Looking for an unusual, stylish way to spend a few wonderful days at the “Gates of Gibraltar”? We can highly recommend spending the night in a houseboat in the harbour of La Línea de la Concepción.
When looking for accommodation during our planned visit, I quickly realised that I wasn’t 100% happy with what was on offer directly in Gibraltar. I had to find an alternative and started looking on the Spanish side of the border in the town of La Línea de la Concepción. There were a few hotels that would have come into question until I discovered an accommodation that was exactly what I wanted and I immediately booked 3 nights for us at the Boat Haus Mediterranean Experience.
Boat Haus Mediterranean Experience
The marina at La Línea de la Concepción is not only home to impressive yachts, but also has a jetty where the various houseboats are moored. This jetty can only be entered with the help of a numerical code that opens an access door. This code is sent by the provider (in our case via WhatsApp) and is activated from 3 pm on the day of arrival.
The rented houseboat can also be opened using a numerical code (a different code to the one on the door to the jetty). We were also given this code in advance by the landlord.
What types of houseboat are available?
There are 4 different houseboats on offer. The hire prices vary according to type, season and number of people. We liked them all.
Mini Classic Houseboat
The “Boat House Mini Classic” is a small, comfortable houseboat, ideal for couples. It offers a rustic wooden style, a total area of 40 m² including an 18 m² terrace. Amenities include a double sofa bed, an additional sofa bed, a fully equipped kitchen, a complete bathroom, a 32-inch smart TV and a private terrace with sun loungers, sofa set and shaded area. It can accommodate up to two people.
Houseboat “Classic”
The “Classic” houseboat from Boat Haus offers a unique combination of comfort and closeness to nature. It is characterised by its bright colours and original details, which make it an ideal place for a holiday. It has two bedrooms with a bathroom and a total area of 51 m². The fully equipped terrace with sun loungers is particularly attractive. The houseboat has a maximum capacity for four people. Other amenities include a fully equipped kitchen, two smart TVs, a double bed, a bunk bed, an additional sofa bed and a breathtaking view of the Rock of Gibraltar.
Houseboat „Modern“
The “Modern” houseboat from Boat Haus offers a luxurious yet minimalist environment for up to four people. It has two rooms on one floor, with a total area of 66 m², including a 33 m² terrace on the upper floor. Amenities include a queen-size double bed, a double sofa bed, a fully equipped kitchen, two Smart TVs and a private terrace with sun loungers and sofa set.
Typ „Grand Royal“
The “Grand Royal” is the most exclusive and largest houseboat from Boat Haus. It combines luxury and minimalism in three rooms. Highlights include the master suite, two full bathrooms, a queen-size bed, a bunk bed, a double sofa bed and two 43-inch smart TVs. The kitchen is fully equipped, and the large private terrace offers sun loungers and a shaded area. In total, the boat measures 102 m², including a 48 m² terrace on the upper floor.
How to live in the Boat Haus Mediterranean Experience
Enter the number code and the door to “our” houseboat opens. We had actually booked the “Classic” accommodation, but were kindly upgraded to a “Modern” houseboat. Thank you very much for that, we enjoyed it!
We were greeted by a living area that I found surprisingly spacious. On one of the outside walls there is a kitchenette with everything you need in a holiday flat. I particularly liked the large water dispenser. We were able to tap cold and hot water here and didn’t have to go on a shopping trip in the neighbourhood. There is also a dining table with space for 4 people, a fold-out sofa bed with a small side table and a TV in the room.
There is a sliding door that leads into a small bathroom. There is a shower, a washbasin and a toilet. There’s not much space, but I didn’t want to spend my holiday in the bathroom, but on a boat. The toilet takes a bit of getting used to. The houseboat is connected to fresh and waste water via a pipe system. The waste water has to be pumped up into the pipe under pressure. To prevent blockages, toilet paper must not be thrown into the toilet, but into a small waste bin. Very unusual, but by the second day I had got used to it.
Fantastic nights
A second door led into the bedroom with a large glazed door and a mini terrace. What a dream, I slept so well in this bed during our time on board that I would have loved to stay there. In the evening, I particularly enjoyed the view of the illuminated harbour with its many ships and the fish swimming in the harbour basin, which seemed to be waiting for a meal and came swimming straight away.
However, I think the crowning glory of all houseboats is the terrace on the roof. We could choose whether we wanted to sit on a sun lounger or cosy garden furniture. There is a small sun canopy and in the evening, small lamps charged by the sunlight come on. It was simply marvellous to sit there and enjoy the sunset and the view of the Rock of Gibraltar. In summer it’s definitely a wonderful place for a romantic evening, but in November it quickly got chilly and we preferred to go back inside.
Would we stay at the Boat House again?
Definitely!
I felt very comfortable. The boat is beautifully furnished, functional and yet very cosy. I think it’s great that there is a free bike on every boat and there are more free bikes at the end of the jetty. However, if you need several bikes, you shouldn’t start too late. It’s first come, first served!
You can explore the region very well from the mooring in the harbour. For example, we took an evening stroll through the harbour and marvelled at the huge yachts.
The Boat House was the ideal starting point for our visit to Gibraltar. It was less than a 10-minute walk to the border crossing and we had a wonderful view of the rock from the boat.
If you’re looking for a different kind of accommodation, this is the place for you.
Address:
Av. Príncipe de Asturias,
Puerto Deportivo Alcaidesa Marina
11300 La Línea de la Concepción
Arrival
We travelled to La Línea de la Concepción by bus. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the bus station to the harbour.
If you arrive by car, you can park for free in a car park right by the harbour during your stay.
Good to know
Check-in is possible from 3pm. Check-out time is before 11am. There is the option of an early check-in and late check-out service, subject to availability and for an additional charge.
There are various houseboats that have a capacity for 2, 4 and 6 people, depending on their size.
Yes, pets are allowed on the boats for an extra charge.
All Boat Haus houseboats are “smoke-free”.
Yes, free parking in the harbour, which is available during your stay.
Cancellation is possible free of charge up to 7 days before arrival. After that the full price will be charged.
Wi-Fi, car park, bicycles, security service, water dispenser, kitchen, bathroom with shower and toilet, terrace with matching furniture, smart TV, air conditioning.
It takes about 10 minutes to walk to the border crossing.
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