Appartement Amsterdam - Péniche Amsterdam - Location Appartement

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.