10 Unusual places to stay in the Netherlands right on the waterfront

Are you looking for a fun place to stay in the Netherlands and would you like to book something by the water? Then on Vipio, you can choose from a wide selection of unique waterfront stays. Every single one of the stays on Vipio is special. We also take the location of each property into account. And accommodations located right on the water are, of course, especially special. After all, who wouldn’t want to be able to jump right into the water from their hotel, holiday home, or houseboat? And if it’s too cold to swim, you can at least sit by the water and enjoy the view. We’ve put together a selection of 10 special waterfront accommodations just for you below. Are you interested in booking one of these accommodations? Then be sure to act fast—they’ll be booked up before you know it!

Here, you’ll sleep literally surrounded by water, in the middle of a beautiful nature reserve, far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The cozy, self-contained log cabin sleeps up to four people and is surprisingly comfortably furnished. Inside, you’ll find a cozy sitting area, a double sofa bed, and two single beds, a heater for chilly days, and a TV with streaming services. The kitchen is equipped with a gas stove, refrigerator, and all the basics, and thanks to the Wi-Fi, you can stay connected with ease. Outside, it’s all about life by the water. You’ll have 200 m² of outdoor space with a terrace, lawn, and campfire area—an ideal spot to relax after a day of boating, swimming, or simply enjoying the view. As the icing on the cake, a small boat is included, allowing you to sail to your island yourself—no boating license required. Check out this cottage on the Vinkeveense Plassen.

For those looking for a truly unique experience, a motorized camping raft is the perfect recipe for adventure. Setting off from a base camp, you’ll set sail in this floating shelter and cruise past extraordinary spots in the Dutch countryside. Whether you choose a day trip or a multi-day journey, this is slow adventure at its finest, where freedom and a connection to the elements take center stage. The raft is fully equipped for a carefree stay: a spacious four-person tent with comfortable foam mattresses, a dry toilet, and a handy navigation map to plan your route. You’ll paddle through Waterland, a green peatland landscape just north of Amsterdam where water and land maintain a perfect balance. As you paddle past reed beds and small polders, you’ll hear the calls of rare birds—a true paradise for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.

Anyone looking at this unique boat will likely notice right away that its design is inspired by the legendary Airstream trailers. The boat’s design combines the style of this American classic with original Dutch design. Its distinctive looks, as well as its solid construction and living comfort, make this boat the perfect spot for a special overnight stay. The houseboat is remarkably spacious and can accommodate up to 5 people. There are 2 bedrooms, a cozy living room, and a kitchen equipped with, among other things, a stovetop, refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. The bathroom is equipped with a toilet and a rain shower. The boat has a good Wi-Fi connection (free). Outside, you can enjoy the sun on your own waterfront terrace and watch the boats go by while sipping a nice cold drink. Check out this designer boat in Den Bosch

Enjoy the sunset together from the comfort of your suite, listen to the waves, and watch sailboats and other boats glide by. In short, all the ingredients for a wonderful night or weekend getaway. This suite is located in the hotel on the Pier in Scheveningen—truly a unique location in the Netherlands. The suite overlooks the sea and the beach and is equipped with every luxury. Sleep in a 2-meter-wide, superior-quality king-size bed and relax in the large walk-in shower in the bathroom. Every detail has been thought of to ensure an unforgettable North Sea experience. This includes use of the coffee and tea facilities and the minibar. And when the weather is nice, you can of course take a refreshing dip in the sea. Check out this hotel suite on the Scheveningen pier

Floating on the water, while ducks and their ducklings swim by, you’ll find complete peace and quiet in this beautiful water villa. Located on a serene dike in Oostknollendam, every window offers an unobstructed view of nature. Upon entering, you’ll be surprised by the solid construction and the size of the interior spaces—the boat is 20 meters long and 6 meters wide, with a total of 200 square meters spread over two floors. The water villa features three bedrooms, and the bedroom with two comfortable box beds is ideal for the kids. The large kitchen-dining area is fully equipped, but you’ll want to spend most of your time in the cozy living room. Thanks to its lower elevation, you can observe aquatic life up close from the enormous sofa. When the weather is nice, you can swim or fish right here. Do you like ice skating? Then you should book this waterfront villa when it’s freezing. You can go on endless skating trips here. Check out this waterfront villa in North Holland.

Wake up and walk straight onto the beach from your bedroom. It sounds like a dream, but it’s possible on the beach in Vlissingen. This beautiful family room is the ideal vacation spot for lovers of sun, beach, and sea! The family room (nearly 60 m²) accommodates up to 5 people, making it perfect for families with 3 children. This is truly a stay you’ll never forget for the rest of your life—after all, sleeping on the beach is a unique experience. There’s plenty to do in Vlissingen besides the beach. Head into town for some shopping or to relax at an outdoor café. Check out this hotel room on the beach in Vlissingen

A stay on the water is always special, but this unique houseboat in Limburg takes the experience to the next level. The absolute highlight is the floating hot tub on its own raft next to the boat, filled with heated natural water. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening under a starry sky or a relaxing moment after an active day, here you can truly unwind in the heart of nature. The houseboat accommodates 2 to 4 people and features a smart layout, ensuring a comfortable and cozy stay. You won’t be doing any boating, so all your attention can be focused on relaxing and enjoying the water. There’s plenty to discover in the area: go fishing from your own deck, rent a rowboat, kayak, or e-chopper to explore the water and forests, or take a walk through the heathlands of the Mookerheide. For a touch of city life, Nijmegen is nearby, and you can easily cross the border for a day trip to Germany.

Are you planning a city trip to Amsterdam soon and want to make it an unforgettable weekend? Then book this unique bridge keeper’s cottage in the heart of Amsterdam. This charming little building from 1928 has been converted into one of the most unique places to stay by the water. The boats glide by, and you have a front-row seat. The cottage is fully equipped and is essentially a one-room hotel. Truly a special experience!

This cozy water pod in the marina near Almere offers a unique and romantic overnight stay for two people. Compact and cozily furnished with a double bed and basic amenities, this is the perfect place to get away from the daily hustle and bustle. The Pod features a private terrace, ideal for a relaxing evening with a drink as the sun sets. At the marina, you can enjoy all the amenities, such as the beach, boat rentals, bike rentals, and cozy dining options. The marina is located on the Markermeer, a true paradise for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. Explore the area via beautiful biking and hiking trails, or take a trip to the historical Muiderslot Castle, the Dolfinarium, or the Aviodrome. For a day trip to the city, you can be in Amsterdam within half an hour, where museums, shops, and outdoor cafes await.

Would you like to wake up in a luxury waterfront apartment in a historical location? Then book this modern four-person apartment at a small-scale vacation park on the Uitgeestermeer. The townhouse-style apartment is approximately 58 m² and features a cozy living room with a sitting and dining area and a television. The apartment has two bedrooms. Right next to the park is a (public) swimming lake. The park also has a nice restaurant where you can enjoy a cup of coffee, a cold drink, or a delicious lunch. An ideal spot for a (short) holiday.

Of course, these 10 accommodations aren’t the only waterfront stays you can find on Vipio. We have a wide selection of unique stays located on a lake, river, or by the sea. How about, for example, an old lifeboat in the harbor of Monnickendam, a former cruise ship in Rotterdam, or a vacation villa on a recreational lake? View all waterfront stays here.