Sadly these houseboat folks are bait switch gypsy types. A very poor hotel experience, room smelled of urine, no toilet paper, no heat, sporadic electrical. Dinner price initially was told 500 rupees then told 10 minutes later raised to 800 rupees. Dal lake boat ride paid 1000 rupees typical for 1 hour is 300 rupees. I learnt after the fact. Didn't argue, paid both and checked out ASAP. During the one day I stayed, owner and relative sidekicks tried selling 4000 dollar carpets. This trip to India showed me a very ugly vibe side of Indians. Do not stay on houseboats. Period. Many prior reviews are public relations, I will be careful to read reviews.