Romantic boat

All I can say is my stay on the houseboat was stunning. I was in Amsterdam for two weeks, I stayed in the museum quarter for my first week, and my last week I stayed on the houseboat. I have always wanted to stay on a houseboat on one of the canals, and this was my first time doing so, as well as my first time using the Book a Houseboat website. I could not have been happier. I felt like I was in a warm, cozy cabin on the canal, in the heart of the city, but not in the heart of the noise. Lydia could not have been better with her communication before and during my stay. I was greeted by her, her famous police cat, Amsterdam, his brother, and their neighbor friend. If you do not know what I am talking about, I’m sure you will soon learn. The snacks were outstanding; I should not call them snacks, the supplies were wonderful. I did not feel I needed to rush out immediately to get something to eat or drink, though this was a solo trip for me. I also understand and see why it is also called the romantic houseboat. Whether I returned alone or with someone else, I would definitely consider another stay if it was available. Lydia, police cat, your brother, and friend, thank you all. Happy everything. Stephen, Los Angeles, California

I admit I booked this houseboat because one of the owner's cats is @Police_Cat_Amsterdam, and I've followed the account for some time. Lydia was great at responding to questions (accounting for an 8-hour time difference) and was willing to stash our luggage as we knew we'd be arriving a few hours before official check-in time. Luckily, the previous guests were gone early, and she welcomed us on board once we arrived - and we were also greeted by her two lovely cats (she knew in advance we were happy to have them around). Lydia spent some time chatting with us (which we welcomed) and repeatedly asked if we needed anything. She even helped with our luggage, which was not expected, and provided some helpful information for the area.

The boat is located on a canal travelled by a number of "canal cruises," and it was great fun to sit on the desk and watch them come and go - even more fun when a captain/guide would point out "Amsterdam's police cat" and people would be sure to get photos/video of him. While it may sound busy, the street is very quiet, and once inside, we really never heard any noise from passing boats (and it was a Saturday night). The "living area" inside is larger than expected (although we spent most of our time on the deck), the bed space in the bow spans the entire width of the boat, and the bathroom is a good size as well. Lydia offered to set up an air bed as we are not a couple and prefer to sleep separately, but we were happy to do it ourselves once she showed us where it (and the electric pump) were kept. As we stayed only 1 night, we didn't make use of most of the provided amenities (coffee maker, kettle, toaster, microwave, and shower toiletries), but it was nice to have them available. If you want sleek, modern accommodation, this is probably not the place for you as the boat is 150 years old, but it has everything you need! I wanted to make a memory for us, and getting the "postcard" canal houseboat experience was certainly fulfilled - portholes for windows is just one example of the charm of staying on an older, traditional houseboat.

Lydia is a very gracious host. She was very accommodating and there if you needed her. We had wine waiting on us and enjoyed many hours on deck watching the boats go by. It is a 15min walk to almost everything you would want to see. It is a quiet little neighborhood with an awesome cafe on the corner. They set up a market across the canal during the week. The boat is 100 years old with lots of character. It was very cozy and relaxing. If you are the type that wants to stay in a 5 star Waldorf Astoria then this isn’t for you. If your looking for cozy, clean and relaxing that is a short walk to everything this is the place. Lydia is awesome and we enjoyed her cats coming around occasionally. If we make it back to Amsterdam we will definitely stay again.

Our stay on Lydia’s boat was a perfect way to spend 4 days in Amsterdam. Lydia greeted us and was a wonderful guide for places to get coffee and dinner. The cabin had everything we needed and was located in a quiet area that was close to everything. We loved the flowers that surrounded the boat and the snacks Lydia provided.

Lydia's houseboat is always a fun stay. This is our second visit and we thoroughly enjoyed both experiences in Amsterdam. The location is perfect for making the most of seeing the sights. A quiet neighbourhood with coffee shops, restaurants and a supermarket all nearby and the central train station an easy 20 minute walk. Lydia is a wonderful host, helpful with ideas and suggestions, generous with her time and easy to communicate with. For a different and unforgettable accommodation experience we would recommend the Romantic Houseboat.