House boat

Houseboat/ Yacht Rental In Downtown Providence

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The Yacht BRASIL moored in Downtown Providence
Exterior
Interior
Private kitchen
Room

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Providence, RI
  • Johnson and Wales University
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Brown University
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Rhode Island Convention Center
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Providence, RI (PVD-T.F. Green)
    ‪13 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Dining area

About this property

Houseboat/ Yacht Rental In Downtown Providence

Sleep Aboard is Rhode Island's exclusive houseboat rental company located in Providence, R and East Greenwich, RI. Our Providence fleet numbers 4 unique boats and we specialize in offering a unique overnight experience as an alternative to drab hotels. Visit for additional pictures, video tour of the yacht and company information.

We were voted BEST HOTEL ALTERNATIVE by Yankee Magazine in 2015!!

You are currently looking at Brasil - your own private 61 foot yacht in downtown Providence. This is an upgrade from a regular houseboat which we also offer. Our 61 foot yacht is conveniently located in downtown Providence just a stone’s throw from Brown University, Waterfire, the East side and Davol Square. Our marina is also host to three major Providence hot spots for dinning and nightlife including the Whiskey Republic, Lola’s and The HOT CLUB.

We offer an alternative to conventional hotels in the local providence area by offering overnight stays aboard our fully furnished, 61 foot motoryacht. Our yacht, a Geerd Hendel 61, was custom built for a member of the DuPont family and is available to select customers for single to multi-night stays.

Our yacht provides a floating experience aboard a well appointed motoryacht. Our yacht offers the following features:

• Sun-Filled 3rd Level Salon with 360 degree views of the city
• Full Deck area perfect for barbeques
• Master Bedroom complete with Queen Size Bed and full bathroom
• Fully functional kitchen with mini- fridge/freezer, 4-burner stove and oven
• Guest quarters including 2 twin beds and separate full bathroom (hammock and inflatable bed available in upper salon to accommodate 2-3 more people for overnight stays - additional $50 per extra guest, maximum 6 guests total)
-Pump Out station added at Fox Point Marina allowing for disposal of waste from holding tanks on a weekly basis - this removea any smell issue from the yachts although minor smell
when flushing the toilet can be expected
- NEW electric toilet with backflow sewage prevention - this has eliminated any smell issue
-Teak and Holly floor has been laid to replace the older cork floor as a response to customer feedback but is weathered
- An Air conditioning unit have been placed in the master bedroom ; guest bedroom has a fan
- Private end- dock removed from the marina traffic and restaurants
- Included with each stay is overnight parking, all marina/dockage fees and cleaning services.


Please note that guests should bring their own Bluetooth Sound system if they wish to have music on board.

We offer different rates depending on the season and depending on the occasion. Our standard summer rates reflect an occupancy of 4 people maximum for overnight stays. 6 people maximum could stay overnight with the additional cost of $50 per extra guest.

For guests looking to have a larger gathering, we offer a 'Function' rate which reflects having a larger crowd aboard. Function rates apply to parties where there are more than 8 visitors at any one time. Our yacht is also perfect for special functions including reunions, photo shoots for weddings and corporate events. Please ask about our special rate for larger functions of up to 20 guests. Due to the wear and tear on the boat and the increased water/electrical usage by having more people aboard, we also reflect that in the rate and appreciate your understanding in this matter. Please review our rates to see what fits your budget.

DISCLAIMER
1. This boat is not in Bristol condition – it is almost 50 years old and is weathered – this means that the varnish is not in perfect order, it means the floors are a bit beaten from age and also a lot of foot traffic from guests– do not expect it to be perfect
2. This is a BOAT, not s house!! Whatever preconceptions you might have as a guest regarding simplicity – please throw them out the window. Living on a boat requires a high degree of accommodation and flexibility and it is not at all similar to a house so please bear that in mind if you are going to make a booking
3. This experience is NOT very expensive for what I’m offering – the weekday prices under $200 for the night and you’re in the middle of downtown Providence in a city at the end of a dock with one side completely private – in boating terms, this is EXCEPTIONAL- I would charge $1500 per night on the weekend in Newport so please understand that we’re offering a unique experience on an older yacht that is not perfect
4. There are a number of imperfections including chipped paint some wallpaper that’s coming slightly undone, wood that needs to be re-varnished, cable
and wifi service that can be intermittent (300 foot underwater cable) but overall the quality of the boat is excellent and we are going to demand a high level of flexibility from our guests who are seeking a unique experience
5. I have had guests that have booked the boat without doing their research expecting the boat to be immaculate and perfect and with literally every inch of the boat in exceptional condition – I have refused to give refunds to these people as they had seven years of reviews to review and, in turn, they have revenged me with very negative reviews – I encourage the reader to take those negative views with a grain of salt – I am - serious business owner that only provides value priced correctly to the experience .
6. I, Neil Malik, as the owner have been boating since I was five years old and have owned many boats and yachts and this boat is truly special for me – it is a love affair in a constant need of attention and we offer that to guests that can appreciate it – if you are uncomfortable with the imperfections noted as well as some of the very marine items such as the shower and the marine toilet, I highly suggest that you do not book this boat does this just leads to more heartache for me as the owner who truly has wrist a lot of money in time to make this experience possible for those who would appreciate it.
7. This is an older yacht with its share of minor defects; there is normal wear and tear on floors, cushions and furniture and is not perfect; clean freaks should not book if you anticipate perfection equal to a sterile hotel room - this is a yacht in the middle of a city, not a hotel room. This experience is so much more unique and original than a hotel room. As a boat, expect bathrooms to be manual and to smell like marine heads do - this is not a house.
7. This is an older yacht with its share of minor defects; there is normal wear and tear on floors, cushions and furniture and is not perfect; clean freaks should not book if you anticipate perfection equal to a sterile hotel room - this is a yacht in the middle of a city, not a hotel room. This experience is so much more unique and original than a hotel room. As a boat, expect bathrooms to be manual and to smell like marine heads do - this is not a house.

From all of us at Sleep Aboard, we look forward to having you aboard!

Please see Sleep Aboard and Marina Policies for additional information

Property manager

Neil Malik

Languages

English, French, Portuguese, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Children welcome
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
Pets not allowed
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Smoking allowed

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
On-site 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 not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Property Registration Number 10/09/2024, RE.00130-STR

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Providence

Fox Point, a neighbourhood in Providence, is home to this houseboat. Benefit Street and Providence Athenaeum are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Roger Williams Park Zoo and Lincoln Woods State Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Amica Mutual Pavilion or Pizzitola Sports Center.
Map
Providence, RI

What's nearby

  • Johnson and Wales University - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Providence Performing Arts Center - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Brown University - 18 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Rhode Island Convention Center - 2 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Amica Mutual Pavilion - 3 min drive - 2.3 km

Getting around

  • Providence Station - 7 min drive
  • Providence, RI (PVD-T.F. Green) - 13 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Plant City - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Fellini Pizzeria - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪The Hot Club - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Bayberry Garden - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Seven Stars Bakery - ‬7 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Houseboat/ Yacht Rental In Downtown Providence pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Houseboat/ Yacht Rental In Downtown Providence?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Houseboat/ Yacht Rental In Downtown Providence?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Houseboat/ Yacht Rental In Downtown Providence located?

Located in Fox Point, this houseboat is within 1 mile (2 km) of Providence River, Brown University and Rhode Island Convention Center. Benefit Street and India Point Park are also within 10 minutes. Providence Station is 21 minutes by foot.

Reviews

8.4

Very good

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 40 out of 66 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 66 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 66 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 66 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 66 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Check-in

9.2/10

Communication

9.2/10

Location

8.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Kristie V.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique experience

We enjoyed our stay on the Brasil. Very unique experience, one we will remember for sure. Space was comfortable for 5. Welcome info and video was very helpful for managing the nuances of the boat. Owners description is very accurate. Views were amazing especially at night. Noise Friday night was excessive from nearby club, but we managed to sleep, Saturday was much better. Wish the fridge was somewhat bigger. Overall, very cool and unique experience if you want to try something different than staying in a regular hotel. View, city lights, and very walkable area of the city made this weekend trip worth remembering.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jackie M., JOPLIN

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

First experience on a house boat

This was a new experience for us, but the property manager was amazing.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Penny P.

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

Fun stay!

Great. Now everyone wants to go out and buy a boat! Thanks for the superfun oppprtunity!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Erica M., Warwick, RI

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

Great stay on Brasil

If you are looking for something a little different than a boring hotel room, I highly recommend a night on this house boat. Great views of the city, especially at night. Check in and out was super easy and the location is within walking distance to many local restaurants.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Jeremy K.

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

Interesting stay!

Very cool vintage boat. Master bedroom was super-cool and cozy and sexy! Second bedroom good for kids. What a trip staying on a boat! Neil was very responsive and an excellent host. Just be sure to read the manual to know about all the quirks of the boat. You won't regret it!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christie J.

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

Fun adventure for a family stay in Providence

Had a wonderful weekend staying on the Brasil! There was plenty of room for the three of us to spread out. The kitchen was nice for making breakfast and the living area was a great place to take in the the views watch fishermen and rowers pass by. My husband and son liked watching the basketball game at the bar at the Marina. Wickenden shops and restaurants as well as Trader Joe’s conveniently close. Slept great all three nights! Loved the experience!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

4/10 Poor

Moira D.

Liked: Communication
Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, listing accuracy

I wanted to love it

I was so excited to stay on this boat with my wife and two kids for her birthday. The day we stayed it was POURING which is not the boat owners fault. What is his fault is that the rain was literally pouring into a window in the kitchen flooding everywhere. We had to use every provided towel to put down so no one slipped. My wife's bag was soaked in the morning even though she put it up on nightstand area in bedroom. Dishes and cups were filthy. Walls of the boat are so moisture damaged you could push your finger right through. Hammock is dirty. Lamps were so old and dirty you don't even want to put your hand in them to turn them on. Even if it wasn't pouring, the outside area to sit has two beat up mismatched chairs. Not a single solitary perk. Pump runs on and off all night. Boat was left unlocked for our arrival (no thank you?) and no way to lock it while we went to dinner. I have stayed at many vrbos and you could not PAY ME any amount of money to stay on this boat again.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bradley S.

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

To the ship!

Great location for Brown’s parent weekend. Had a great stay. Would book again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

4/10 Poor

Janice A.

Liked: Check-in
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy

Not as described

Poor overall- we left early. Beds were clean but there were many issues, such as dust, mold, septic smells and stains, cracks and hairs that should not have been there. Would not return even if corrections were made.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

8/10 Good

Julie B.

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

Labor Day Fun!

Our family enjoyed this unique stay. Great location for day trips. Restaurants within walking distance and stores within a short drive. Our kiddos loved the hammock and sitting on the bow of the boat soaking in the night views and watching the wildlife float by during the day.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Scott M.

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

Great experience of staying on boat.

This yacht is much larger that all the others in the marina and has fantastic space to relax in. It is an older boat and has charm with a wonderful homey feel. Neil was an amazing host and was very communicative. I woul absolutely recommend staying here.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022

6/10 Okay

Caryn S.

Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in, communication

It is exactly what it says it is

Accurate description, it was some different to stay on the boat. But it is a boat so make sure you set your expectations.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022

2/10 Terrible

Stephen G.

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

Uninhabitable

At first we were unable to get into the marina where the property 0 a boat - was located because the host gave us the wrong entrance code and we could not reach him by phone because his message board was full. The marina helped us in. The entrance to the boat was hazardous - an unsteady plastic “staircase”. We turned around and left this property immediately upon seeing it. Mold everywhere. And I mean everywhere. Almost every window cracked and non able to open. Dirt and stains throughout. Wires dangling from various appliances. We contacted the host via the Vrbo site, saying we couldn’t stay and asking for a refund. He then quickly responded with a series of abusive messages, which you can view on your site. We also contacted Vrbo to lodge a complaint and provided photos of the property’s deficiencies. We’ve been promised an investigation, and are waiting to hear from you.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Timothy H.

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

Awesome trip

Great trip Clean and fun experience
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Charmine M.

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

Excellent experience, great choice.

I was surprisingly amazed by the boat despite being old was so clean, well maintained, furnished, great location. The host was extremely kind, very responsive. We had an excellent time and are already discussing spending more time next time we rent it.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022

2/10 Terrible

Darren R.

Liked: Communication
Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

Absolute waste of money (and clothes! Read on…)

Filthy. Disgusting, stained sheets, a layer of dust that hasn’t been cleaned in years, which ruins any clothing unfortunate enough to rub up against ANYTHING in or out of the boat. Wires hang from the walls and ceiling, sharp jagged metal sticking out of walls, outlets hanging from ceiling, PLENTY of fixtures(fans, lights) that do not work. No working Wi-Fi or cable. There IS, however, a jumping’ night club RIGHT NEXT to the boat(which isn’t mentioned in the description) that pumps out obnoxiously LOUD thumping music every night until very late. On the other side of the boat is a power station, which is right next to a SUPER NOISY steam factory that makes noise all day and night. There are no locks on the doors, so take your valuables with you when you leave. It was a balmy 96 degrees in the boat the whole time we were there- unbearable! The tiny ancient air conditioner in the main bedroom couldn’t cool down the temp below 80. I bit my tongue and drank wine (absolutely nothing else to do but sweat) but there’s not enough wine in the world to make that death trap even remotely resemble the write up the owner lovingly gives. It is equivalent to sleeping in a dirt floor basement with no amenities on a vacation- it will be the low point of your stay. Save your money and heartache and avoid this dirty unclean lodging(unless you like dirt, factories, not sleeping, horrible loud music, the busy road north AND south, lack of parking ANYWHERE NEAR the boat, yucky odors from the toilets, AND having nothing to do!) am I disgruntled? No. I am disappointed beyond belief.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Peter C.

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

Amazing Experience

We had the best time. The boat was clean and looked better then the pictures. Exceeded our expectations!! We would definitely stay again!!! It’s within walking distance to many restaurants and bars. We enjoyed the Hot Club bar and the Fish Co. Also had dinner at Hemenway’s for my birthday and the food was fantastic! 10/10 Rating!!!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Adel F.

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

Cool experience

Me and my family loved the boat it’s not brand new but it had everything we wanted
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

Heather C.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location

It was different and great experience. Next time I would stay at a marina where we could swim.

It was exciting
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Carlton J.

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

My Review

It was awesome, everything I expected.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

We loved it

Great place
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

4/10 Poor

Karen R., Belchertown, MA

Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Cleanliness

Owner was very responsive but...

Maybe my expectations were too high but I don't think so. The owner was very responsive and very nice but this was a real disappointment. There was no hot water, there was nowhere outside to sit except two really dirty chairs, the dishes were left in the strainer but not really clean. You cannot open any of the windows...they are glued shut. The comforters were very dingy. I was afraid to touch anything because nothing seemed clean at all. The shower was very much in need to some attention and we couldn't even use it because of no hot water anyway. I do understand that it was an old boat but I think there has to be some general maintenance done if you want to rent it. We left as soon as possible in the morning, and we cannot recommend this boat unfortunately. Overall, it soured us on ever doing this again.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Will L.

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

Easy, Clean, Fun

Great location. Easy self check in. Everything in the boat was clean and nice. Perfect weekend getaway for friends or family. Would rent again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Clint R.

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

Great experience.

Fun thing to do
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sarah L.

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

Dropping son at college/ alternative to hotel

We love exploring cities through VRBO & this property didn’t disappoint. We were out &!about in the day & relaxed & enjoyed the yacht in the evening. Great location & communication. We hope to return.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

About the host

Hosted by Neil Malik

Host profile image
My name is Neil Malik and I am the owner of Sleep Aboard. I have 35 years of boating experience including short-handed crossings of the North and South Atlantic Oceans (USA-Europe-Brazil). After so much extensive travel, my goal is to provide a very unique, different experience for my guests that will pale any hotel experience. As an ex-COO of an Inc 500 company, I recognize the needs of my customers and try as hard as possible to accommodate each and every guest.

Why they chose this property

Brasil is such a truly unique yacht. The lines of the boat originate from a period dating from the 1950's to early 1960's and the high, pointed bow and open stern transom are Geerd Hendel signatures. This design is pedigree as Geerd Hendel served as the draftsman for Star Burgess designing some of the most famous America's Cup boats in the 1930's and 1940's. A step inside and you are taken back to a time of classic yacht taste- no overornamentation or gaudy sofa fabrics. Instead, varnished battens, heavy use of teak and mahogany, and classic liners reflect a well appointed yacht.

Languages:

English, French, Spanish, Portuguese