Loire-Centre-Nivernais :: Hotel Barges

Style - The 'nature' of the hotel barge

Outline and somewhat subjective guidance as to the quality or comfort level that might be expected on board each hotel barge. There is a natural relationship with price level. We have asked hotel barges themselves to confirm which category they belong in.

• Grande Luxe
• Excellence
• Premier
• Economy
• Relaxed/Informal
• Short Stay

Capacity - The size of the hotel barge

Smaller barges are normally chartered as a whole, possibly with optional rates for partial charters (i.e. 2 cabins not 3). They may also accept single cabin bookings, if guests can share the charter with others. Guests constitute a private group of friends or family. Itinerary and programme is pre-established but capable of amendment to one degree or another on a daily basis.

Larger boats are available possibly as one charter party, possibly as small groups, or cabins are booked individually. They probably have less flexible time schedules and itinerary programmes.

Price Band - The cost of the hotel barge charter

Outline guidance on a relative or comparative basis. The bands do not represent accurate low or high season rates. Barges naturally vary in cost according to their comfort category, their location, seasonality and other factors. Bookings are invariably on a 6-night charter week basis (unless Category is Short Stay).

It should be remembered that charter prices are very often ‘all in’ (for a number of cabins or the entire barge) and include food, drinks, excursions, etc. not to mention the high degree of personal service to be expected. A booking enquiry will provide you with a response that includes a full quotation.

Regions

We have divided the waterways network into eight approximately drawn regions that are relevant to waterborne holidays and vacations. The names we have given them are correct in a very general sense, but inaccurate in a strict geographical or governmental sense.

Routes

We have identified a number of routes within regions that are often cruised by hotel barges for reasons of their attractive nature, places of interest along the way, and general suitability as canals or rivers for luxury hotel barge holidays and vacations.

Dining

On Board Cuisine - Many hotel barges have chefs who pride themselves on the very high quality of their on-board catering, not forgetting the wines and spirits that accompany main meals.

Local Restaurant - A number of hotel barges include some or all evening meals at selected restaurants within the holiday or vacation. This is an attraction in its own right.

Half Board - will normally mean that breakfast and lunch are provided, but that guests dine ashore in the evening, at a venue of their choice and at their cost.

Self Catering – very few barges offer this feature.

Management

Owner Operated - Many hotel barges in France are individually owned by the people who operate them, and who often act as skipper, host(ess) and/or chef. They can offer significant personal commitment to their guests’ enjoyment, care of the barge and a relaxed but highly expert approach. They may be very willing to discuss, identify and accommodate guests' individual needs and interests, to respond very quickly to enquiries and to make decisions.

Professional Fleet - There are three highly professional fleets and various individual corporate-owned hotel barges in France, with each barge being operated 'on the spot' by an expert team. Corporate fleets are resourced and maintained efficiently, the portfolio of boats will meet a consistent quality standard, and they provide a wide range of geographic, size and pricing options.

Representation

Specialist agencies that represent this hotel barge, that can provide experienced advice and take bookings.