Amsterdam houseboat for a family?

Sorry never stayed in one but Samantha Brown has done a nice travel segment staying on canal boats. I had done some research after that program. Maybe you can check trip advisor for families who have stayed on them. I would check with my Utrecht family but it seems I give them off the beaten path of things to see they have never known of. I await your responses too.

I wonder if this is why Rick Steves doesn't even mention it as an option in his Amsterdam, Bruges & Brussels book...

What's in the Paris/France books? There's some of those things there as well.

Thanks--I've seen a lot of Samantha Brown, but apparently not that episode. I will check it out!

Of course, the real question is "What would Rick Steves do?"

There is a large number and variety of houseboats available in Amsterdam and most are in the better districts. You can google Amsterdam Houseboats or try this link: http://www.houseboathotel.nl/ Most of the canal belt is in the best neighborhoods, far from the Red Light District, so your family would have to make a special effort to go there. Usually, people who say they were disappointed by Amsterdam made the mistake of staying too close to the city's central station. Ironically, many cities have a red light district near their central station, but you seldom hear about them. In any case, the canal belt is much better. My favorite is the Jordaan District. There are several others just as good, though.

I second the previous poster's assessment of the Jordaan area; and I'll add that I wish I'd known of the houseboat idea before our visit last year to Amsterdam. I think your 12-yr old would get a kick out of it. That canal area is great, with good restaurants and pubs nearby.

Thanks for the tips regarding parts of town--that was my next question. I'll start doing some research. Haven't sprung this on my less-adventurous wife yet. Hope she sees the upside!

I'll take it from the other side. There's nothing magic about living on a boat. I have off and on for years and did it for several years in a row when I was between wives. The main thing you'll notice is that the walls are a bit funny - - other than that it's like being in any other room. But, When you look out the windows on one side, all you see are ankles; when you look out the other side you see somebody across the way looking back in utter boredom or a boat going by - - you pretty much have to keep the curtains closed for privacy. If it rains, it comes in the front door. If a tour boat goes by, it rocks a little. If the entry ladder is wet, you'll bust your butt going in and out. Canal water tends to stink when you're real close to it and you see the damndest things floating by. It can get really, really hot on a sunny day since there isn't much insulation in the ceiling. It sounds romantic, but dollars to doughnuts, you'll only do it once. If it cost more than a hotel, it's not even worth the experiment.

Aah, Ed puts me in my place again, ha! My only exposure to sleeping on a boat was at the Lake of the Ozarks (4 nights) despite my 20 years as a Navy pilot (zero days/nights on any ship). It was certainly less crowded (no other boats), no ankles, no bikes, and no smell. The canal did sound good though.

There's nothing magic about anything after you have done it for several years.

Second thought. I wasn't thinking about the boys. Kids like that kind of stuff. Go for it.

Hi Bill, My family (2 adults and 2 kids, 15 and 12) stayed here : http://www.phildutch.net/ for 4 nights during our trip to Amsterdam 3 years ago and absolutely LOVED it!! I highly recommend it and your kids will enjoy feeding the geese that visit often as well as seeing the tour boats up and down the canal thinking that YOU are locals living there while enjoying the deck :) It is located in a great, safe location (neighborhood) close to the tram, a great pancake house and a big supermarket. Many other sites are within walking distance. It isn't "5 Star", but the ambiance of the unique experience and memories you will have from this will more than make up for it. This house boat has many wonderful reviews on www.Tripadvisor.com, where I found it. The owner is extremely quick with emails. Considering the prices of hotels, I thought it was reasonable. I would do it again in a heartbeat, for sure!
Good Luck!

Already emailed him and he already emailed back. The process is under way. Many thanks!