European Boat Hotels

Breakfast on the St Katharine, Barcelona

Boatels - boat hotels ‒ are becoming increasingly popular with couples and families looking for a cross between a holiday rental and a hotel. A little quirky and a little different, here are our top picks when it comes to European boat hotels.

Design Houseboat, Amsterdam

This family-friendly houseboat is a converted 1930s freight barge. Berthed in Zaandam, it is just a 10-minute stroll to the centre of Amsterdam with its parks, cafes and museums, and there is plenty of space on board for even larger families. Family travel insurance is a must for houseboat stays just in case your luggage or your new tablet end up overboard! With three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a sauna, plus a spacious playroom for the kids, this bright, modern holiday rental sleeps up to six people and can be rented through airbnb.co.uk for a really relaxing holiday in the Netherlands.

Boatel Charlie, Belgrade, Serbia

Moored next to the green leafy Park Prijateljstva, the contemporary Boatel Charlie offers hotel-style accommodation on the Danube, There are eight rooms (doubles and family rooms sleeping up to five), all of which are en suite with a shower, and free Wi-Fi is available. Rent a bike and explore the area or enjoy the complimentary breakfast, with use of a spacious shared kitchen for mealtimes on board. Book today at boatelcharlie.com.

Le Boudoir de Serendipity, Paris

The perfect couples retreat, this perfectly pretty barge is just a stone's throw away from the cultural attractions, restaurants and bars of Paris and a 15-minute walk to the Metro. Located in Asnieres-sur-Seine, the barge offers bed and breakfast accommodation in a peaceful location, with a homemade continental breakfast setting you up nicely for a day of sightseeing in the French capital. There are three eclectically decorated en-suite rooms with parquet flooring; therefore, if you are visiting as part of a larger group, you could have the boat to yourself. Book at leboudoirdeserendipity.com.

St Katharine, Barcelona

If Spain is calling you, you could book a stay on board the St Katharine, a boat-based B&B moored in Barcelona's Port Forum marina. With five cabins (three are en suite) and round-the-clock staffing, a relaxing break is on the cards, and there is air-conditioning for those balmy summer days and nights. Meals including continental breakfasts, dinner and tapas can be booked in advance. The boat is great for groups of friends or families, and the on-deck hot tub is a real treat with views over the harbour and waterfront. The city centre is just a 10-minute Metro ride away. Whichever type of floating accommodation you choose this summer, it is sure to be a holiday to remember and something a little more unusual than your standard city centre hotel or holiday apartment.