Wikkelboats at Wijnhaven

Wikkelboats at Wijnhaven Overview

I’ll be honest – when I first heard about Wikkelboats at Wijnhaven, I thought someone was pulling my leg. Sleeping on a boat made from recycled cardboard? In Rotterdam‘s historic harbor? It sounded like one of those gimmicky places you’d regret booking. Well, I was completely wrong.

These floating pods (they call them “wikkelboats” after the Dutch cardboard construction technique) are actually incredibly cozy and surprisingly sturdy. I mean, you’re literally bobbing gently in the old Wijnhaven harbor, which is honestly pretty magical at night when the city lights reflect off the water. The location is perfect – you’re right in Centrum, maybe a five-minute walk to the Markthal, and the whole maritime museum quarter is basically your backyard. What I love about this unique boutique hotel is that it doesn’t try to be fancy in that stuffy way. Instead, it’s genuinely innovative and kind of playful. Each boat sleeps two people comfortably, and the interiors are way more thoughtful than you’d expect – there’s actually decent storage, USB ports where you need them, and these clever little windows that frame the harbor views perfectly.

The whole setup feels very Rotterdam, you know? This city has always been about rebuilding, reimagining, doing things differently than Amsterdam or The Hague. Staying here, you’re part of that story. The boats don’t rock dramatically (I was worried about seasickness), but there’s just enough gentle movement to remind you that you’re on the water. It’s actually quite soothing, especially if you get one of the boats facing away from the main walking path – though honestly, even the “busy” side quiets down pretty well after 9 PM.

Practically speaking, there are a few things to know. The shared bathroom facilities are clean and modern, but they’re on the dock, so you’ll be making that walk in whatever weather Rotterdam throws at you. The boats can get a bit warm in summer since they’re essentially well-insulated boxes, but they provide fans and the harbor breeze helps. In winter, they’re surprisingly cozy – those cardboard walls are better insulators than you’d think. Check-in is straightforward, and the staff actually knows their stuff about the city. They pointed me toward this excellent little café on Witte de Withstraat that I never would’ve found otherwise.

What really won me over is how this place makes you see Rotterdam differently. You wake up to the sound of water lapping and gulls calling, right in the heart of the city. It’s not luxury in any traditional sense, but it’s an experience that sticks with you. Plus, at this price point in central Rotterdam, you’d usually be looking at some pretty grim hotel rooms. Here, you get something genuinely memorable instead. Just pack light – storage is clever but limited, and you definitely don’t want to be hauling huge suitcases down those dock walkways.

Wikkelboats at Wijnhaven Accommodations

Reviews of Wikkelboats at Wijnhaven

• Urban serenity – Nuvara from Netherlands – September 10, 2025 (10/10)

  Perfect experience in the heart of the city !
  
  What could be improved: Being that expensive and not being able to stay longer due to lack of time 🤷🏻‍♀️

• It’s was great.enjoyed the location – Deniel from United Kingdom – June 14, 2025 (9/10)

  What could be improved: The bikes were tied to the bridge and caused damage due to the water movement. Maybe a sign would be Good idea.

• Wonderful retreat in the heart of the city. – Molly from Netherlands – December 26, 2024 (9/10)

  Fantastic location on the water among the tall buildings of downtown Rotterdam. We enjoyed the set up of the room, the tiny kitchen, the lovely deck. We especially enjoyed the hot tub in the cold and rainy weather. So gezellig!
  
  What could be improved: It would be nice if the facility had a physical book with the details about how to operate everything. It was a little challenging to look through all the emails for how to work different parts of the facility, etc…

• Nice accommodations right on the water! – Rick from United States – July 1, 2024 (8/10)

  The boat we stayed on was very cute and comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: Having to scan a tiny security fob by reaching through the fence to leave was a bit much. I would not expect to have to scan to get OUT of the marina. It was nerve racking because it you drop the fob, it's probably going right into the water.

• Such a unique and enjoyable stay in Rotterdam! The little touches made it feel even more special. – Kimberly from United States – March 31, 2024 (10/10)

  The location was perfect and close to all the sights. It was clean and comfortable and they thought of all the details. The robes were a nice touch for after the hot tub and the Nespresso with milk frother was a nice treat!
  
  What could be improved: There was more nighttime noise and light than we were expecting so it made it a bit more difficult to sleep well but being in a city we understood that as a possibility.

• Unique and wonderful experience – Megan from United Kingdom – December 13, 2023 (10/10)

  Beautiful and magical. The location is fabulous the care from staff is beyond amazing. An absolute highlight
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – Roger from Canada – July 6, 2023 (10/10)

  The location is excellent with lots of outdoor seating for lounging and watching the boats go past. And what is not to love about having your own hot tub after a long day of sightseeing. The kitchen is great for early breakfasts when you want to get on your way.
  
  What could be improved: The bathroom window needs to be completely frosted.

• Perfect setting, perfect ambiance, one to remember! – Jurgen from Belgium – May 5, 2023 (9/10)

  What could be improved: Well, I searched for 5 seperate rooms.. so 5 seperate beds. And booking proposed this option.
  
  Ok for family and friends, but for colleagues spleeping in the same bed.. not so pleasent.
  We had to anticipate with the couch, so then for that person price/quality not so great you know

• Way beyond what we expected. Definitely felt like we got great value. – Matthew from United States – April 5, 2023 (10/10)

  Everything exceeded our expectations. My daughter loved it so much she would move in full time of she could. The accommodations, location, and amenities were all fantastic. The staff was by far the best part of the visit. Would definitely recommend!
  
  What could be improved: If we could have figured out how to turn off the outside light.

• Nice boat – Ross from United Kingdom – July 27, 2025 (10/10)

  Lovely jacuzzi
  
  What could be improved: Pull out sofa beds not very comfy to sleep on

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Facilities