Terms and Conditions
How these terms and conditions apply to our contract
Please ensure that you read and understand these Terms before you submit your Booking Request. You may only request a booking if you agree to these Terms. By submitting a Booking Request you are deemed to have accepted these Terms. This does not affect your statutory rights as a consumer.
Boutique Barges London LTD (referred to also as we/our/us”) sells holidays via boutiquebarges.co.uk phone and via email requests. Any person wishing to make a booking via any of these methods (referred to as “you/your”) acknowledges that such booking is made subject to these Terms.
We reserve the right to change these Terms at any time. Any such changes will take effect immediately. It is your responsibility to read the Terms each time you submit a Booking Request and any such request shall signify that you have accepted to be bound by the latest set of Terms. The most up to date Terms are available on request.
Making a Booking
You can either book online, via phone or email. Please have details of all party members when making a booking. Please check your confirmation as Boutique Barges cannot be held responsible for errors in information provided at the time of booking.
Bookings are not transferable to another party
When making a booking you agree that you or at least one member of your party is eighteen years or over, you have the authority of all persons in your party to book on their behalf, you accept these Terms & Conditions and you agree to be responsible for any loss or damage caused by any member of your party accompanying you.
Advance bookings are subject to minimum stays. These may vary by season, please refer to our web site for further details.
Stag, hen or similar parties are welcome only at the sole discretion of Boutique Barges, this also applies to any groups of five or more Please advise at time of booking .
Prices
The prices advertised are accurate at the time of booking. Prices can move up or down and Boutique Barges reserve the right to do so. Customers are advised to check the website for the most up to date information including our latest promotions, deals and discounts. Although prices may vary from time-to-time, the price payable is the price confirmed at the time of booking.
The prices are based on a daily rate unless otherwise stated.
Whilst we will make every effort to ensure that our prices remain unchanged, they may be amended at any time prior to payment of the final balance.
Promotions, deals or discounted offers are provided at the discretion of Boutique Barges. All offers are subject to availability, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount and may be withdrawn at any time. Retrospective refunds are not permitted against any offer or promotion advertised after such time a booking is made.
Payment
Payment for bookings can be made via PayPal or Stripe on our online booking system. We cannot accept payment by cheque in advance or onsite. The full cost or a 50% deposit of the holiday is payable at the time of booking.
Cancellation and changes to your booking
If for any reason you can no longer attend your holiday, Boutique Barges is unable to offer refunds. However, we will offer you the opportunity to pay your visit forwards and provide you with a voucher code to redeem your stay within 24 months. You must notify us no later than 4 weeks prior to your initial arrival date in order to qualify for the pay it forwards offer.
If you cancel or amend your booking prior to the 4 week deadline, you will be charged a £35 admin fee.
If you leave early for any reason Boutique barges will not issue any refund for unused nights.
Unfortunately, in some circumstances Boutique Barges may have to cancel your booking. In these circumstances we will offer you a full refund of any fees paid or the option of an alternative date or pitch. No other compensation is available.
If you want to amend your booking, you must notify Boutique Barges within 4 weeks of your arrival date. Based on availability and the request BB will do their best to accommodate any changes but cannot guarantee this.
Covid Policy
If you have to cancel a booking due to Covid (isolation or positive testing) our regular cancellation terms still stand. We’re unable to offer refunds or pay it forwards vouchers for bookings cancelled within 4 weeks of your holiday. However we will do our utmost to re-sell the dates and if we’re able to do this we will refund you minus a £35 admin fee.
We hope you understand that Covid has put us all in a very difficult position and so in order to ensure the stability of our business we have to stick to this policy.
Arrival and Departure
It is important that you run through full in check in and boat operational instructions on arrival.
Arrival times are between 2pm and 4pm.
For your safety we ask that you arrive in daylight hours, so we can show you around the boat.
You will be able to access your accommodation from 2pm.
If you wish to arrive earlier, please arrange prior to your arrival and we will do our best to accommodate your request, but this cannot be guaranteed.
All accommodation must be vacated by 11am on the day of departure unless otherwise agreed with Boutique Barges.
Management and Behaviour onsite
As the person booking the holiday, you are responsible for the behaviour of all members of the party whilst on the boat.
Any willful damage to the boat property will result in you being asked to immediately leave the. If you are asked to leave under these circumstances, no monies will be refunded.
Fire safety
Fires are only permitted in the designated stove and fire pit. These are to be used with caution by yourself. Fire safety information will be provided on site and must be adhered to at all times.
Complaints
We want you to have an enjoyable holiday. Should you have cause for complaint, please contact us immediately and we will try to resolve your complaint and advise you of our complaints procedure.
We ask you to note that if you do not give us the opportunity to resolve the problem by reporting it, we may not be able to deal with any complaint on your return and your rights to claim may have been reduced or forfeited.
If, at the end of your stay with us, you feel we have not dealt with your complaint satisfactorily, we ask that the main booker submits a written complaint within 28 days of your return home to: Boutique Barges, 20 a station terrace, London, NW105RX or through our website.
Privacy Policy
This privacy policy sets out how Boutique Barges uses and protects any information that you give us when you book. Boutique Barges is committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. Should we ask you to provide certain information by which you can be identified when booking, then you can be assured that it will only be used in accordance with this policy. We may collect the following information:
What we do with the information we gather?
We require this information to understand your needs and provide you with a better service, and in particular for the following reasons:
Security
We are committed to ensuring that your information is secure. In order to prevent unauthorised access or disclosure we have put in place suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online.
Controlling your personal information
You may choose to restrict the collection or use of your personal information in the following ways:
We will not sell, distribute or lease your personal information to third parties unless we have your permission or are required by law. We may use your personal information to send you promotional information about third parties which we think you may find interesting if you tell us that you wish this to happen. If you do not wish to receive further sales information, please email us using the contact form. If you believe that any information we are holding on you is incorrect or incomplete, please contact us through the contact means provided as soon as possible. We will promptly correct any information found to be incorrect.
Liability
Please read this section as it is important that you understand what you are agreeing to;
Nothing in this section limits or attempts to limit our liability for:
Subject to the matters detailed above, if we fail to comply with these Terms, we shall not be responsible for any losses that you suffer as a result, except for those losses which we could reasonably foresee would result from our failure to comply with these Terms.
The Boutique Barges boats have a number of potential risks which you must be aware of;
You use all of these areas at your own risk and Boutique Barges is not liable for any injuries or accidents which may take place as a result of your use.
It is your responsibility to act with due care and attention onsite at all times, Boutique Barges will not be held responsible for your own negligence. All children are the responsibility of their parents.
In addition to the above, we shall not be responsible for any:
Our maximum liability shall be no more than to refund the amount paid by you for the holiday.
Please wear appropriate footwear on board the boat. The deck can be slippery and sensible footwear is advised.
Boutique Barges do not accept responsibility for anything that adversely affects your holiday that is outside of our control. These circumstances are known as ‘Force Majeure’ events and are circumstances that Boutique Barges could not, even with due care, have foreseen or avoided. Such circumstances include (but are not limited to) war, civil unrest, industrial action, terrorist activity, natural disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions, foot and mouth disease and all other similar events outside of our control. KUDHVA will endeavour to manage any problems caused as a result of a Force Majeure event but shall be under no obligation to do so and shall not be liable to you for any losses caused by a Force Majeure event.
Other Important Information
Any photographs, descriptions or advertising we issue, and any descriptions or illustrations on our Website or other media platforms, are issued or published solely to provide you with an approximate idea of our site and services. They do not form part of the contract between you and us.
If any court or competent authority decides that any of the provisions of these Terms are invalid, unlawful or unenforceable to any extent, the Term will, to that extent only, be severed from the remaining Terms, which will continue to be valid to the fullest extent permitted by law.
If we fail at any time while these Terms are in force, to insist that you perform any of your obligations under these Terms, or if we do not exercise any of our rights or remedies under these Terms, that will not mean that we have waived such rights or remedies and will not mean that you do not have to comply with those obligations. Any waiver of a default by us does not mean that we will automatically waive any subsequent waive by you. No waiver by us of any of these Terms shall be effective unless we expressly say that it is a waiver and we tell you so in writing.
A person who is not party to these Terms shall not have any rights under or in connection with them under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
You may not transfer any of your rights or obligations under these Terms to another person without our prior written consent, which we will not withhold unreasonably. We can transfer all or any of our rights and obligations under these Terms to another organisation, but this will not affect your rights under these Terms.
These Terms and any non-contractual obligations relating to these Terms shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with English law. You and we both agree to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts. This contract shall be concluded in the English language.
If you wish to contact Boutique Barges please use the following address: Boutique Barges, 20 a Station terrace, London, NW105RX.
PRIVACY NOTICE
Last updated 05 March, 2024
Thank you for choosing to be part of our community at boutiquebarges.co.uk, doing business as boutiquebarges.co.uk We are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. If you have any questions or concerns about this privacy notice or our practices with regard to your personal information, please contact us at bookings@boutiquebarges.co.uk
This privacy notice describes how we might use your information if you:
▪ Visit our website at boutiquebarges.co.uk
▪ Engage with us in other related ways ― including any sales, marketing, or events In this privacy notice, if we refer to:
▪ “Website,” we are referring to any website of ours that references or links to this policy.
▪ “Services,” we are referring to our Website, and other related services, including any sales, marketing, or events The purpose of this privacy notice is to explain to you in the clearest way possible what information we collect, how we use it, and what rights you have in relation to it. If there are any terms in this privacy notice that you do not agree with, please discontinue use of our Services immediately. Please read this privacy notice carefully, as it will help you understand what we do with the information that we collect.
1. WHAT INFORMATION DO WE COLLECT?
Personal information you disclose to us In Short: We collect personal information that you provide to us. We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you register on the Website, express an interest in obtaining information about us or our products and Services, when you participate in activities on the Website or otherwise when you contact us. The personal information that we collect depends on the context of your interactions with us and the Website, the choices you make and the products and features you use. The personal information we collect may include the following: Personal Information Provided by You. We collect names; phone numbers; email addresses; mailing addresses; job titles; usernames; passwords; contact preferences; contact or authentication data; billing addresses; debit/credit card numbers; and other similar information. Payment Data. We may collect data necessary to process your payment if you make purchases, such as your payment instrument number (such as a credit card number), and the security code associated with your payment instrument. All payment data is stored by Stripe. You may find their privacy notice link(s) here: https://stripe.com/en-gb/privacy-center/legal
or
Paypal. You may find their privacy notice link(s) here: https://www.paypal.com/uk/webapps/mpp/ua/privacy-full
All personal information that you provide to us must be true, complete and accurate, and you must notify us of any changes to such personal information.
To manage the cookies and similar technologies used (tracking pixels, web beacons, etc.) and related consents, we use the consent tool "Real Cookie Banner". Details on how "Real Cookie Banner" works can be found at <a href="https://devowl.io/rcb/data-processing/" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">https://devowl.io/rcb/data-processing/</a>.
The legal bases for the processing of personal data in this context are Art. 6 (1) lit. c GDPR and Art. 6 (1) lit. f GDPR. Our legitimate interest is the management of the cookies and similar technologies used and the related consents.
The provision of personal data is neither contractually required nor necessary for the conclusion of a contract. You are not obliged to provide the personal data. If you do not provide the personal data, we will not be able to manage your consents.
2. HOW DO WE USE YOUR INFORMATION?
In Short: We process your information for purposes based on legitimate business interests, the fulfilment of our contract with you, compliance with our legal obligations, and/or your consent. We use personal information collected via our Website for a variety of business purposes described below. We process your personal information for these purposes in reliance on our legitimate business interests, in order to enter into or perform a contract with you, with your consent, and/or for compliance with our legal obligations. We indicate the specific processing grounds we rely on next to each purpose listed below. We use the information we collect or receive:
▪ Request feedback. We may use your information to request feedback and to contact you about your use of our Website.
▪ To manage user accounts. We may use your information for the purposes of managing our account and keeping it in working order.
▪ To send administrative information to you. We may use your personal information to send you product, service and new feature information and/or information about changes to our terms, conditions, and policies.
▪ To protect our Services. We may use your information as part of our efforts to keep our Website safe and secure (for example, for fraud monitoring and prevention).
▪ To enforce our terms, conditions and policies for business purposes, to comply with legal and regulatory requirements or in connection with our contract.
▪ To respond to legal requests and prevent harm. If we receive a subpoena or other legal request, we may need to inspect the data we hold to determine how to respond.
▪ Fulfill and manage your orders. We may use your information to fulfil and manage your orders, payments, returns, and exchanges made through the Website.
▪ To deliver and facilitate delivery of services to the user. We may use your information to provide you with the requested service.
▪ To respond to user inquiries/offer support to users. We may use your information to respond to your inquiries and solve any potential issues you might have with the use of our Services.
3. WILL YOUR INFORMATION BE SHARED WITH ANYONE?
In Short: We only share information with your consent, to comply with laws, to provide you with services, to protect your rights, or to fulfill business obligations. We may process or share your data that we hold based on the following legal basis: More specifically, we may need to process your data or share your personal information in the following situations:
▪ Business Transfers. We may share or transfer your information in connection with, or during negotiations of, any merger, sale of company assets, financing, or acquisition of all or a portion of our business to another company.
4. HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR INFORMATION?
In Short: We keep your information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this privacy notice unless otherwise required by law. We will only keep your personal information for as long as it is necessary for the purposes set out in this privacy notice, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law (such as tax, accounting or other legal requirements). No purpose in this notice will require us keeping your personal information for longer than the period of time in which users have an account with us. When we have no ongoing legitimate business need to process your personal information, we will either delete or anonymize such information, or, if this is not possible (for example, because your personal information has been stored in backup archives), then we will securely store your personal information and isolate it from any further processing until deletion is possible.
5. HOW DO WE KEEP YOUR INFORMATION SAFE?
In Short: We aim to protect your personal information through a system of organizational and technical security measures. We have implemented appropriate technical and organizational security measures designed to protect the security of any personal information we process. However, despite our safeguards and efforts to secure your information, no electronic transmission over the Internet or information storage technology can be guaranteed to be 100% secure, so we cannot promise or guarantee that hackers, cybercriminals, or other unauthorized third parties will not be able to defeat our security, and improperly collect, access, steal, or modify your information. Although we will do our best to protect your personal information, transmission of personal information to and from our Website is at your own risk. You should only access the Website within a secure environment.
6. DO WE COLLECT INFORMATION FROM MINORS?
In Short: We do not knowingly collect data from or market to children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly solicit data from or market to children under 18 years of age. By using the Website, you represent that you are at least 18 or that you are the parent or guardian of such a minor and consent to such minor dependent’s use of the Website. If we learn that personal information from users less than 18 years of age has been collected, we will deactivate the account and take reasonable measures to promptly delete such data from our records. If you become aware of any data we may have collected from children under age 18, please contact us at bookings@boutiquebarges.co.uk.
7. WHAT ARE YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS?
In Short: In some regions, such as the European Economic Area (EEA) and United Kingdom (UK), you have rights that allow you greater access to and control over your personal information. You may review, change, or terminate your account at any time. In some regions (like the EEA and UK), you have certain rights under applicable data protection laws. These may include the right (i) to request access and obtain a copy of your personal information, (ii) to request rectification or erasure; (iii) to restrict the processing of your personal information; and (iv) if applicable, to data portability. In certain circumstances, you may also have the right to object to the processing of your personal information. To make such a request, please use the contact details provided below. We will consider and act upon any request in accordance with applicable data protection laws. If we are relying on your consent to process your personal information, you have the right to withdraw your consent at any time. Please note however that this will not affect the lawfulness of the processing before its withdrawal, nor will it affect the processing of your personal information conducted in reliance on lawful processing grounds other than consent. If you are a resident in the EEA or UK and you believe we are unlawfully processing your personal information, you also have the right to complain to your local data protection supervisory authority. You can find their contact details here: https://ec.europa.eu/justice/data-protection/bodies/authorities/index_en.htm. If you are a resident in Switzerland, the contact details for the data protection authorities are available here: https://www.edoeb.admin.ch/edoeb/en/home.html. If you have questions or comments about your privacy rights, you may email us at bookings@boutiquebarges.co.uk. Account Information If you would at any time like to review or change the information in your account or terminate your account, you can:
▪ Contact us using the contact information provided.
▪ Log in to your account settings and update your user account. Upon your request to terminate your account, we will deactivate or delete your account and information from our active databases. However, we may retain some information in our files to prevent fraud, troubleshoot problems, assist with any investigations, enforce our Terms of Use and/or comply with applicable legal requirements. Opting out of email marketing: You can unsubscribe from our marketing email list at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the emails that we send or by contacting us using the details provided below. You will then be removed from the marketing email list — however, we may still communicate with you, for example to send you service- related emails that are necessary for the administration and use of your account, to respond to service requests, or for other non-marketing purposes. To otherwise opt-out, you may:
▪ Contact us using the contact information provided.
8. CONTROLS FOR DO-NOT-TRACK FEATURES
Most web browsers and some mobile operating systems and mobile applications include a Do-Not-Track (“DNT”) feature or setting you can activate to signal your privacy preference not to have data about your online browsing activities monitored and collected. At this stage no uniform technology standard for recognizing and implementing DNT signals has been finalized. As such, we do not currently respond to DNT browser signals or any other mechanism that automatically communicates your choice not to be tracked online. If a standard for online tracking is adopted that we must follow in the future, we will inform you about that practice in a revised version of this privacy notice.
9. DO CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS HAVE SPECIFIC PRIVACY RIGHTS?
In Short: Yes, if you are a resident of California, you are granted specific rights regarding access to your personal information. California Civil Code Section 1798.83, also known as the “Shine The Light” law, permits our users who are California residents to request and obtain from us, once a year and free of charge, information about categories of personal information (if any) we disclosed to third parties for direct marketing purposes and the names and addresses of all third parties with which we shared personal information in the immediately preceding calendar year. If you are a California resident and would like to make such a request, please submit your request in writing to us using the contact information provided below. If you are under 18 years of age, reside in California, and have a registered account with the Website, you have the right to request removal of unwanted data that you publicly post on the Website. To request removal of such data, please contact us using the contact information provided below, and include the email address associated with your account and a statement that you reside in California. We will make sure the data is not publicly displayed on the Website, but please be aware that the data may not be completely or comprehensively removed from all our systems (e.g. backups, etc.).
10. DO WE MAKE UPDATES TO THIS NOTICE?
In Short: Yes, we will update this notice as necessary to stay compliant with relevant laws. We may update this privacy notice from time to time. The updated version will be indicated by an updated “Revised” date and the updated version will be effective as soon as it is accessible. If we make material changes to this privacy notice, we may notify you either by prominently posting a notice of such changes or by directly sending you a notification. We encourage you to review this privacy notice frequently to be informed of how we are protecting your information.
11. HOW CAN YOU CONTACT US ABOUT THIS NOTICE?
If you have questions or comments about this notice, you may email us at bookings@boutiquebarges.co.uk or by post to:
Boutique Barges, 20a Station Road, London. NW10 5RX
12. HOW CAN YOU REVIEW, UPDATE, OR DELETE THE DATA WE COLLECT FROM YOU?
Based on the applicable laws of your country, you may have the right to request access to the personal information we collect from you, change that information, or delete it in some circumstances. To request to review, update, or delete your personal information, please visit: https://boutiquebarges.co.uk
Paddington
Check-in: After 14:00
Check out: 11:00
No smoking
No parties or events
Pets are allowed
Smoking is not allowed inside the boat.
The boat is not available for cruising unless by prior arrangement with your host and should be regarded as a static houseboat.
You are asked to behave in a considerate manner to other boat users on the canal with regard to noise especially at night.
Nearby lake, river, other body of water — Browning's Pond Maida Vale.
Carbon monoxide alarm
Smoke alarm
How to get to Little Venice
Little Venice is conveniently located less than 10 minutes from Paddington train and Tube stations. Leave the station using the Grand Union Canal exit and walk north on the pedestrian street following the signs to Little Venice, with the canal on your right.
Alternatively, you can reach Little Venice from Warwick Avenue’s Tube station with a ten-minute walk. From the station, head south on Warwick Avenue and you’ll soon find Rembrandt Gardens and the waterways on your right hand side.
Parking is on meters during the week and free on weekends. Most guests use the Just Park App to find cheap local parking. Type in 1 Warwick Crescent, W26NE
If you're looking for a unique and luxurious way to explore the River Thames or any other London waterway, then hotel boats are the perfect option. These boats offer a combination of comfort, style, and convenience, making them an ideal choice for those who want to experience the beauty of a river or canal in a unique way. They are a unique design experience too if you're an interiors fan, and can be gold for you instagrammers!
A night on the river or canal offers comfort and convenience, as well as scenic views that will make your trip memorable. Hotel boats can include guided tours so that you can learn all about London's history while enjoying its beauty from your boutique hotel! These are a step beyond simply a good hotel. These are rooms with the added opportunity to see popular attractions and panoramic views.
In this article, we'll explore what hotel boats are, where you can find them, what they offer, and why they're such a popular choice among travellers. From a floating super yacht hotel to historical boats that are a characterful part of their local community. Your stay on a boatel could be amongst the most unique hotel london stays you can find.
Hotel boats are essentially floating hotels that take you on a leisurely tour of the River Thames or are in fixed moorings, while providing all the amenities and comforts of a traditional hotel. Buffet breakfast with a swan sailing past your window anyone?
These boats are specifically designed for travellers who want to experience the beauty of the Thames while enjoying the luxurious facilities offered. From the royal docks to hampton Court palace, this is also a great way to take a trip back in time whilst enjoying ultimate modern luxury and excellent amenities.
They offer a range of accommodations, from single cabins to luxurious suites, and are equipped with modern facilities such as en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, smartly designed rooms and free wifi. Hotel boats also have a dining room, bar, and lounge area, where guests can relax and enjoy the scenic views of the river whilst being looked after by helpful staff. From the moment you board to the time you check out, we can almost guarantee you'll have a fabulous time.
These can be a great choice for families, as well as the ultimate romantic trip. Check in with your beloved and check out your room with a view, or breakfast on the rooftop terrace before taking a trip around your local landmarks. End a busy day with cocktails and an à la carte dinner onboard.
This can equally be a great choice for a memorable way to celebrate your daughter's birthday in style. Enjoy a chic stay whilst in the heart of this exciting city. You can enjoy both nature and urban fun.
The Difference between a Canal Boat and a Yacht
Canal boats and yachts are both types of boats, but they are designed for very different purposes and have distinct differences in their construction and features. One of the key differences between canal boats and yachts is their size
Canal boats are generally smaller and more compact, designed to navigate narrow canals and locks. Yachts, on the other hand, are larger and more spacious, with more room for passengers and amenities, like the sunborn london yacht hotel. At Boutique Barges, our boats are canal boats, designed to be as luxurious and comfortable as the larger boat options but with bags more character.
You can find both types of boats in London, but you'll generally only find canal boats on canals, but yachts can be found on the River Thames in some of the main London docks like the Royal Victoria Dock or St Katherine Dock.
The term 'floatel' is a portmanteau of the words 'float' and 'hotel', and refers to a type of accommodation that is located typically on a body of water such as a river or ocean. Floatels are becoming increasingly popular in cities with waterfronts, where they offer a unique and memorable way to experience the city.
Floatels can vary in size and style, from small, intimate houseboats to large, luxury hotel ships. Some floatels are permanently moored in one location, while others may move around to different ports or anchorages. Many floatels offer amenities such as restaurants, bars, and spas, as well as comfortable guest rooms with views of the water and the city skyline.
Floatels can also be an environmentally friendly option, as they do not require any land-based infrastructure or utilities. They can be powered by renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power, and can be designed to minimise their impact on the surrounding ecosystem.
Overall, floatels offer a unique and memorable way to experience a city or destination, allowing you to walk in to your local area whilst still being in peaceful and calm spot with the perfect river view. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, a floatel can provide a one-of-a-kind experience that you won't soon forget.
Our Boutique Barges boats are lured in Little Venice which is quiet and calm, but literally just around the corner is the high-rise hubbub of Paddington where you can find innovative architecture, great bars and restaurants.
The River Thames is a major landmark in London, with a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The river has played a significant role in the development of the city, serving as a source of transportation, commerce, and inspiration for centuries.
The Thames was first used by the Romans, who established a settlement called Londinium on its banks in AD 43. The river provided an easy means of transportation for goods and people, and soon became a hub of commerce and industry. Over time, the city grew around the river, with many famous landmarks such as the Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament located along its banks.
During the Middle Ages, the Thames was one of the busiest ports in the world. Ships from all over the world would dock at the Port of London, bringing goods such as spices, silks, and precious metals to the city. The Thames was also a centre of trade for the wool industry, which was one of England's most important exports.
Today, the Thames is a popular tourist attraction, with many visitors taking boat tours to see the city's famous landmarks from the water. The river is also used for recreational activities such as rowing and sailing. The Thames has played an important role in the history of London, and continues to be a vital part of the city's identity and culture as the city grows and changes along its banks. You can see world-renown historical destinations like the Tower of London, but also enjoy innovative architecture like canary wharf.
There are several companies that offer hotel boat tours on the Thames, including Magna Carta, Spirit of Chartwell, and the Edwardian. These boats offer a range of tours, from day trips to multi-day excursions, and can accommodate different group sizes and budgets.
The tours usually depart from various points along the Thames, including London, Windsor, and Oxford. They offer a fantastic opportunity to explore the river and see some of the most iconic landmarks from a unique perspective. What a way to see unparalleled and uninterrupted city views and world-class historical landmarks.
Generally in London, the luxurious hotel options are located centrally or west, but the best boatel choices are actually mainly moored in East London where the traditional docklands area resides, where the Thames shaped the historical commerce of this great capital city.
On this side of London you'll find historical destinations like Custom house, and royal victoria dock but we think the highlights of this local area are the newer architectural additions like Queen elizabeth olympic park, alongside westfield stratford city. Take a ride on emirates air line which is the most direct route over the Thames in this area, with a view overlooking this exciting part of the Thames. It's also a great choice if you're travelling in and out from london city airport.
London City Airport is a small but mighty airport located in the heart of London. It offers a convenient and efficient alternative to the larger, busier airports in the city, such as Heathrow and Gatwick. With its shorter runways and unique location, London City Airport is perfect for those looking to travel to and from the city centre quickly and easily.
The airport serves over 4 million passengers each year, and offers direct routes with destinations ranging from major European cities to popular holiday destinations. It is also a hub for business travel, with many major corporations located in the city.
One of the key benefits of London City Airport is its location. It is situated just 6 miles (10 km) east of central London, making it easily accessible by public transportation or taxi. In fact, the airport is only a 15-minute ride on the Docklands Light Railway from the financial district of Canary Wharf, which happens to be where some of the best hotel boats, like sunborn hotel london, are located.
Despite its smaller size, London City Airport offers all the amenities and services that travellers need. There are a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as lounges for those looking to relax before their flight. The airport also offers free wifi, charging stations, and other amenities to make your travel experience as comfortable as possible.
London City Airport is a great option for those looking for a hassle-free travel experience. Its convenient location, efficient operations, and wide range of destinations make it an excellent choice for both business and leisure travellers; with direct routes to a multitude of key London locations. In the airport there's also a ticket service for tours to and of London's landmarks.
If you're using this airport, ensure you book a window seat as the views over the river thames and east london are totally incredible.
Hotel boats offer a range of amenities and services that make them a popular choice among travellers. Some of the key features of hotel boats include:
The Royal Princess is a 42-foot luxury houseboat that accommodates up to 12 guests. It has an open plan dining room, bar and lounge area with leather sofas and a wood burning stove. There are three bedrooms: one master suite with king-size bed; one double bedroom with twin beds; and one twin cabin with bunk beds (which can be converted into two singles). All rooms have a private bathroom with showers or baths. Your room may be compact, but they are all beautifully appointed. Laundry service is available but quite expensive. Do read your booking information to confirm your check in time as this does vary.
Queen Victoria is a traditional riverboat that accommodates up to 8 people. The vessel is equipped with 4 en-suite cabins, which include 2 additional double beds. There are sofa bed additional sleeping options in some rooms too. Each room has a tea maker, free toiletries and extremely comfy beds. The helpful staff can advise you about the local area, with london hotspots like billingsgate market within a minute's walk. Boasting free wifi access in all areas of the boat. Do check if breakfast is included when you book, as it isn't standard.
The King George V is a luxury riverboat that can accommodate up to six people, located near central london. The cabins are en-suite, with private bathrooms and showers. You'll also have access to onboard entertainment including Wi-Fi access and movies on demand. Your room can have extra beds added upon request. There's a river view for all bedrooms, as well as your own coffee machine, fluffy down pillows, and a private bathroom for each room. The buffet breakfast includes continental and cooked items, and the lounge bar serves excellent cocktails. Check in includes a guidebook to the local area of london. We recommend a trip to westfield stratford city for shops that rival central london.
This is the exclusive and extravagant option. Enjoy four star luxe, located on Royal Victoria Dock in East London, overlooking Docklands, iconic Canary Wharf and Excel London- all within short distance of London city airport too. Change your view point from river level to sky-high by visiting emirates royal docks skyline cable car which is very close to this floating hotel too. Royal victoria dock is a wonderful location that blend the traditional and the cutting edge of London. Step off in to the local area from your hotel to enjoy some of London's architectural and cultural highlights, or stay on board to experience the rooftop terrace and every smartly designed rooms feature. The river view from the breakfast room is wonderful!
Our two boats are hired out to you in their entirety, so you have a private houseboat all to yourself. We are moored in Little Venice in West London, right next to Paddington, which offers calm beauty as well as great bars and restaurants right on your doorstep. You can easily explore Portobello market and Notting Hill on foot from our location, or head towards central London on foot or public transport very easily, so you can soak up all of London’s highlights with ease.
If you’d prefer to enjoy relaxing on your boat, then we have an extensive roof deck with deck chairs and a fire pit on Big Boat. Read more about Big boat here, and Find our about Velvet Morning here.
Why Choose the Floatel Experience?
There are several reasons why hotel boats are a popular choice among travellers on the Thames. These include:
Hotel boats on the Thames offer a unique and luxurious way to explore the river and its surroundings. They provide guests with all the amenities and comforts of a traditional hotel, while offering stunning views of the river and its surroundings. Do you like the sound of a lounge bar on a roof terrace with panoramic views of London? Who couldn't enjoy an à la carte menu from the on site restaurant whilst the waves lap?
Hotel boats are a popular choice among travellers who want to experience something different, and they offer a range of tours and activities to suit different group sizes and budgets. If you're looking for a unique and luxurious way to explore the Thames, then hotel boats are definitely worth considering. The river thames passes some of the worlds most well known and unique destinations and attractions, so your boatel could be extremely close to some stunning locations.
