Apartment rental vs Houseboat rental in Amsterdam
Jul 19th, 2011, 10:20 AM
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Apartment rental vs Houseboat rental in Amsterdam
Hi,
My husband and I are thinking of heading to Amsterdam early next Spring for 6-7 nights. We like renting apartments when we travel, so naturally, we'd like to do the same while we're in Amsterdam.
While reading some older threads, I see mentions about houseboat rental in Amsterdam. I think that would be quite fun, but since I've never stayed on a houseboat, I would love to get some input from those who have knowledge about it.
If you've stayed at a houseboat rental, can you give me a run down of the pros and cons, and how it's different than staying in a regular apt rental?
Do you find the houseboat more/less quiet?
Do you feel the motion of the water?
Would there be any weather issues (hard to keep the place warm, eg) since we're planning to go in early March?
What other things that are unique about houseboat rental that I should be aware of?
Thanks!
My husband and I are thinking of heading to Amsterdam early next Spring for 6-7 nights. We like renting apartments when we travel, so naturally, we'd like to do the same while we're in Amsterdam.
While reading some older threads, I see mentions about houseboat rental in Amsterdam. I think that would be quite fun, but since I've never stayed on a houseboat, I would love to get some input from those who have knowledge about it.
If you've stayed at a houseboat rental, can you give me a run down of the pros and cons, and how it's different than staying in a regular apt rental?
Do you find the houseboat more/less quiet?
Do you feel the motion of the water?
Would there be any weather issues (hard to keep the place warm, eg) since we're planning to go in early March?
What other things that are unique about houseboat rental that I should be aware of?
Thanks!
Jul 20th, 2011, 06:02 AM
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Look at SwimChick's trip report "It was all fun + games til the food poisoning"
After reading her first few posts, we booked the boat she described for next May. We've had boats in the past, though, and know we have no trouble sleeping on them
After reading her first few posts, we booked the boat she described for next May. We've had boats in the past, though, and know we have no trouble sleeping on them
Jul 20th, 2011, 06:15 AM
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Here's link to the report: http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-poisoning.cfm
I love the idea of having outdoor deck space on the houseboat to sit and watch the canal traffic.
I love the idea of having outdoor deck space on the houseboat to sit and watch the canal traffic.
Jul 20th, 2011, 06:54 AM
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We stayed for a week on a houseboat that was owned by a B&B a few years ago in the Jordaan neighborhood. They've since sold the boat, but here are my impressions of houseboat living...
I would probably only do it again if I could stay in a very large, modern boat. We stayed on an older boat and it was cramped and rather musty. The water was undrinkable and left a film on our bodies after a shower. Not much room to maneuver around in the bedroom, since space was at a premium. (But we knew it was small before we booked it.)
I didn't really feel any swells unless a rather large boat went by. We also were there in March, but it was unseasonably warm and we didn't notice the cold inside. I'm sure that would depend on the boat's heating system, which I would ask about.
It was an adventure, but a week was a bit too much on such a small boat. Like I said, if I did it again, the boat would have to be larger and more luxurious.
We loved, however, getting food from the markets and enjoying meals and snacks on deck, watching the world go by.
I also fell in love with the Jordaan neighborhood -- great vibe, excellent cafes, shops, galleries and funky stores.
Have fun, Amsterdam is one of my favorite places.
I would probably only do it again if I could stay in a very large, modern boat. We stayed on an older boat and it was cramped and rather musty. The water was undrinkable and left a film on our bodies after a shower. Not much room to maneuver around in the bedroom, since space was at a premium. (But we knew it was small before we booked it.)
I didn't really feel any swells unless a rather large boat went by. We also were there in March, but it was unseasonably warm and we didn't notice the cold inside. I'm sure that would depend on the boat's heating system, which I would ask about.
It was an adventure, but a week was a bit too much on such a small boat. Like I said, if I did it again, the boat would have to be larger and more luxurious.
We loved, however, getting food from the markets and enjoying meals and snacks on deck, watching the world go by.
I also fell in love with the Jordaan neighborhood -- great vibe, excellent cafes, shops, galleries and funky stores.
Have fun, Amsterdam is one of my favorite places.
Jul 20th, 2011, 09:22 AM
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I am, at this moment, sitting in our houseboat rental sipping a glass of wine and looking out on a canal in Amsterdam. I had to reply. I think renting a houseboat was a wonderful idea. We have rented apartments in various European cities for many years now and this year decided upon Amsterdam. We are a couple in our "later years" and are not great fans of modern non-descript hotels/buildings/apartments. Although I might add we do appreciate modern plumbing and nice bedding. This particular houseboat is in the northwestern section of the City which is out of the way of the tourist area. Transportation (trams) and stores are within easy walking distance. There is even a beauty parlor a few doors down the street which offers to "play with your hair". I can hear the water lapping against the boat when other boats pass but there is very little movement. It really is beautiful sitting here watching the sun and making friends with the ducks, swans and another unidentified waterfowl. I vote for "by all means go for the houseboat".
Jul 20th, 2011, 10:05 AM
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Thanks for pointing out swimchick's TR!
I'm still undecided; Nanbug's comment is what I'm a bit worried about. Since we're going in early March, I don't think it'll be warm enough to sit outside to enjoy the weather. And I'm worried about the houseboat being damp and musty. Unfortunately, our budget is limited so we can't really afford one of the bigger/nicer houseboats, and like Nanbug says, 1 week in a small & cramped space can be challenging...
I'm still undecided; Nanbug's comment is what I'm a bit worried about. Since we're going in early March, I don't think it'll be warm enough to sit outside to enjoy the weather. And I'm worried about the houseboat being damp and musty. Unfortunately, our budget is limited so we can't really afford one of the bigger/nicer houseboats, and like Nanbug says, 1 week in a small & cramped space can be challenging...
Jul 20th, 2011, 10:39 AM
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YK, are there reviews from previous guests who stayed in the houseboat you're considering? If so, you can PM them on TripAdvisor (for example) and ask specific questions about the smell and heat. Or ask the owner, usually folks are pretty up-front about stuff like that because they don't want you to be disappointed.
As an alternative, maybe you can find a good apartment on a canal? Or a B&B? That way, you'd at least get the nice view and you'll be all toasty warm if the weather's cold.
As an alternative, maybe you can find a good apartment on a canal? Or a B&B? That way, you'd at least get the nice view and you'll be all toasty warm if the weather's cold.
Jul 20th, 2011, 10:55 AM
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NanBug, I've been browsing through apartment rentals and there are a good # of them w/canal views AND cheaper than a houseboat rental.
I'm going to mull over this for now. We may invite my in-laws to come on the trip and if they do, then perhaps we can afford one of the bigger, newer houseboats.
I'm going to mull over this for now. We may invite my in-laws to come on the trip and if they do, then perhaps we can afford one of the bigger, newer houseboats.
Jul 20th, 2011, 12:45 PM
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We spent three nights in a houseboat in the Jordaan District four years ago and we had a great time. This was in mid-March, but the weather was near perfect. One storm moved through during that period, but it passed quickly and cold temperatures were not a problem. That is no guarantee that you would have the same weather, but the weather will be the same on a boat tied to the side of a canal as it will in a hotel a few feet away. The best experience for us was sitting on deck sipping wine and watching the sun set behind West Church. I cannot describe the whole thing, but I do have pictures posted at http://www.flickr.com/photos/3701558...7622214875139/
Jul 22nd, 2011, 12:09 PM
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We have rented a houseboat twice. There were no issues with mustiness at all, and only once (when a large tour boat went by) did I notice movement (and large tour boats went by frequently).
I didn't feel cramped, and am accustomed to living in a fairly spacious environment. (Asked DH also, he indicated he did not feel cramped either, and mentioned that we utilized heat in both houseboats with no issue).
I did like, although not a deciding factor, that there wasn't a steep set of stairs to climb, as there have been in rental apartments.
I didn't feel cramped, and am accustomed to living in a fairly spacious environment. (Asked DH also, he indicated he did not feel cramped either, and mentioned that we utilized heat in both houseboats with no issue).
I did like, although not a deciding factor, that there wasn't a steep set of stairs to climb, as there have been in rental apartments.
Jul 25th, 2011, 05:44 AM
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A houseboat is all nice, romantic and cozy... until the weather gets ugly. I don't want to spoil the fun though and if you like camping, a houseboat in general is a fine choice.
However, especially in early March, I wouldn't advice it if you're looking for comfort. Chances are the maximum temperature won't top 10*C/50*F (with chances of 24h/day freezing being considerably larger than those to reaching 50*), around 80% relative humidity and rain (or wet snow) 10% of the time. The water still is cold that time of year and fog should be expected - no nice conditions to stay on a steel or wooden boat IMHO. I would opt for a good B&B, preferably one featuring a nice fireplace.
End of March or even later in the season would be a much better time to spend on a (house-) boat.
However, especially in early March, I wouldn't advice it if you're looking for comfort. Chances are the maximum temperature won't top 10*C/50*F (with chances of 24h/day freezing being considerably larger than those to reaching 50*), around 80% relative humidity and rain (or wet snow) 10% of the time. The water still is cold that time of year and fog should be expected - no nice conditions to stay on a steel or wooden boat IMHO. I would opt for a good B&B, preferably one featuring a nice fireplace.
End of March or even later in the season would be a much better time to spend on a (house-) boat.
Aug 6th, 2011, 10:22 PM
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we stayed here and loved it
http://www.vrbo.com/82969
http://www.vrbo.com/82969
Jan 2nd, 2013, 04:06 AM
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My advice is that if staying on a houseboat holds great appeal to you, then ask a couple of sensible questions, and just do it! You will have a unique experience.
I have lived on a houseboat in Amsterdam since last March (it's now January), and have lived for shorter times on one other houseboat here. I LOVE life on my boat.
With the proper heating and insulation, a houseboat can be just as cosy as an apartment, but there are many boats which are not so warm. So check on the heating system (is it gas central heating or a woodstove, for instance!). Check references on the property from other autumn/winter/spring dates.
Ideally, boats keep the water out. Unfortunately that also means they keep the water in! Condensation (and damp) are therefore issues on a houseboat if it is not properly ventilated. Ask about this.
Most tourist-let houseboats are nicely decorated - you should be able to tell from the pictures. One thing to look out for is the number of windows/portholes/hatches to let in light. Some houseboats maintain the original design of the ship very well - but this means less natural light.
Because they are so desirable, you will pay at least as much per square meter for a houseboat as for a nice canal apartment. So you may have a smaller place - you should ask for the size.
Houseboats are categorised as "Woonboot" or "Woonark". (Pron: vone-boat; vone-ark.) The former is a real boat, the latter looks like a caravan (trailer) on the water! Even though the woonboot looks more romantic from the outside, don't reject a woonark - they are often lovely inside, and have the advantage of modern construction and windows with great views of the water. In a woonboot, the windows are higher, so you may not see the water at all from inside the boat.
The degree of motion depends on the weight of the boat and how busy the canal is. A steel hulled boat will rock less - a light woonark on a busy canal will have a bit of noticable motion now and again. It's really not like being on a boat in the sea, but if you are super-worried about this .... ask!
As for me - I'm super lucky on my echte woonboot (real house boat), with central heating to warm up the 60sq m interior, windows plus overhead hatches giving lots of light. In the spring, I had a family of swans nesting on the floating garden next to the boat. I enjoy my houseboat, and really suggest you try it if you are interested too. houseboathotel.nl has a range of boats to rent, B&B on boats, and holiday let flats, and when staying in Amsterdam in the past I've found them reasonably competitively priced and consistently high quality. Good luck with your Amsterdam adventure!
I have lived on a houseboat in Amsterdam since last March (it's now January), and have lived for shorter times on one other houseboat here. I LOVE life on my boat.
With the proper heating and insulation, a houseboat can be just as cosy as an apartment, but there are many boats which are not so warm. So check on the heating system (is it gas central heating or a woodstove, for instance!). Check references on the property from other autumn/winter/spring dates.
Ideally, boats keep the water out. Unfortunately that also means they keep the water in! Condensation (and damp) are therefore issues on a houseboat if it is not properly ventilated. Ask about this.
Most tourist-let houseboats are nicely decorated - you should be able to tell from the pictures. One thing to look out for is the number of windows/portholes/hatches to let in light. Some houseboats maintain the original design of the ship very well - but this means less natural light.
Because they are so desirable, you will pay at least as much per square meter for a houseboat as for a nice canal apartment. So you may have a smaller place - you should ask for the size.
Houseboats are categorised as "Woonboot" or "Woonark". (Pron: vone-boat; vone-ark.) The former is a real boat, the latter looks like a caravan (trailer) on the water! Even though the woonboot looks more romantic from the outside, don't reject a woonark - they are often lovely inside, and have the advantage of modern construction and windows with great views of the water. In a woonboot, the windows are higher, so you may not see the water at all from inside the boat.
The degree of motion depends on the weight of the boat and how busy the canal is. A steel hulled boat will rock less - a light woonark on a busy canal will have a bit of noticable motion now and again. It's really not like being on a boat in the sea, but if you are super-worried about this .... ask!
As for me - I'm super lucky on my echte woonboot (real house boat), with central heating to warm up the 60sq m interior, windows plus overhead hatches giving lots of light. In the spring, I had a family of swans nesting on the floating garden next to the boat. I enjoy my houseboat, and really suggest you try it if you are interested too. houseboathotel.nl has a range of boats to rent, B&B on boats, and holiday let flats, and when staying in Amsterdam in the past I've found them reasonably competitively priced and consistently high quality. Good luck with your Amsterdam adventure!
