For a unique staycation, The Flotel Suite ticks all the boxes. This beautiful boujee barge on the banks of Blackburn in Lancashire is a luxurious and spacious canal boat which makes a normal hotel stay seem quite boring in comparison!
Set back off a quiet road signposted for The Tipis at Riley Green, a small track leads you into the carpark where you’ll be greeted by the owner and shown the way to a gated area only accessible via the code. Behind the high fences lies your own little paradise. A huge decked grassy area comes complete with fire pit, cosy outdoor seating area and a wood-fired all singing all dancing jacuzzi hot tub which was powered up and ready for its new guests.
The wide beam barge was originally moored slightly upstream with a collection of other boat homes, but Flotel Suite now occupies this private space – the brainchild of Zander Larenson who together with his dad came up with the idea of a luxury floating hotel during lockdown.
Fast forward a few years and the blood, sweat and tears have all been worth it. Like something out of a magazine, the interiors are all exceptionally high end. The gleaming black fully fitted kitchen glistens as the light bounces off the water and through the windows. There’s an oven, sink, toaster, kettle, built-in microwave along with cupboards full of shiny new high quality crockery and utensils begging to be used.
We happily brought our own food and made a lovely meal to wash down our bottles of bubbles, but Flotel also offers the option to add on several packages which include a private chef, and a captain who can take you up and down the canal while you kick back and relax in the lap of luxury.
The bathroom is huge and comes complete with a walk in shower, two sinks and a large mirror which runs the length of the wall. You never for one second feel like you’re compromising on luxury or amenities in comparison to a hotel, which really is the beauty of this barge.
The bedroom is kitted out with wardrobes containing robes and slippers, a comfortable double bed, dressing table and vanity area and decorated with Versace wallpaper. While the whole aesthetic gives off highly styled vibes, my favourite feature of this room had to be the glass doors which opened out onto the bow of the barge. Complete with table and chairs, this cute little area is the most idyllic place to enjoy a coffee whilst looking out across the canal.
We were fortunate that on the warm June night we visited, we had a pretty sun set and beautiful streaks of firey orange and hazy blues to light up the sky while we enjoyed a relaxing soak in the hot tub. Music on, plastic goblets full of bourbon and that view really was something to remember. We spent the rest of the night by the fire pit, finishing our drinks and listening to the gentle movement of the water.
The next morning we woke to rain, but much like that cocoon like sensation you experience during camping when the raindrops hit the canvas, the Flotel felt warm and cosy thanks to the under floor heating and over head lighting.
Flotel would make a great night away for you and your best friend, or your partner, but would really benefit from another bed either on board or on the decking as this place really would be best enjoyed by a slightly bigger group. For a romantic night away under the stars though, there isn’t a better place!
A fantastic idea and a wonderful experience, Flotel offers up something completely different and does it exceptionally well. Check out the website and book your Flotel Suite stay here. Monday and Tuesday nights are priced at £399 per night, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays are priced at £499 per night, and Fridays and Saturdays £599 per night.
