The Sylvan · Houseboat w/ Rooftop & Bridge Views

The Sylvan — a romantic houseboat getaway in historic Philadelphia. Sleep on the edge of the Delaware in the heart of Old City: the city's finest restaurants, museums and landmarks on foot, then home to water, sky and the quiet of Pier 5 Marina.

Sleeps 6 · 2 bedrooms · 2 full bathrooms
45-ft rooftop deck
Full kitchen· washer and dryer on board
Bathrooms stocked: towels, shampoo, conditioner, body wash
One parking space included, 5 minutes' walk
Wi-Fi · smart TV · heating and A/C · self check-in

The interior takes its inspiration from the Delaware River as it existed before William Penn arrived, and Philadelphia rose along its banks — tulip poplar and white oak, sycamore and spicebush, marsh grasses and waterbirds, and the shifting colours of the river. Natural wood, botanical details and art drawn from the flora and fauna of that early river. The quiet palette creates the feeling of a small woodland retreat floating at the edge of a bustling city.

You'll wake to sunrises right outside the windows and sunlight moving across the water all day. Drink your morning coffee on the roof deck as the first boats pass under the Ben Franklin Bridge. Then return home to the peace of Pier 5, where the glow of the bridge above the water makes the city feel illuminated and yet surprisingly serene.

Sleeping

Queen bedroom · double bedroom · sofa bed in the living area
Sleeps 6

Bathrooms — two, both full

Towels, shampoo, conditioner and body wash provided
Hair dryer, hangers, extra pillows and blankets

Kitchen

Two-burner electric cooktop, microwave, dishwasher
Full refrigerator with freezer drawer
Coffee maker that takes grounds or pods, plus a frother
Cookware, dishes, glassware, oil, salt and pepper stocked
Ice trays and slow-melt ice for drinks

Rooftop

45 ft of private deck, yours alone for the stay
Outdoor seating, sunrise over the river, the bridge lit at night

Comfort

Heating and air conditioning throughout
Washer and dryer on board, free to use, detergent provided
Wi-Fi throughout · smart TV with YouTube TV already signed in
Room-darkening shades

The entire houseboat is yours — no shared space, no host aboard
The 45-ft rooftop deck is private to your stay
One parking space is included, a 5 minute walk from the marina
Self check-in — your codes arrive before you travel, and the pass and fob are in a lockbox at the marina entrance
Pier 5 is a gated marina; you'll have a fob for the entrance for the length of your stay

We're hands-off but always reachable. After a seamless self-check-in, your stay is yours to enjoy — but we're a quick message away through, VRBO and other platforms for anything you need: local recommendations, troubleshooting, late check-out requests, or curated add-on experiences (private chef, in-room massage, water taxi tours).

A few notes for the best possible stay:

You're on a houseboat — gentle motion is part of the experience. Most guests find it deeply relaxing; if you're prone to seasickness, plan accordingly.

The Sylvan stays at her berth for your whole stay. Nothing here requires any boating experience.

The ramp down to the dock shifts with the tide. Flat shoes make the walk down much easier.

The toilets are incinerating units rather than standard plumbing — simple to use, and we walk you through it before you arrive.

Hot water is plenty for one shower at a time. Stagger them rather than running two at once.

The marina is gated. Fob access instructions and your lockbox code arrive before check-in.

The 45-ft rooftop is private to your stay. Please be respectful of neighboring boats, especially after 10 PM.

Strict no-smoking policy — anywhere on the vessel or rooftop.

All guests must be 25+ or older to book. No children under the age of 12 are allowed. Maximum 6 guests. Events, parties and unregistered guests are not permitted.

Quiet hours 10 PM–8 AM. Pier 5 is a residential marina where people live year-round.

Exterior cameras cover the entrance and boarding area. None inside the boat.
In severe weather the rooftop may be temporarily closed for safety.

• One parking space is included with your stay. Just a 5 minute walk from the Marina.

Every booking includes a five-minute online check-in through ChargeAutomation: ID verification, charter agreement and liability waiver, and vehicle details for your parking pass.

A $500 refundable hold is placed as a standard security deposit — a hold, not a charge, released after checkout. Access codes follow once check-in is complete.