A new site!

French is rapidly becoming my second language! I remember the nightmares that I had when I first settled here in 1996, literally dreaming in french and being totally confused by all that I heard around me.
After 12 years I find myself thinking and dreaming in french, and indeed have days when I start to panic about my fast fading English vocabulary.
It must be bad when your own mother comments on how poor your english is, especially as I was once a Secondary school teacher!
So, I may as well put this new found gift to use, and have decided to create a french site.
Hotelsafloat.com is so popular now that even french people send me emails, so it seems only fair to reward their patience with a site dedicated to them.
Vacancesplaisance.fr is now in the making and I am busy typing french appraisals. No doubt I will make many mistakes, but the essential is that I am making an effort.

Many of our clients worry about the language barrier, but after 12 years here, I can confirm that making a small effort goes along way with most french people. A friend of mine when holidaying here had to take her son to the chemist for a cough. With very little french she was very worried. She held her hand out at child height, said 'enfant', and coughed. 'Wet or dry?' replied the chemist and instantly found the perfect medicine!

So, next time you are planning your holidays and wondering whether you will be able to get by, rest assured!
I look forward to seeing more and more English speakers here.

See you soon!

Discounted cruises!

Hi everyone.
In the current economic climate, everyone is looking for a bargain, and today I have just that!
We are currently offering a 40% discount on a hotel barge cruising on the Nivernais canal, a discount which has never been seen before.
If you would prefer a cruise on the Burgundy canal, we have the best value vessel there too and are currently offering a 20% discount.
I know that some of you would love to cruise on a hotel barge again this year, but fear that the prices are beyond your reach. With these discounts, we can help you fulfill your dreams!
Just call or email me for details at
hotelsafloat@aol.com
+33 614 25 02 00

We are cutting the rates, not the standards! Here at Hotels Afloat we are passing on these incredible savings.

Happy New year and the financial crisis

Happy new year to you all!
The Paris boat show is now behind us, and despite the financial crisis, visitors were numerous and emails have been flooding in ever since!
Although I love being busy, I was hoping for a quiet week at the beginning of the year as I am moving my office, having outgrown our present premises. But no! I am just having to work very long hours and unfortunately Father Christmas did not answer my request of an extra 4 hours per day for 2009!

While many companies are struggling, www.hotelsafloa.com and Bouba Meca Boat at www.appelbouba.com are both flourishing.
Here at Hotels Afloat we are kicking off the season with a number of special offers:
Our clients can currently save up to 300 euros when booking by 7th February on our larger boats in the south of France, one of our most popular destinations.
In addition, we continue to extend the discounts offered to us so that our clients benefit. We are also happy to negociate our prices so if you are fighting the effects of the crisis, please do send us an email at hotelsafloat@aol.com
We will do our best to find you a cruise within your budget!