Domy Na Wodzie – La Mare Motlava Houseboats with Sauna by Downtown Apartments

Domy Na Wodzie – La Mare Motlava Houseboats with Sauna by Downtown Apartments Overview

Domy Na Wodzie – La Mare Motlava Houseboats with Sauna by Downtown Apartments sits right on the Motława River, just a few steps from the old cobblestone streets of Gdańsk’s Old Town. I remember the first time I walked up the little wooden pier and heard the gentle lapping of the water against the boats—sounds that set the whole vibe of this place. The houseboats are a unique twist on the usual hotel experience: each unit is a floating cabin with a private balcony that looks over the river, and honestly, the view at sunset is something you don’t get in the city center. The sauna, tucked behind a cedar door, feels like a secret spot you only find after a casual chat with the staff. I mean, you get a key card that opens the sauna, so no need to rummage through drawers. The steam makes the whole cabin feel like a spa, and the river breeze just keeps the air from getting too stuffy.

Parking is a bit of a hassle, but it’s actually manageable if you know where to look. There’s a small lot by the pier that fills up early in the summer, so I’d suggest booking a parking spot in advance or just bring a bike—there are a few lanes that run along the riverbank to the Old Town. Noise-wise, the houseboats are surprisingly quiet at night—just the occasional gull or the distant hum of traffic on Złota Street. During the day, especially in July, you can hear the chatter of locals and tourists at the cafés on the pier, and the air smells like fresh fish from the market stalls. Check‑in is a breeze: the front desk is staffed by locals who love to share insider tips, like the best pier-to-pier walk that leads to the St. Mary’s Church, or the hidden gem at the corner of Sztormowa, where you can grab a coffee that tastes like it’s been brewed straight from a wooden cup. The staff is friendly, but they’re not overbearing—just the right amount of helpfulness.

If you’re planning a trip during the busy summer months, expect the houseboats to be booked solid by mid‑June. The quiet hours start around 11 pm, and the next morning you can hear the city waking up—there’s a faint clatter of tram wheels and the distant bells from the cathedral. The rooms themselves are compact but cleverly designed; the bed is a king‑size platform that feels like a piece of art and the linen is crisp enough to make you feel like you’re staying in a boutique hotel instead of a floating house. I did notice that the bathroom tiles can get a little slippery when the steam is on, so be careful if you’re not used to it. Overall, the experience is a refreshing break from the usual hotel routine, and I’d say the combination of river scenery, sauna relaxation, and a touch of local flavor makes Domy Na Wodzie a standout spot in Gdańsk.

Domy Na Wodzie – La Mare Motlava Houseboats with Sauna by Downtown Apartments Accommodations

Reviews of Domy Na Wodzie – La Mare Motlava Houseboats with Sauna by Downtown Apartments

• Kevin from United Kingdom – 31 May 2025 (9/10)

  Unreal place. So beautiful and peaceful. We loved our stay and would go back tomorrow if we could. Staff were more than helpful and acted/responded to any questions asap. Totally lovely place.
  
  What could be improved: No nothing

• Tanya from United Kingdom – 20 May 2025 (9/10)

  The houseboat is utterly beautiful. Location is perfect- right in the centre for you to walk to all the main sights. It’s incredibly peaceful at night time- we enjoyed sat on the roof of the boat with a cup of tea. Beautiful inside with a bathroom that works perfectly. The floating sauna (a few steps down the way) was a lovely addition to your night time routine. Everything was very straight forward and would highly recommend to others.
  
  What could be improved: NA

• August from Denmark – 13 May 2025 (9/10)

  Everything
  
  What could be improved: It was a little iritating that the Only Way you could get inside was with a code

• Kevin from United Kingdom – 4 May 2025 (9/10)

  Brilliant location 👏 👌

• D from United Kingdom – 24 April 2025 (9/10)

  Great location and facilities, loved the rooftop seating area which had great views
  
  What could be improved: The shower did leak a bit when the handle was fully turned

• Davisher from United Kingdom – 9 April 2025 (9/10)

  Liked it's uniqueness, location.

• Dwayne from United Kingdom – 8 April 2025 (8/10)

  Good location, helpful staff when needed. Perhaps a change of bed sheets after a few nights would have helped for future reference

• Gillian from United Kingdom – 2 April 2025 (9/10)

  Exceptional in every way. Location, quality, communication. Loved every minute and highly recommend 👌

• Michael from United Kingdom – 26 March 2025 (9/10)

  Fantastic location. Really well equipped and comfortable. Perfect for exploring Gdansk
  
  What could be improved: Shower seemed to fill up fast and hot water ran out a few times

• Chris from United Kingdom – 1 February 2025 (9/10)

  Excellent position.Very warm despite being on the river and very well insulated both for noise and heat.
  It's probably the best shower I have ever experienced.
  Nice touch was the own branded toiletries and the bubbly and water already their.

Surroundings

Facilities