| Think Amsterdam and you might envision | | | | heart of Amsterdam's charming and popular |
| Old-World buildings nestled around curving canals, | | | | Jordaan Quarter, is docked "The Astarte Temple" |
| the bright lights of downtown's Red Light District | | | | Nearby is the Noorderkerk Marketplace and some |
| and a host of cultural opportunities awaiting the | | | | of Amsterdam's famous night-clubs, cafés, |
| avid tourist. With so much to do, where should | | | | shops and galleries. "The Lilly Houseboat" also |
| you stay? | | | | waits to take weary travelers away from the |
| Amsterdam offers a housing option that few | | | | hustle and bustle of Amsterdam's busy streets, |
| European cities can boast - houseboats. Why deal | | | | and then back again the next day. |
| with a noisy hotel when you can float peacefully | | | | Located close to the newly renovated |
| on your own private boat? | | | | Westerpark, "The Lilly Houseboat" is within walking |
| Having visions of sleeping in bunks and taking | | | | distance of the shops and Cantraal Station. "The |
| turns at a leaky head? Have no fear. Amsterdam | | | | Nina Houseboat" has been recently renovated and |
| houseboats are built like miniature yachts and | | | | is docked just outside the city's center. Guests on |
| offer their guests every amenity a hotel can | | | | the "Nina" will enjoy beautiful views and still be |
| provide - and more. Amsterdam houseboats are | | | | close to the Waterloosquare, Rembrandtsquare |
| built with living rooms complete with | | | | and the longest market in the Netherlands. |
| entertainment systems, kitchens, spacious | | | | Downtown Amsterdam is a short 10 minute |
| bedrooms and real bathrooms (No claustrophobic | | | | bicycle ride away. |
| water closets here.) Some houseboats also include | | | | When renting a houseboat, plan your vacation well |
| terraces and even mini gardens where guests | | | | in advance and plan on staying for awhile. Smaller |
| may sit and relax and watch the activity on the | | | | houseboats begin with three-day rentals while the |
| waterway. | | | | larger luxury boats may require monthly |
| When choosing an Amsterdam houseboat for | | | | commitments. However long you plan to stay, |
| rent, you'll want to make sure you're near the | | | | plan to relax and let the gentle sway of the canals |
| center of town, not docked so far away that | | | | rock you to sleep in your own Amsterdam |
| you'll need a bus or taxi to take you to your | | | | houseboat. |
| touring destination. On Prinsengracht Canal, in the | | | | |