Private charters on the Nivernais canal

Happy New year to you all.

I'm delighted to start the year with a truly fantastic offer on the beautiful barge The Randle.
She cruises on the Nivernais canal, one of the most unspoilt canals in Burgundy and can cater for up to 4 in two cabins.
The master cabin has a double bed, while the second cabin has two good sized bunks.

Already highly competitively priced, we are currently offering a 15% discount for all 2012 cruises confirmed by January 31st.
If you fancy the ultimate romantic break, why not book a private charter for 2, and save an incredible 25%....

Discounts to beat the credit crunch!

Spring is here at last and we are enjoying sunny weather at last after the grey months of winter.
With Spring comes are Mad March Specials! We are currently offering discounts of 10% on Burgundy and Midi cruises not to mention an incredible 25% off certain one way cruises in April and 20% in May throughout France. Simply email us for details at
www.hotelsafloat.com
quoting March Specials.
Due to demand, we are contining to offer hotel barge charters at up to 25% off on certain boats and dates, so whether you fancy visiting Burgundy or the south of France, we are sure to have a bargain just waiting to be snapped up!
And don't forget our incredible offer on the Easyvie in the Aquitaine. 6 passengers can now cruise for 6 days for an incredible 7000 euros ( reduced from 10000 euros)

I know that the crunch is hitting you all, BUT now is perhaps the best time to take a cruise as these discounts are very unlikely to be repeated.
Go on, treat yourselves.
Call me on +33 380 39 29 38 to discuss your holiday plans.
Speak soon!!

The Bordeaux region of France

Not many people know that Bordeaux and the Aquitaine once belonged to the English! No wonder then that we Brits love the region. Living in Burgundy, I miss the hills of Yorkshire, where I lived for a number of years before moving to France 13 years ago. If I could move within France, it would be to the Aquitaine region. Not only is it absolutely stunning, steeped in history and with some wonderful weather ( and NO winter fog unlike Burgundy!) the region also has some wonderful wines to offer.
This region has always been popular with tourists too, and until the current economic crisis hit we enjoyed a regular flow of enquiries for cruises in the region. That is still the case, but unfortunately there are now fewer boats in the area. This year has seen the Mirabelle placed on the market. Once a beautiful boat, she needed updating and running costs alone have influenced the owners decision to sell. So, what can I do now for those large groups that contact us? Well, here at Hotels Afloat we have the solution: Easyvie and Saint Louis can now be hired in tandem, accomodating up to 12, and ideal for 10. A half board charter programme is available enabling our guests to enjoy breakfasts and quality lunches on board, while evening meals can be taken in the local bistos, restaurants, canal side cafés etc! There is plenty of choice whether you prefer casual or upper class dining!
So, if you fancy visiting this piece of old England in France, why not give me a call on +33 380 39 29 38 or email me on hotelsafloat@nordnet.fr
We are currently offering a huge discount on the Easyvie, so if you are a smaller group of 4-6, we will be happy to offer you the cruise of a life time at a once in a lifetime price!

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.