As a long time return visitor in Amsterdam, this was my first occasion to return on holiday in the last 2 years so my partner and I wanted to do something special. Since he had experienced staying on a boat we decided to do that because I had always wanted to try it. Flipping through the available places we stumbled upon Katarina and Ralph's boat and we were immediately in love!
We drove to Amsterdam by car and parked in the nearby free parking and took a very short tram ride to the boat, finding it very well connected and accessible. Nevertheless, just far enough from the busier city streets to make you think you've left Amsterdam altogether. The neighborhood is cute, quiet and peaceful. When we went out we always went to the city center (there is a tram stop just a few minutes on foot) but the actual neighborhood itself has plenty of nice restaurants and most of anything you might need.
Katarina and Ralph really made us feel welcome. It was nice to be able to meet them and have a chat! The cabin was absolutely spotless. The inside as all beautifully decorated and tailor furnished to provide all the comfort of an apartment but on a small scale and still leaving room around to enjoy and live in the space. You can tell it was thought out with love and careful consideraton of practical needs (which normally often get lost when people only focus on the aesthetics). I like to always be prepared and bring some toiletries and an emergency towel, but they had already prepared the place with everything we needed..including extra blankets! I want to make a special note also of how comfortable the bed was . I personally suffer from insomnia and can compare it to nothinng other than sleeping in a cloud (LOVE ALL THE PILLOWS). We even got to enjoy the deck, which is also home to a mini greens and herbs garden which you are allowed to pick from and eat. We did not really get the chance to eat on board but I had to have a taste of the arugola and it was so good! My partner and I made ourselves some delicious mint tea while enjoying a smoke on deck on our second day and i got to have a long chat with Katarina. She was truly an amazing host and I honestly can't say that our experience would have been the same without her. We had instant chemistry and it really felt to us like we were visiting a friend and staying in thir guest house. I can be very picky, and there honestly isn't one bad thing I could find...not even one. I was sad to leave and can't wait to come back...maybe that's why I forgot my jacket there!!! LOL.
A little bit outside of our usual budget but worth every penny. Also the cleanest place i've EVER stayed in!
If I could give it 6 stars I would <3