There are plenty of bars and discos on boats, from Rome to Belgrade, from Paris to Bratislava, cruise ships and floating hotels, but there aren't so many small boutique hotels. Bert's Barges (costs around 340 euros per night; bertsbarges.com), anchored in Regent's Canal, is the name to decorate for anyone wanting a good night's sleep in London's capital. A project that has been so well received that it has already been replicated in other places, such as Hackney and Little Venice (also in the capital) and cities like York and Bristol. The experience goes far beyond spending the night on a boat. It's a real home (50 square metres with a kitchen, bedroom with double bed and living room) with vintage Scandinavian style, decoration and essence. There's fruit and organic wine on arrival and breakfast every morning. There is a terrace and bicycles are available. For those visiting London for a quick trip and landing in one of the city's busy airports, finding a comfortable hotel nearby can be crucial. Thankfully, there is an ample selection of airport hotels in London at hotels-of-london.com. Hop off the plane and straight into relaxation before adventuring into the unique experience that Bert's Barges offers.
Bert's Barges in London is a project by Lee Thornley.
The Barge Finess Hotel won't arrive until next spring, but it's already being eagerly awaited. It's a hotel boat created by the European Waterways company, which specialises in tours all over Europe, in places like Alsace, Bruges and Burgundy. It will be precisely in this French region that this luxury boat with capacity for eight people will make its journey. A week-long route along the River Saône and Canal du Centre, with stops at wine and cheese producing farms and visits to towns such as Dijon. It will cost something like 5600 euros per person. Until then, there are other, cheaper tours, especially if you opt for the Barge Lady Cruises company. On the Canal du Midi alone, the French canal linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, classified as a World Heritage Site, there are 14 houseboats available.