This is a lovely oasis hidden among trees next to the Amstel river in the heart of south Amsterdam. The room itself is a very large quirky cabin built in the garden of a houseboat. I loved the cabin for the fact that there were no right-angles or parallel lines anywhere. It had a really homely feel and in no way whatsoever did it feel dilapidated. It was spotlessly clean, and the large bed super comfy (and very warm!). It may not be to everyone's taste, but I loved the idea that there was only cold water available in the room, and if you wanted hot water, shower, toilet, etc. then you had to go onto the boat - which the owners (Marga & Rico) let you do at any time, day or night. Possibly the main feature in the cabin is the wood burning stove, which Marga offered to light for me before I returned each evening as it was quite chilly.
I stayed for 3 nights, on business, attending a conference at the nearby (10-15 min walk) Mercure hotel. In good weather this is a most pleasant walk, and just another 7-10 minutes further to the Overamstel metro station which takes you into Centraal Station in around 10 mins. At both ends of my stay Marga and Rico gave me a life from/to the RAI Station, which connects in a few minutes with Schiphol Airport. And Rico also kindly offered me a lift to the centre of the city one evening. The owners are super-friendly and very easy going, They were polite and attentive, although I am quite a minimalist traveller and don't usually require much attention. For 5 Euros I could have had breakfast on the houseboat. Free wifi was available throughout my stay and worked perfectly.
Nature and animal lovers will really like this place. I woke up each morning to the sound of birds, and right outside the cabin windows all you wan see are the trees, bushes and grass of Marga & Rico's garden. I spent a few minutes each day just watching the wildlife. On the houseboat a lovely old (14 years I think) cat slept on a cushion just next to another wood stove. Rico is an avuncular furniture maker, and both the boat (140 squ. metres!!) and the cabin were built by him to an exacting and very high standard.
This is the sort of place where you can feel relaxed and certainly on a business trip this was important. It's also the sort of place I would like to return to, with my family. I would like to thank Marga and Rico for giving me a thoroughly enjoyable, comfortable, friendly and inexpensive stay!!