What better way to experience the burgeoning skyline of Noord Amsterdam and its cool architecture than by staying there? Admittedly not able to compete with today's humungous ocean-going liners on comfort or luxury levels, the Botel is nevertheless a defunct inland waterways cruiser with a certain down-at-heel charm. It is moored permanently to a dock on the IJ waterway northwest of Centraal Station, has cabins on four decks, and is surprisingly popular largely because of that extra thrill of sleeping on the water—so book well in advance. The rooms are no great shakes but are functional and spotless; a free taxi service delivers late-night revelers back to the floating hotel when the ferry service from Centraal Station closes.