wc was prefectly restored and up to date, making every sailor´s dream come true...
To make things even better the boathouse was in the city´s center, allowing us walk everywhere to visit the city.
Wholeheartly recommended!!!

We spent 4 nights at the houseboat BK53 and were excited about the city and especially the appartmemt on this house boat. The infrastructure is perfect and the living in the former steering cabin is outstanding.You feel like in a theatre between the river Amstel with the different kinds of boats and the street. However, the use of the outside platform needs some acrobatic skills and we do not recommend this to people over 80. The same applies also to the steep staircase. There was no shade outside but if you need something you cancertainly rely on the helpful and sympathetic owner.

We stayed for 3 nights in this guestroom and we had a lovely time! We really enjoyed "living" in a houseboat during our stay in Amsterdam, and our accommodation was comfortable, clean, and perfectly located to walk everywhere.
It's a highly recommendable experience that I would definitely tell of to anybody planning to visit Amsterdam in the future!

I stayed for three nights and absolutely loved it. Hans, the owner, lives on the boat and is great company if you want it, but also lets you have your privacy. The rooms are very comfortable and the bed quite large. The kitchenette is just the right size and bathrooms just like in a hotel. You can't beat the location. I spent an entire day just sitting in the wheelhouse and watching Amsterdam life drift by on the canal to my left and motor by on the street to my right. I highly recommend staying here!

Very romantic! We had a wonderful stay on the houseboat in both sunny and rainy weather. It is clean and charming and well-outfitted with plenty of storage space. We loved having the wheelhouse as a cozy, bright upstairs option for viewing the activities on the Amstel River. We were able to walk to everything we wanted to visit in Amsterdam and to the bus (#91) to venture out to see the windmills. Hans was the perfect host and left the kitchen stocked with basics (salt, pepper, olive oil, beer, etc.) and being able to cook at home was a real plus. Shopping is close by, as are all the sights. The health food store across the river has some of the best goat cheese I have ever tasted.
The Stop and Go bus is ideal for getting to and from the train station with luggage as it will pick you up and leave you off wherever you want (including right in front of hte boat) and only costs a Euro. I cannot wait to return.
This boat is definitely NOT wheelchair accessible and if you have trouble with ladders, stay elsewhere.

wonderful boat with great host, close to downtown and on a beautiful part of the amsterdam river amstel, my 3rd visit to amsterdam and by far the best accomodations I've had.

BK53 is a quaint alternative to a bland hotel room.
Hans is an amiable and helpful host.
The accomodation is adequate but don't expect new or spacious. This part of the boat is old and original, but there's plenty of hot water, two hot plates, a small frig and a microwave and a good shower. The bed is comfy, there's lots of cubbies to store stuff and enough room for two people to move around.
The location is great, the scene on the Amstel is
entertainment in itself.
It's a boat so expect some gentle rocking.

My mom and I had a great time on Board. Thumbs up!
If Amsterdam then this boat!
Close to the city, very nice host and a very good atmosphere.
Loved lots!

Well, we're seasoned visitors to Amsterdam so knew exactly the boat's location - and what a location. We could barely tear ourselves away from the wheelhouse in the early hours, and away from the beautifully lit "skinny bridge."
Hans' boat is also exceedingly handy for Rembrandtplein (cafes, bars, shops) and the supermarket behind Waterlooplein good news for self-caterers.
The boat itself is perfect for a couple - okay, maybe the kitchen's a bit tight for two but we didn't feel cramped at all. Lovely big double bed, too.
One of the best things to do is simply take your morning coffee out on deck and watch the river roll by. Just one question; why does everyone on the tourist canal tourboats look so miserable? Maybe they realise that they should have rented a boathouse!
As for me and Karen, well, we'll NEVER go back to staying in an Amsterdam hotel. I'll be booking our next trip with Hans as soon as funds allow.
Thoroughly reccommended.

We were very happy to stay on the Everdina. The host was very kind and helpful. The houseboat is clean and cozy with everything you need for a holiday for 2 persons. The location is in the center, so we walked around the city to see the attractions. If we’re coming back to Amsterdam again, we’ll definitely be back.

We had such a lovely stay on the houseboat. Even on the rainy days when we couldn't sit on the deck, it was cozy and friendly on the interior. The location is absolutely stunning and convenient to everything in the center. Hans is a great and thoughtful host. Our relative who lived in Amsterdam was greatly impressed with our accommodations. For the location, price and uniqueness, this place is more than a deal! We couldn't have asked for more!

Another great way of spending our holiday, the same freindly atmosfer, nice welcome with flowers in the wheelhouse, great! Hans is a very nice hoster and weloved every minute in his boat and his kindness. Thank you for that, Hans.

We had a wonderful time staying in this barge a stones throw(literally) from the Magere Brug.The accommodation was cosy and spotless.Everything we needed was supplied (even a hairdryer)The location is amazing.We started and ended most days sitting on deck ,watching life on the river drift by.It was lovely to see the majestic bridge raising up with such ease ,to allow the taller barges sail through.

All was as described in the site. We enjoy all the time spend in the boat. Very nice experience for us. Very simpatic owner of the boat. Thanks a lot.

This houseboat is a wonderful way to experience Amsterdam. You have a private section of the boat with a bath and shower (always warm water) a small kitchen with everything you need, and a bedroom with a really comfy bed. The houseboat is located in a very nice, comfortable area of the city that is quiet at night but also very close to night life. This was my third time staying in Amsterdam and my second time on a houseboat and it was definitely my favorite place to stay.

I had a wonderful 4 night stay at Hans boat. The place was spotlessly clean and everything required was supplied.
The wifi access was superfast and trouble free also.
The location of the boat is perfect. With easy access to trams etc. The wheelhouse (frontdoor) is charming and the downstairs accomodation was perfect. I have never slept so well!
Hans was very helpful and I will definatley be going back.
Sorry for leaving the dishes - i overslept and had to make a dash for the airport! -)
Overall - 10/10 (100%) -
Thanks so much again,
rob m - january 08

We loved our accommodations....warm and cozy and a nice change from boring hotel rooms. Very friendly owner, he helped us with local information about stores and restaurants. Thanks for helping to make our stay in Amsterdam memorable. Will gladly recommend to other travelers to your fair city.

The boats location is a twenty minute walk from the station, and five minutes from the Rembrantsplein and a stones throw from the music theatre. It is close to the waterlooplein and has access to various trams .
We were welcomed by the very friendly boat owner. The houseboat was very clean and warm. We had been worried about the size of the shower room - but is was fine and the shower was very good. The owner provided coffee - a lovely touch. He then gave us a run down of the boat and any important points as well as some local information. A great central place to stay and interestingly different.

Great location, clean, comfortable, quiet, private. Before arriving, I had heard stories about safety on boats, but I had no qualms about personal safety or that of my belongings. It was well-enough equpped, although I would have appreciated glass containers to use in the microwave, and to store leftovers in the fridge. Excellent shower.

My husband and I had a wonderful stay aboard AB246! Hans, our host, was lovely and very accommodating. The cabin area was small, as advertised, but comfortable and cozy. The space was surprisingly well planned out and most every need was planned for. It was a perfect Amsterdam experience and at a reasonable price! I highly recommend it.

We were staying only for 4 nights but we had such a great time. Hans the owner is very friendly.The houseboat is really clean and we did not miss anything. The area is quiet and it is not fare from the center.
We reccommend you to rent it to make your holiday really special!