Boat-Apartment Rotterdam Fokkelina

Boat-Apartment Rotterdam Fokkelina Overview

I’ll be honest – when I first heard about staying on a boat in Rotterdam, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But Boat-Apartment Rotterdam Fokkelina turned out to be one of those experiences that makes you rethink what a hotel can be. This unique boutique hotel is moored along J.B. Bakemakade in the Feijenoord district, and honestly, the location is half the charm. You’re right on the water with this incredible view of Rotterdam’s skyline, especially stunning at sunset when all those modern towers light up across the Nieuwe Maas.

The boat itself feels surprisingly spacious – I mean, you know you’re on water because of the gentle rocking, but it’s not the cramped quarters you might imagine. The interiors have this cozy, maritime-meets-modern vibe that actually works really well. You get all the essentials without feeling like you’re roughing it, and there’s something oddly soothing about falling asleep to the soft sounds of water lapping against the hull. What I really appreciated was how quiet it gets at night – Feijenoord isn’t as bustling as the city center, so you don’t get that constant urban noise. The neighborhood has this authentic, lived-in feel that’s refreshing compared to the more touristy areas. You’re about a fifteen-minute walk to the Erasmus Bridge, and the Hotel New York is practically next door if you want that classic Rotterdam maritime dining experience.

Practical stuff worth knowing: parking can be a bit tricky around here, so I’d recommend the public transport option – there’s a decent bus connection that’ll get you to Centraal Station without hassle. The whole experience feels very Rotterdam, you know? This city has always done things differently, mixing industrial heritage with bold modern architecture, and staying on a converted boat somehow captures that spirit perfectly. It’s definitely not your standard hotel experience, which is exactly why it works. If you’re the type who gets seasick easily, maybe think twice, but the movement is really minimal – more like a gentle sway than anything dramatic. I found myself actually missing that subtle rocking motion after checking out.

Boat-Apartment Rotterdam Fokkelina Accommodations

Reviews of Boat-Apartment Rotterdam Fokkelina

• Exceptional – Anish from United Kingdom – May 19, 2024 (10/10)

  Amazing location in the center of the city.
  Cozy and spacious.
  Hospitable host
  
  What could be improved: Access is a bit cumbersome but this wasn't a surprise as it was clearly mentioned in the property details.

• Better than you would expect – Rob from United Kingdom – September 18, 2023 (9/10)

  Huge living space and a short taxi ride to the centre.
  
  What could be improved: No outside space

• It floated our boat! – Kenny from United Kingdom – August 14, 2023 (9/10)

  It was a large enough space for us all, though I had the bunk bed room for myself (too small for two) and there were a couple of other beds empty, so we had enough space for our luggage, etc. The common hanging out / dining area was bigger than expected and it was great to hang out on the deck.
  
  What could be improved: The landlord was very wary about neighbours being upset with noise, we were asked to be in and quiet by 10pm-ish and still he messaged me in the morning to find out how many people were staying on board, as we arrived back on the boat, quiet and sober, in two parties. Apparently the neighbours said there were guests. The boat next door, that we had to climb over to get to ours, had a party and guests, though their singing and minor noise didn't bother us – the landlord said I should have told him so he could complain. So, uptight about neighbours? We felt watched by unseen eyes and like he was uptight about noise issues – understandably so, as the noise travelled over the water and bounced off the walls, especially during the night.

• Top – Veerle from Belgium – November 30, 2023 (9/10)

  Locatie top
  Zeer vriendelijk ontvangst
  Een unieke ervaring
  Een aanrader
  
  What could be improved: In twee kamers was een geur van mazout waar je niet kon slapen

• Exceptional – Guelsy from Germany – September 27, 2022 (10/10)

  Kinder haben riesig Spaß gehabt
  
  What could be improved: sehr original

• Es war ein gelungener Damenausflug nach Rotterdam. Wir würden das Boot jederzeit wieder nehmen. – Barbara from Germany – June 6, 2024 (9/10)

  Wir wurden von unserem Gastgeber sehr freundlich empfangen. Er erklärte uns das Boot und seine Eigenschaft sehr genau. Auch hat er uns viele Tips gegeben, was man alles unternehmen kann und wo man gut Essen gehen kann. Die Küche hat alles was man brauchen würde (wir haben nur die Kaffeemaschine und Geschirr für das Frühstück benötigt.) Es gibt 2 Toiletten und 2 Duschen, die Bette waren sehr bequem, die Kojen hatten verschiedene Größen. Das Boot hat einfach flair. Zu Fuß kann man die Innenstadt gut erreichen, es fährt auch eine Straßenbahn und die Metro in der Nähe ab.
  
  What could be improved: da gab es nichts, außer dass das Wetter nicht gut war, aber da kann das Boot nichts dafür.

• Heel bijzondere locatie, vriendelijke eigenaar. – Sjoukje from Netherlands – October 8, 2023 (8/10)

  De sfeer en de locatie
  
  What could be improved: Niets

• Eine schöne Städtereise mit leichtem Abenteuer-Touch. – Ulrich from Germany – October 4, 2023 (8/10)

  Eine schöne Städtereise mit leichtem Abenteuer-Touch. Ich glaube ein Boot als Unterkunft kann man nicht mit den üblichen Kriterien vergleichen. Z.B. lag unser Schiff mit jedem Tag etwas "schiefer" im Wasser, weil der Brauchwassertank sich halt zusehns füllte. Wir empfanden diesen Umstand eher als lustiges Erlebnis.
  Das von uns gemietete blaue Boot war kleiner als das dann bewohnte große rote Boot. Die kleine Fokkolina riecht leider stark nach Diesel. Die Zaandam dagegen bietet viel Raum, reichlich Betten, Toiletten, Platz zu Kochen usw. und ist sehr empfehlenswert. Wir waren zu fünfts und es ist Platz für 11. Der Vermieter ist ein sehr freundlicher und entspannter Mann, der jederzeit mit Rat und Tat zur Verfügung stünde, hätte man ihn gebraucht.
  Alles in allem eine sehr runde und empfehlenswerte Sache
  
  What could be improved: Rotterdam ist recht teuer, aber sicher eine Reise wert.

• Very Good – Jégou from France – April 23, 2023 (8/10)

  L'accueil chaleureux, la facilité d'accès et le calme
  
  What could be improved: L'odeur un peu forte du fioul dans une des chambres, et le manque de store occultant pour pouvoir dormir plus longtemps

• Very Good – Steve from Belgium – April 17, 2023 (8/10)

  de gezelligheid om samen te kunnen zijn met de ganse groep
  
  What could be improved: de loopbrug is aan vervanging toe, en de kookpotten

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Facilities