Inner Dowsing Lightship

9.3Excellent231 reviewsSee rooms

Boat

Medway Bridge Marina, Manor Lane · Rochester

Facilities at a glance

Free Wi-Fi
Parking
Terrace
Non-smoking rooms

About this place

Unique Boat Accommodation Experience a stay like no other at Inner Dowsing Lightship, a charming boat hotel in the heart of Rochester. Set in a historic 19th-century building, our recently renovated boat offers free WiFi, on-site parking, and cozy accommodations with modern amenities. Scenic Sun Terrace Unwind and soak up the sun on our inviting terrace overlooking the picturesque surroundings. Whether enjoying a morning coffee or a sunset drink, the terrace provides a perfect spot to relax during your stay. Convenient Location With Rochester Castle, Chatham Train Station, and Chatham Dockyard just a few kilometers away, Inner Dowsing Lightship offers easy access to the area's top attractions. Plus, being within reach of Leeds Castle and London City Airport, your stay promises both convenience and exploration. Ready to embark on a unique boat hotel experience? Book your stay at Inner Dowsing Lightship now!

Choose your unit

Pick check-in and check-out to see live room prices.

3 room types

Choose your room
Room type	Guests	Show prices
Apartment with Shower 50 m²2 × Twin beds, Double bed	Sleeps 4	Show prices
Standard Double Room 18 m²King bed	Sleeps 2	Show prices
Double Room with Private Bathroom 16 m²King bed	Sleeps 2	Show prices

What this place offers

Internet

Free Wi-Fi

Parking

Outdoor

Terrace

General

Non-smoking rooms

Location

Address
Medway Bridge Marina, Manor Lane, Rochester, United Kingdom
2 km from the center of Rochester

Questions about this stay

Quick answers from the information this property gives us.

What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in from 15:00. Check-out by 11:00.
Is Wi-Fi included?
Yes, this property lists free Wi-Fi.
Is parking available?
Yes, this property lists parking. Check the room offer for any fee.

Guest reviews

9.3231 reviews

Reviews from guests who stayed at this hotel, shared by our hotel supplier. Score based on the latest 200 reviews.

Cleanliness9.3

Service9.8

Location9.8

Room quality9.3

Amenities8.8

Value for money9.3

Food and drink8.3

Andy
United Kingdom · Solo · October 2026
9.0
“Very enjoyable stay in a quirky accommodation”
+No breakfast but great location
−No breakfast
Sara
United Kingdom · Solo · October 2026
9.0
“A personality property in an excellent location”
+A very special overnight stay. The cabin was very comfortable, warm and clean, very prettily decorated. There were many thoughtful touches, with everything (and more) that one would need. The views over the estuary were spectacular. Clear directions from Borstal, met promptly and helped with luggage by kind host Eunha on post-5 p.m. arrival. Couple of things to note: background hum of the nearby M2 might, as suggested by another traveller, mean earplugs for light sleepers; yes, a short walk (not 5 minutes?) from car parking. Very good value for money for such an unusual venue and brilliant location - easy car access to Rochester Castle along the Esplanade. (Or 30-minute riverside walk). Highly recommended - go on, give it a try!
−Nothing, really - any drawbacks (steep stairs to upper deck) and slightly muddy carpark - were what you'd expect from a boat accommodation.
Sarah
United Kingdom · Couple · October 2026
10.0
“Super, unusual place to stay”
+Super for our night stay
−All good
Pete747
United Kingdom · Couple · October 2026
9.0
“An unusual and quirky stay for 1 night - perfect choice”
+An unusual and quirky stay for 1 night - perfect choice. We were met by the friendly owner who showed us our cabin on the top deck at the stern which had a lovely view across the Medway estuary. The room was very smart, good bathroom and did I mention the view? We only stayed for 1 night and walked into Rochester for the evening which took about 30 mins. It was high tide when we arrived so the boat was afloat but as the tide recedes the boat sits upon the mud flats. Easy parking in the marina car park.
−Some confusing photos on the listing which show a communal room but don't think that this accessible to guests any longer.
Matei
United Kingdom · Solo · September 2026
10.0
+Warm host, cozy room. Attention to detail was great. Bathroom had cotton ear buds, pads & tampons for ladies. Small details make the difference.
−Wi-Fi speed were poor but not a deal breaker.
Eden
United Kingdom · Solo · September 2026
10.0
“Romantic and charismatic. We fell in love all over again.”
+Really beautifully finished and perfect facilities. Water pressure slightly low but absolutely fine.
−Only upgrade would be fluffier towels
Susan
United Kingdom · Couple · August 2026
8.0
“Really enjoyed the experience”
+The setting was amazing, the bridge was a bit noisy. It was lovely looking over the water towards Rochester. The bed was comfortable.
−You could hear the bathroom next door but not overly. The electric went off after we boiled the kettle.
Talbot
United Kingdom · Couple · August 2026
8.0
“We enjoyed our stay at this quirky floating accommodation on the Medway.”
+There was no breakfast, but we were happy enough with that. The location was ideal for our activity in the area, and the location on the river Medway was just lovely. The room was really neat, and thoughtfully fitted out. Wi-fi was fine. I have attached a photograph of the ship, and one of the view from our cabin.
−Access from the main deck to our deck was a bit tricky. though we managed it fine. There was limited storage space in the cabin.
DEREK K
United Kingdom · Solo · August 2026
10.0
+A unique place to stay and great views of the Medway. Very nice host, room and facilities excellent
−Nothing
jane
United Kingdom · Couple · August 2026
10.0
“Relaxing, fun and unusual stay”
+Great fun, relaxing and unusual accommodation. Loved watching the river ebb and flow.

Good to know

Check-in & check-out
Check-in from 15:00 · check-out until 11:00
Pets
Pets are not allowed

Facilities at a glance

About this place

Choose your unit

3 room types

Apartment with Shower

Standard Double Room

Double Room with Private Bathroom

What this place offers

Internet

Parking

Outdoor

General

Location

Address

Questions about this stay

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Is Wi-Fi included?

Is parking available?

Guest reviews

Good to know

Check-in & check-out

Pets

Guest reviews