Sleep inside a 70-year-old industrial lightship floating in Amsterdam

One of the most exciting things about travel is getting the opportunity to stay in a truly unique setting and experience something different. One such example is a stunning floating accommodation in Amsterdam-Noord that sees guests sleeping inside a 70-year-old British lightship while staring out on the surrounding water.

Moored in the creative neighborhood just minutes from the historic city center, Lightship Amsterdam offers two B&B suites in an astounding setting. Both the “Machinery Space” and the “Upper Store” suites have views of the front deck, and merge elements of luxury hotel rooms with the original features of the industrial vessel.

The interior merges the old with the new to showcase the original elements of the ship © Lightship Amsterdam

Each suite has a king-sized bed, a minibar and a private bathroom with a shower and a bath. Guests have their own entrance, as well as a large sunny terrace that offers views of the industrial city and the nearby lighthouse. Created by a family, the project took 11 years to complete. Available to rent through HostUnusual, the lightship was built in the early 1950s and completed years of service before being decommissioned decades later.

Located in Amsterdam-Noord, the B&B is close to many cultural hotspots © Lightship Amsterdam

The gigantic red and white ship is accessed via a walkway and still has a working light. The bedrooms have impressive and modern long glass walls that perfectly showcase the industrial metal features of the boat behind it, constantly reminding guests that they are sleeping in a large ship.

The B&B has home comforts and is not far from the city center © Lightship Amsterdam

“Guests can expect a warm personalized welcome in an iconic industrial environment. They often comment that it looks even better than in the picture,” a representative of Lightship Amsterdam told Lonely Planet. The ship is moored close to many creative waterside hangouts and artist’s studios, while NDSM Wharf is a popular location for festivals and cultural events. A free ferry takes visitors to the city center in minutes. Prices start from €230 per night.