Staying in the cabin in the prow of Nadine's ship on one of Amsterdam's waterways is not only an authentic way to stay in the city, but was also surprisingly quiet and peaceful. From the picturesque location of the boat, it's a few minutes walk or short bike ride to a street with lots of shops and cafes (where I had a superb dinner in Bistrot Neuf.) A cabin can't be spacious like an apartment, and it has some steep steps to negotiate, but it had everything I needed. I stayed for two nights on a short sightseeing trip. Nadine was friendly and welcoming. I'd be happy to stay again.