This was my 3rd trip to Amsterdam, but the first with family. We chose Emma’s place because of its location and the uniqueness of staying on an authentic Amsterdam houseboat. The location couldn’t be better; less than 1/2 mile from the central station, but a world away noise-wise. We rented bikes for our 5 days there, and Star Bikes was a great choice. The ENTIRE bill for 4 bikes, 5 days was less than 150euro. GET A BIKE!!!!
Back to Emma’s: There’s plenty of room for a family: one queen bed, one single, and a nice couch. The bathroom is HUGE. Kitchen is on the upper deck (the old wheelhouse)- typically European, with a small fridge, but with everything else to cook a meal (and clean it up). The table will seat 4 with no problem, and there’s a picnic table as well. The entire boat is spotless, and the neighborhood is funky and fun if you decide to eat out. WiFi is fast, and Emma has Netflix if you need to chill (perhaps after a coffeeshop visit?)
Emma lives in the bow section of the houseboat, but you’ll never know she’s there. Very fun and helpful though, and a good resource for all things Dutch. She has a great group of friends as well, and they’re fun and informative to share a beer with.
There are 2 grocery stores within a 10 minute bike ride: The Albert Heign by the Doubletree, and a Jumbo to the east on Oostelijke Handelskade (Jumbo is better and bigger). There is a brand new swimming area near the Maritime Museum (which is a GREAT museum), and Hannekes Boom/Delirium are both walkable restaurant-wise. The floating Chinese restaurant is a tourist trap- avoid it.
NOTE: Don’t use GoogleMaps to get to Emma’s from the train station, at least not until 2021. The Oosterdoksdraaibrug (try saying that 10 times fast!) walking bridge is CLOSED due to construction. Walk east on De Ruijterkade (the stellar Star Bikes will be on your right) to the elevator that goes up to the tracks level. Go across the canal at track level, then descend to water level, go south toward Hannekes Boom, and east to the boat. Ignore my advice at your peril; the detour from the bridge adds 45 minutes and 1 1/2 miles to the trip.