The metropolitan city of Seattle has had a long history of logging and shipbuilding. Houseboats were originally intended to house loggers who worked by the water. Over time, they were also adopted by wealthier residents for their summer homes. Many of these historic houseboats have been lovingly preserved and this list sets out some options open for rental. If you’re looking for an Airbnb vacation rental in the form of a unique houseboat, please keep reading.
1. Modern houseboat on Lake Union (from USD 99)
With eggshell yellow wallets and a navy blue trim, this houseboat makes a charming sight. The inside is clean and modern, with a cheerful natural wood finish and a customized bamboo flooring. With one large double bed, it’s perfect for two guests. Your host has also recently installed insulation to ensure guests stay warm and comfortable even in the chilly winters. The wide-screen television is also equipped with Netflix and Amazon Prime and a surround sound speaker. Location wise, the houseboat is located on Lake Union and using your host’s kayak, you’ll have a fantastic time paddling over the lake and visiting the parks and restaurants nearby.
Modern Houseboat on Lake Union!!Seattle, Washington, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the true highlight is the upper deck with chairs and a table and fabulous viewsgreat upper deck and back seating area cozy interiorcozy houseboat with great amenitieseven in late january the houseboat was super comfortableawesome bed great water pressure in the shower beautiful rooftop deck thoughtful touchesCleanliness:
it is maintained very well and cleanit had everything you needed was well taken care of clean and modernit was clean and had a surprising amount of little extra touchesi really appreciate the ease of check in and their place is super cleanboat was very clean and bed was comfyHost:
easy parking and great response from hostsjason and minh are fantastic hostsjason is a great host very quick to answer and help when we neededwatching "sleepless in seattle" provided by the hosts was such a lovely touchjason was very responsive and accommodatingRead more reviewsLocation:
perfect location just right outside downtownthe location is awesomefun location and wonderful experiencethe location is pretty convenientwhat a great location minutes from everything
2. Floating retreat in heart of Seattle (from USD 300)
This spacious houseboat accommodates three. Reviewed glowingly on the television shows House Hunters and Tiny Houses, you know you’re in for a great experience. There is one queen bed on the upper deck, plus a futon and air mattress. As you wander through the houseboat, you’re sure to notice some incredible art pieces designed by a local artist who lives in the same marina. The cozy lounge is perfect for hanging out with your traveling companions, especially with its projection system with NetFlix, Hulu and HBO subscriptions. Meanwhile, the full kitchen offers a wide range of appliances. On the deck, there is also a propane grill and griddle plus bistro chairs and a table for outdoor dining.
Romantic Lakeside Seattle HouseboatSeattle, Washington, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the bed and furniture are all very comfortablecozy houseboat with great amenitiesour daughter slept on the couch on the main floor which was very large and comfortablehas all the comforts of home like shower kitchen washer dryer etci loved being able to see the space needle lit up at night right from bedCleanliness:
everything was clean and comfortableclean quiet and very comfortablepeaceful place to stay very clean and nicesuper clean space and great locationit was clean comfortable and fully stocked with suppliesHost:
our host provided excellent instructions for finding the boat upon arrivalthe owner was very responsive and quick to address any issuesmichaelle was a wonderful host and responded quickly to requests for helpthe host did a great job communicating with me the stay was outstandingshe was so gracious and kind to us during our stay and made us feel welcomeRead more reviewsLocation:
excellent location close to downtown but far enough away from the noisethe location is close to downtown and all the major attractionsgreat value and locationwe loved the location as it was close to downtown but also close to the charming fremont areabeautiful place and great location
3. Sugar Shack Houseboat on Lake Union (from USD 99)
This green houseboat with crimson trim is as lovely inside as it looks outside. The interior is furnished in a delightful vintage style, with plenty of bright colors and warm wood textures. As there is only one double bed, the houseboat sleeps just two and is very cozy for couples. The bathroom may be small but is clean and modern. From the upper deck, you can even spot the iconic Space Needle! Your host also offers use of two bicycles and kayak so you can get some exercise while exploring the area.
Sugar Shack Houseboat on Lake UnionSeattle, Washington, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
below deck was super cozy but we really loved sitting on the deck above and enjoying the viewwe loved the views and the cozy interior of the boatbeautiful views from the boat and the bed was comfyit was a perfect getaway comfiest bed and beddingwe found 3 excellent places: 1) top pot donuts for breakfast 2) domani restaurant (they had an excellentCleanliness:
great place to relax very cleanvery comfortable clean with unique touches of home) the windows throughout the boat are kept crystal cleanHost:
gretchen was an excellent hostgretchen was quick to answer questions give advice on places to go and all around a wonderful hostgretchen was very helpful and responded to all questions and assisted us when we neededmy thanks to the hostess and host that made sure i had everything for my staygretchen is a great host and nothing is left to guessRead more reviewsLocation:
loved the location and unique experiencethe location is beautiful and convenientthe location was amazing and peacefulthis location was a perfect base location for our exploration of seattlegreat experience very good location
4. The Ginger Houseboat (from USD 79)
It’s hard to find a houseboat as spacious as this! The Ginger has two full bedrooms, each containing a queen bed. With the extra sofa bed in the living room area, six guests can sleep here with no trouble. Additionally, you have a large open concept kitchen with stove, refrigerator, utensils and staples for cooking. The bathroom is bright and clean, and you can also use a dryer and washer to do laundry if your clothes get wet from sports on the lake. Your host also offers use of a propane barbecue pit on the deck, and three kayaks for rent.
Ginger HouseboatSeattle, Washington, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
but there was a box fan to keep the other bedroom coolwifi wasn't very strong but we did have a good phone signalwe were able to fit six people fairly comfortable and each person had somewhere to sleepplenty of room and definitely a bonus to relax on the upstairs deckvery nice houseboat excellent location and two very comfortable beds as well as a sofa bedCleanliness:
very clean with detailed instructionsthe houseboat was very cleansuper clean well-decorated and very well-keptthe houseboat itself was very clean spacious and well-equippedvery roomy clean and comfortableHost:
she responded quickly and was very helpfuloverall the houseboat was nice and the property manager emma was very responsivethe few people i crossed paths with were very kind and respectfulso accommodating we would all recommend this place for a quick getawayRead more reviewsLocation:
nice location and interesting experiencegreat place and location for visiting the heart of seattlegreat location to get transportation to the other parts of seattlea great spot in a unique locationawesome location will all kinds of fun things to do nearby
5. Turnip Houseboat (from USD 79)
This houseboat is definitely as quaint and quirky as its name. Its design bears similarities to the junk boats of Asia and its simple wood exterior is adorned with cheerful red and yellow paint. Top all this off with an eye-catching, red door and you can surely spot if from afar. Inside, there is an eclectic mix of vintage furniture. With one queen size bed, a sleeper sofa and a little nook with mattresses, it sleeps four guests and is fantastic for families. The bathroom features a unique bath which you can soak in, simple basin and toilet.
Quarky Turnip HouseboatSeattle, Washington, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it was our first time on a boat overnight and i am a big fan nowthe decor and furniture is well thought-out and man that’s a comfortable bedwe loved our stay at the houseboat it was very cozy and relaxingbeds were very comfortablegreat small community and very quiet the main bed was extremely comfortableCleanliness:
it was clean and comfortablespotlessly clean roomy and comfortablethe bed was super comfy and the space was clean and nicely decoratedthe space was clean comfortable and the two outdoor spaces were wonderful areas to spend time init was well decorated clean more spacious than expected and had a very unique locationHost:
thanks for being a great hostthank you for being such amazing hostsgreat place and the hosts were very good at communicatingfrom the moment i inquired about staying with them they were very communicative and helpfulemma and micheal are super responsive and ready to guide you through whatever you need to knowRead more reviewsLocation:
great location on the bike pathlocation was nice toogreat location on the lakegreat location within walking distance to food and drinkscute houseboat that's easy to get to by bus
6. Jicama Houseboat (from USD 84)
The Jicama Houseboat is available for a total of six guests. Inside there are two double beds in a cozy bedroom, plus a sofa bed and air mattress. The entire space is airy and bright, with many windows to let the sunlight in. A large open concept kitchen offers use of a full stove, refrigerator and microwave. Moored in South Lake Union, you’ll have an incredible view of the water and downtown Seattle in the distance.
Jicama HouseboatSeattle, Washington, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beds were comfy and the deck was delightfulwe had to move the couch away from the wall to use the wall heater safelyalso couch on pull-out bed is a blow-up and i didn’t think this was clearour nieces enjoyed sleeping in the two loft bedsi don’t recommend this for large families it has two comfy double bedsCleanliness:
the houseboat was clean and comfortablesafe and very cleanclean and well furnished/decorateda very picturesque and clean placethe area was very quiet and cleanHost:
wonderful experience to live on the boat the host was very nice and responds very quickthe host was excellent at communication and getting the propane fixed in a timely mannerRead more reviewsLocation:
great location close to downtowngreat location and fun staygreat location and ideal for a houseboat experiencethe location was terrific as welllocation is perfect can walk to grocery restaurants etc
7. A historic 1927 houseboat with all the modern conveniences (from USD 187)
Another houseboat that guarantees a pleasant stay in Seattle, this historic tugboat dates back to 1927. Providing one bedroom and one bathroom, the houseboat is excellent for couples or solo travelers. The main room comes with a TV and ample storage space. Walk to the main salon and you can find an L-shaped couch that guarantees relaxation. Doors on each side of the salon lead to an outdoor area, a large kitchen, and a back deck. Enjoy a barbecue fiesta on the deck, which features a barbecue grill and a dining table for al-fresco dining.
UNIQUE SEATTLE EXPERIENCESeattle, Washington, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the couch and bed are both super comfy and the kitchen is well appointedgreat kitchen bath and sleeping quartersthe internet works great apple tv was a wonderful luxuryvery comfortable sleeping space and the shower was greatwe tried portage bay café for breakfast and asadero mexican restaurant both in ballard which were quite amazingCleanliness:
safety and cleanliness issuestugboat sally is clean and well appointedeverything was clean and comfortable and incredibly charmingeverything was clean & in order at check-init was immaculate -- sparkling cleanHost:
the hosts are highly organized and responsiveowners were very helpful and accommodatingbig thank you to the hosts who made sally part of our storymichael and kelley were great hostsmike and kelley are very communicative and helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is excellentthe location is fabplenty of good restaurants close bygreat shops and restaurants close by or a short drive away5 min walking distance and you are at a great brewery (urban family)
8. A houseboat with complete facilities (from USD 69)
Forget staying in a house or villa while in Seattle. For a unique experience, stay in this houseboat, which has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Offering one bedroom and one bathroom, the houseboat can perfectly accommodate three people. There is a rooftop deck, on which you can enjoy the lake views, as well the seaplanes passing above you. Other facilities offered include wall heaters, a fully equipped kitchen, as well as indoor and outdoor areas for breakfast.
Carrot HouseboatSeattle, Washington, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
such an adorable houseboat the bed is super comfortable and the living room is charmingthe marina is quiet and has a bathroom you are encouraged to useCleanliness:
very clean and quainta clean unique experiencevery clean comfortable cozygreat stay and experience would stay again houseboat was clean and had everything you neededthe boat was shining clean and quite comfortableHost:
the boat was charming and the host was incredibly responsiveemma was a gracious hostthe hosts were communicative clear and very responsiveadorable house boat in a great location property manager was helpful and quick with responseswe had luggage to store before check-in and she was very responsive and accommodatingRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was outstandingcute experience and a great locationthe location was great and close to many wonderful placeswonderful location with easy access to downtown seattlewe loved staying there great location and cute houseboat
9. The Little Betty Houseboat
The Little Betty is a historic Sea Camper that has been upgraded with all your modern comforts. Inside, there is a plush king bed and a comfy sofa bed that together sleep three guests. The private bathroom is simple but clean, and the kitchen is well equipped with modern kitchen appliances. Located in a quiet, safe neighborhood, there is plenty of greenery and a few great coffee shops to get your daily fix at. Your hosts also provide kayaks to fit two adults if you’d like to have an adventure on the lake. The houseboat is also docked and will not be traveling around the lake.
"Little Betty" HouseboatWestlake, Seattle, Washington, United States
10. Seattle Floating Home
This delightful houseboat for two features a cozy bedroom and one private bathroom. The kitchen is well equipped and will allow you to prepare meals flexibly. The proximity of the houseboat to the University of Washington makes it ideal for people visiting students and residents at the University, and a unique alternative to staying in your usual bed and breakfast. In the vicinity, there is also a French bakery, a sushi restaurant and a Trader Joe’s to stock up on groceries. Please note however that your host only accepts bookings for a minimum of thirty nights.
Experience a Seattle floating home!Seattle, Washington, United States
11. Seattle Lakeside Lovenest
The Seattle Lakeside Lovenest has a classic black exterior with striking accents of yellow and gold. Step inside and you are in a beautifully furnished studio that’ll give you the feeling of staying in a boutique hotel. Unique pieces and a mix of textures gives the space a distinct character of its own. On the first floor, there is a luxurious king bed by a series of windows, allowing natural light to filter in and bathe the space in warmth. A ladder leads to the second level with a compact toilet, a second queen bed and the lovely outdoor deck. The houseboat accommodates groups of up to four persons and you will enjoy your stay here immensely.
Seattle Lakeside LovenestWestlake, Seattle, Washington, United States
12. Rutabaga Houseboat
The Rutabaga stands out from afar, with its extra tall deck that translates to a high ceilinged second level. Constructed in the 1980s, your hosts have largely preserved this traditional Seattle house barge design. The houseboat sleeps four persons with its queen bed plus a sleeper sofa. As your host provides an extra air mattress, up to four other overnight guests are allowed too. Another bonus is the use of three kayaks for free. These can bring you to the café at the marina which serves fresh coffee and refreshing cold beers.
Rutabaga HouseboatSeattle, Washington, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we were able to watch the sunset from the rooftop deck and enjoyed the views from the bedamazing view adorable and cozy spacethe bed was comfortable and the views were perfect we would definitely stay againvery cozy place nice selection of books to skim cute decks with beautiful urban viewsthe wifi connectivity was great and the accommodations were also very niceCleanliness:
the marina was very clean and all neighbors were friendlythe houseboat was clean and had everything we needed to enjoy a nice nightHost:
emma was super responsive to all the questions i hadit is an excellent place one of a kindcommunication with the hosts was great as wellRead more reviewsLocation:
great location would stay here againgreat location relaxing and romantic atmospherethe houseboat is so cute and the location is just perfectcomfortable cozy yet close to the citywe absolutely loved this place super cute houseboat and great location
Discover Seattle from the water
With their varied shapes and sizes and one of a kind designs, Seattle’s houseboats receive plenty of attention. If you’re curious about living on one of these floating boats, do try out one of the rentals on this list. If you enjoyed this article, share it with your friends on Facebook and save it to Pinterest for future reference!
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- Things To Do In Seattle, Washington - Updated 2020Ruth Rosalyn
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