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7 Best Floating Hotels In The World

If you are looking for a historic getaway, an opportunity to be close to nature or a relaxing tropical vacation, floating hotels offer something for everyone. There are a variety of floating and overwater hotels that offer guests a unique twist to their traditional vacation plans. Some of these hotels are nestled in the middle of jungles, while others offer luxurious accommodations set in tropical regions of the world. No matter which type of vacation you are looking for, chances are you will find a floating hotel to accommodate your needs.
Photo Credit: Thinkstock Photo Credit: Thinkstock
Sunborn London
Royal Victoria Dock
Western Gateway
London E16 1AL, United Kingdom
+44 20 3714 8111
www.sunbornhotels.com

The Sunborn London is a floating hotel based on a yacht moored at the Royal Victoria Dock in the Docklands. Accommodations offer a luxurious atmosphere, after all, it's set on a yacht. Though the accommodations are not as large as rooms in a luxury hotel, they are still very fun and comfortable. All rooms have en suite bathrooms and feature little luxuries such as a flat-screen television, free WiFi and touch-pad room controls. All suites have added sitting areas and/or living rooms, while some rooms and suites have decks with outdoor seating.

Once aboard the hotel, guests will find everything they need. There is an upscale restaurant that serves some of the finest British fusion cuisine, and there is also an urban bar. Those wanting to relax will have access to the full day spa right on the yacht. Afternoon tea service is also available for all guests staying at the Sunborn.

Sunborn London is located just a 15-minute ride from the London City Airport and a five-minute walk from the Docklands Light Rail Train that goes to central London. Guests wanting to book a room at the Sunborn London can do so online by clicking here, or they can call the hotel directly for room availability.

Related: Best Hotels With A View Near OC

Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge
Bocas del Toro Island
Republica De Panama
(507) 757-9410
www.puntacaracol.com.pa

Guests will be able to relax in their floating/overwater suites when staying at the Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge in Panama. This resort offers exclusive cabins giving all guests private access to the water from their terrace. There are different suites, but all offer luxurious accommodations and plenty of room to relax and enjoy your getaway. Other amenities and activities available at the lodge include restaurants, hiking through the rainforest, canoe trips, access to watersports and tours of the area.

No matter what your plans are during your stay at Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge you are sure to have a fun and exciting time. For reservations, you can visit the website by clicking here or by sending an email to reservations@puntacaracol.com.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock Photo Credit: Thinkstock
River Kwai Jungle Rafts
Sai Yok National Park
Sai Yok District
Kanchanaburi, Thailand
+66 2 642 5497
www.riverkwaijunglerafts.com

Those wanting to "rough" it and be closer to nature will want to plan for their vacation to include a stay at the River Kwai Jungle Rafts hotel in Thailand. All rooms are lit by lanterns because there is no electricity available in any of the rooms. You will definitely feel like you are roughing it without being out in the wilderness camping and sleeping on the ground. When staying at the River Kwai Jungle Rafts hotel you will have beautiful views of both lush jungles and mountain ranges as you sit on your outdoor deck.

You are going to fall in love with the woven bamboo walls and hand-crafted furniture in all of the rooms. There is also an open-air restaurant onsite that serves up some unique international cuisine options. Other amenities include a bar, sunbathing pier, massage services, boat rentals and river tours.

This floating hotel is set on the Kwai Noi River just seven kilometers from Hell Fire Pass Memorial Museum and 40 kilometers from LAWA Cave. To make reservations at the River Kwai Jungle Rafts, visit the hotel's website by clicking here or calling the hotel directly for availability.

The Queen Mary
1126 Queens Highway
Long Beach, CA 90802
877-342-0738
www.queenmary.com

The Queen Mary is one of the original world-class ocean liners featuring an art deco interior featuring original artwork form the 1930s. You are sure to fall in love with this iconic 1936 ocean liner that is permanently moored at Long Beach. All staterooms have operable portholes and pillow-top beds. The suites, many of which have been named for famous passengers, also have minifridges and living rooms. Other onboard amenities include a restaurant, lounge, a British chowder house/pub, an American cafe, tearoom, 1930s-style bar and a day spa.

The Queen Mary is located less than 25 miles from downtown Los Angeles. In addition to being a hotel, The Queen Mary is open for historical tours, ghost tours, shopping and dining. Travelers wanting additional information or to book their cabins aboard the Queen Mary can do so by clicking here for the website.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock Photo Credit: Thinkstock
Gili Lankanfushi
Lankanfushi Island
North Male Atoll
Republic of Maldives
+960 664 0304
www.gili-lankanfushi.com

The Gili Lankanfushi in Maldives offers floating/overwater villas, made from natural materials, for guests to stay in just off a private island in the Laccadive Sea. The only way to and from villa rooms is via boardwalks from the island. Guests will be able to enjoy the open-air living rooms and rooftop terraces. This five-star hotel will treat you to all of the luxurious activities and service you can handle. This hotel also features water-based activities such as snorkeling, diving, waterskiing and dolphin cruises.

Staying at the Gili Lankanfushi will offer you plenty of time to relax, play and enjoy a little bit of romance. For reservations, visit the hotel's website by clicking here.

Related: 5 Bay Area Hotels With Mind Blowing Views

King Pacific Lodge
13352 Coulthard Road
Surrey, BC V3X 3E6
Canada
1-855-825-9378
kingpacificlodge.com/

The King Pacific Lodge in British Colombia offers a floating fishing and adventure lodge with 34 contemporary guest rooms. For those wanting a vacation getaway in the wilderness with plenty of opportunity to go fishing, this is the place you want to visit. In addition to all of the amazing fishing opportunities you will have, this lodge offers a variety of amenities. The lodge features a dining room, multiple lounge areas, a spa and business services. You may be out in the wilderness, but you will have everything you need at the lodge for a comfortable and enjoyable visit.

For reservations at the King Pacific Lodge call (855) 825-WEST or visit the website by clicking here for additional information. 

Salt And Sill
Kladesholmen
471 51 Tjorn, Sweden
+46 304 67 34 80
www.saltosill.se

You are sure to enjoy your time at the innovative floating hotel Salt and Sill in Sweden. Located on the Skagerrak strait, this hotel offers a low-key atmosphere, perfect for any relaxing getaway. All rooms have Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, en suite bathrooms and outdoor decks with seating. Select rooms have ladders from their decks providing direct sea access. Salt and Sill is home to a high-end restaurant that features local seafood cuisine options. There is also a rooftop sundeck, a spa boat and a lounge area.

Salt and Sill is located just eight kilometers from the Nordic Watercolour Museum in Sweden. For reservations, visit the website by clicking here or call the hotel directly.

Heather Landon (Heather Leigh Carroll) is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience. She has combined two of her passions - writing and travel - to share her experiences with others. You can read more of her articles at Examiner.com.
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