Houseboat in Old Center

We were looking forward to a houseboat with unique décor.  Instead we got an old boat with every surface loaded with junk, dark, blinds that wouldn't work to allow more light, stuff absolutely everywhere so no place to put, much less unload, our suitcases, old worn furniture etc. etc. etc.  We left after one night losing our 3 day deposit.

Response from the owner:

We are really sorry to hear that you have not had the experience that you expected to have, and that hundreds of previous guests have had. However, I do have to say that you did make a mistake: arriving the day before your stay. Bernie called us and we went to meet the couple asap. Obviously, the houseboat was not ready since we expected you to arrive a day later. However, we did our utmost to ensure that the guests could sleep there. We prepared the bed and did a first cleaning. We then proposed to come back the next day, at noon to complete the cleaning. Sure Bernie's mistake had to spoil the couple's first night. They left the boat before us coming back and we have not had the chance to arrange things for them. We sent the emails to the booking site explaining our position and efforts we made so that the guests could start their stay rather. Thank you Bernie for your review recalling it is important to respect the check in on the right day. About the stars, there are visible through the zenithal window of the bedroom for the night ;-) Best regards, Lionel.

First thing to say is that the host is very nice and the location of the houseboat is perfect. You are right in the heart of the city and still get to rest in a quiet place. Everything you need (supermarkets, shopping districts, cafés etc.) is within 10-15min walk radius.

The interior might not be everyones thing during the day but once the night falls and all the lights inside are on, the magic and the beauty of this place unfold. You'll find yourself relaxing in cozy armchairs. The nice stereo and computer (both on board) create a smooth ambience. The bathroom is fully functional with constant warm water supply. The kitchen provides everything one needs.

Why not 5/5? The door hinges need to be fixed since the door jams a lot making you feel like you are breaking in :D The bed is pretty big and a new mattress should make it perfect. The electrical system is fully functional but requires some adjustments as well.

The check-in and check-out was going smooth and straightforward.

We enjoyed our stay a lot and will definitely book again.

Nous avons passé 1 semaine complète sur le Houseboat de Lionel qui s'est mis en 4 pour nous rendre service et rendre notre séjour plus agréable. Le houseboat est très bien équipé et décoré avec beaucoup de gout. Il est situé sur un canal paisible dans le centre d'Amsterdam (ce qui est plutôt rare), très pratique car nous étions près de tout à pied ou à vélo. La station de métro Nieuwmarkt est à 1 minute. Lionel, qui parle parfaitement le Français, a également accueilli notre petite chienne à bras ouvert. Nous avons prévu d'y retourner lors de notre prochain voyage à Amsterdam.

We spent a whole week in may in with our little dog who was more than welcome aboard. Lionel's boat is cosy, well equiped and beautifully decorated in bohemian style. Our host was really charming and sweet and made everything possible to make our stay very comfortable. The houseboat is located on a quiet canal in the center of Amsterdam (yes, that's possible!) so we where close to everything. Highly recommended for a unique experience in Amsterdam, we have planned to book it again for our next trip to this wonderful city.

We had four wonderful days and nights in the beautiful city of Amsterdam!

Our houseboat was in an absolutely quiet place, in the Raamgracht. Only few steps from the old city away, but totally quiet and green! Every morning there were ducks and geese to say hello  :-)

The houseboat is not the newest, but that does't matter! It has everything you need and we slept very good and long in the big and cosy bed! There is a window over the bed, where you can see the tree above you! That is so awsome!

Thanks to the owner, who waited for us and told us everything we had to know.

We had four great days in Amsterdam! 

My husband and I absolutely loved our stay. The house boat provided a cozy, bohemian setting for the ultimate Amsterdam experience. Lionel (who could not be any sweeter) went above and beyond to make sure we were settled in despite our delayed arrival with a thorough orientation and invitation to help ourselves to anything In his (well stocked) kitchen, computer, library and bathroom (toiletries included)! Only a 5 minute stroll to Rembrandt's house, morning markets and city centre, yet perfectly situated In a serene, beautiful canal complete with ducks and the occasional swan! We cannot wait to return and wouldn't want to stay anywhere else.

We absolutely loved our three nights on Lionel's houseboat. Our stay there was definitely the best part of our European vacation, and we truly hated to leave. The houseboat is on a beautiful canal in a peaceful neighborhood, yet it's just a very short walk to museums, shops, open air market, and restaurants. We went on one of those guided canal tours, and our captain highlighted this canal as "one of the most beautiful in all of Amsterdam". We pointed out the houseboat and told him we were staying there, and the captain said, "You are very lucky to be staying on this canal!". Lionel was the perfect host. He welcomed us warmly, even though we were late. He told us everything we needed to know about the boat and the neighborhood. I accidentally left something behind when we left, and Lionel was so gracious about sending it to me, even though I know it meant a lot of extra work on his part. He is a wonderful host -- a true gentleman. We hope to visit Amsterdam again in a year or two, and we will definitely stay on Lionel's houseboat again. It made our entire stay in Amsterdam very special.

We booked a long weekend in Amsterdam this Winter and were looking for a more original place to stay. This houseboat was just what we were looking for and it did not disappoint. It's very central in town. Big stores nearby to do some grocery shopping. Yet it is still very quiet. The boat itself is pretty big, with a nice kitchen, good bathroom, spacious living room and very comfortable bed (including a window in the ceiling to look at stars and birds) The reception by the owner was very friendly and the small tour very informative. To the people that want a different experience than the standard hotel room, I would highly recommend it.

The location of the houseboat is fantastic, conveniently located in the city center and tucked away on a quiet side street. We loved waking up in the morning to the eager neighborly swans and we appreciated the opportunity to stay somewhere unique. The inside of the boat can best be described as bohemian kitsch. Numerous individual lights and lamps are scattered throughout, many of which have different color options and a couple of which have a strobe setting. To be honest, it feels quite tight with all of the furniture and decorations (slightly different than in the photos) and would be much more comfortable for guests if the owner would simplify the space by reducing the clutter. There was no convenient place for us to put our suitcases, for example. The inside of the boat was rather musty, and we woke up in the morning feeling congested. This may be common for house boats, but it seems as though all of the clutter may prevent the boat from being thoroughly cleaned. The water was hot and shower pressure was firm, a pleasant feature. However, the bed was very uncomfortable. It has two twin/single mattresses pushed together that are extremely soft. We are fit young adults and found ourselves with aching bodies and back pain every morning. Moreover, the boat leans to the right - most likely due to how it is docked, which means that anything round rolls off of tables, and we rolled to the right every night in bed. The one of us on the left ended up in the crack of the two mattresses, while the other on the right nearly rolled off the bed completely.

Overall, we found this houseboat to be quite uncomfortable. Hans was friendly during our brief encounter with him, but we would not recommend this accommodation at this price point.

RESPONSE FROM THE HOST:

Thank you Jacob for your warm comment. You are absolutely right when you write "the location of the houseboat is fantastic, ideally located in the city center and tucked away in a quiet street, enjoying the opportunity to stay somewhere unique or enjoying the hot water and the firm pressure of the shower". About the bed, I followed your advice and the mattresses were changed. They are new and very comfortable according to the new guests. Again, I would be very happy to welcome you for a 5-star stay just like the 30 previous 5-star reviews and stays. About the lights, the furniture, the decorations, the space's layout or the boat's alignment, I take into account your opinion as I must also take into account the 30 previous 5-star reviews.

Booking of a houseboat is an incomparable experience as well as booking of a house in a tree, a glambing or a lighthouse as proposed by the website with bookatreehouse, bookaglambing or bookalighthouse. These are neither hotels nor traditional houses or apartments. It's an invitation to travel through an unique experience.

Like to be on the center of it all but need peace and tranquillity at night? This is your place! Walk wherever you need to and come home to a cozy houseboat that has everything you need...especially if you like eclectic,funky art. Internet,microwave and probably the most co.fortavle king-sized bed in all Netherlands! Lionel is the perfect host...communicates early on in the process, very accommodating and though we did not need him, we felt we could reach him if we did...

We have spend 4 nights in this peculiar and amazing houseboat. The interior is strange with its butterfly theme, its golden ceiling and its carpented walls and the large amount of mirrors. It sounds awkward but is actually very nice - you absolutely feel at home even if it's not your style. We enjoyed every minute of our stay in the boat and preferred to dine at the boat two evenings. The boat is located in a great canal, close to the Waterloo square and the river Amstel. You will find nice restaurants, beautiful lunch places and lovely shops. The boat is very recommendable for 2 persons. Lionel is a very attentive host who takes good care of his guests. Do book this boat - you won't regret it. Thanks Lionel for a nice stay! Anders

We spent three nights in this charming place ad fell in love with the funny details, quirky design and great view over the water. And most of all the great location: right in the middle of Amsterdam city centre! Highly recommended and I hope it will still be available next time we visit this city. Thanks Lionel.

Das Hausboot von Lionel war absolut sauber und ganz gemutlich. Die Lage haben wir definitiv die beste von Amsterdam gefunden. Es war ruhig und trotzdem ist es ins mitten von der Stadt! Wir haben eine super schone Ferien gehabt. Vielen Dank Lionel!

Die 3 Engel

The stay on Lionels was super comfortable, the boat has about everything you need and is centrally located. You can get anywhere in amsterdam very fast, and the metro station next door is absolutely great! Overall the stay was lovely and I would recommend it to everyone who loves this cosy boat.

Love, Manoj

We have stayed in this lovely houseboat for some days and loved every minute of it. The host Lionel was great and the "Bohemian" decoration of the houseboat was fun yet comfy.

The location is simply terrific for seeing the city. We walked about everywhere we wanted and the tram and bus were only minutes away.

At night the tranquility of the neighborhood was amazing (remember you're in the city centre!) with the cosy rocking of the boat. The ducks and swans drifted by in front of the open windows, that was a treat. The restaurants that were recommended by Lionel were fantastic and overall we had an amazing time in Amsterdam.

Would come back any time!

Steve

The accommodation that Lionel provides in his houseboat is truly one of a kind! The detailed and creatively decorated houseboat made us feel comfortable and homey during our entire stay. It is just the best place to come back to after exploring the city. Lionel is very caring and helpful in giving recommendations for anything you might be interested in and his houseboat contains everything you can think of to feel at home. Big recommendation for everyone who would like to stay in the heart of the city with a tiny garden in front and a great sound system inside!

Lionel/Jordi was (as one) great host! I received all information about the boat and the city. Everything works good and I had a good and safe experience. The boat is exactly the same you see on internet.

The host Lionel has really thought of anything you can imagine. If it is not there, you don't need it.The houseboat is tidy, neat, clean and very cosy. And the location is absolutely great in the old city of Amsterdam with a supermarket around the corner. We will rent this place again during a future trip. Loved it! Scotty

We really enjoyed our 5 nights at Lionel's houseboat.

It is situated right in the heart of Amsterdam, however the street Its self is very quiet and peaceful, so it is very relaxing.

Lionel met us when we arrived and was very friendly, informative and helpful.

What we loved most about the houseboat is the thoughtful designs and decorations. There was a lot to discover, we noticed mirrors butterflys or photos placed in the perfect spot. Very unique and original touches that really adds to our experience of Amsterdam!

Hope to return again one day!

Best Wishes,

Per Roger and Sarah

Staying here was a great way to spend time while visiting Amsterdam!

And for single lady visiting Amsterdam, I can tell you that I came and went from the houseboat at all hours. It's in a quiet neighborhood and I felt completely safe alone. It's about a 5-10 minute walk to Dam Square, and the Red Light District. And many more interesting places all around. Lionel takes a great deal of time covering everything on the houseboat and how it works. He also gave me his cell phone number in case I need anything during the stay which again was comforting since I was in a foreign city and I didn't know a soul! Overall, it was a great experience! Norma

Lovely quiet canal, charming and quirky houseboat, delightful warm welcome from Hans. Will definitely want to stay again!

Really nice stay on the Boat, lovely and cozy and really good location.

The stay was just perfect. Lionel is a lovely person and the boat is so cute! The location is just perfect and inside the houseboat you will find anything you need. So I will absolutely come back in the future. Luca

We loved staying in Lionel's houseboat and felt that it provided a unique and authentic Amsterdam experience! Everything was cozy and kitsch and perfect for what we were looking for. We rented bikes a 5 min walk from the boat (note that the Mac Bikes in the area has relocated a few blocks from it's original locale!) and took the metro at the station 3 min from the boat to take in an Ajax FC game. As noted in the listing, the boat is on a quieter canal, but very close to all of the action. We were greeted by church bells and swan visitors in the morning--a lovely way to wake up!

We greatly enjoyed staying in Lionel's houseboat! His cousin greeted us warmly and showed us everything, and emphasized that we could call him or Lionel anytime with any questions or problems. The boat was a comfortable size for two people, and the kitchen had everything we needed. The decorations were very charming, and the boat was just a short walk from many of the sites we wanted to visit.

What a wonderful place to stay in a perfect location!  You provided so much helpful information for what to do and where the best pastries were!  Thank you!  Your houseboat is so unique and charming.   I loved it.

We stayed for 4 nights on Lionel's lovely houseboat. We were without our children for Christmas so wanted to escape and not have Christmas! It was a perfect location, easy access from the Airport and then really easy to get to everywhere we wanted to visit. Lionel was really helpful in deciding where to go to eat for our Not Christmas dinner. He helped us out with buying a few things for our late arrival on Christmas Eve. All in all a great place to stay, helpful owner, and welcome from a friend. No complaints at all. If you want complete luxury not the place for you but if want to be in an interesting space then it’s perfect.

Perfect location on a quiet canal. Close to everything we wanted to see and do. Felt like coming home after each outing. Lionel was the perfect host and could not do enough to ensure a wonderful stay. Loved sharing the view with the boats that cruised by...and the ducks, of course. A cool and authentic way to enjoy the city!

We just completed an amazing stay in Amsterdam on this incredible houseboat. Checking-in was a breeze, the location could not have been better (right in the middle of everything) and the boat was super cool. Loved it!

The houseboat has a unique and lovely interior and the host is a very friendly guy who thinks about every possible detail. The boat is close to the centre, but at night the area is still very quiet so you can sleep well. The flea market across the street and the shops around are a real treat. We were overloaded with very useful information, and we felt so welcome. Will definitely return when we come to Amsterdam again!

Again, we decided to come back for two weeks. We had again a really good stay. Lionel is very helpful and makes you feel totally welcome. Any comfort in a warm vibes and boheme style. We love very nice opening above bed. You can watch moon and stars lying in bed. Lionel, with his nice home, friendly, will give you lots of tips. We yet booked our next stay in 2014.