Discovering Amsterdam’s enchanting canals and picturesque waterways is an essential part of visiting – but staying in one of the best boat hotels in Amsterdam adds another dimension to your trip.
Live like a local in accommodations from traditional sailboats to quaint houseboats nestled on scenic canals. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned city explorer, Amsterdam boat hotels promise an unforgettable stay.
Here are the best hotels in Amsterdam, Netherlands, for a sojourn on the 17th-century canals of the Venice of the North.
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Planning your trip to Amsterdam last minute? Here are the tours and hotels we recommend.
- TOP EXPERIENCES & TOURS IN AMSTERDAM
- Windmills, Cheese, & Clogs E-Bike Tour – a scenic tour of the Dutch countryside
- Life of Anne Frank and WW II Walking Tour – the best historical tour in Amsterdam
- Canal Cruise & Heineken Experience Ticket – skip the lines on the most popular activities
- BEST HOTELS IN AMSTERDAM
- Lightship Amsterdam – one of the most luxurious Amsterdam boat hotels
- Houseboat Suites Amsterdam Prinsengracht – a modern escape right on the water
- Asile Flottant – set in a great neighborhood for restaurants
- PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR AMSTERDAM
- Get Travel Insurance for Amsterdam with Safety Wing.
- Check Discover Cars for great car rental prices in Amsterdam.
- Find the best flight deals to Amsterdam on Skyscanner.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
When selecting the perfect accommodation in Amsterdam, there is no experience as unique and iconic as staying on a boat.
The intricate network of canals is not just an iconic symbol of the city but a huge part of Amsterdam’s history and culture.
The boats are moored along the charming waterways and create an unforgettable trip to Amsterdam! Plus, staying on a boat gives a more local experience than a typical hotel, as many locals actually live on the water.
The canal waterways were initially designed to aid trade and transport, but they have evolved into a defining feature of the city.
Staying on a boat allows you to live like a local, with the gentle rocking of the water and the soothing sounds of the canals as your backdrop.
Booking a boat hotel in Amsterdam requires you to reserve your spot well in advance. Most boathouses are private, meaning you will be the only guest.
Some of the floating hotels in Amsterdam have multiple guest rooms and more of a hotel style, but availability is still limited.
By choosing to stay on a boat, you will find yourself in close proximity to Amsterdam’s most iconic attractions. From the Anne Frank House to the Van Gogh Museum and Red Light District, you’re never far from the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
Best Boat Hotels in Amsterdam
Lightship Amsterdam (One of the Best Hotels in Amsterdam on a Boat)
Minutes from the historic center, the Lightship Amsterdam (9.8) offers a unique maritime stay in the creative Noord district of North Amsterdam.
This historic 70-year-old British lightship has been lovingly transformed into a charming floating boat hotel in Amsterdam, combining nautical nostalgia with modern comfort.
The cabins are very unique, with exposed nautical features behind glass and terraces with lake views. The upgraded suite also provides a stunning free-standing tub for an indulgent experience.
A fresh breakfast is served every morning and there’s also a minibar included.
This one-of-a-kind accommodation captures the essence of Amsterdam’s seafaring heritage, creating an unforgettable and immersive experience.
What guests like most: hearty breakfast, central but quiet, minibar • Consideration: no AC
Houseboat Suites Amsterdam Prinsengracht (Best Small Canal Boat Stay in Amsterdam)
Nestled on the iconic Prinsengracht canal, the Houseboat Suites Amsterdam Prinsengracht (9.3) is an enchanting and modern escape on the water.
This houseboat in Amsterdam is newly built with a stunning exterior and features rooms that look out over the canal.
These stylish houseboat suites boast large windows that frame the canal views, creating a serene ambiance. Each suite features a walk-in shower and soundproof walls.
Amenities include tea and coffeemakers in each room in addition to laundry service.
This Amsterdam boat hotel is humbly sized with only two suites. If you’re traveling with four people you can rent the whole boat.
What guests like most: great host, modern, beautiful • Consideration: small hotel
Asile Flottant (Apartment Canal Boat Stay in Amsterdam)
If you want to stay on a traditional ship, Asile Flottant (8.6) is a boat B&B in Amsterdam with a selection of historic boats to stay on.
This is one of the best places to stay in Amsterdam if you want a full apartment rental and a unique experience.
Choose among one to three-bedroom apartment boats and enjoy having a whole ship to yourselves. All have picturesque water views and nautical wooden details with modern touches.
You will also have a kitchenette, living, and a dining area.
With its off-the-beaten-path location moored on a historic shipyard, the Asile Flottant is surrounded by cool restaurants and cafes and is just a skip away from the main buzz.
What guests like most: interesting location, inviting atmosphere • Consideration: further from city center
Botel Lena Maria (Best Budget-Friendly Boat Hotel in Amsterdam for Friends Trip)
Set in a 1956 historic freighter near Amsterdam Central Station, the Botel Lena Maria (9.2) offers a quirky and budget-friendly stay on a boutique hotel ship in Amsterdam.
The views of Amsterdam’s architecture are fantastic, and the deck has a nice hangout area.
The cozy twin-bed cabins provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay, and the communal areas are designed for socializing and mingling with fellow guests.
This is an ideal spot for two friends looking for unique and affordable accommodation in Amsterdam!
Amenities include a cozy bar and terrace with a truly nautical feel, plus a daily breakfast.
What guests like most: great location, cozy, complimentary snacks • Consideration: only twin rooms
Stunning boat with a view (Best Luxury Houseboat Amsterdam for Couples)
Docked along one of Amsterdam’s charming canals, the Stunning boat with a view (9.6) lives up to its name.
This private B&B boat hotel in Amsterdam has a bright, airy interior with sunrise/sunset views and private sauna access.
With wooden and white tones, the thoughtfully designed interior exudes warmth and character, making you feel right at home on the water. It comes with a kitchenette, living area, and queen bed.
Step onto the private terrace to soak in the picturesque surroundings and watch the world go by. It’s romantic, characteristic, and perfect for couples!
What guests like most: beautiful spaces, romantic, private • Consideration: a little outside of Amsterdam city center
Boat No Breakfast (Inviting B&B Boat in Amsterdam)
Stay in a private houseboat near Dam Square with canal views at Boat No Breakfast (9.6)! The place is spacious with a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The space is well-designed, including a kitchenette, a marble bathroom with a rainfall shower, and a balcony. There is a king-sized bed and a sofa bed, sleeping a maximum of four guests.
Enjoy the picturesque terrace and private entrance, and take advantage of being in a central part of Amsterdam near numerous attractions.
What guests like most: lovely hosts, personal touches, location • Consideration: less spacious bathroom
Cosy houseboat Love & Light (Beautiful One-Room Floating Hotel in Amsterdam with Jacuzzi Tub)
Tucked away in a peaceful corner of Amsterdam’s city centre, Cosy houseboat Love & Light (10) invites you to unwind in a serene setting.
The beautiful cabin is complete with wooden floors, a kitchen, and a bathroom with a romantic soaking tub. It is full of simplicity and warmth and is easily one of the best boat hotels in Amsterdam.
It’s only 12 minutes from the Anne Frank House and has plenty of bars and restaurants nearby.
What guests like most: lovely location, jacuzzi tub, very nice • Consideration: bathroom offers less privacy
M/S Svalbard B&B (Stay on a Boat in Amsterdam with Private Terrace)
The M/S Svalbard B&B (8) is set on a white-washed ship. This contemporary floating accommodation in Amsterdam offers sleek and modern cabins with large windows that frame stunning views of the surrounding waters.
The tastefully designed cabins are full of comfortable furnishings and simplistic decor, creating a restful atmosphere.
The Queen Room has lake views, a private entrance, and dining area, and the King Room boasts a private terrace with views.
This boat hotel in Amsterdam is a bit tucked away but is conveniently located near public transport.
What guests like most: quiet area, amazing rooms, excellent host • Consideration: no breakfast available
Prince Royal B&B (Private Canal Boat Stay in Amsterdam)
Docked centrally on the canal belt of trendy Jordaan, the Prince Royal B&B (9.7) is one of the best funky hotels in Amsterdam.
The lowrise ceilings give way to a very nautical experience right at the heart of the city’s energy – right across from the Anne Frank House.
The private boathouse suite is truly picturesque with a sunny indoor seating area, a private terrace overlooking the canal, and plush neutral decor.
Wake up to the gentle swaying of the water, soaking in the city’s enchanting ambiance. With its central location and intimate setting, this is one of our favorite Amsterdam boat hotels!
If you’re looking for where to stay in Amsterdam close to everything, this boat is an amazing pick.
What guests like most: on main canals, perfect location, well-appointed • Consideration: low ceilings
Rembrandt Square Boat (Modern Boathouse Hotel in Amsterdam City Centre)
Anchored near the vibrant Rembrandt Square, Rembrandt Square Boat (9.2) offers a unique place to stay in Amsterdam.
Step aboard this modern, stylish houseboat, full of contemporary decor and stunning city views!
This Amsterdam boathouse rental has a lot of natural light with a full kitchen, living area, and outdoor patio. It’s also full of local art, making it a great base for creatives!
With its ideal location, you’ll find yourself within walking distance of Amsterdam’s top dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
What guests like most: great views, central, lovely boat • Consideration: street noise at night
Houseboat Little Amstel (Pristine Amsterdam Floating Hotel with Bright Rooms)
Nestled along the scenic Amstel River right outside of the historic center, Houseboat Little Amstel (8.6) is an Amsterdam boat hotel with rustic charm.
There are two cozy rooms from which to choose, each adorned with thoughtful decor, wooden floors, bright spaces, a coffeemaker, and a minibar.
Both rooms have great river views, and you might even see swans outside your window.
The highlight of this houseboat is its tranquil waterfront terrace, where you can unwind with a glass of wine or coffee. Then, there’s breakfast and even water access if you’d like to swim!
What guests like most: spectacular location, deck area, peaceful • Consideration: smaller style rooms
House boat studio with waterfront terrace (Best Houseboat Hotel in Amsterdam for a Stylish Stay)
Located in Noord near the STRAAT museum, this House boat studio with waterfront terrace (9.7) is one of the best boat hotels in Amsterdam for its interior design.
It feels bohemian with detailed wall tiling, neutral tones, and pops of color.
This studio boat boasts stylish furnishings and panoramic windows that frame captivating water views. You’ll also find complimentary wine/champagne and free bike rentals.
The private terrace offers an ideal spot to watch the city life go by. Set in a quiet area yet close to the city’s attractions, you’ll find this Amsterdam hotel to be a peaceful retreat!
What guests like most: thoughtful decor, freebies, unique feel • Consideration: steep ladder to sleeping loft
Final Thoughts on Best Hotels in Amsterdam
Enjoy the unbeatable experience of staying in a floating hotel in Amsterdam! Take in iconic views, get some incredible photos from your trip, and see the very best of the city along the way.
We can’t recommend it enough – stay on a boat in Amsterdam and thank us later!
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