Houseboat news around the world
Book a houseboat in Amsterdam's old city center
Sleeping in the Medieval Heart of Amsterdam Most visitors treat the Old City Center as a place to walk through, stare at, and photograph before retreating to a quiet hotel on the outskirts. They are making a mistake. The most surprising way to experience the intense history of Amsterdam is to sleep right in the middle of it, yet completely removed from the chaos. Staying on a houseboat in the city center offers a sanctuary in the eye of the storm. When you browse Bookahouseboat.com, you will find vessels moored in the oldest waters of the city. This area is known locally as the Burgwallen. It is where Amsterdam began. Sleeping here does not just mean you are close to the attractions. It means you are sleeping in the very cradle of the city where the Amstel River was first dammed in the 13th century. Hence the name, Amster / Dam. From Defensive Moats to Floating Palaces The history of this location is darker and more fascinating than the quaint flower boxes suggest. The canals here, sp
Book a houseboat in the Jordaan in Amsterdam
Unlock the Secrets of the Jordaan from the Water Most travelers assume that to truly see Amsterdam, you must walk its cobbled streets or cycle its frantic bike paths. These travelers are wrong. The most surprising secret of this historic city is that its true heart does not beat on the pavement. It ripples quietly below the street level. Staying on a houseboat in the Jordaan district offers a perspective that even many locals overlook. You are not merely looking at the scenery. You become the scenery. When you book a stay in the Jordaan, you are securing a front-row seat to a living painting. It is arguably the most famous neighborhood in the Netherlands, yet it retains a village atmosphere that seems impossible in a major capital. From the deck of your floating home, the chaos of the modern world disappears. You are left with the gentle sound of water lapping against the hull and the majestic view of 17th-century merchant houses towering above you. Why a Jordaan Houseboat Trumps a Ho
Book a houseboat on the Prinsengracht in Amsterdam
The Water Level Perspective Imagine waking up in a European capital city where the first thing you see is not a street or a wall, but a swan gliding past your bedroom window. This is the reality of staying on the Prinsengracht. While most tourists experience Amsterdam from the pavement looking down, you have the rare opportunity to look up. It changes everything about how you perceive this UNESCO World Heritage site. The light reflects off the ceiling, the sounds of the city are softened by the water, and the pace of life instantly slows down the moment you step off the quay and onto your deck. Why the Prinsengracht Defines the Amsterdam Experience Of all the concentric half-circles that make up the famous canal belt, the Prinsengracht (Prince’s Canal) is arguably the most coveted. It forms the outer edge of the central canal ring, bordering the charming Jordaan neighborhood. This location offers a specific kind of magic that you cannot find in a hotel. A Front Row Seat to History Whe
Ecolution, the Eco-Revolutionary Yacht of Space Pioneer Wubbo Ockels
Picture by S.J. de Waard Ecolution, a Dutch icon reborn for cleaner journeys At the edge of the harbour in Lauwersoog, a striking green yacht tells a very Dutch story of vision, setback and renewal. Ecolution, the 26-metre sailing yacht envisioned by astronaut and sustainability pioneer Wubbo Ockels, has been refitted to lead the way again. After a major conversion, this privately owned showpiece now runs on hydrogen, so its only emission is a few drops of water. From dream to delivery, 2010 Designed with renowned naval architect Gerard Dijkstra, Ecolution was built to sail smart. Ockels wanted a yacht that could be handled with minimal crew, so the yacht received rotating masts that align with the wind and an efficient deck layout. A lifting keel reduces draft for shallow waters and allows the yacht to settle safely on a sandbank, a practical touch for the Wadden Sea. Sabotage, repair and legacy Shortly after delivery in December 2010, the dream took a hit. The yacht was sabotaged
Pictures SAIL-In 2025 Amsterdam - Noordzeekanaal
A picture overview of the SAIL-In 2025 in Amsterdam, the highlights!
First online booking platform to accept cryptocurrency payments
Book Your houseboat with Crypto: Bookahouseboat.com Integrates BitPay We’re thrilled to announce that guests can now pay for their houseboat stay on Bookahouseboat.com with cryptocurrency. Thanks to our partnership with BitPay, you can confirm and pay your booking in seconds using digital assets such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Litecoin (LTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), XRP, Bitcoin Cash (BCH), and popular stablecoins like USDC. BitPay instantly converts your crypto into local currency for the host, so everyone enjoys a smooth, worry-free transaction. Why Crypto Payments Make Sense for You as Traveler? Faster International Transactions Traditional cross-border payments can take days. Crypto settles almost instantly, letting you lock in your dream houseboat without delay. Lower Fees Credit-card surcharges and foreign-transaction fees add up. Crypto network fees are typically a fraction of those costs, and BitPay’s processing fees are lower than most card processors. Enhanced Privacy and Secur
Which channel manager to choose?
We're often asked which Channel Manager to choose. That is why we thought to analyse a few commonly used. Key Points Lodgify seems to be the best choice for most users, offering a balance of features, pricing, and support. Smoobu is a strong alternative, especially for cost-conscious users, but has limited support hours. Guesty is affordable for small operations but lacks a website builder in its basic plan. The choice depends on your needs, like support availability or direct booking capabilities. Detailed Analysis This analysis compares Smoobu, Lodgify, and Guesty as channel managers for vacation rental management, focusing on features, pricing, user reviews, and support to help you choose the best option for your needs. The evaluation is based on the latest available data as of June 2, 2025, and considers the needs of both small-scale hosts and larger property managers. Overview of Channel Managers Channel managers are essential tools for property managers in the hospitality i
SAIL 2025 Amsterdam - Stay in a houseboat
SAIL 2025 in Amsterdam: A Maritime Spectacle Like No Other SAIL Amsterdam, one of the world's largest and most spectacular maritime events, is set to return to Amsterdam from 20 - 24 August 2025, promising to be an unforgettable experience for all who attend. Held every five years, this iconic event transforms Amsterdam's waterfront into a vibrant celebration of nautical heritage, bringing together historic tall ships, modern vessels, and maritime enthusiasts from around the globe. SAIL 2025 will be a celebration of history, culture, and the spirit of adventure, making it a must-visit event for anyone with a love for the sea. The History and Significance of SAIL Amsterdam SAIL Amsterdam has a rich history that dates back to 1975 when it was first organized to celebrate the 700th anniversary of Amsterdam. The event was such a success that it became a quinquennial (5-yearly) tradition, attracting millions of visitors each time it is held. The event is more than just a parade of ships; i
750 years of Amsterdam - A journey through time
Amsterdam is 750 years old, a journey through time Welcome to Amsterdam, the enchanting capital city that celebrates its special 750th anniversary in 2025. With a history steeped in trade, culture and unique architecture, this city on the banks of the Amstel invites you to discover its rich heritage. Amsterdam, with its picturesque canals, historic buildings and vibrant atmosphere, is a living testament to centuries-old stories that have unfolded in its streets, alleys and canals. Let yourself be carried away by the charm of this beautiful metropolis and enter the special world of countless museums and monuments. Discover what makes this city a true treasure trove of history and culture. Amsterdam, an extraordinary place where past and present seamlessly merge, invites you on a journey through time in honor of its 750th anniversary. How Amsterdam came into being In 2025, Amsterdam proudly celebrates its 750th anniversary, an iconic city steeped in fascinating events that have taken pla
Tips when buying a houseboat
Tips when buying a houseboat The Dream of Living on the Water Living on a houseboat offers a unique lifestyle, whether you choose the tranquility of the water or the dynamics of the city. But before you dive into this adventure, it is important to consider several aspects. Different Types of Floating Homes There are various types of floating homes: Houseboats : Traditionally these were converted ships that were adapted for habitation. They often retain their characteristic ship appearance and can sometimes still sail. Houseboats : These resemble houseboats but are often larger and more luxurious. They are intended for permanent residence and are usually no longer seaworthy. Houseboats : These are floating houses without their own propulsion, built on a floating pontoon made of concrete or steel. They are usually spacious and modern, with all the comforts of a traditional home. Schark : A mostly metal ship, often a disused inland vessel or barge, on which a wooden, stone or plastic supe
Customized Luxury Houseboat: an Odyssey of Art, Architecture and Innovation
Navigating Luxury on Water: An Odyssey of Art, Architecture, and Innovation A Vision Blossoming on Water In a world burgeoning with terrestrial architectural marvels, the venture of Luxus Na Vodě elegantly sails into the realm of aquatic living. Nestled in the serene embrace of nature, these houseboats are a testament to a dream that burgeoned in the heart of Martin Šturma, who longed for a secluded yet luxurious getaway with his wife. This unique project transcends conventional living, offering a blend of freedom, technological perfection, and self-sufficient houseboats that echo with the whispers of luxury and uncharted creativity. Architectural Excellence Meets Individuality At the heart of this venture lies a collaboration of esteemed minds. Architect Anna Šlapetová, a name synonymous with innovative design and architectural brilliance, lends her expertise to tailor a houseboat that resonates with the personality of its owner. Her architectural journey, enriched by an odyssey from
HolidayHack: make choosing accommodation together easy
Introducing HolidayHack: Your Ultimate Way to Choose your Holiday Accommodation! When it comes to planning group holidays, we all know the drill. Endless chats and emails, sharing links to various accommodations, and trying to consolidate everyone's preferences can be a daunting task. But what if I told you that there's a new web app on the block that promises to make this process not only streamlined but also fun? Enter HolidayHack! What is HolidayHack? HolidayHack is an innovative web application designed to make the process of choosing holiday accommodation for groups a breeze. Gone are the days of lost emails and confusing chat threads. With HolidayHack, all your options are neatly organized in one place, making decision-making efficient and democratic. Try HolidayHack.com How Does It Work? The process is as simple as 1, 2, 3! Create Your List: Start by creating a list. This will be the place where all the magic happens. Add Listings: Once your list is created, you can begin