Asile Flottant

The quiet, almost city-center setting makes this a lovely place to wind down after a hectic day. We’d have a drink or meal at the bar or on our boat’s deck, and there’s even a sauna on the jetty, with the canal or plunge bath for a cool-off afterward. The boats have real character and history, and the post-industrial surroundings have been turned into a peaceful spot. There’s a quirky, popular bar and a tucked-away garden made from what you might call well-loved materials. We liked the cool nearby bars and restaurants too. The area feels like it’s on its way up, maybe soon to be gentrified. It brought back memories of my childhood in a mobile home in Wexford. You have what you need, though things are a little rough around the edges, as you’d expect on a barge. It’s no five-star hotel, but it deserves five stars here. The staff we met were friendly and helpful. Getting into the city is easy, with frequent buses and trains. Our longest wait was eight minutes, and it takes that long to reach central station. I’d stay again in a heartbeat.

We had a lovely walk to the main areas, though it does take a little while. The boat itself was a pleasant surprise for our two-night stay: lots of room, several beds, a kitchen and dining area, plus a separate double bedroom. You hardly notice it rocking.

We were nine people, so we booked two boats. Having visited Amsterdam a few times, we really enjoyed this change of pace and the quieter area away from the crowds and noise. The accommodation was clean, roomy and nicely styled, with comfortable beds, good showers and plenty of hot water. The cinema room was a nice bonus. Central station is about a 25-minute walk, and there’s a free shuttle boat every few minutes. A few kitchen basics were missing, including coffee mugs or cups and a tea towel. There’s no microwave, toaster or cooking equipment. The boats also get very warm below deck because there aren’t many windows or much airflow. We’d still recommend it and stay again.

The hostess was really friendly and kept everything spotless. We loved the peaceful setting, the beautiful boat design and the stunning views. Our family left feeling rested and recharged. I can’t recommend it enough.