Whether you fancy the bustle of a modern city getaway or the tranquillity of a tropical island, floating hotels are a way to make sure you get 24 hours enjoyment from every day you spend away. Have a look at this selection by the Spanish travel website Rumbo and get ready to set sail.
De Barge, BrugesProbably the most unusual hotel in Bruges, as its name suggests, the De Barge hotel once sailed along the city waterways. Now the canal-boat has been completely renovated and transformed into an atmospheric hotel and restaurant. Within walking distance of downtown, most of the nautical style en-suite cabins have canal views.
Le Meridien, Bora Bora, Polynesia
This resort, on one of the finest beaches in the South Pacific, overlooks Mount Otemanu and is a Polynesian paradise worthy of a movie set. All kinds of activities and water sports are available, including swimming with hawksbill and green turtles in their natural environment. Some of the 99 bungalows are set right over the spectacular Bora Bora lagoon and their transparent floors offer breathtaking views of underwater life. A perfect setting to get away from it all in style.
Conrad Maldives, Rangali Island, Maldives
Another tropical paradise, this romantic resort surrounded by the natural beauty of the Indian Ocean is a sybaritic dream. Voted best hotel in the world in 2005 by the Sunday Times Travel Awards , the resort is famed for its impeccable service and fine cuisine. As well as beach villas, there are a range of luxurious water villas, each with private sun deck. There's also the chance to dine at Ithaa, the world's only all-glass undersea restaurant which offers 360-degree views of the local marine life, at a depth of 5 metres.
Malardrottningen Boat, StockholmIn the heart of Stockholm, permanently moored on the shores of Lake Mälaren, this three-star boat hotel is just a short walk from the main station and from Gamla Stan, the old part of town, which makes it a perfect base for exploring the fascinating Swedish capital. The rooms, many of which have bunk beds, are compact but well equipped and everything is ship shape!
The Floatel, Calcutta The eco-friendly Floatel – India's only floating hotel – is boarded from a foot bridge that spans the 90 metres separating it from the banks of the historic river Hooghly. Evoking the charms of a a luxury cruiser permanently at anchor off the marvellous colonial city of Calcutta the hotel boasts all modern services and the rooms offer stunning views of the city and the river.
Sailboat Foleta Yasanti, Barcelona Moored at Barcelona, on Spain's Mediterranean coast, the Yasanti is a traditional Turkish gulet sailing boat. With five double guest cabins and a crew of captain, cook and sailor, the boat can be hired for groups for whole weeks. At other times, a bed and breakfast service is offered, and dinner is also available if booked in advance. When acting as a B&B, if all the guests agree, the Yasanti may take a two-hour 'Barcelona from the sea' trip, depending on meteorological conditions.
Amstel Botel, Amsterdam
Moored on the river IJ, at the cultural and artistic heart of Amsterdam, the Botel offers competitive rates for high quality services. The modern en-suite cabins can be chosen with either land or water views and are a perfect choice for those who want to spend a night rocked to sleep by the water after enjoying a long day of sightseeing in Amsterdam.
Boat Hotel Fortuna, Budapest
The Fortuna once sailed the waters of the Danube, but she has now cast anchor on the Pest side of Budapest, alongside the Margit Bridge and opposite the picturesque Margit island. The compact cabins of this three-star hotel are all named after sea pirates and explorers and practically kitted out with modern facilities. Conference and meeting rooms are also available suitable for presentations, workshops, weddings and banquets.
