HADEWYCH

We initially had a bad experience on AirBnB and were reluctant to use it but luckily we viewed Hadewych's Houseboat in Amsterdam and she was so helpful and communicative that we regained trust in the service.

She was excellent from initial contact through to arriving in country. She gave us the confidence and just the right amount of information and support we required.

We did not meet her in person but were well looked after by Ronald on arrival. Once we settled in we tested WhatsApp and he left us to it. When I dropped him a message he was super fast to reply and a great help.

THE BOAT

The facilities and rooms on the vessel were absolutely perfect.

* 3 bedrooms; one large double and 2 children's but one would be okay for an adult and there is an additional bed that can be created under the larger of the children's beds.
* Excellent kitchen, with large cooker, dishwasher, washing machine, 2 fridges, toaster, kettle, Nespresso coffee maker and microwave.
* Sitting room with dinning table and bar area; TV with BBC and children's channels.
* 2 bathrooms both with showers (one with a great bath). Loads of towels.
* On the deck level:
* Room for relaxing or playing games.
* Deck with loads of seating area; great for just watching the boats go past as you drink a glass of wine or watch the sun go down over the relaxed hustle and bustle of Amsterdam city life.

* Loads of cupboard space around the boat. All European plugs.

We were very comfortable and had everything we needed.

THE LOCATION

Perfectly located for Anne Frank, city shopping or loads of sightseeing. It is pivotal to get anywhere around Amsterdam without any major effort.

The boat is located by a bridge which has a great diorama of daily life. Supermarket within 5 minutes walk, ice cream parlour, great shops and restaurants.

The only down sides for some is the sound of the bells every hour and the sound of city life. If you are a light sleeper bring ear plugs.

AMSTERDAM

Just wow. Love this city so much. My wife and children did not want to leave.

It has an amazing relaxing quality that just slows you down. People are carefree and chilled; this is unlike any other major or capital city I have ever been to. There is just so much to see and do; turn any corner and there is a new sight or experience; it is a city like no other.

Whilst we were there a duck nested and finally laid eggs in one of the plant baskets. My children named the 2 ducks Ian and Petunia and watched over them constantly. When we left Petunia was on day 3 of sitting on her eggs and are very keen to know that they hatch and manage to get to the canal waters; Ronald has promised to help them out.