End your day up on the roof with a cool drink and the Boston skyline!
Location: Boston, Greater Boston, Massachusetts, USA (In the Historic and Chic Charlestown Navy Yard) View Map
Accommodations: House Boat, 3 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 2 Baths (Sleeps 8-10)
Keywords: houseboat, marina, yacht
The White Elephant Floating Inn is a one-of-a-kind wooden houseboat lovingly built from scratch on a steel hull by a single person over a period of about five years. It features beautifully finished wood paneled walls, exposed wood beams and inlaid hardwood floors. The main stateroom features a custom-built king size platform bed with headboard, two large closets and hexagonal stained-glass windows. Extra guests can be accommodated by a queen size sleep sofa and an inflatable Aerobed located in the main salon. In addition we have just built two more private staterooms on the second level. One comes complete with a queen bed, dresser and chair. The second stateroom contains a full bed and two twin beds. Connecting these rooms is an additional full bathroom. Unlike your typical boat, the kitchen includes a full-size fridge, stove, microwave, toaster, coffee maker and plenty of dishes, glassware, cutlery and pots and pans. Both bathrooms contain full size stand up showers. This craft is so accommodating you will forget you are on a boat!
Minutes from any downtown location by foot, water shuttle, or free bus, discover Boston’s waterfront right “in the water”! The White Elephant is just a few minutes walk from Boston's Freedom Trail, the Bunker Hill Monument and Pavilion, the USS Constitution and Museum, and landmark restaurants such as Todd English's Olives and the Warren Tavern, one of Paul Revere's favorite haunts. Minutes away by free bus or $1.70 water shuttle are the New England Aquarium, Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall, Boston’s Italian North End, a large outdoor neighborhood swimming pool, a free tennis court, a public ice skating rink, and countless other things to see and do.
WiFi is included free with the rental. The boat is fully air-conditioned and heated. Laundry facilities (as well as additional on-shore bathrooms and showers) are conveniently located right at the marina. Also right in the marina is the Tavern on the Water, a restaurant and bar with a great view of the Boston skyline, and on-shore grilling and picnic facilities.
We provide an iron, ironing board, hairdryer, and loads of bathroom products such as soaps, shampoos, and lotions. We even include lots of cooking ingredients such as coffee, condiments, etc...
The boat is large enough to comfortably accommodate up to eight adults or six adults with a few children. It is fully air-conditioned and heated and has a large roof sun deck with a gas grill. All sheets and towels are provided.
All this for less than the price of a room at any of the nearby hotels!
If you are flying into Boston, we can provide you with information to arrange for a private water taxi to pick you up at the airport and take you directly to the houseboat.
If you are arriving by car, you can park in a nearby garage (2 blocks) for $18/day.You then will have the choice of using your own car for excursions away from downtown or availing yourself of the water shuttle or free bus service for local destinations.
What's it like staying on a houseboat? The boat is in a protected part of the marina, but there is some occasional movement during the day when boats pass by. It is usually very calm during the night, although some guests find a bit of gentle swaying is relaxing and can lead to a very restful sleep.
It is truly our goal that every guest have an exceptional and memorable experience, so come 'Float' away your tensions, inhale pure sea air and nautical vibes, 'chill' in an outdoor, downtown setting during the most picturesque time of the year! Ahhhh...
PLEASE NOTE: WE ALWAYS KEEP OUR CALENDAR UP TO DATE, SO PLEASE CHECK THE CALENDAR BEFORE CONTACTING US TO MAKE SURE THE DATES YOU WANT ARE AVAILABLE! ALSO, UNLESS IT IS A LAST MINUTE INQUIRY, PLEASE EMAIL US INITIALLY RATHER THAN PHONE US!
Thank you and good luck with your travel plans!
Ryan
SPECIAL NOTE: IF THIS BOAT IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE DATES YOU WANT, DON'T DESPAIR. WE HAVE TEN OTHER HOUSEBOATS AT THE SAME LOCATION. THEY CAN BE FOUND BY CLICKING ON "Click Here to see All My Rental Listings" WHICH IS JUST TO THE RIGHT OF THE THIRD PICTURE ON THIS PAGE.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning : Air conditioners in each room keep the boat cool and comfortable.
- Linens Provided : All linens and towels are provided.
- Washer : On-shore facility
- Dryer : On-shore facility
- Off Street Parking : Parking available in a nearby garage. 2 blocks from the marina. $18/day.
- Beds
- King Bed : In downstairs master stateroom.
- Queen Bed : In second floor stateroom and Sleep Sofa on the main level.
- Double Bed : In second floor stateroom
- Twin/Single Bed (3) : Two twin beds in sleeping nooks and an aero-bed.
- Convertible Bed : Queen size sleep sofa on main level.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill : Grill on the roofdeck and take in the sunset!
- Deck/Patio
- Balcony
- View/Location
- Oceanfront
- Monument View : Bunker Hill Monument.
- Communications
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly : Very pet friendly! We even have dog bowls and treats on board for your pup! Dog walking area steps from the pier.
- Kid Friendly
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters : We require that the guest making the reservation be 25 or older.
- Smoking Not Allowed : Smoking is allowed on all outdoor decks and on the marina docks.
- Activities
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Basketball Court
- Antiquing
- Restaurants
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Winter (Dec.1-Feb 28) $275/Week Night $325/Weekend Night $1700/Week
Spring (Mar 01-April 30) $325/Week Night $375/Weekend Night $2000/Week
Summer (May 01-Aug 31) $375/week night $425/weekend night $2350/week
Fall (Sept 1- Nov 31) $325/Week Night $375/Weekend Night $2000/Week
The above rates are for 2 guests. Each additional guest is $25/person/night.
Cleaning fee: $150
Insurance Fee: $39
Pet Fee $50
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2007
Why the Owner Chose Boston
I grew tired of boring hotel rooms while traveling, and realized that the funkiest parts of town were often right at the waterfront. I combined my love for houseboating with my desire to offer a fun alternative to hotel stays.
The Unique Benefits at this House Boat
Everything you will need for your stay is provided. All towels, linens, blankets, etc... are all waiting for your arrival. The kitchen comes complete with all the pots and pans, plates and cutlery you will need, while a coffee maker, microwave, fridge, stove, and gas grill make putting together a meal easy and convenient.
A quick trip here will supply you groceries and beer/wine for your stay aboard.
Grab a bite to eat while watching the sun set over the harbor. A SleepAfloat favorite!
Owner's Map of Boston
For about 10 years I lived aboard a restored houseboat in Boston Harbor. I really fell in love with the lifestyle. Having a cup of coffee on the front porch in the morning, grilling up some steaks on the roofdeck in the evening, and being rocked to sleep by the waves at night was a great way to live!
Property Photos
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- End your day up on the roof with a cool drink and the Boston skyline! - Boston, Massachusetts Vacation Rental
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- Brand new second floor sleeping quarters! - Boston, Massachusetts Vacation Rental
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- Main salon with 32" flat screen TV and kitchen table. - Boston, Massachusetts Vacation Rental
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- Eat dinner while watching the boats go by.
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- Main salon looking toward stern of boat
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- King-sized platform bed in master stateroom
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- Queen size sleep sofa in main salon
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- Newly renovated kitchen with glass tile backsplash.
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- Brass bathroom sink in redwood slab
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- Brand new second floor bathroom.
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- Queen stateroom on second floor
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- Full bed in bunk room on second floor.
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- One of the two bunks on the second floor.
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- Enjoy a glass of wine and grill up on the roof deck overlooking Boston!
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- Plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the sun!
Traveler Reviews (7)
Best Place to Stay in Boston
Guest: fellow boat owner
(San Diego, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/23/10
Review Submitted: 06/06/10
My husband and I stayed on this amazing houseboat for 2 nights this April and loved it! The boat had a beautiful view of the Boston skyline--night and day--and all the wonderful accommodations were just as the owners described in their ad. Slept like a rock in the comfortable bed in the master bedroom and had lots of room in the living room/kitchen salon. The location was just perfect for catching the trolley to Boston at Constitution Square and it was very convenient having the neighborhood market a short walk up from the boat. Vacation home rentals by owner are so much nicer than staying in a hotel room--they are your home-away-from home! And thank you, Ryan, for your helpful suggestions at check-in; we're hoping to come back late August to help get our daughter settled into college...
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Unique Experience
Guest: mickeydog
(murrieta, ca)
Date of Stay: 05/15/10
Review Submitted: 05/26/10
The White Elefant in the Boston Harbor was a great place for a family to stay while in Boston. We had 6 adults (2 couples, 2 singles) and it the accomodations fit us perfectly. After a busy day sightseeing in Boston we would all relax together over a DVD or game on TV. The harbor was quiet and the people friendly. We purchased the 2-day Boston Double Decker Trolley tickets for touring the city that we picked up at the Constitution area and then used it for transportation into any downtown location for those 2 days. We used cab transportation to and from the airport that was cheaper than the water taxi. The information left by the owners at the houseboat was very inclusive and helpful. Thanks for a great "unique" Boston experience.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers, families with teenagers.
Previous guest comments from our other site
Guest: Past Guests
(Boston, MA USA)
Date of Stay: 04/01/10
Review Submitted: 04/23/10
Guest: VRBORORG269284 (Bent Mountain, VA) Date of Stay: January 8, 2010 Review Submitted: January 8, 2010 Our family of five had a GREAT post-Christmas visit to Boston and stayed at The White Elephant Floating Inn. We had plenty of room to spread out and a wonderful, cozy living area in which to gather after a big day of sightseeing! Much more fun than a bunch of hotel rooms! The water taxi and Old Town Trolley made it very easy to get around. There's a nice neighborhood market just a couple of blocks away. Great, interesting, safe location! Thanks Andy, Peggy & Ryan! Respond to this review Helpful votes: 0/0 5/5 Guest: M C1 (Portland, ME) Date of Stay: June 12, 2009 Review Submitted: June 12, 2009 This place was a blast. I give it a 9 out of 10. I'll never stay in a hotel in the Boston area again. Why cramp yourself into a tiny hotel room, when you could be floating in style on The White Elephant. Wood floors throughout, a king bed in the master suite, 2 bathrooms, a full kitchen/living room/dining room, and a deck with a grill. Seriously!! Respond to this review Helpful votes: 0/0 5/5 Guest: HAC173661 (Portland Oregon) Date of Stay: October 27, 2008 Review Submitted: October 27, 2008 The houseboat was wonderful. More unique, less expensive, bigger living space and more private than any hotel. We made our own breakfasts and relaxed as we watched the boats and planes go by. Tavern on the water (the next pier over) had excellent food for the times we didn't eat aboard or go into Boston. We loved the experience! Respond to this review Helpful votes: 0/0 5/5 Guest: HAC171782 (Millis, Mass) Date of Stay: October 16, 2008 Review Submitted: October 16, 2008 We stayed on the White Elephant and it was an adventure. Ryan helped us get our things on board and settled. It was fun to be able to cook and live on the water. The Marina was interesting and the planes flying in lovely. My grandchildren and family came for dinner one night and they loved steering the boat and going on the deck. My girlfriend joined the fun another night. Recommend it for a new an exciting way to see Boston. Two yachts were there and that was fun to watch. Just walking up and down the marina and seeing the unique ways people live, vacation, and travel gave food for thought.
Recommended for:
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/08/10
Review Submitted: 01/08/10
Our family of five had a GREAT post-Christmas visit to Boston and stayed at The White Elephant Floating Inn. We had plenty of room to spread out and a wonderful, cozy living area in which to gather after a big day of sightseeing! Much more fun than a bunch of hotel rooms! The water taxi and Old Town Trolley made it very easy to get around. There's a nice neighborhood market just a couple of blocks away. Great, interesting, safe location! Thanks Andy, Peggy & Ryan!
Recommended for:
Guest: John Doyle1
(-)
Date of Stay: 08/12/09
Review Submitted: 08/12/09
We had a great time staying on the boat and at the marina, especially the kids. It was much more space than we would have gotten in a hotel, was in a quiet, safe location and was a unique place to live in for a few days. Is it perfect? No. Would we rent the place again? Definitely.
Recommended for:
Guest: M C1
(Portland, ME)
Date of Stay: 06/12/09
Review Submitted: 06/12/09
This place was a blast. I give it a 9 out of 10. I'll never stay in a hotel in the Boston area again. Why cramp yourself into a tiny hotel room, when you could be floating in style on The White Elephant. Wood floors throughout, a king bed in the master suite, 2 bathrooms, a full kitchen/living room/dining room, and a deck with a grill. Seriously!!
Recommended for:
Guest: Andy Chason
(Boston, MA USA)
Date of Stay: 08/01/07
Review Submitted: 08/01/07
As of the date of the writing of this comment, we have just finished the renovations and have not yet had any guests stay aboard. However, we have another houseboat at the same marina that we have been hosting for the past two years. If you would like to get some idea of what our guests experiences have been like on that houseboat, please check out the guestbook for that property at either VRBO property #65033 or HomeAway property #124844. Thanks for taking a look!
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #175876
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