The first hint that this is no standard hotel greets you the minute you step through The July – Boat & Co’s imposing wood and glass front doors: a cool, fully fledged barbershop, DOQ Barbers, where the snip of scissors and hum of clippers set the tone for the kind of place this is – lived-in, local, effortlessly stylish. It’s also typical of what Boat & Co does so well: blending everyday life with guest luxury.
Sitting quietly on the water in Houthaven, a redeveloped docklands area in Amsterdam’s northwest, the property feels calm yet full of life. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the lobby with light, elegant pendant lamps glow above warm wooden floors, and the open-plan ground-floor area – part bar, part restaurant, part co-working space – hums with guests working, chatting, or sinking into armchairs with an afternoon drink. It’s not quite a hotel, not quite a serviced apartment – but somehow, it pulls off the best of both.
Why stay at The July - Boat & Co?
Boat & Co is part of a growing breed of aparthotels that understand modern travellers want flexibility – the comfort of a city apartment with the service of a boutique hotel. It’s a clever mix, especially in Amsterdam, where hotel rooms can be charming but tiny (and often eye-wateringly expensive). Houthaven is a former timber harbour whose waterfront full of warehouses and cranes has been reborn as Amsterdam’s first climate-neutral city district, all wide pavements, sparkling water views, and bike lanes in every direction. Named after a woodwork company that was located on the site, the building itself – which uses eco-friendly materials and is powered partly by solar panels – nods to the area’s architectural heritage, with bold brickwork and large windows that feel generous and grounded. Its vibe is distinctly home-away-from-home: the kind of place where staying a week feels as natural and easy as a weekend.
What are the rooms like at The July - Boat & Co?
Fittingly for a property that claims to ‘seamlessly blend long and short stays’, there are no standard rooms here; instead, they have studio apartments with fully equipped kitchens, spacious living areas, and dining tables that double as workspaces. The décor is warm and modern – think teal, salmon, sand, and exposed wood – which is also reflected in the quirky, vintage furniture. King-sized beds with cloudlike bedding come as standard, and with comfort being key, there are a number of neat touches; the 41' TV swivels 180 degrees, so it can be watched from the sofa or that huge bed, the Marie-Stella-Maris toiletries, a local brand, are indulgence personified, and a selection of books added a homely touch. Should you require more space, they also have one- and two-bedroomed apartments, as well as a family apartment for those who wish to bring the little ones along. From the rooms to the shared spaces, everything at The July feels designed to make you want to stay just that bit longer.
What’s the food like at The July - Boat & Co?
The on-site brasserie, Vessel, sits right at the heart of Boat & Co. A bright, open, welcoming space, it’s filled with natural light and the quiet buzz of people getting things done – clearly it’s as popular with locals as it is with guests. The short, but ever-changing menu champions no-fuss comfort food done well. Lunch brings tuna melts, Reuben sandwiches, hearty salads and pastas; dinner shifts toward bolder dishes like Catch of the Day, Butcher’s Cut, or innovative fare such as chestnut linguine. There’s even a chef’s tasting menu if you’re feeling indulgent. The bar is as impressive as the kitchen: a solid selection of local beers, a thoughtful wine list, and a cocktail menu that reinvents the classics just enough. My smoky, orange-infused Mezcalita was exceptional, as was my Negroni. Breakfast is in the classic buffet style (and costs extra), although what’s laid out – fruits, yoghurt, muesli, and various baked goods – is a little limited; those wanting something more substantial need to order off the menu (another extra), where you’ll find pancakes, omelettes, sourdough toast, and excellent and sizable eggs Florentine/Benedict/Royale.
What’s the service like at The July - Boat & Co?
Service here is warm, professional and refreshingly unfussy – much like Amsterdam itself. The front-desk team were upbeat and helpful, with lots of thoughtful local spots to recommend. Throughout my stay, the staff struck the perfect balance between friendly and unobtrusive. The bar team were chatty and knew their drinks inside out; the restaurant staff were attentive without hovering. It’s the kind of place where everything seems to run smoothly in the background, and when you do need something, it happens quickly – no fuss, no formality.
What are the facilities like at The July - Boat & Co?
Exploring Amsterdam by bike is a must, and Boat & Co makes it easy: free bicycles are available for all guests, with plenty to go around. Prefer to walk? Each room comes with an umbrella to use for free during your stay – a charmingly Dutch touch. As Boat & Co is set up for longer stays, they’ve invested in proper gym and spa facilities, which are available from 7am to 11pm (booking time slots is mandatory to prevent overcrowding). The decent-sized gym is well-equipped, with free weights, kettlebells, and TechnoGym machines for both cardio and strength training, while there’s also a studio for yoga and Pilates sessions. The spa features a sauna, steam room, and footbaths, plus a relaxation lounge for post-workout recovery. There’s no pool – few Amsterdam hotels have one – but if you’re feeling brave, you can take a dip straight off the hotel’s terrace into the IJ River.
What’s the area like around The July - Boat & Co?
Houthaven isn’t one of Amsterdam’s tourist hot spots – and that’s exactly why you’ll love it. It’s calm, creative and full of water views, with modern bridges, moored boats and gleaming apartment blocks lining the quays. It’s also home to some big-name fashion HQs (Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss), Theatre Amsterdam, a sleek cultural venue just around the corner, and The Park Playground VR Amsterdam. In terms of food and drink, it’s still developing, but there are decent options. Grab coffee at 7evntyfive, enjoy food with a view from atop REM, or have some fun at Mooie Boules. The city centre is only ten minutes away by bike, as are the numerous free ferries that will whisk you over the Ij to Noord, but to keep it truly local, the nearby Westerpark is a highlight – a mix of green space, indie cafés, and the Westergas cultural complex, where you’ll find art, film screenings and weekend markets. The whole area feels very much like the next big thing: still developing, but already buzzing with local energy.
Why should you book a stay at The July - Boat & Co?
If you like the idea of feeling like a local – making your own coffee in the morning, hopping on a bike to explore, coming home to your own living room – then The July is your place. It sits in the sweet spot between a hotel and Airbnb – spacious, stylish, and smart about what travellers actually need. The rooms are beautiful, the restaurant and bar are great, and the staff strike the perfect balance between friendly and efficient. Sure, Boat & Co lies a little outside the main tourist centre, but that’s precisely what makes it special; you get the calm of a waterfront stay and a sense of local life, but with all the city’s chaos, good and bad, just a short ride away. Book midweek or off-season and you’ll find great rates, though even at full price it’s still excellent value. It might not be the most ‘historic canal view’ hotel you could stay in, but with its mix of mood, design, sustainability and flexibility, it could easily become your favourite.
DETAILS
Address: Revaleiland 500, 1014 ZG Amsterdam, Netherlands
Price: from €200 per night, with some seasonal deals
Closest transport: 10-minute bike ride to Amsterdam Centraal Station; nearby bus and tram stops