Houseboat

We stayed here http://phildutch.net for 4 nights a few years ago. We LOVED it!!! The best part is whenever we were on the boat, either eating or sitting on the deck, the tourists on the boats motoring by on the canal would wave to us as though we were locals :-). There are always swans and ducks coming close looking for some food. It is very close to a tram stop and in a safe area. I highly recommend renting this or another houseboat. I always dreamed of doing this and am glad we did! What great memories!!!

My husband and I stayed on a houseboat for four nights in 2011 and LOVED it. We rented "On the Water Studio," but I tried looking it up today, and there does not seem to be any recent information on it. It may not be a rental unit any longer. If you find any info on it, I would highly recommend it - the owners were very easy to work with. It was anchored, so there was really no feeling of movement unless you were on the deck, and that was still very pleasant. I agree that the best part was sitting outside with wine and cheese and watching the "neighbors" commuting back and forth in their small watercraft. The joy in having swans float by your "home" is not to be believed. We're going back to Amsterdam this April and taking a friend along. We'll be staying a week and then going to Prague. We've rented a houseboat through vrbo.com....#945023. Naturally, I can't give you any information as to how it works out yet, but it's a testament to houseboat living that we're going to stay in another one after our first experience. This one has two bedrooms to provide privacy since we're taking a friend. Another great thing about the houseboat is that you don't have to worry about high, steep stairwells that are so common in Amsterdam. We had a few stairs at the front door of the first one and have one flight to navigate in this one. Enjoy.....

Thank you for all your feedback! A houseboat stay sounds very inviting. Eagleseye33: I checked out the rental you have reserved, and it looks very nice! We need a two bedroom also, as there are three of us as well. We are not going to Amsterdam until spring of 2017, so I have plenty of time to decide.

When we get back I'll post a review on the vrbo website. We're looking forward to the free ferry ride back and forth......I hope that doesn't get old after several days.......lol.

We stayed here and loved it. Quiet street, but close to transportation. http://www.luckypiper.com/eng/indexned.htm

Had a brewery, with windmills a couple of blocks away!

Thank you Charlotte! It looks wonderful from the pictures. Would that houseboat work for two couples?

Jeri,

I remember it had a large bedroom, not sure if it had a second. The living room had a large, comfortable couch, the kitchen was large, but this was back in 2006 and unfortunately I don't have many interior pictures. I would write to them and ask, the owner is very friendly and speaks English.

Good Luck!

We have rented houseboats several times through the agency citymundo.com and always had good experiences with it. I was a bit hesitant the first time expecting mushrooms in the shower and a toilet that wouldn't flush well and poor heating -- but we have had great luck with the places. Note that lots of rentals end up being for rooms on a boat where the owner is also living. This doesn't appeal to us so be sure you are clear on what you are getting if you rent.

My wife and I rented a houseboat on the Keizersgracht and loved it. You definitely have a good seat for the action and privacy was no problem for us. It certainly depends on the boat and its location, but I think you should go for it. We certainly didn't regret our experience.

We just rented a houseboat for our visit April 30 - May 5 through Airbnb. The hosts responded to our request immediately. The reviews mirrored those posted here, so we can hardly wait! Trying to figure out museum passes now. I think we are trying too soon.

FWIW. We have visited Amsterdam several times and never had long lines for museums or needed passes. The one exception is Anne Franck house and you definitely need a timed ticket ahead if you want to do that. Don't miss the Hermitage which is outstanding.