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The BoatHouse on the Hillsborough River- Enjoy river and downtown water views

Photo gallery for The BoatHouse on the Hillsborough River- Enjoy river and downtown water views

River house that sits in the river, private dock and walkway
Front door
view from south side of house, Ricks on the River is in background, walking dist
east side of house, boats can be docked here
View from living room

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1+ bathroomSleeps 4800 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

The BoatHouse on the Hillsborough River- Enjoy river and downtown water views

Welcome to your own private oasis on the Hillsborough River with breathtaking water and downtown Tampa views. Relax on your own private dock with a cocktail while you wave to passing boaters and kayakers and enjoy seeing all the wildlife that calls the river home.

Hop on the Pirate Water Taxi that picks up at Armature Works ( 5 min drive from the house) and take a cruise down river to the Tampa Riverwalk in downtown Tampa, where you can hop on/off to enjoy some of Tampa’s best restaurants, nightlife, museums and parks!

The boathouse has 1 large bedroom with a King size bed and en suite bathroom with shower.
There is an additional half bathroom as well and a stacked washer and dryer.
The kitchen/living room combo room has breathtaking views of downtown Tampa and the river.
The house was built over 50 years ago and has all the charm of an old Florida house with all the modern amenities you can expect from a vacation rental. You will spend most of your time sitting out on the dock, watching the passing boaters, wildlife and the beautiful view of downtown Tampa. There is nothing fancy about the boathouse, but it has what we all need -a comfy bed, fast WIFI and a comfortable and clean space to relax and get away from it all!
The living room has a sectional couch that transforms into a full size bed that will accommodate another couple or additional children.
The house also has it's own private gated parking lot for your vehicle.

Have a larger group? Combine the boathouse with the Bungalow, listing # 801363 and 991365
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
You may smoke outside
Cleaning fee does not include removal of trash, or washing of dishes. $25 additional fee taken from damage deposit if not complete.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Tampa

Located in Tampa, this vacation home is near theme parks and on the waterfront. Channelside Bay Plaza and Westshore Plaza Mall are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit Florida Aquarium and ZooTampa at Lowry Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Raymond James Stadium or Benchmark International Arena. Jet skiing, kayaking, and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling nearby.
View more Vacation Homes in TampaOpens in a new window
Map
Tampa, FL

What's nearby

  • Tampa Riverwalk - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Armature Works - 15 min walk - 1.2 km
  • David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts - 5 min drive - 3.1 km
  • Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park - 5 min drive - 3.8 km
  • University of Tampa - 6 min drive - 3.1 km

Getting around

  • Tampa Union Station - 9 min drive
  • Tampa Intl. Airport (TPA) - 11 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Burger Culture (Food Truck) - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Rocca - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Lucky Tigré - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Rick's on the River - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Sweetgreen - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The BoatHouse on the Hillsborough River- Enjoy river and downtown water views pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at The BoatHouse on the Hillsborough River- Enjoy river and downtown water views?

As of Mar 26, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The BoatHouse on the Hillsborough River- Enjoy river and downtown water views on Jun 28, 2026 start from $150, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-out at The BoatHouse on the Hillsborough River- Enjoy river and downtown water views?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The BoatHouse on the Hillsborough River- Enjoy river and downtown water views located?

Situated on the waterfront, this vacation home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park - Dog Park and Tampa Riverwalk. Tampa Convention Center and Raymond James Stadium are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 108 out of 146 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 33 out of 146 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 146 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 146 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 146 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

8.8/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Connie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Convenient location, beautiful view and exactly what we needed to unwind, relax and get some much needed rest.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sandra K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The host was very welcoming,And the boathouse was very comfortable.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Had a wonderful time at a cozy little river house. Adored the views and the ‘on-the-water’ experience.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leland R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I love this place. 2nd time here.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leland R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Place was clean & views were Awesome
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Enjoyed watching crew teams rowing up and down the river.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Molly K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is probably one of the most unique and fun vrbo’s we have ever stayed at. Exceptionally clean, everything you need, great location and so fun to fish on the river.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

richard m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Long weekend

Great stay. Awesome location being a few minute drive to downtown and the riverwalk.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hal L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rustic but nice

I was in town for a show and had a good experience at the property. I enjoyed sitting on the porch relaxing and fishing in the evening the most.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donald and Donna C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely as before

Stayed here a few times now. Fantastic and so relaxing! Look forward to stay again when possible!! All the comforts of home and a view to enjoy!!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Connie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stay on the River

We enjoyed being on the river. House is close to just about everything. Will definitely rent again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elise R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Winter thaw

This place was exactly as listed. Location was wonderful, property owner was easy to reach and very quick to respond. We will definitely be coming back to this house!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer Q.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Enjoyable stay

It was simple and cute. Wasnt dissapointed at all! loved morning coffee on the water and the view of tampa at night. Enjoyed the short walk to ricks for good food and luve music.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tammy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Weekend Trip

We had an amazing weekend at the Boathouse! The views are absolutely stunning—you are literally right on the river, which made for such a peaceful and unique experience. The bed was incredibly comfortable, ensuring a restful stay. We also loved how close it was to Rick’s on the River and Armature Works, making it easy to enjoy great food and drinks nearby. On top of that, the host was very accommodating, making our stay even more enjoyable. Highly recommend for a relaxing getaway!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gerry M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The boat house was exactly as listed. It was clean and the bed was very comfortable. The glass top on the stove was cracked but we weren’t going to cook on vacation anyways. The view from the deck is amazing. There is some fishing equipment provided but it’s pretty worn out and I’m pretty particular so I just bought my own stuff. The fishing was pretty good for small Sheephead and Snook. Just go a few houses down to Ricks and the owner at the bait shop is super helpful and has plenty of live shrimp. The house also had a good security fence and a big gate. The palms could use a trimming around the gate pin pad coming in but we were in a Corvette so that doesn’t help. Overall experience was amazing. Would definitely come back here again.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sandra G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful view

Enjoyed the serenity of the river.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laurie D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Boat House

Beautiful little spot of heaven on the river! Unfortunately, Helene busted up our party.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

karen p.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We love this place!

This was our 2nd visit to the Boathouse and it was another great trip. Very cozy and relaxing. The host is amazing and went above and beyond to make something happen for us that was very special. Great anniversary experience!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Samantha R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect view

The property was very comfortable and you couldn't beat the view. Also a short drive to most things in Tampa. The property could use a little TLC but for the price and view, no complaints.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ms Janice

Had a wonderful stay! I will be returning
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bill L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Water paradise

The views on the river were overwhelming.Seeing downtown Tampa from the boathouse was wonderful and the constant parade of boats passing by made our day.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Idyllic setting!

We spent such an amazing time at the boat house and we’ll definitely come back again. It was a great pleasure to be on the terrace and to see the landscape. We saw a lot of fishes, birds and even a dolphin. The house was very cosy and well teamed. The bed was very comfortable. Lauren was really sweet and reactive. Karine Marseille- South of France
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Matt R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Tampa area boat house

Nothing fancy but it was adequate. The floors are not exactly level but the view and atmosphere is great. Enjoyed the close proximity to Rick’s on the river.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Debbie B.

Liked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Debbie

It is a cute boathouse with awesome views. Loved watching the rowing teams every morning and evening. Easy to get to Ben Davis beach. Could use some TLC and deep cleaning.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

lakeitha l.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect

This was our 2nd time staying at the boat house and just like last time we cant wait to visit again.The house is so cozy and romantic at night with the lights over the water, it's perfect for a good fishing trip and also about a 45 min drive from some of the best beaches.I wouldnt bring any small children being that its right on the water,honestly i wouldnt want my kids disturbing the peace anyway lol, its just so relaxing.book this house you wont regret it
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

About the host

Hosted by Lauren T

Host profile image
Tampa native, had vacation rentals since 2010, feel free to ask because I know Tampa very well!

Why they chose this property

Water calms the mind and the second you walk onto our dock you'll instantly relax!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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