A simple walk along the canals of Amsterdam will make you notice the dozens of shore boats that function as dwellings. The vessels can often transform into a place where tourists can spend the night (or nights). In the city, several companies offer to rent private houses on water, even for a day, while others rent such places by week or month. They’ve been there for decades, and they have their own address, just like the buildings that are facing them across the street. These are the floating apartments that can be rented for a holiday spent on the water. Or the water houses in Amsterdam.
Advantages of water houses in Amsterdam
The water houses in Amsterdam are much more spacious than the hotel rooms, and in many cases, you have no neighbors. They are well located, and it is very convenient to be one step away from the street, instead of the 40 you have to go through the last floor of the surrounding buildings, to reach outside. Therefore you do not share any wall with anyone. Especially if you come to Amsterdam with a group of 3-6 people, you can find a house on the water with more beds or more rooms, where everyone can stay, this is more pleasant than to split a tiny room in a hotel. The boathouses on the water usually have a kitchen equipped with everything you need, so you can buy the necessary grocery and cook at home, saving money.
If you are in Amsterdam, check here for the things you could do in Netherland’s capital.
Disadvantages of water houses in Amsterdam
They’re not cheap, and in fact, they can be pretty expensive. Then, depending on the location, the boathouses can swing at the rhythm of the infernal traffic on the very crowded canals, up to 16 hours a day. Of course, most of the canals are quiet and free of clutter, but some of the largest are on cruise ship routes, so a ship passes through the area every few minutes. If you’re seasick or motion sick, then you might have a problem.
For a single person or for a couple, a house on the water in Amsterdam may not be worth the financial effort, but for larger groups, this accommodation variant is funny and unique in its own way. So if you are 2 or 3 couples traveling together, or even 4 single persons, renting a house on the water can be an unforgettable experience and an excellent business, considering what you get for the money you give. In addition, hotel rooms in Amsterdam are tiny, even those of the expensive hotels. Most of these places have large living rooms, similar to a big apartment in a hotel. They are equipped with TV and stereo systems, and since you have no neighbors, you can give a pretty noisy party right on the boat.
Beware before making a reservation at a house on the water!
Usually, the agencies that rent them by day or week offer houses in central locations, but you should still check before making the reservation. The center of Amsterdam is quite compact, although slowly, the city extends into the suburbs. Renting such a house on the water away from the enthusiasm in the center is not a very good idea.
If you search the sites that offer houses on the water for rent, the cheapest offers will be almost always far from the city center. This aspect must be carefully treated because staying in such a house in the center or near the center can be a wonderful and unforgettable experience. Still, if your location is 2 kilometers or even further away, you will feel slightly extinguished.
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