Pier 5 Marina · Old City, Philadelphia

A floating sanctuary on the
Delaware River.

The Inspiration

Rooted in the river as it was before the city.

The interior takes its cue from the Delaware as it existed before William Penn arrived — tulip poplar and white oak, sycamore and spicebush, marsh grasses and waterbirds, and the shifting colours of the water.

Natural wood, botanical detail and art drawn from the flora and fauna of that early river. The quiet palette makes a small woodland retreat, floating at the edge of a bustling city. You wake to sunrise straight through the windows, and come home to the bridge glowing above the water.

The Dwelling

30 views aboard

The Sylvan houseboat at her berth on the Delaware

Private rooftop deck beneath the Ben Franklin Bridge

The Houseboat1 / 30

Provisions

CapacitySleeps 5 guests
Layout2 bedrooms / 2 full baths
Rooftop45 ft, private to your stay
KitchenFull, stocked, dishwasher
LaundryWasher & dryer aboard
AccessSelf check-in, gated marina
ParkingOne space, 5 min walk
ComfortHeat, A/C, Wi-Fi, smart TV

5.0 out of 5 · Airbnb guest reviews

“The houseboat was pristine, upscale, finishings like a fine hotel. The rooftop deck is its own delight — huge, with the river and bridge lit up at night. A great night's sleep with just a hint of gentle rocking.”— Linda, New Hope, Pennsylvania

“Absolutely loved our stay. Right on the Delaware with incredible views and Old City just steps away. This is definitely not your typical Airbnb, and that's exactly what makes it so great.”— Trey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

“It looked great in the pictures, but it was way better than I expected. The decor is beautiful, and it was so nice sitting out on the deck at sunset.”— Maria, 7 years on Airbnb

Rooftop seating and dining on The Sylvan looking across Pier 5 Marina

Above Deck

Forty-five feet of private roof.

Coffee on the roof as the first boats pass under the bridge. Lounge chairs, a dining table, seating for the whole party — and at night, the bridge lit above the water with the marina quiet below.