Botel Review: Unique Stay in Amsterdam Review

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Ahoy, budget travelers! Imagine waking up on a boat in Amsterdam, gently rocking to the rhythm of the North Sea Canal. That’s the Botel experience – a quirky 3-star floating hotel in Amsterdam Noord. This nautical nest offers free Wi-Fi, parking, and a 24-hour front desk, all wrapped up in a unique package that won’t sink your budget.

While the Botel’s cabins might not be the Ritz (think snug quarters and basic amenities), its location near the artsy NDSM Wharf is a real treasure. You’ll be just a free ferry ride away from Amsterdam’s main attractions, surrounded by hip cafes and colorful street art.

Keep in mind, though, that the boat’s gentle sway might not suit landlubbers, and the compact rooms could feel cramped for some.

But if you’re an adventurous soul looking for a memorable stay without breaking the bank, the Botel could be your perfect port of call. It’s ideal for solo travelers, young couples, or anyone who wants to add a splash of maritime charm to their Amsterdam adventure.

About Your Stay

Botel Review: Unique Stay in Amsterdam - About Your Stay

  • Botel is a 3-star hotel located on a boat in Amsterdam Noord, offering a unique and nautical-inspired accommodation experience.
  • The hotel features a variety of room types, including basic doubles, twins, lofts, and dormitories, catering to different traveler needs.
  • The hotel’s prime location at the vibrant NDSM Wharf provides easy access to festivals, events, and attractions, enhancing the overall guest experience.
  • Botel offers strong ratings for its location and free WiFi, while the facilities and comfort aspects have room for improvement.
  • The hotel provides convenient transportation options, with a 10-minute ferry ride from Amsterdam Central Station and a 15-minute direct connection to Schiphol Airport.

Hotel Overview

Botel Review: Unique Stay in Amsterdam - Hotel Overview

The Botel is a unique 3-star hotel situated on a boat in Amsterdam Noord, Netherlands.

Located on the NDSM-Pier 3, the Botel offers guests a distinctive experience with its nautical-inspired accommodations.

The hotel has a rating of 7.3 out of 10 based on 3,874 reviews, which highlights its popularity among travelers.

Guests can enjoy various amenities, including free WiFi, parking, family rooms, and a 24-hour front desk.

The Botel’s proximity to the vibrant NDSM Wharf, which hosts festivals, events, and various attractions, makes it an attractive option for those seeking an immersive experience in Amsterdam’s thriving cultural scene.

Room Types and Amenities

Botel Review: Unique Stay in Amsterdam - Room Types and Amenities

The Botel offers a variety of room types to accommodate different needs and preferences.

Guests can choose from:

  • Basic Double Rooms with a large double bed
  • Basic Twin Rooms with two single beds
  • Spacious Lofts with one or two large double beds
  • Quadruple Rooms with four bunk beds
  • Deluxe Rooms with sea views and four single beds
  • Mixed Dormitories with four or eight beds

Regardless of the room type, all accommodations feature private bathrooms, a continental breakfast buffet, terrace access, and a cozy bar area.

The diverse options cater to solo travelers, couples, families, and groups, ensuring a comfortable and tailored experience at this unique floating hotel.

Location and Accessibility

Botel Review: Unique Stay in Amsterdam - Location and Accessibility

Located a 10-minute ferry ride from Amsterdam Central Station, the Botel offers direct connections to Schiphol Airport in just 15 minutes via the central railway station.

This unique hotel on a boat is situated at the vibrant NDSM Wharf, home to festivals, events, art, flea markets, restaurants, bars, and distinctive architecture.

Guests can easily explore the diverse attractions and cultural offerings of this trendy neighborhood, which is well-connected to the rest of Amsterdam.

The Botel’s prime location allows visitors to experience the city’s lively North Side while enjoying the convenience of quick transportation links to the airport and central station.

Guest Reviews

Guests have overwhelmingly rated the Botel as a good choice, with an overall score of 7.3 out of 10 from over 3,800 reviews.

The hotel’s strongest areas are its location, with an 8.6 rating, and the free WiFi, also scoring 8.6.

Guests particularly enjoy the unique experience of staying on a boat, which offers:

  • Scenic views of the NDSM Wharf
  • Proximity to local festivals and events
  • Convenient ferry service to Amsterdam’s city center

While the facilities and comfort received slightly lower ratings, the Botel provides good value for money and an unforgettable stay in Amsterdam’s vibrant Noord district.

Ratings Breakdown

Botel Review: Unique Stay in Amsterdam - Ratings Breakdown

According to the detailed guest review data, the Botel’s overall rating of 7.3 out of 10 is further broken down into several key categories. The Botel shines with 8.6 ratings for both its location and free WiFi, reflecting its convenient ferry access and strong internet connectivity. However, the facilities received a 7.0 rating, suggesting room for improvement. Cleanliness and comfort also received solid 7.4 and 7.3 scores, respectively. Notably, the staff earned an impressive 8.1 rating, indicating a positive guest experience. The Botel seems to offer good value for money with a 7.4 rating in this category.

Category Rating
Location 8.6
Free WiFi 8.6
Facilities 7.0
Cleanliness 7.4

Booking and Check-in Details

Booking the Botel is a straightforward process, with guests able to reserve their stay through the hotel’s website or various online travel platforms.

Upon arrival, visitors will find the Botel’s 24-hour front desk staffed and ready to assist. Check-in time begins at 3:00 PM, allowing ample time for guests to settle into their accommodations before exploring the surrounding NDSM Wharf.

Checkout is set for 11:00 AM, providing a leisurely morning before departing. The Botel also requires a €50 damage deposit, which is refundable within 7 days post-checkout, ensuring the property’s upkeep for future guests.

  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Damage Deposit: €50, refundable within 7 days

Policies and Regulations

Adhering to the Botel’s policies and regulations is essential for ensuring a seamless and enjoyable stay. Guests are required to provide a damage deposit of €50 upon arrival, which is refundable within 7 days of check-out. The Botel welcomes children aged 3 and older, who are charged the same rate as adults. Pets, however, are not permitted on the premises. For group bookings of more than 5 rooms, different policies may apply. The Botel staff are multilingual, speaking German, English, Spanish, French, and Dutch. Plus, the hotel has implemented COVID-19 sanitation protocols to ensure the safety of all guests.

Check-in/Check-out Cancellation Child Policy
Check-in: From 15:00 Policies vary by room type Children welcome, ages 3+ charged as adults
Check-out: Until 11:00
Damage Deposit Pets Group Bookings
€50 required, refundable within 7 days Not allowed Different policies for more than 5 rooms

Additional Information

Botel Review: Unique Stay in Amsterdam - Additional Information

Along With the hotel’s policies, the Botel offers several other notable features.

Guests can enjoy the property’s onsite bar, which serves beverages and light snacks.

The Botel also provides direct access to the NDSM Wharf, allowing visitors to easily explore the nearby festivals, art galleries, and flea markets.

On top of that, the hotel’s central location offers convenient transportation options, including a 15-minute direct connection to Schiphol Airport via the Central Railway Station.

With these additional amenities and accessibility, the Botel provides a unique and versatile accommodation option for travelers visiting Amsterdam.

  • Onsite bar and lounge
  • Direct access to NDSM Wharf attractions
  • 15-minute direct connection to Schiphol Airport

Questions About Staying Here

Do They Offer Any Special Packages or Deals?

Botel offers various deals and packages to enhance guests’ stays. They provide discounts for longer bookings, special offers for couples, and group rates. Guests can also book packages that include ferry tickets or access to nearby attractions.

What Is the On-Site Restaurant or Food Service Like?

The Botel offers a continental breakfast buffet for guests, but there’s no on-site restaurant. There’s a bar area where drinks and snacks can be purchased. Guests can explore the nearby NDSM Wharf for additional dining options.

Can I Store My Luggage Before Check-In or After Check-Out?

The hotel provides luggage storage facilities for guests before check-in and after check-out. Guests can leave their bags safely at the front desk while exploring the area prior to check-in or after checking out.

Do They Have Any Special Activities or Events for Guests?

The Botel offers various special events and activities for guests, including festivals, flea markets, and opportunities to explore the art and architecture of the NDSM Wharf area. Guests can enjoy the lively atmosphere and vibrant community surrounding the hotel.

How Late Is the Bar or Lounge Open?

The Botel has a bar area that is open late, though specific hours are not provided. Guests can enjoy drinks and relaxation at the bar into the evening as part of their unique boat-based stay in Amsterdam.

Worth The Stay

Amsterdam’s Botel offers a truly unique lodging experience, anchored in the vibrant NDSM-Wharf neighborhood. This floating hotel caters to adventurous travelers with its diverse room options and popular amenities. The unconventional setting provides a memorable stay while keeping guests close to the city’s top attractions.

After spending a night aboard this aquatic accommodation, it’s clear that Botel is an intriguing choice for anyone seeking a different perspective on Amsterdam. The gentle rocking of the water and the industrial-chic surroundings create an atmosphere unlike any traditional hotel.

For those ready to set sail on their own Botel adventure, the button below connects directly to Booking.com. This trusted platform consistently offers competitive rates and often includes free cancellation options, making it a smart choice for savvy travelers planning their Amsterdam getaway.