A ‘Boatel' Holiday: Just Check-In And Swim Out

Bored Of Hotels And Motels? Try A ‘Boatel’

If the rain continues, it's possible there's one travel trend that may take off in the UK - the 'boatel'.

In New York, floating hotels are situated on the docks beneath JFK airport, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Far Rockaway Beach.

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The brainchild of a group of creatives in NYC and non-profit arts organisation, Flux Factory, the 16 floating hotels are artistically themed and aim to cater for all wacky tastes.

There’s a boat that sings, a patchwork treehouse boat, a Victorian-era boat and even a ‘hillbily karma sutra honeymoon suite' out on the water.

“I named the Boatel for Nancy Boggs, who ran a floating brothel in Portland,” co-founder Constance Hockaday told The Gothamist.

“I didn't want to do a brothel, ethically, because I'm not a sex worker, so it just didn't feel right. But I did want to do a boat hotel. I've been building on the water for ten years. My dad is a marine biologist, I've always loved the water. I used to write poems to the ocean. I've always had a fascination with the water.”

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A spokesperson from the Flux Factory says: "Marina 59 has opened its gates to artists in recent years, helping to solidify and strengthen the local arts community, but also creating another layer in addition to the complex social strata of the fishing and boating cultures, low income housing, and burgeoning condo developments."

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If you fancy something different, find out how you can lay your head down in a ‘Boatel’ here.

But if this doesn't float your boat - check out HuffPost Lifestyle'spick of the best British staycations...

Ten Of The Best British Staycations
Barton Meadow Lodge, Guiting Power, Gloucestershire(01 of11)
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Charming, romantic and elegant country house set within its own six-acre wildflower meadow overlooking a trout stream.Click here for more details
Beacon Cottage, Start Point Lighthouse, Devon(02 of11)
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Lying on a dramatic headland above Start Bay between Dartmouth and Salcombe, Beacon Cottage is one of the lighthouse keeper's cottages at Start Point Lighthouse. Click here for more details
Hendon Hall, North London(03 of11)
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Ideal for those wishing to enjoy a relaxing stay in a beautiful mansion with terraced gardens, yet have easy access to central London and the surrounding areas.Click here for more details
St Currig's Church, Capel Curig, Snowdonia(04 of11)
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Ancient and modern stylishly combine in this B&B set within a 19th century church in the mountain village of Capel Curig. Click here for more details
The Glen, Ilmington, Cotswolds (05 of11)
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Beautiful Grade II cottage The Glen accommodates five guests in the charming three-bedroom Cotswolds property, with private garden overlooking Ilmington's Norman church. Click here for more details
Ty Hedfan, Northern Brecon Beacons(06 of11)
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Sitting on the serene bank of the river Yscir of Brecon Beacons is a holiday home named Ty Hedfan built by Sarah Featherstone. Click here for more details
Tipi Wales, Ogmore by Sea, Vale of Glamorgan(07 of11)
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In the shadows of 18th century Ogmore Castle, three 18ft tipis sit on the south Wales coastline and provide a great base for a weekend break to gather friends or family. Click here for more details
The Grove, Narberth, Pembrokeshire, Wales (08 of11)
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Converted 18th Century mansion and favourite with celebrities - most recently hosting the Harry Potter actors and stars of this summer's blockbuster Snow White.Click here for more details
Llancayo Windmill, near Usk, Monmouthshire(09 of11)
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This recently renovated mill was built in 1813 and destroyed by fire around 1830 and until two years ago had stood as a ruin. Click here for more details
The Oast House, near Sevenoaks, Kent(10 of11)
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Overlooking the River Darenth, The Oast House is in a rural location within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Click here for more details
Yurt Holidays, Snowdonia National Park(11 of11)
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Graig Wen is based in the grounds of an old slate mine and these the luxury yurts have all the creature comforts you'd expect at a deluxe guesthouse. Click here for more details