Amsterdam Center - Houseboat by Captain Ricard
Location: 31X Oudeschans Houseboat, Amsterdam, nl
Star Rating: 9.3 Stars
Property Type: Guest houses
About this Property
Unique Houseboat Accommodation
Experience a unique stay at Amsterdam Center - Houseboat B&B by Captain Ricard, a recently renovated bed and breakfast located in the heart of Amsterdam City Centre. Enjoy stunning lake and river views from the terrace of this charming property.
Convenient Amenities
Park with ease on-site and stay connected with complimentary WiFi during your stay. Indulge in the luxury of towels and bed linen provided, along with the option of wine or champagne in your room.
Explore with Ease
Take advantage of the bicycle rental service to explore the city effortlessly. With popular attractions like Artis Zoo and Dam Square nearby, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Amsterdam. Book now for a memorable stay!
Important Information
This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.
Policies
Check-in: 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Amenities & Facilities
- Non-smoking rooms
- Terrace
- Non-smoking throughout
- Private check-in/check-out
- Board games/puzzles
- Shuttle service (additional charge)
- Concierge service
- Grocery deliveries
- Allergy-free room
- Adult only
- Outdoor furniture
- Staff adhere to local safety protocols
- Guest rooms disinfected between stays
- Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
- Physical distancing rules followed
- Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
- Cashless payment available
- Fire extinguishers
- First aid kit available
- Sanitized tableware & silverware
- Invoice provided
- Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
- Smoke alarms
- Shared stationery like menus, pens are removed
- Guest room sealed after cleaning
- Property cleaned by professional cleaning companies
- Food delivered to guest room
- Process in place to check health of guests
- Access to health care professionals
- Face masks for guests available
- Delivered food - securely covered
- Security alarm
- Thermometers for guests provided by property
- Free wired internet
- Airport transportation - pickup (surcharge)
- Airport transportation - drop-off (surcharge)
- Internet access
- Private picnics
- Wine release events
- Covered parking
- Bicycle-friendly property
- Accessible shuttle
- No accessible shuttle
- Accessible train station shuttle
- No accessible train station shuttle
Rooms Available
-
Double Room
The pool with a view is a top feature of this double room. Featuring free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The unit has a private entrance, lake views, a terrace and wine/champagne is available for guests. The unit has 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Hair dryer
- Bathrobe
- Desk
- Toilet
- Washing machine
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Slippers
- Private entrance
- Tile/marble floor
- Hardwood or parquet floors
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Cleaning products
- Coffee machine
- Terrace
- Linen
- Outdoor furniture
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Board games/puzzles
- Heated pool
- Pool towels
- Wine or champagne
- Bottle of water
- Trash cans
- Wine glasses
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Shower cap
- Socket near the bed
- Adapter
- Feather pillow
- Mobile hotspot device
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Hand sanitiser
Guest Reviews
- François (10/5): Dormir sur l’eau dans la plus grande tranquillité - Dormir dans une péniche à Amsterdam, c’est le must ! En plus l’emplacement est vraiment en plein centre. De plus très calme. Belle expérience
- Catherine Laval (8/5): Chouette séjour a Amsterdam à bord de la péniche de Rick - l'originalité du lieu et du concept, l'accueil de Rick, le confort du bateau pas de TV accessible alors que noté dans le descriptif
- Vanessa (9/5): Beautiful view of the canals - The room and facilities were very clean. I found the bed very comfortable. You have to enter via a narrow side ledge on the boat. Can be a little scary at night.
- Lotta (10/5): Es war ein phantastischer Urlaub, vorallem weil die Unterkunft so entspannt war. - Es war einfach alles stimmig. Ein klassisches Boot aber mit Charme und Raffinesse in eine wunderbar gemütliche Unterkunft verwandelt. Es war perfekt um sich vom lauten und vollen Alltag zu erholen und richtig runter zu fahren. Morgens auf Deck Kaffee zu trinken und die Sonne auf dem Wasser glitzern zu sehen ist einfach traumhaft schön. Rikard ist ein sehr freundlicher und hilfsbereiter Gastgeber.
- Francesco (10/5): Im Großen und Ganzen hat mir der Aufenthalt in Amsterdam sehr gefallen. Die Unterkunft war Super Toll und einzigartig. U - Das es sehr zentral war und es was besonderes ist in einem Boot zu schlafen.
- Jelena (9/5): -
- Johannes (10/5): -
- Christoph (9/5): Hausboot muss man in Amsterdam erlebt haben :) - Sehr schön eingerichtet! Schönes großes Bad. Netter und hilfsbereiter Gastgeber.
Perfekte Lage, direkt im Zentrum und nur 15 Minuten zu Fuß vom Bahnhof. Keine Absperrmöglichkeit.
Bett sehr weich.
- Anna-Elizabeth (10/5): Absolutely charming location and the experience of staying on a houseboat in such a beautiful and historic city was exac - It was a fantastic location, perfectly situated with a beautiful view. Close walk to museums and pleasure of stores, restaurants and coffee shops! Quiet, peaceful, the neighborhood is a normal working neighborhood so right in the heart of Amsterdam.
- Carlos (8/5): Em termos gerais alojamento corresponde as fotos e o proprietário é muito simpático e acolhedor, voltaria. - Tranquilo, disponibilidade do proprietário, localização, espaço Alojamento um pouco incomodo para altura do ano, verão é uma excelente escolha, inverno um pouco frio.
- Jean-marc (10/5): Très agréable séjour, au coeur d'Amsterdam dans un cadre original et calme - L'originalité du logement. L'emplacement central et calme. Les indications et recommandations du propriétaire
- Baker (5/5): It was a different experience, but wouldn't stay there again. - Great location very close to the centre. Comfortable walking distance from Amsterdam Centraal Station. Room was clean. The Captain lives on board so access to the accommodation was difficult as we were unable to enter via the main door. This meant having to walk along the side of the boat which was very narrow, and slippy, as it was raining. You can only do this walking sideways as it is very narrow, and by holding on to the gutter for safety which was wet as it was raining, covered in leaves/debris and the occasional cobweb. We found it dangerous and felt unsafe. It is not possible to do this with luggage.
In regard to the accommodation itself, I was travelling with a large suitcase and unfortunately there was no storage or cupboard space anywhere and the bedroom was quite compact to start with. There is only one mirror which is in the bathroom behind the sink and fogs up after a shower. Not ideal for applying make-up etc.
There is no TV in the room, or even a radio we could listen to or stream music.
- H (3/5): Sadly, the security issues and lacking management contradict the great potential of this location. - The rooms were clean and not mouldy. The interaction with the cleaning lady has been very pleasant. Security breach: Rooms could not be locked. The other tenant of the boat (a "mate" of the landlord) could have had access anytime.
Security risk: No lightning for the flight of stairs down to the basement where the rooms are located (when coming down from the deck).
I was only able to check in at 6.20pm CET in the evening. After a red-eye flight and arrival to Amsterdam at 8am in the morning this was very trying. Also, the communication with the landlord (started well in advance about the option of an early check-in) has been tiresome. The argument for not being able to check in early or in the course of the afternoon was that cleaning has not been completed yet. (Though I appreciate that I could at least leave my luggage at the boat during the day.)
The landlord first did not want to come himself to settle me in. He was also not available for check out. My DOB for registration I had to provide during the stay.
In the room, some switches did not work. Batteries of electric candles were empty.
The locker to the outside deposit of keys was rusty and had to be operated open with a knife.
- Wasim (8/5): Worth the money - The location was excellent! Walking distance from almost anything. The bathroom was amazing for a boat house. If only there was any closet space or hangers anywhere, we spent 7 days off our bags that took significant space in the room from the already tight space in the bedroom.
The bed slightly tilts backwords from top. If you are a picky sleeper it might annoy you.
Going in and out of the boat needs a bit of getting used to, very narrow passage on the side of the boat.
- Yannick (10/5): -
- damas (10/5): Dormir dans une péniche qui est en plus décorée avec bcp de goût , à été une superbe expérience. - L’emplacement, la décoration l’accueil !
- Maria (9/5): When in Amsterdam stay on a canal boat - Perfect central location, lovely boat atmosphere and interior, huge and very comfortable bed, large bathroom with excellent shower (and a bath). Owner could be reached easily and kindly agreed to store suitcases before check-in and after check-out. Tea and coffee making facilities. Back entrance required walking along narrow side of the boat, holding on to the gutters. Generally OK but got a bit slippery after the rain. No hanging rails / hooks or space to unpack our suitcases. Not possible to exclude all light at night - I was glad to have brought my mask. Such a lovely place that on balance we would stay there again.
- Egzon (10/5): Exceptional - Amazing experience and comfort.
- Todd (10/5): A houseboat is a memorable way to spend a few nights in Amsterdam. A fun change from typical hotel accommodations. - Charming ambience and great location. Conveniently close to main city attractions. Very scenic location and amazingly quiet despite the proximity to tourist areas. Accommodations were perfect for a couple. Capt Ricard was a fantastic host! No complaints at all. It is a houseboat not a hotel, and the owner also resides there in separate quarters. Guests should adjust their expectations accordingly.
- Rees (10/5): We had a fantastic stay at this quaint, well-located houseboat. - The home was well kept, comfortable and exactly as described in the listing. The outdoor area was perfection for enjoying then canal scenery including many canal tour boats. The location was fantastic for accessing many attractions and excursions with a quick walk. Ricard was an accommodating host as well! We enjoyed everything about the property!
- Julie (9/5): Superb -
- Mathieu (10/5): Amsterdam best ship ;) - Captain Ricard is one of the best host i ever meet.. Nice welcome and lot of good advice. i really apreciate. Amazing ship cosy and comfortable and great location in town center, the percect place for a nice weekend in Amsterdam. thanks for all Rik
- Lucy (8/5): Very good -
- Denis (9/5): Superb -
- Salomé (10/5): A romantic and comfortable stay close to central Amsterdam. - The boat is located in a beautiful canal in a quiet and very authentic Amsterdam neighbourhood, whilst also being a short distance from the centre of the city. We were met by Captain Ric who was very friendly and helpful at check in, and were very happy with the huge size of a very comfortable bed and room, as well as a beautiful bathroom complete with marble surfaces, tub and shower. Additionally there is a totally separate entrance to the room, with access to our outdoor section of the boat, which allowed for greater privacy.
- Christopher (10/5): Exceptional - I thought the location was perfect. It is centrally located but in a very quiet and charming spot. The view on the deck was lovely and relaxing.
- Adriana (10/5): Great experience in the heart of Amsterdam - Our stay at the boat of Captain Ricard was very nice and comfortable. The room is spacious and comfortable. . The bathroom is private and well heated too.
Ricard was extra kind in:
1. Allowing us to leave our suitcases on the boat before check-in time so that we could go around the city,
2. Making available wine, coffee and tea in our room,
3. Giving us an extra duvet.
Thanks a lot! As said in other reviews, as the access to the room is on the other side of the boat, access requires walking through the narrow part of the boat deck. But if you have normal balance and fitness, you can simply walk on the deck slowly. It is part of the life on a boat.
- Aubrey (10/5): Exceptional -
- Maia (10/5): Exceptional - This boat was a dream to stay on! You can watch the boats on the canal with coffee in the morning from the upper deck or from the lower window. The decor is amazing, redone by an artist. The bathtub and shower are incredible and it’s located in the center. One of the coolest places I’ve ever stayed. Rik had the perfect balance of hosting and giving space. I absolutely hope to come back someday and stay here again.
- Kristen (9/5): An absolute dream stay in Amsterdam. - Rik’s boat was a dream stay! It was comfortable and clean and in a great location- close to everything but still quiet and Rik was always available by text to answer questions or give recommendations. Every night I read in the little nook by the porthole and every morning had coffee from the shop down the street on the little bow terrace. Church bells woke me up every morning and the water lapping on the boat lulled me to sleep at night. No question that the next time I’m in Amsterdam I will stay again! If you’re a light sleeper, bring earplugs- the bell tower rings on the hour and half hour. I loved that but I sleep like the dead. The only thing I’d warn others about is that the walkway along the side of the boat to get to the private entrance up front was a bit daunting the first few times- it’s pretty narrow and a little slanted. But I’m clumsy as they come and I got used to it in a day. If you have mobility or balance issues, it might be more difficult though. I also get motion sickness on boats but had no issues at all (I did have a patch just to be safe but I don’t think it was even necessary).
- Martin (9/5): Superb -
- Yingchun (10/5): Exceptional -
- David (9/5): an ideal way to feel a part of the extraordinary city of Amsterdam - location is terrific: it's a beautiful part of central Amsterdam, and residential and quiet. We walked everywhere. The owner was there when needed and helpful, but also didn't "crowd the (his houseboat) space".
- Jennifer (10/5): Houseboat living in the heart of Amsterdam! - Unique and in the perfect location. Captain Rick went above and beyond as a host. I’ve always wanted to stay on a houseboat and was pleasantly surprised by my experience. Highly recommend! Nothing!
- Rvarg007 (10/5): Exceptional - The houseboat is located in a great spot, it's near to many places to eat, Central Station, and where most tour buses and river cruises are located. The room was bigger than expected and will gladly stay here again.
- Sarah (10/5): Exceptional - Such a cool and unique experience to stay on a houseboat while in Amsterdam. Captain Ricard was so friendly and helpful and very good about communicating everything from check in/check out to any recommendations or extras I needed. As it is a houseboat, the room is 'cozy' and was perfect for one person. I was pleasantly surprised as well with how hot the water got in the shower and the awesome water pressure (wasn't expecting that)! Captain Ricard provided water, coffee and wine which was a nice homey welcome touch. There was also a gorgeous floral arrangement which really just added to the experience and made the room smell phenomenal! You have your own private entrance at the front of the boat and theres a little table and chairs up there to sit and enjoy the view. Location is about a 7-10 min walk from a metro station and 15-20 min walk to the main/central area. Located in a quite area which was nice. Grocery store near by. All in all a great experience. 10/10 recommend! No complaints, just an FYI for future bookers: there is a small walkway/bridge to get onto the boat and you need to walk alongside the top of the boat to get to the front area. If you are unsteady on your feet, this may not be the best option for you. It would be nice if there was a separate bridge to the front of the boat to avoid this. Also, the door to get in is small and you have to duck in. Not a complain, just an FYI to those looking to book. Other reviews also mention the church bells which go off every 1/2-1 hr, I did not find this annoying at all and actually found it quite soothing.
- Yvonne (9/5): If you are looking for a unique and memorable accommodation you should consider staying in this floating room. - Unique experience that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an adventure and something different than a usual room. The entrance was a bit tricky but hey, that’s part of the experience. That being said some would have difficulty navigating this.
- Glowinski (10/5): A great experience in Amsterdam. Very comfortable room with a great view. Awesome little terrace to watch sunsets. Frien - It's a boat I liked everything
- Cambier (10/5): Wonderful week-end in Amsterdam - The hospitality of Rik, the location and the great experience to sleep on a boat. Having a second entrance was great for privacy.
- Wallis (10/5): Excellent all round - The location was perfect, the boat was so cosy and comfortable and the captain was very friendly and helpful
- Анастасия (10/5): Exceptional -
- Megan (10/5): Amazing Amsterdam Canal Accommodation! - The option to stay ON a houseboat ON a canal in Amsterdam should not be passed up! This houseboat was very easy to get to and close to so much. The subway stop is just a block away and it's an easy walk to get to many parts of Amsterdam.
Just as importantly, the host was super friendly and went above and beyond to help me both after my phone was stolen AND in helping me to get a taxi pickup VERY early in the morning to go to the airport for my departure!!! (I also overslept, so he was awaken at the obscene hour also). I can't recommend a stay here enough! *****
OH, and that bathtub is as amazing as it looks (I took advantage of the wine and tub after my phone was picked out of my bag walking down the street -- zip your phones away, people!) It was just a little challenging to walk along the side of the boat to get to the second entrance. It's worth it, but I think it's helpful to be prepared! (wear flat shoes for sure)
- Igor (10/5): Exceptional -
- Traci (8/5): Comfortable stay - Rik was a nice host and was comfortable being around him. He gave us good recommendations about the surrounding of the houseboat. The boat itself was beautiful and comfortable The wifi didn't have a stable connection
A minifridge would have been nice
- Iris (8/5): Very good - Wonderful location in the centre of Amsterdam. Big and bright room with a stunning view of the canal. The area was very quiet, apart from a nearby bell tower that rang every half hour, making it a little difficult to sleep throughout the night, but that’s what is to be expected in the centre of a capital. In all it was a wonderful experience to be staying in a boat, listening to the movements of the water. The owner was very helpful with check-in and check-out, helping us with the luggage and giving us great recommendations for the area.
- Jamesparrott (10/5): Exceptional - Fantastic location, great facilities and a superb host.
- Tyson (9/5): This is a wonderful property with a wonderful host! - Great location & unique experience. Also, Captain Ricard was a wonderful host! He was very helpful, friendly and responsive. We really enjoyed getting to know him as well during our stay. The room was a bit warm, but the weather was unseasonable warm for Amsterdam at the time we were there. Under the circumstances, a small fan would have been helpful though.
- Alejandra (10/5): Best place ever! - The ship is very cozy, the room is spacious. The accommodation has a large room, bathroom and terrace.
The bathroom has a shower and bathtub (large).
The location is unbeatable, if you like to walk, you can go to the museum area (30 min approx). The rest, red light district, central station and other attractions can be done on foot as well.
Rik is very friendly and gave me a lot of useful information to make my stay even better. Nothing.
- Ioannis (10/5): Exceptional -
- Tristan (9/5): Cozy and pleasant stay with easy access to many of amsterdams attractions - the location and the decor slight confusion about the availability of a washing machine, glasses and cups weren’t clean
- Tereza (10/5): A super lovely stay with a very accommodating host. - We loved the room and the location was very convenient. The host was incredibly friendly and accommodating and made us feel welcome. Everything was even more magical than in the pictures. Would definitely recommend! Whilst this was not at all a problem for us, if you have any mobility issues, please remember that this is a boat and access on and off can be a little precarious sometimes.
- Geoffrey (10/5): I would definitely stay again when in Amsterdam. - A wonderful alternative to a hotel. The view from the room was amazing. The host was very helpful and made me feel at home.
- Pia (10/5): Best place to be - Absolutely everything.
We have never met a better and nicer landlord. Absolutely nothing was missing and we were received more than friendly.
The boot is just wonderful, super clean and the bed more than comfortable. The open view into the shower and bathtub gives the whole again a very special additional flair. We are already looking forward to our next visit. nothing
- Peter (9/5): Great place to stay. Walking distance to everything and a fantastic host. - The room was comfortable.Great bed and bathroom.
We felt welcome and the host/captain was so friendly and helpful. If we needed anything he would help us.
He didn't have a trashcan in the room and we mentioned that to him. 10 mins later he came with a new trashcan for the room.
Really good experience. The faucet in the bathroom was loose and there was just 1 big towel, but that's our fault because I think if we asked for another, we would have gotten one.
- Gloria (10/5): Unique boat experience! Heel gezellig! - Very special experience to stay on Ricards Houseboat, that we fully enjoyed! The room has a big comfortable bed and beautiful big windows from which you can see the church down the canal. The bathroom is also gorgeous and feels a little bit like a spa. Between the bathroom and bedroom is a huge window, but theres also curtains if you want to close it. It was nice and warm inside even tho it was already very cold outside in December. Ricard is very nice, gave us a wine as a welcome present and was reachable during the entire stay. It's perfect for couples :)
Only thing that might be a bit difficult for some people is the little path on the side of the boat that you have to walk to reach your seperate entrance, because it's very narrow.
Possibly a second small footbridge to the land could facilitate the access.
- Anahita (10/5): Boat life experience in Amesterdam - The owner was very kind to us. We lost the way then he came and guide us. The sense of living in a boat was unique. Everything was new and clean. The heating system was pleasant. Beautiful design with his grandfather's antique paintings and books made a home atmosphere.welcoming drink and stroopwaffles plus coffee machine and milk frother. doubled the taste of staying in Amesterdam.The bathroom was spacious with bathtub. with shell decoration between the tiles. There was table and chairs out door which gaves me the sence of being in a sea trip As a unique experience, I have nothing to say except in a different stacation you might see different exciting things . So all depends on your expectation and perception of a boat hotel
- Stefan (10/5): Living on a 5 star Houseboat! - The room and its bathroom are outstanding. Great interior design! The area is lovely and quiet and Captain Ricard is a perfect host. The location itself is worth a journey. Thank you so much Skipper and see you soon again
Photos