HotelsAfloat.com Guest-book
Where great holidays begin...
Hotel barge cruises
James and Frances Bemrose, England. Easyvie cruise, spring 2008
Dear Emma,
It\'s now a week since we returned home from our holiday and we thought you should know how much we enjoyed our time on Easyvie. The boat itself was a delight, the cabins were extremely comfortable, as were the sitting room and the deck area, and Tom and Sue could not have been nicer. Their hospitality was impeccable and we were treated with a welcome that was warm and thoughtful. Sue\'s choice of food was exactly what we had been hoping for and their generousity with their own wines and nibbles was more than we could have expected. Treating us to dinner on board the first night set the tone for the rest of the trip
Tom\'s handling of the boat under a variety of testing conditions was superb and we felt totally confident that both Tom and Sue would be competent to cope with any circumstance that might arise. The boat was well equipped for both good and bad weather and the scenery that we travelled through was stunning. It was quite obvious that Tom and Sue had done a thorough reconnaissance of the route and were able to advise us of landing places and restaurants that suited us perfectly.
We could not recommend them more highly, and, in comparison with other similar boats advertised, offered incredible value for money.
We know that our fellow guests Joy and Peter Siggers and Tim and Karin Terry felt exactly the same as us.
Tom Berna; Switzerland. Who Knows cruise, May 2008
We had a marvellous time on the barge Who Knows. Their vessel is first rate. We have hardly ever had a bathroom of this size and such quality of fixtures, Dawn taking beautifully care of all details. The week is very well balanced with the intense, intelligent guidance of Jason who loves his job. His steering abilities are top like everything else. Floating through the peaceful countryside was a delightful new experience for us. We find it an ideal way to travel and visit. Particularly attractive when so lovingly cared for and spoiled by the most thoughtful Dawn and Jason. – The sightseeing was professionally led and commented. We enjoyed it along with the excellent food and wines as well as the relaxed ambiance on board. We are already looking forward to the next trip.
Emma Denyer: England
It is not often that I get a chance to relax when on holiday, as my children are somewhat demanding. Sue, you were a God-send, thank you!
As for Tom, I really appreciated you allowing the children to watch you driving Easyvie, and for answering their endless questions.
I enjoyed our casual lunches and the chance to explore the local area at our own pace. Despite the April weather being slightly cooler than we had expected, we really had a great time every single day.
We were sad to leave you, but I am sure that we will be back.
Alexia and Ludovic Bouchiba; France; age 7 and 8
We had such a nice time on Easyvie that we wanted to stay forever! Daddy let us stay for an extra day so that we could play with Sue and catch some more fish because I like fishing.
We went to the beach and found some nice shells to take home.
Tom let me drive the boat: I want to be a captain when I grow up.
It was good when another boat came and got some water from us.
Alice Kelly, USA
"We all had such a lovely time on La Belle Epoque that we are now thinking of booking a cruise for next year. The Dolce Vita looks lovely: Which dates are free in September?"
David Gold
"Hi Emma; Just to thank you again for yet another great cruise. EVERYTHING was fantastic as usual. " Italy: Anjodi, La Belle Epoque, Scottish Highlander hotel barges
Self drive cruises
Joy and Lamont Langworthy; USA
Dear Emma,
It was truely delightful finally meeting you, you are just as lovely as you have been through e-mails. We really enjoyed our cruise because you always make everything so easy for us, and the taxi\'s worked out great, thanks so much.
Calypso: Crown Blue Line fleet; Fontenoy le Chateau - St Jean de Losne
May 2008
Kingsley Lewis, Perth, Australia.
Thank you for your assistance, it all went very well and the boat was very comfortable and provided everything we expected.
Magnifique: Connoisseur fleet. Chatel Censoir- Migennes; April 2008
Elizabeth Davidson, P1500R; Joigny- Corbigny., May 2008
Thanks for all your help in organising our recent holiday.
I am sure we will holiday with you again at sometime in the future.
Mr Fred Martin; Royal Classique, Crown blue Line fleet; Alsace, May 2008
Just a note to thank you. Every thing went fine all enjoyed the trip.
regards
Fred Martin
Lloyd Thayer, USA
Emma James of Hotels Afloat did an outstanding job helping us select a route and the best company for our vacation on the Burgundy canal.
When planning the trip, there were many questions to answer and options to consider. Each time Emma provided information and explained options in a clear and exact manner. This helped greatly in our decisions and final selection. If a vacation on the French canals are in your future, contact Emma James and she will help in so many ways that the trip will be very enjoyable.
John Robinson, South Africa
We found out about Hotelsafloat by surfing the internet, We have used them twice for trips to France and have found theme excellent having assisted us in finding suitable boats and hotel accommodation. The service and advise given by Emma has been excellent and we will continue to use them for any future canal trips that we plan
Doug and Stephanie Johnstone, Santa Barbara,Ca,USA
We had such a wonderful week in our america 43 based out of tournus. It was the perfect boat for 3 couples.The boat was roomy and very easy to operate. We loved stopping in small towns in Burgundy, riding our bikes on the towpath, buying food in the local markets. We loved our trip so much, that we plan to go again this year...this fall we plan to charter another boat for 2 weeks this time. We are going to the Alsace region. Emma was very helpful in planning our trip. We think hotelsafloat is a great boat charter company.
Joy and Lamont Langworthy. California
The reason we keep going to you is because you were the only one who would send me information two years before our first cruise, everybody else said I should wait to contact them when we got closer to an actual trip. After the frist cruise in 2001 in Burgundy, Nevernais-Loire from pligny to Roney we were hooked. It is the most wonderful way to enjoy a week in the back yards of the french countryside seeing life in France that you would not see otherwise. Also that cruise is the most beautiful we have seen, and we may possibly do it again sometime. Unfortunately we missed a cruise in 2003 when we went to Italy, but after that trip we decided that all future trips would include a canal cruise.
In 2005 we were in the Netherlands from Sneek to Strand Horst, another beautiful trip seeing parts of Netherlands that we would never been able to see otherwise.
Last year, 2007, We did the canal du Midi from Castelnaudary to Port Cassafieres. On this trip (and future ones) we stayed a few days in Castelnaudary before the cruise, and that was just a beautiful town that we very much enjoyed. That was one of the hardest trips we have made and this was the time we were by ourselves, but I wouldn\'t have missed it for anything, as we went through sone interesting and lively towns.
So to continue, this year 2008 we have signed up for another Burgundy cruise, French Comte & Voges from Fontenoy le Chateau to St. Jean de Losne. We will be with our friends that we took the very first cruise with as it is our 20th wedding anniversary and their 25th. We will be staying in Bains les Bains for the weekend to enjoy the surroundings. Looking foreward to St. Jean de Losne as we had gone there one on a countryside drive and it looked to be a very lovely town.
But wait, I\'m already planning another cruise for 2010 for two weeks in Brittany for my husbands 80th birthday and Belgium in 2011 for my 60th birthday.
Going on a canal cruise has become the center of our trips to Europe. Of course each trip has a few bumps in the road, but it is still well worth it and you have always been there to help with those situations.
Some friends of ours that have not traveled with us thought it sounded like so much fun that I had them get in touch with you and you got them on a cruise on our original cruise area on the Loire, and they are saving for another trip. We also hand out your card to people we meet that think it sounds great.
Thank you Emma for all of your hard work and helping us and our friends enjoy the beautiful countryside of Europe.
Alan R Bell, Canada
"I would like to pass on our collective thanks, for arranging our cruise, it was fabulous. The staff at both departure and arrival depots were excellent and the briefing we received in Branges fom Colin was excellent. All the staff made us so welcome it was a pleasure. As we tell of our experience to friends, I am certain there will be more bookings in the future, from our recommendation.
We could not be more happy: We were lucky to have our boat upgraded.
Our holiday in France was excellent and the canal cruise was certainly one of our highlights.
Thanks again for your part."
Sue Gibson, Canada.
"Just arrived back from our fabulous holiday. We had a wonderful time and particularly wanted to extend our thanks and appreciation to you and the Locaboat group. The Penichette 1400F was fantastic, a great size, and it met all our needs in all areas. The linens were exceptionally clent and boat was on tip top shape! Thanks again for the experience of a lifetime!"
Jim and Betty Shivers, USA
"Just a note to thank you for your assistance and wise advice with our cruise week before last. Everything was wonderful. We came away convinced that renting this boat was not only the best value but also possibly the best rental regardless of cost. The America 38 was excellent in every respect."
D.Potts, USA.
"We had a super time. All 3 weeks in France were terrific. Noel's America boat was first class, and the food was first rate wherever we dined"
Janet and Marty Finan, Philadelphia, PA and Ft. Myers, FL
We have just booked our fourth self drive French canal boat trip through Emma James at Hotels Afloat because we trust and love her personal service. Our first boat experience was booked through a US company who were impersonal, almost combative, and we later found out, considerably more expensive than the rate charged by the boat hire company. Subsequent contacts with the hire companies suggested that they were really not prepared to deal with American travelers. A chance stumbling on the internet brought me in contact with Emma James who offered her services at the same rate as the boat hire companies. Our e-mail exchanges were immediately personal and attentive to our needs. Since 2001, we have now done the Nivernais/Yonne, the Canal lateral a la Loire, and the Midi through Emma using different boat companies to suit our needs. It\'s very reassuring to have her bilingual abilities and her knowledge as a resident of France. And it\'s great to have an individual personal contact who is familiar with your needs, answers your questions, and even helps with phone calls to car rentals, hotels, and important taxi connections when language barriers occur! I have wholeheartedly recommended her to many interested friends, with at least one couple booking their honeymoon hotel barge through her and being forever grateful. There is just no reason to be without this kind of service!