Amstel Botel

Amstel Botel descritpion

This unique hotel has simply-furnished rooms aboard a boat in the center of Amsterdam. Amstel Botel is on the River IJ and includes a bar. It has a free 10-minute ferry service to Amsterdam Central Train Station twice every hour.
The rooms have either land or views of the River IJ. Each room has a private bathroom and soft comforters. A continental and English-style breakfast buffet is served each morning with sausages, eggs and other warm dishes.
Guests can relax in the bar area and play pool, darts or pinball. Amstel Botel also has free newspapers, a wake-up service and a bike and car-rental service. During nice weather guests can enjoy the terrace.
Amsterdam Central Train Station has direct services to Schiphol Airport in 15 minutes. From the station there are tram services to Dam Square and Museum Square, which includes the Van Gogh Museum.
Amsterdam Noord is a great choice for travelers interested in Architecture, Culture and Cycling.

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Facilities of Amstel Botel

Outdoors ：Sun Deck

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Activities ：Pool Table | Darts | Cycling | Bicycle Rental

Food & Drink ：Bar

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Public parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not needed) and charges apply.

Languages Spoken ：Dutch | Spanish | English | German

Reviews for Amstel Botel

Review 1：It was cold! Our room was really really cold it was fine as we were together but if you were alone it would have been freezing! Also when it was so cold the boat taxi over was a big effort

Review 2：Room was very comfortable everything we wanted good value for money! Food in the bar on board was great and amazing value.

Review 3：Would be nice if the boat offered some choice of snacks in the evening,instead of just the vending machines.

Review 4：The staff were fabulous,my husband was poorly after we landed and we were able to have access to our room 2 hours early,thank you. We have stayed here before and will visit again.

Review 5：the bed is itchy, im not sure whether im allergic to the detergent used to clean the bedset or the bed is not clean.

Review 6：The location is pretty good plus the view and the bike rental service is also great mean for wandering around the city.

Review 7：Price for 30/12 70,00 euro.. Price for 31/12 179,00 euro..!!!!!!!!!??? Price for 02/01 70,00 euro..

Review 8：Reception staff is fantastic!No soap in the bathroom, but room and price and position is wonderful!!

Review 9：Bleaching smell in the bathroom, shower room is too small..if you have motion sickness then not the best place to stay.

Review 10：Staying in a ferry, close to Amsterdam central station - there is a free boat, Friendly staff

Review 11：Have to take a 20 minutes ship to arrive at the downtown. It's not really convenient. Besides, the number of restaurants around this hotel is limited. Few people lives in the area which the hotel locates. Kind of desolate…

Review 12：I'd like to say the ship is really awesome! And the reception is quite nice and friendly!

Review 13：I find the location a bit frustrating having to always be dictated by the ferry time, the ferry runs ever half hour so you just can't leave to town when you feel like it. I missed been able to leave just as I felt.

Review 14：Great staff. Clean tidy room. It is not huge but totally functional and enough space. Got a very good price. Good facilities. Didn't have breakfast so can't comment there. Ok bar prices. Lovely view from the window of the room. Quiet. Overall an excellent hotel. Good Tv channels. Ideal for young couples or friends.

Review 15：Room is different from the photos, I still remember the poor ceiling... a lttle bit "old" fashion.

Review 16：Location is good, not busy area, go to station by boat directly. Uuuuhhhhhh, and......I could feed the birds through the window...

Review 17：I didn't like the fact that you couldn't go on the top deck to get photos. its private

Review 18：we absolutely loved the ferry transfer back and forth from the boat, it was so much fun and very beautiful. The minibus transfer after midnight was very useful as well. I have stayed in the centre of Amsterdam 20+ times and always go for a city centre location but this is as good as a city centre thanks to the shuttle. On Tuesday 15/12/15 there was a black guy working on reception at about 1 in the morning. he gave us such a nice warm welcome back to the boat and went above and beyond the call of duty to make us comfortable. unfortunately I don't know his name but myself and my girlfriend where very thankful. there was a nice view out of the bedroom window of the water and a submarine!

Review 19：Only thing that messed up the perfection were the noises that the boat makes but you get used to it after a while

Review 20：The view from my window was exellent our bed was very comfortable

Review 21：Watch out! Myself and my 2 adult sons were accused of smoking in thebedroom - but none of us smoke!!?? The cleaner was banging on our doorsaying we were smoking, and she could smell it outside the room! Wewere told we had to pay her 50 euros to clean the room or else we wouldhave to leave! After getting dressed, we spoke to the manager whosorted the problem, but we felt it was a scam. By the way, the wholehotel stinks of fags! The room was small, the shower was a laugh,curtains filthy as was the carpet, beds were old & hard, bloodstained & torn under sheet see attached pictures. Breakfastwas.......lol! Not worth bothering with. We wasn't expecting theRitz, but this was less than 3* in our opinion. Local constructionstarts at 7.30am with pile driving steel sheeting into the river - itgoes on all day! But, worse than all, was getting no response /service when we spoke to complain to the staff.

Review 22：Novelty factor - staying on a boat! Ham & cheese toasty from thebar.

Review 23：Staff were too laid back at bar. Often goin missing when looking for service plus computer and printer out of order. The pool table only allows you to play a game for 10 minutes before alarm sounds.

Review 24：Liked the friendliness of staff.

Review 25：It was my anniversary and I requested a double bed and when I arrived I got told mine was dirty and to stay in a twin room for one night and the next day the refused to move us. Turns out they had overbooked the double rooms and because I was not arguing for the first night they gave the room to someone else. Also never have a baby bed. My 1 year old son had to have a single bed which left my partner and myself sharing a single bed! Terrible organisation.

Review 26：Was in a good location, the best were comfy enough and nice warm shower.

Review 27：No ferry to Botel after midnight during the week. Free shuttle bus from other ferry terminal but not made clear that you have to ring them to pick you up. Worked it out myself and rang twice but nobody came. Had to get a 15 euro taxi.

Review 28：That you have to go from the back of the station with a ferry to the hotel The staff did not wich ferry you have to take. The beds are very small the shower is very tiny. Before they where next to the station

Review 29：Not much only the price.

Review 30：Very uncomfortable pillows and bed but apart from that a great dtay

Review 31：Location, how near and easy it is to get to grand central. Breakfast was great too!

Review 32：Staying on a moored boat is fun. You still get the rocking motion without the sea sickness! The short ferry ride across the bay to get to and from the hotel is a lovely way to start and end the day. The ferry is free & is only two minutes walk from the train station. I have stayed there three times and would not hesitate to return.

Review 33：The shower was awful, hard to get right temperature and tiny in there. There wasnt enough plug sockets in rooms. And the juke box needs updating

Review 34：I liked the lady behind the bar. She was lovely. The beds were comfortable

Review 35：Room smelt damp, beds very uncomfortable there was no atmosphere. Could be renovated into a beautiful botel. Staff behind bar was very miserable.

Review 36：Receptionist was very nice and helpful upon arrival.

Review 37：The cleanliness The check inn staff don't even tell you as a guest there facilities or about the free ferry times , I had to go and ask after we checked in

Review 38：Only the location

Review 39：We booked our room on the botel completely last minute, it was great value for money for 3 nights and even though it was a 10 minute ferry ride back and forth to train station it all added to our holiday. The ferry was free and ran every 30 minutes from train station to botel and visa versa Was so easy to use. There is also a beautiful boat restaurant docked across from the botel, 5* food and service. It was only me and my partner in there which was lovely but a shame such a beautiful restaurant is being missed out on. It's the perfect place for a new experience and a well value stay in Amsterdam. As the ferrys are located at the back of the trainstation it was a good central point to start every day as plenty of transport or a 10 minute walk to central. The rooms were basic but perfect for us as we weren't in them that often.

Review 40：shower could be bigger, it's noisy so bring earplugs, heater didn't work

Review 41：great wifi connection, very comfortable bed, nice location in a hip area of amsterdam in the north, lovely view of other boats on the river

Review 42：- Air refreshener in the rooms was too strong.

Review 43：- I got a packet deal of 200 Euro for a group of 9 people, so it was good value. - Free transportation to/from hotel to Central station. Though its abit tricky at night. - Nice view from the hotel.

Review 44：We cannot find something bad

Review 45：Best Hotel Ever. We were really impressed with this boat, everything was so nice. We have been in Amsterdam many times but this time we found a place to return. The bed was very comfortable and i repeat it is VERY comfortable, the breakfast was delicious and a lot, the location perfect, bar prices reasonable, adult channel was also a plus, staff very discrete, the bathroom had everything and it was small...so what...did you visit Amsterdam to spend your time in the bathroom? If so then you should stay at your home. My friends seriously, do not get into account the bad reviews, STAY in Amstel Botel, for a memorable experience.

Review 46：reception clerk needs to be faster when it is crowded for check out.some times you have little time to reach the transferring ship. also please be flexible in booking a special rooms accordance to people request. thanks

Review 47：Pretty worn out. As last minute bookers they put us on the lowest floor, with people in the bar stampeding above our heads all night. Not very pleasant. Definitely ask for an upstairs room!

Review 48：Staff is nice and location good

Review 49：We liked it all ?

Review 50：Most comfortable bed ever, we loved every minute and would Rtn again , we enjoyed the ferry trips to Botel n back was something different , all staff were very friendly, Botel was spotless, We hadn't booked our meals but did have breakfast for a couple of days there which was £10 euros each ?

Review 51：the room could have been a bit cleaner,the shower was very small,we was in room 323 above the bar the music did not stop till 1am on the Friday we was there

Review 52：good value for money, breakfast was basic but it was in with the price of the room,location was about 10 minutes ferry ride from central station which was a bit different than being in the city centre

Review 53：Almost got charged twice for my room! Was only made aware of this when I popped back in to use the loo. The guy had to refund my card.

Review 54：Loved taking the ferry to the centre. The hotel was cheap and cheerful but that was exactly what I wanted.

Review 55：Coming back after midnight it wasn't explained to us where the shuttle bus collected us from or how often .... After about 20 mins we had the hotel and then the guy who picked up was having a chat with someone else while I was waiting at 1am in the dark near the pier for instructions ....

Review 56：Nice novelty, rooms were small (but you are in a boat) but clean had 4th floor with lovely view .....

Review 57：bathroom was very small. You could sit on a toilet and have a shower at the same time. Beds were tiny and you cant move them if you want to sleep next to your partner.

Review 58：It's good for people who go to amsterdam to smoke etc. then it's good because you don't need much. A shower and a bed is fine.

Review 59：Great location, quite, fun to ride the free ferry to downtown. As for comfort and facilities this is not a 5 star hotel but I do not care as I just wanted a great place to sleep...and I found it at the Botel.

Review 60：We requested a room with one big bed and on top floor if possible, but instead got 2 separate beds on ground floor. At first room smells bad, but we opened window and make this smell go away. Thing to mention: even thought location is good, keep in mind that direct ferry from Central Station in the evening usually travels 2 times per hour, so in worst case your commute could be around 40 minutes

Review 61：Good value for money, easy to get there by free ferry.

Review 62：The staf was not so helpful and the rooms were very small also not clean. The loction was not great too.

Review 63：Altough not the best breakfast one could have, breakfast was not so bad.

Review 64：The shower head came appart in the evening and the reception was very busy checking people in, so we could only report this in the morning. It was fixed during the day, but the drain under the shower and sink was still very slow and has even overflowed a couple of times.

Review 65：Nice location with good connection by boat with the city center, good selection for breakfast, parking places nearby (with surcharge)

Review 66：Nothing.

Review 67：Great location,not in the city centre so no noise. A very short walk to the free ferry to the city. Staff were friendly and helpful. Very clean. Night porter was a star! Good choices for breakfast.

Review 68：cleaning gantry above our room banged all night just need to be secured properly Rooms are small thats ok but it would be good if beds were easy to sit on (the construction makes them uncomfortable. The base also has a bar at about rib area which hurts abit during the night.

Review 69：price, easy access to Centraal staff good

Review 70：I recommend to ask for the upper rooms, staying near the river level has not a pleasent view. The room is not equipped with modern furniture and bathroom but for the price is more than what we could ask for.

Review 71：For what we paid it is possible the best offer taking into account the location. The bed was clean and the staff very welcoming.

Review 72：bedroom was on the lower deck, directly under the bar area. This made it very noisy through out the night. Would have preferred an upper deck

Review 73：the location - loved using the ferry each day

Review 74：Breakfast was too expencive, we paid more than 70€/night, so I think it should be included for the price, or cheaper. The housekeepers came in to our room altought we had "do not disturb"-sign in our door. There are wrong instructions to the Botel in booking.com, the ferry leaves behind the railwaystation, we first walked 1,5km to other landing stage.

Review 75：Free wifi, room was nice and clean. Free ferry from centraal station. Own bathroom and shower. Restful area.

Review 76：Shower was very small and took a while to get temperature right. (Could go from scaldingly hot to very cold at the slightest touch of the taps!)

Review 77：Great location. Only a free 10 minute ferry ride from Central Station. Staff very friendly and helpful. Room was clean. Had a great view across the river Ij. Good TV with a couple of English speaking channels (as well as a XXX channel!).

Review 78：By being a 10 minute ferry ride from Amsterdam Central Station, it is convenient while providing a place to rest away from the city. Good breakfast, a friendly staff and a fun location.

Review 79：We found our stay expensive due to the fact that the location was inconvenient. We did not like to have to pay deposit for hair dryer, safe, and fan. The bathroom was too small and primitive and the water did not stay at a steady temperature. It was too hot in our room and no air conditioning or fan.

Review 80：The concept of staying on board a boat was different and enjoyable.

Review 81：We wish there were more restaurants close to the botel.

Review 82：Desk staff was so helpful all the time. They helped us find the perfect tours and booked them for us. We forgot a hairdryer and they supplied one immediately.

Review 83：Would have like to have fruit at breakfast. The shower room stayed damp, and the water temp was not constant.

Review 84：Location was great, and easy to find. Decore was cute.

Review 85：The BOTEL is a good place to stay, the only slight inconvenience is having to catch a ferry from Amsterdam CS, but they are Free and regular. The boat was well kept, a selection of food was available at the bar with reasonable prices.The cabin was clean and tidy and a comfortable double bed. Plenty of TV & Radio channels to choose from. The only comment about the TV channels is that there is an Adult channel next to BBC1, the adult channel should have a pin just in case children are on board and flicking around..

Review 86：The service is sub standard. I tried three times in advance to call and sent an e-mail to confirm the reception hours but no one answered any of my three calls and my e-mail wasn't answered either. When I arrived the reception wasn't staffed - the staffer was outside smoking and couldn't be bothered to care for customers until he had finished his cigarette. On my departure I asked whether they could print my boarding pass for me - this was the first hotel who outright refused to do so.

Review 87：The location was good - it was close to the conference location and I had a u-boat and a yellow submarine parked in front of my window.

Review 88：Staff - whilst most of the staff were friendly and efficient, sadly some of their colleagues let the whole team down by showing no customer skills whatsoever.

Review 89：Location, free ferry to and from Centraal and friendly and courteous staff.

Review 90：Everything. Above all, room and bathroom is very Small and there is no kettle for water, and unfriendly day staff

Review 91：Shuttle and the staff who worked at Dawn

Review 92：Some of the staff were realy rude. Most of the bikes were broken and need to get fixed.

Review 93：The location was perfect and just 15 minutes to get in to the Hart of Amsterdam.The difference of building from hotel style was amazing for me.The ferry arrive you to the central station was perfect leave every 10 minutes.The rental bike is so great to explore the Amsterdam.

Review 94：The staff was very busy when we arrived, it didn't seem to have time to give us some more information.

Review 95：The free-ferry is just behind the train station and in 10 min it brings you next to the Botel, very easy to find!

Review 96：The thin walls - we could hear everything, including water running, people walking around & talking & some 'fun' which woke us up at 6am!

Review 97：Ferry was easy enough to catch (although they are 30mins apart) Rooms dated but livable for a few hours sleep. It is what you would expect for an older boat.

Review 98：The room is really tiny and the bed of poor comfort. So was the shower+toilets packed into a "bathroom"...

Review 99：The place is quite original as a boat lookalike.

Review 100：Room is too small, but what we can expect from the ship?

Review 101：Breakfast is much more tasty than in other hotels this class. Living in the city you can open the window - and you can see ships just around you

Review 102：Just thought it was a little out the way in terms of getting the ferry back and forth and the décor inside is very dated. Shower not very powerful!

Review 103：The quirkiness of staying on a boat was good, staff were helpful and breakfast ok

Review 104：Small clean room not unlike you would find on some cruise ships.. Basic facilities.. Interesting experience if going for a short stay and definitely value for money

Review 105：N/A

Review 106：Staff was very friendly,very clean and good internet speed. Best thing is free ferry from hotel to central station and after midnight free shuttle service to get you to hotel. The only bad part is breakfast is not free and they charge extra money for it. But overalll very good hotel.

Review 107：beds were not so comfortabel and shower/ bath room very small (what will you expect on a boat :)

Review 108：location good, ferry rides every 10 minutes to central station, was free of charge. all clean, friendly staff. would go again as it is good value for money.

Review 109：Nothing

Review 110：The location was great being on the water, and having the ferry next to the Botel was very handy. Only 15 minutes by ferry into the centre of Amsterdam a big bonus.

Review 111：Risky area for parking of your car. We do not have a fancy car, so we were not selected. However, two cars next to ours were broken into.

Review 112：Great location and room with sea view. Facilities fine - and best of all is the free ferry to the central station in Amsterdam. So no need to bring a car.

Review 113：Location ...we won't be returning back to botel as too far and having to cut short nightlife to get last ferry back ..was better previous location ..going to stay in centre of amsterdam

Review 114：Everything ..just not location

Review 115：the room smelt a little - probably of damp and also of smokers/ drinkers on previous occasions - but there was no rowdiness , drunkeness or disturbance to us

Review 116：the breakfast! , a little sense of adventure/change on our trip - using a ferry to sleep on a boat rather than dearer city centre hotel

Review 117：If you're high the water sounds from the boat will be fun instead of keeping you awake. We could hear also people walking on the halls upstairs. The room smelled really strong of what I imagined as a really perfumed stinky foot. But you don't notice it after 10 minutes or after you open the window.

Review 118：The price, the cleanliness and the staff were great.

Review 119：Not much i would say i didnt like. Rooms are basic and bathroom is small but as i spent most of the time in town this did not matter

Review 120：Great for getting into town as there is a free ferry. Bar was okay but could do with better drinks.

Review 121：The accommodation was basic but clean and comfortable. We weren't looking for luxury and this suited us fine There is a free ferry which takes you to Amsterdam Central very regularly and was a very short tide. Away from the hustle and bustle of the centre the Botel was exactly what we wanted

Review 122：Staff didn't inform us of a festival going on just across the parking lot, so we arrived as it was ending. No breakfast included

Review 123：Location was easy to get to and from Good value for money Staying on a boat was kinda cool!

Review 124：You could hear some people running up and down the hallway and some people being loud, but after all it's a boat

Review 125：The tv was decent, the bed was comfortable with a good sized blanket, and seeing cleaning staff gave us a good impression that the rooms were tidy. There's a bar with food and a pool table and lots of convenient coupons. Also the front desk man gave us a map of Amsterdam. A lot more, just read the description and pictures ;D

Review 126：The walls are thin - if you have late night noisy neighbours, it can be a real problem.

Review 127：The staff were helpful/friendly and the breakfast was very good value - plenty of choice

Review 128：The hotel botel was quirky different from a hotel. Fun is your on a ship that has all the facilities of a hotel. Room was cleaned daily. Bar was very reasonable priced than in centre of amsterdam. Free ferry crossings to and from central amsterdam frequently. Peaceful at night. Beds comfortable and breakfast has all the basics you need. Would recommend and will definitely stay again.

Review 129：The location of the hotel sometimes led a problem for us. Especially,after midnight you need to wait the hotel's shuttle for going backto the hotel at the ferry station. The ferries for getting the centralare organized in every 20 minutes. If you want not to wait for ferrywhich goes to the train station, you can take the another one and walkto the central a bit more than the train station. (It lasted 10' forus) Also, staff was just ok. The breakfast was not included.

Review 130：The atmosphere of staying like on the water, the free wi-fi,

Review 131：I was unsure how this would work out, having to get a ferry back and forth but it was really good. It is definitely an experience I would repeat. No noise or behaviour issues on the hotel boat, right next to ferry and the pancake boat. Room made up every day, shower is a bit temperamental, staff helpful. Breakfast was sufficient choice and food was replenished. Some of the table are a bit cramped and it can get very busy, but not enough to put us off.

Review 132：For the first night we've got different room, not the one we paid for. Explanation was given that hotel is fully booked, and they gave our room to someone else by mistake. Breakfast is poor, restaurant is overcrowded, long queue even to get a coffe.

Review 133：convenient water shuttle to the city.

Review 134：Website and on board Botel brochure stated free parking - this was thereason we booked it. We were not happy to find that there was no freeparking and we had to pay an additional €11.50 per day to park in apublic car parking area. When querying this staff said there was nothingthey could do. Perhaps a refund would be possible as we had to break offeach lunchtime to return to the boat (by ferry) to pay for the next 24hours I.E. a loss of about 3 hours sightseeing and € 27.

Review 135：Rooms clean, quiet and comfortable. Nice bar and breakfast area.

Review 136：It wasnt fair star the fun ship or the love boat. Felt like a retirement village with groups of English lads grouped weekends away after their missus s have them a hall pass.

Review 137：Loved living on the water and the views

Review 138：the location would put me off staying again it was to far from centre and had to walk through the train station to get to ferry which closes at 1am so had to walk all the way around !!!

Review 139：it was value for money and bed was comfortable breakfast was fine

The Fine Print

Guests using a GPS system to find the property are advised to use the following address: Mt. Ondinaweg.When booking more than 5 rooms, please contact the hotel as other policies and fees apply.