Philadelphia, PA
The Sylvan · Luxe Old City Houseboat · 45' Rooftop
A luxury houseboat on the Delaware — 45-ft private rooftop, skyline and bridge views.
About this place
The Sylvan is a romantic houseboat getaway in historic Old City, Philadelphia. Sleep on the edge of the Delaware with the city's finest restaurants, museums, and landmarks on foot — then come home to water, sky, and the quiet of Pier 5 Marina. The 45-ft private rooftop deck has seating, river views, and the Ben Franklin Bridge lit up at night.
The interior takes its inspiration from the Delaware River as it existed before William Penn arrived — tulip poplar and white oak, sycamore and spicebush, marsh grasses and waterbirds. Natural wood, botanical details, and art drawn from that early river create 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 rooftop as the first boats pass under the Ben Franklin Bridge, then return to the peace of Pier 5 at night. The Sylvan stays at her berth for your whole stay — no boating experience needed.
Highlights
- Sleeps 4 · 2 bedrooms · 2 full baths
- 45-ft private rooftop deck on the water
- Old City location — Race Street Pier 1 min, Independence Hall 10 min walk
- Full kitchen + washer & dryer on board
- One parking space included
- Guest favorite — 5.0 rating
The space
- Bedroom 1
- Queen bed
- Bedroom 2
- Full (double) bed
- Living area
- Queen sofa bed — sleeps 4 total
- Bathrooms
- Two full bathrooms, stocked with towels, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
- Rooftop
- 45 ft of private deck with outdoor seating, river views, and the bridge lit at night
- Kitchen
- Two-burner cooktop, microwave, dishwasher, full refrigerator, coffee maker (grounds or pods) with frother, fully stocked cookware and dishes
Amenities
Kitchen & dining
- Full kitchen with dishwasher
- Coffee maker + frother
- Cookware, dishes & glassware stocked
- Oil, salt & pepper provided
Comfort
- Heating & air conditioning throughout
- Washer & dryer on board (detergent provided)
- Wi-Fi throughout
- Smart TV with YouTube TV signed in
- Room-darkening shades
- Hair dryer, hangers, extra pillows & blankets
Outdoor & water
- 45-ft private rooftop deck
- Waterfront river views
- Sunrise views over the Delaware
- Ben Franklin Bridge views at night
Practical
- One parking space included (5-min walk)
- Self check-in via lockbox
- Gated marina with fob access
- Entire houseboat — no shared space
Where you'll be
- Pier 5 Marina in Old City, on the Delaware River waterfront
- Race Street Pier about a minute away
- Betsy Ross House and Independence National Historical Park about a 10-minute walk
- Old City's restaurants, museums, and landmarks on foot
Good to know
- You're on a houseboat — gentle motion is part of the experience; plan accordingly if prone to seasickness.
- The toilets are incinerating units rather than standard plumbing — simple to use, with a walkthrough before arrival.
- Hot water is plenty for one shower at a time — stagger showers.
- The dock ramp shifts with the tide — flat shoes recommended.
- All guests must be 25+ to book. No children under 12. Maximum 4 overnight guests; 6 person maximum on the boat at any time.
- No events, parties, or unregistered guests. Quiet hours 10 PM–8 AM — Pier 5 is a residential marina.
- Strict no-smoking policy anywhere on the vessel or rooftop.
- Exterior cameras cover the entrance and boarding area; none inside the boat.
- A $500 refundable security-deposit hold applies, released after checkout.
- Every booking includes a five-minute online check-in (ID verification, charter agreement, and liability waiver).
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