Hotel barges and the recession

I don't really like to use the word recession, but I think that it would be unrealistic to ignore that we are certainly facing difficult times financially.
Every news bulletin, every newspaper seems to have nothing to report other than doom and gloom: The closing of another factory, a bank going under, and so forth.
It's difficult to know what to do in such circumsances; Do you hope that the government will shore you up? Ideal if you happen to be in the car industry, but of no use whatsoever to the tourist industry. Those set to suffer most here in France are the hotel barges, and a number are currrently up for sale. Of course, this gives additional business to the remaining barges but waiting for business to come ones way is hardly very active!
Now for the good news!
Tom and Sue Hollows are not so complacent as to wait and see! Owners of a half board charter barge, the Easyvie, they offer cruises for up to 6 people aboard their beautiful boat, which is also their home. Already at a very competitive price, I have just negociated a reduction in their prices: You can currently book a 7 day cruise for 6 from as little as 7000 euros! That's 3000 euros less than their normal rates.
Not only will you have a fantastic week exploring the Aquitaine, but you will not be worrying about the cost!!
Call me now on +33 614 250 200 or email me at hotelsafloat@nordnet.fr for information.

I look forward to hearing from you.

A new fleet for Hotels Afloat

HI all!

Despite the recession, and the terrible storms here over the last 36 hours, I was very pleased to meet Steve yesterday, after several email exchanges concerning the possibility of working together. A true Brit like me, Steve is very tall: The only man to set off the wind chimes as he came through the door! A real gentleman and very, very helpful and honest.

So I now have some more boats to add to the site http://www.hotelsafloat.com/

and they are going to be a very big hit! The Euro Classics are steel, traditional shaped barges with a real touch of class. Air conditioning, electric flush toilets, DVD/CD and free-standing furniture. Beautiful both inside and out, these boats are available in the Burgundy region and the Midi, the most popular destinations in France for a barge holiday.

I could go on and on all day on these boats, but have emails to reply to not to mention the site works to get on with, so if you want to see the Euro Classics, go to

http://www.hotelsafloat.com/

select the self drive boats, and then France Afloat.

There is even a possibility of having a daily captain, who will arrive each morning with your croissants! What more could you want? !

Internet by Satelite!

This morning I felt like a child on Christmas morning, knowing that a wonderful gift was surely awaiting me. Yesterday, the 21st century finally arrived at Hotels Afloat in the form of internet via Satelite. Normally it would be difficult to leave a warm, cosy bed at 8am when it's snowing outside and nobody actually needs me up just yet, but today I was up like a shot anxious to play with my new toy.
Our office will never be the same again: No more excuse for numerous cups of tea while waiting for the narrow band internet to connect, or the pages of any site to change. Even the chocolate and fruit consumption is likely to drop! But no complaints I assure you. We are just so grateful for this system which will enable us to keep up with the rest of the world, and of course to give an even better service.
You may be laughing, but if you had spent the last three weeks typing on an iphone due to a useless service provider, you would understand how such a thing can make one so blissfully happy!
I can't beleive that it's February already! The last month has just whizzed by with plenty of clients looking for bargains. But don't worry: They are not all over yet. We are currently offering discounts on self drive cruises to be taken in April and May on the Le Boat fleets, and are still offering up to 300 euros discount on the larger Locaboat penichettes for cruises in the south of France, one of the most popular destination.
So, if you are still wondering whether you can afford a boating holiday this year, send us an email at
hotelsafloat@aol.com
outlining your requirements and we will do our best to find you a bargain!