The Oh’s and Ah’s
The idea of building a hotel like BOAT&CO began a couple of years ago. Back then, this particular spot at the Amsterdam waterfront was still a patch of urban desert. A lot has changed since then.
Including our name. Our hotel name comes from a woodwork company that used to be located in the Houthaven: Boot & Co. We have decided to change ‘BOOT’ into ‘BOAT’, so that our international guests can pronounce the name of our hotel, too.
This change is quite fitting, anyway. Because at BOAT&CO, we go for the Oh’s as well as the Ah’s!
HOUTHAVEN
You can find BOAT&CO at the Houthaven, Amsterdam’s historic timber harbour district at the IJ. Between 1876 and 1945, hard workers handled tonnes of timber here. Today, you can still see bits of the city’s rich cultural and commercial trading history.
The Houthaven today has a friendly no-nonsense attitude that reminds of life back then. And the area is home to lots of design, good food, and forward-thinking entrepreneurs. That’s why the Houthaven is an exciting place full of effortless confidence, so typical of Amsterdam.
Photo by: Cornelia Suhan
THE BUILDING
BOAT&CO was designed by Kollhoff architects. The building has two side wings that extend in a warm welcome. At the heart of our hotel, you’ll find our lively, daylight-ridden atrium. Outside, piers trace the water’s edge. Perfect for a stroll or for enjoying the views over the IJ.
With its red, orange and purple brick walls, the building may remind you of the famous expressionist architecture of the Amsterdam School. Moreover, its pointed roofs, dormers and bay windows remind of old industrial warehouses. BOAT&CO’s sturdy yet shiny looks fit right in with the style of adjacent Spaarndammer neighbourhood.
ECO-FRIENDLY FROM THE START
BOAT&CO has eco-friendliness built into its core. Quite literally: we built it according to Cradle-to-Cradle principles, using sustainable construction materials that produce zero waste. All the better for our ecological footprint.
Our maintenance, too, is eco-friendly. For example, the building has an innovative thermal energy storage system for sustainable heating and cooling. Moreover, it is covered in solar panels and home to lots of nesting boxes. It has water-saving showerheads, toilets, taps and faucets.
Also, we separate our waste and use ecologically friendly products and methods for cleaning and washing. Even our fire extinguishers are sustainable!
Photo by: Cornelia Suhan