We had a fabulous time in Amsterdam! Karin was a super host, very helpful with pointing out areas to visit on her very useful crumpled city map (which is available for guests to use). Her house is beautiful, the room is very comfortable, and we slept like logs. The noise didn't bother us at all, in fact, we quite enjoyed hearing the sounds of the city passing by outside.
The boathouse is in a brilliant location, it's central without being in the noisy shopping and restaurant area, and has something to visit in each direction. We walked/cycled everywhere and could find our way quite easily. It is nice having the room on ground level of the canal house so that we could come and go without disturbing Karin and her family. We fell in love with Amsterdam, and would happily stay at Karin's every time we visit again.