Houseboat Harmony

Houseboat Harmony is a bed and breakfast on the river Vecht in Utrecht, and the room is on a houseboat. Guests sleep on the water with views along the river, close enough to see grebes at about a metre, along with swans and herons, as boats go by.

The room

The stay is a single bed and breakfast room aboard the boat. It has a fridge for your groceries and free Wi-Fi. Free parking is available right in front of the door, which is a convenience in a city where that is often not the case.

Breakfast

Breakfast is the hotel’s calling card. Host Gerard Vogel prepares an extensive breakfast that is served in your room, at a table overlooking the Vecht, and the houseboat says it is much praised by guests. If the weather allows, you can eat outside on the terrace instead, and freshly squeezed orange juice is part of the spread.

The setting

Outside, a garden terrace sits by the water, giving a place to sit and watch the river traffic. The pace here is slow and the surroundings are quiet.

Practical notes

Check-in is after 4 pm and check-out is before 10 am. The houseboat suits couples, nature lovers and anyone who wants a few nights on the water without leaving Utrecht. Because it is one room, it is worth asking about dates well ahead. The room has the basics covered, with a fridge for your own food and drink, free Wi-Fi and parking at the door.