[See all properties](http://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?regionId=&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) Entire house boat # The Gigi - A Mermaid Houseboat on Lake James Houseboat in Nebo ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/76000000/75830000/75829500/75829442/e9e498fe.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![Coffee/tea maker, toaster, cookware/dishes/utensils, dining tables](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/76000000/75830000/75829500/75829442/665ff0f5.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Interior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/76000000/75830000/75829500/75829442/27e940dc.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Interior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/76000000/75830000/75829500/75829442/5c1019b3.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Living area](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/76000000/75830000/75829500/75829442/c3f6fd07.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Amenities - Policies - Location Escape to North Carolina's most beautiful lake on the Mermaid Boat, a unique houseboat experience. Unwind in your cozy home away from home with air conditioning and heat, or enjoy the propane grill and roof deck when docked. The kitchenette is stocked with essentials like a Keurig coffee maker and dishware. 10 Exceptional ### Entire house boat 1 bathroomSleeps 3 ## Popular amenities - Kitchen - Barbecue grill - Air conditioning ## Add dates for prices Check-in Check-out Travellers ## About this property ### Entire place You'll have the entire house boat to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party. ### The Gigi - A Mermaid Houseboat on Lake James Escape to North Carolina's most beautiful lake with a unique stay that immerses you in nature and fun, the Mermaid Boat. A fully operating houseboat, the Gigi Mermaid boat was built and launched in 2021. See our great reviews on the Narai & Gigi. Enjoy the lake, glamping with modern conveniences. \- Kitchenette with coffee maker and dishware \- Propane grill \- Air conditioning & heat \- Generator \- Marine toilet \- Sofa converts into a double bed \- Table converts into a single bed \- Bed linens The Gigi Mermaid boat is decked out in Mermaid decor to create a memorable stay on Lake James. The sofa converts into a double bed and the kitchen table converts into a single bed. Linens and pillows are provided. There is a small marine toilet on board and a stocked kitchenette, which includes a Keurig coffee maker, toaster, dishware, and some cookware. This is not like staying at a hotel or in a house but is more of a glamping experience, so please set expectations accordingly. \- Linens (sheets, pillows, blankets, towels) \- Kitchen items (utensils, dishes, cookware, Keurig with k-cups, some spices, grill, paper goods, cleaning supplies) \- Trash bags, toilet paper, and paper towels are available on board \- Some goodies like cards, flashlights, books, and games are available as well The boat has air conditioning and heat powered by a generator and electricity (and outlets). There is a propane grill on the front and a roof deck accessible ONLY when the boat is not in motion. The boat is not docked, but there are several options for your overnight stay: 1\. Reserve a boat-in campsite at Lake James State Park. You will have access to restroom facilities, a private campsite, and be able to have a fire or set up a tent. We recommend this for any longer stays 2\. Stay on a public beach - these are usually the best beaches on the lake with premiere views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There is no cost to use these beaches, but they can get crowded and noisy on holidays and weekends during prime summer months. If they are full upon arrival, you can expect space to begin to open up at sundown as boaters go home. There is no camping or fires allowed on these beaches. 3\. Tie up to the old state park dock (meager traffic) or anchor in a cove overnight. There is a generator that runs the air conditioner/heat and electricity. The kitchen consists of countertops, a coffee maker, and a pump sink. There is NO shower on the boat. Guests will drive around Lake James, there are public beach areas they can pull the boat up on or anchor in a cove and swim. Lake James State Park has many boat-in camping sites that offer great amenities if you are staying overnight. You will have access to restroom facilities as well as beaches to play on if you book these sites (usually about $10/night). I pick guests up at Canal Bridge public access, give them a tutorial on how to drive and use the boat, and then they drop me off and head out. I am available 24/7 and provide my personal cell to all my guests should they run into any issue or have any questions. Park at Canal Bridge on James Ave - this public boat site is 24/7 and overnight parking is permitted. Canal Bridge is managed by Lake James State Park. The houseboat feels more like a camping experience than a full-service hotel. There will be access to a grill, but no stove, oven, microwave, or refrigerator. Guests should plan to bring a cooler and plan food accordingly. There are no showers on the boat and only a pump sink with freshwater and marine toilet. We advise guests to use the toilet sparingly, as it has limited flushes, and use public restrooms as much as possible. We recommend guests reserve a boat-in campsite for stays longer than 2 days. It is required by NC law that all guests under 13 wear a life vest while the boat is in motion. Must be 21 or older, show a valid driver's license, and have a valid boating license if you were born in 1988 or later. Search for NC Boating License online course, complete it online, and print and bring the license with you (Approximately $30). ## Property amenities ### Kitchen - Coffee/tea maker - Cookware, dishware, and utensils - Toaster ### Dining - Dining table ### Bedrooms - Bedsheets provided - Sofa bed ### Bathroom - 1 bathroom ### Living spaces - Dining table ### Outdoor areas - Balcony - Barbecue grill ### Comfort - Air conditioning - Heating ### Pets - No pets allowed ### Suitability/Accessibility - Smoking not allowed ### Location highlights - On a lake - On the waterfront ### Safety features - Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property) - Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property) - First aid kit - Fire extinguisher ## Similar properties ![Interior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/76000000/75790000/75784100/75784095/741e6e41.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### The Narai - A Mermaid Houseboat on Lake James, NC Nebo - Kitchen - Air conditioning - Outdoor space - Parking available 10 Exceptional 4 reviews CA $627 CA $923 total includes taxes & fees Oct 21 - Oct 22 [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-21&endDate=2025-10-22&selected=75784095&PinnedHotelID=75784095&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Dining](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/97000000/97000000/96997700/96997653/98e6228b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Walking Distance to Lakes James with Resort Amenities Marion - Pool - Kitchen - Air conditioning - Mountain view 10 Exceptional 3 reviews CA $214 CA $398 total includes taxes & fees Nov 1 - Nov 2 [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-01&endDate=2025-11-02&selected=96997653&PinnedHotelID=96997653&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Outdoor spa tub](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/102000000/101800000/101790200/101790185/w589h684x0y0-f58740d1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Tiny home with hot tub, lovely spot with mountains views and it's own creek. Morganton - Hot tub - Air conditioning - Barbecue grill - Microwave 10 Exceptional 7 reviews CA $162 CA $314 total includes taxes & fees Oct 16 - Oct 17 [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-16&endDate=2025-10-17&selected=101790185&PinnedHotelID=101790185&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/26000000/25120000/25118700/25118639/6dd745e8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Cozy Cabin on Lake James with Private Beach and Boat Dock Bear Cliff - Kitchen - Pet-friendly - Air conditioning - Parking available 10 Exceptional 175 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-29&endDate=2025-10-30&selected=25118639&PinnedHotelID=25118639&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/103000000/102760000/102759900/102759842/w2999h1999x1y1-77fd1740.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Lake James Cozy Cabin. Waterfront! Nebo - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer - Air conditioning 7.4 Good 3 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-29&endDate=2025-10-30&selected=102759842&PinnedHotelID=102759842&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Outdoor dining](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/101000000/100340000/100335800/100335748/61b0a4f5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Secluded cabin with modern upgrades, wrap-around deck, & AC - mtn views Nebo - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer - Air conditioning 8.2 Very good 12 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-29&endDate=2025-10-30&selected=100335748&PinnedHotelID=100335748&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Exterior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/108000000/107120000/107112800/107112719/a00431e2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Lakefront Escape, Dock Access and Mountain Views! Nebo - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer - Pet-friendly 9.6 Exceptional 8 reviews CA $394 CA $972 total includes taxes & fees Oct 19 - Oct 20 [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-19&endDate=2025-10-20&selected=107112719&PinnedHotelID=107112719&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Fridge, microwave, cookware/dishes/utensils](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/107000000/106120000/106117900/106117828/586e0550.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Walking Distance to Lake James: Private Resort Amenities Marion - Pool - Kitchen - Pet-friendly - Air conditioning 8.0 Very good 3 reviews CA $131 CA $291 total includes taxes & fees Oct 19 - Oct 20 [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-19&endDate=2025-10-20&selected=106117828&PinnedHotelID=106117828&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Interior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/97000000/96280000/96270600/96270589/48a304c7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Cozy Cabin with Private Resort Amenities: Walking Distance to Lake James Marion - Kitchen - Pet-friendly - Air conditioning - Outdoor space 8.8 Excellent 8 reviews CA $131 CA $288 total includes taxes & fees Oct 16 - Oct 17 [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-16&endDate=2025-10-17&selected=96270589&PinnedHotelID=96270589&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/54000000/53980000/53977700/53977676/090f7252.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Lake James Country-style House - Deep Cove, Pool, Screen Porch, Kayaks & SUP! Nebo - Pool - Hot tub - Kitchen - Washer 10 Exceptional 85 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-29&endDate=2025-10-30&selected=53977676&PinnedHotelID=53977676&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ## Policies ### Check-in Check-in time starts at 12:00 PM Minimum check-in age: 18 ### Check-out Check-out before 10:00 AM ### Special check-in instructions You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions ### Pets Pets not allowed ### Children and extra beds Children are welcome ### Events No events allowed ### Smoking Smoking is not permitted ## 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 Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation ### Property is also known as 130338 ## About the area ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6&zoom=13&markers=icon:https%3A%2F%2Fa.travel-assets.com%2Ftravel-assets-manager%2Feg-maps%2Fproperty.png%7C35.72723%2C-81.92079&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=3sAVAx55z8GXp79ljdoP_8RjoK8=) Nebo, NC #### What's nearby - Lake James State Park - 16 min walk - 1.4 km - Lake James - 1 min drive - 0.7 km - McDowell County Courthouse - 12 min drive - 12.9 km - Boat Beach - 15 min drive - 11.6 km - Linville Caverns - 47 min drive - 53.1 km #### Restaurants - ‪Love's Travel Stop - ‬12 min drive - ‪Bessie’s Diner - ‬9 min drive - ‪The Marion Wing Factory - ‬12 min drive - ‪Mica Town Brewing - ‬11 min drive - ‪Countryside BBQ - ‬13 min drive ## Frequently asked questions ### Is The Gigi - A Mermaid Houseboat on Lake James pet-friendly? > No, pets are not allowed at this property. ### How much does it cost to stay at The Gigi - A Mermaid Houseboat on Lake James? > As of Oct 15, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Gigi - A Mermaid Houseboat on Lake James on Oct 21, 2025 start from CA $575.48, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. [Choose your dates](https://www.expedia.ca/Nebo-Hotels-The-Gigi-A-Mermaid-Houseboat-On-Lake-James.h75829442.Hotel-Information?rfrr=HOT.HIS.question.link.click) for more accurate prices. ### What time is check-in at The Gigi - A Mermaid Houseboat on Lake James? > Check-in begins at 12:00 PM. ### What time is check-out at The Gigi - A Mermaid Houseboat on Lake James? > Check-out is at 10:00 AM. ### Where is The Gigi - A Mermaid Houseboat on Lake James located? > Situated on the waterfront, this houseboat is within 1 mi (2 km) of Lake James and Lake James State Park. Catawba River and Pisgah National Forest are also within 6 mi (10 km). ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## The Gigi - A Mermaid Houseboat on Lake James Reviews 10 ### Exceptional All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.[More information](https://www.expedia.ca/lp/b/content-guidelines) 10 - Excellent 4 8 - Good 0 6 - Okay 0 4 - Poor 0 2 - Terrible 0 ### 10/10 Cleanliness ### 10/10 Excellent #### Andrew H. Jul 13, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Had a great time on the lake! My wife and I are local to the area and wanted to get out and enjoy the lake on a kid free weekend. We enjoyed our time on the houseboat and hope to do it again. John and his team were great hosts and made the outing extremely easy for us. Thank you for a great experience! ##### Andrew H. Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Charles P. Aug 3, 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Review An Awesome Adventure on a unique boat! Everything controllable by the host worked flawlessly. I’m looking forward to renting it again. ##### Charles P. Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Gail K. Mar 28, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Magical Time We rented Gigi late mid-March. This was our first experience on a house boat and we absolutely loved it! The lake is just beautiful, and the boat was very responsive and comfortable with no issues whatsoever. It’s well stocked with every little thing you might need. Once moored, we grilled some salmon on the small grill and also heated up other food we brought with us (also brought sheets of foil), and made coffee in the morning. John was always a phone call away, and we don’t have a single negative thing to say! Absolutely a magical trip!!! ##### Gail K. Stayed 1 night in Dec 2022 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Howard C. Aug 31, 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Outstanding customer service The house boat is well cared for. The advise for lake locations or any assistance we’d is only a phone call away. I’ve stayed at many vrbo rentals but this one was definitely first class for customer service. I highly recommend the boathouse lake James experience. ##### Howard C. 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