We found Efren through a web search and read all reviews prior to booking. We had grand expectations because of this, and upon arrival they where immediately exceeded with his warm greetings, kind demeanor, and immaculate & convenient accommodations. Every room in this beautiful houseboat was cozy & clean. There is free internet access, great sound system, tv, washer & dryer, and waterfront views. He even shopped for us so we can have breakfast and snacks, and the shower pressure... is actually better than ours at home!

The next time we return to Amsterdam, we will most definitely stay with Efren again.
His houseboat feels like home, and is silly to compare to a hotel. You will be very very pleased.
Tricia & I highly recommend Efren to our friends and you & yours!

A great little houseboat on a canal in Amsterdam. While the room was not overly large and the two single beds were pushed together (a single larger futon on top would have been perfect), the ambiance of the canal houseboat was terrific. Our host Eframwas almost never there and the other living room/ kitchen with a small deck was great. We enjoyed the quiet of the canal and had fun waving at the boat loads of vacationers who took our picture as we relaxed and read our books. The shower in the bathroom was surprisingly hot and had great power. We would return here again. The boat is only 1 tram ride from the train station and is close to the Hieniken Brewery tour and the markets and museum area. There is a good little pub not to far away for dinner(except on sunday)and a restuarant area too. A good grocery store is on the opposite bank of the canal, across the street. Overall it was a great place to return to after the busyness of Amsterdam. For a unique vacation experience and a change from the whole hotel life, give the houseboat a try. We enjoyed our 3 days there.
A couple of Canadians.

Hi all,

I just want to warn people who are looking for a great time in Amsterdam and plan to stay on a houseboat during their visit.
I usually stay on houseboats during my visits, only because you have much more space available than in the hotel rooms, except you book a hotel suite....
Well, this time (last week) I stayed at a houseboat, too which I have booked over the internet - it was more or less all crap - not really the boat, more the owner.
When I made the reservations sometimes last year it looked promising. Yes, I am a photographer and know how good pictures can be taken. I took that into account and all the promises I got by Efren (the owner).
The best part of the houseboat was it's loacation - in the Singel gracht - right beneath the Heineken brewery. But that was it about.
I was promised to have the whole houseboat all by myself - no other people nor the owner on the boat.
What I got was a tiny littly room (even the botel rooms are bigger) and my own private bathroom. I was told that the owner has to be onboard for legal reasons - which I don't believe because it was never the case before.
The advertised fast internet connection was not working either in my room!
We are talking 120 Euros per night, here. I don't really care about the money but I want the appropriate value for it.
I booked four nights and on the last evening the owner told me he was "so sorry" he had some double bookings. If it's okay if I move to the other room....
Well, I agreed and Eferen offered a 50 % discount on the last night, which he will leave in cash for me on the table after my return from dinner he said.
As expected - no cash refund on the kitchen table. So I had to call him on my departure the next day and told him he still owes me some money.
Finally he got there and paid the 60 Euros.

Conclusion:

Location - superb
Owner - bad business practice/attitude (I think that is polite enough to describe that desaster).

We've just returned from Amsterdam. This cozy, romantic houseboat was the perfect place to celebrate our 30th- so glad we discovered it through Tripadvisor. Everything was just as described in the reviews- and better. We loved everything about it, and staying on the water made us feel closer to the life of the city. Thank you, Efren!