VIVA RIVERSIDE Altstadt Düsseldorf

Hotel Description

Okay, so here’s the thing about VIVA RIVERSIDE – it’s literally a floating hotel, which sounds gimmicky until you actually stay there and realize it’s brilliant. The boat is moored right under the Oberkasseler Bridge in Düsseldorf’s Altstadt, and I mean *right* in the heart of everything. You can walk to basically any brewery or restaurant in the old town in about three minutes, but here’s what’s cool – you’re sleeping on the Rhine, so there’s this gentle rocking that’s actually pretty soothing once you get used to it.

The whole setup feels like someone took a really nice boutique hotel and just happened to put it on water. Your room has proper windows looking out over the river (not tiny portholes or anything weird), and honestly, waking up to barges slowly cruising past while you’re having coffee is sort of magical. The staff clearly knows their stuff too – they’ll tell you which breweries to hit and which tourist traps to skip, plus they’re realistic about things like parking. You’ll want to use public transport or walk because parking in the Altstadt is, well, a nightmare, but the U-Bahn stop at Heinrich-Heine-Allee is maybe a seven-minute walk.

What really got me was how quiet it is at night. You’d think being right in the city center would mean noise, but the water actually buffers a lot of the street sounds. Sure, you’ll hear the occasional late-night reveler stumbling back from Schlüssel or Füchschen, but it’s not disruptive. The boat itself is solid – no creaking or weird maritime noises that keep you up. I stayed during Karneval season (which, if you’ve never experienced Düsseldorf’s carnival, is absolutely wild), and even with the city going completely crazy, the hotel felt like this peaceful floating refuge. The 4-star rating is spot-on – it’s comfortable and well-maintained without being stuffy, and that 9-point rating makes total sense when you factor in the novelty and location. I mean, where else can you stay somewhere this central and unique without paying resort prices? Just bring layers if you’re visiting in winter – it can get properly cold out on the water, even though the boat is heated.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $187. Economy Double or Twin Room with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $249. Suite with City View with 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $270. Suite with River View with 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $270. Master Suite with City View with 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $291. Master Suite with River View with 2 single beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Exceptional – Robert from United Kingdom – 29 March 2025 (10/10)

  Have to say its the cleanest place I've stayed in could not fault anything about the room. The staff where so friendly. Breakfast was also very good..would highly recommend this place..

• Exceptional – Andrea from Belgium – 27 March 2025 (10/10)

  Excellent breakfast. Stunning location
  
  What could be improved: The bar could stay open later at night

• Amazing staff and spotless, but a bit noisy. – Tom from United Kingdom – 26 March 2025 (8/10)

  The staff were exceptional across the hotel. Spotless in the rooms and nice turndown service. Good location.
  
  What could be improved: Breakfast looked like a good selection, but not great for vegans, especially as the hotel asks to let them know beforehand so they can prepare. Bit noisy with the tram line over the hotel. Wifi you have to get inputted at reception which seems over the top.

• As a group of 12 we all agreed this was the best accommodation we have stayed in – Stuart from United Kingdom – 25 March 2025 (10/10)

  The staff were amazing, very polite and attentive, both the food and drink onboard were faultless and the cleanliness of the ship was amazing, over all my whole group were blown away by how nice the whole experience was.
  
  What could be improved: There was nothing ww didn't like

• In center but quiet and comfotable. – Sati from Turkey – 24 March 2025 (10/10)

  The ship hotel is very nice and exceptional experience. It is very closed to the old town. It was nice to walk around to main attractions. The hotel was very clean and the staff was very helpful and friendly. The breakfast was Fabolous. We enjoyed the long breakfast while watching the river. I wish we could have stayed at river side rooms but our room was good and comfortable as well.
  
  What could be improved: nothing at all. Perfect stay for my stay.

• Exceptional – Patryk from Poland – 21 March 2025 (10/10)

  The staff was very helpful in every situation. The service in the restaurant was more than perfect. The breakfast was delicious. I also recommend the dinner. Rooms spacious and comfortable.

• Great sleep, nice atmosphere – Jennifer from Canada – 18 March 2025 (10/10)

  It was on a boat! Close to Altstadt, excellent staff
  
  What could be improved: Couldn’t leave luggage as the boat was leaving for the next location

• Exceptional – Rosarka from Czech Republic – 13 March 2025 (10/10)

  What could be improved: A little bit more involvement would have been top

• Exceptional – Ilhan from United Kingdom – 13 March 2025 (10/10)

  View

• Superb – Hatice from Turkey – 11 March 2025 (9/10)

  Location

SURROUNDINGS