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Top Ten Unusual Places to StayOur holidays often feature unusual places to stay, ranging from converted abbeys and castles to tiny hotels in Morocco's High Atlas Mountains; we list ten of the most curious hotels here.
Lofoten cottages, Mortsund, Lofoten Islands. These converted fishermen’s cottages make a great base to explore the enchanting Lofoten Islands. Fortunately, they now have central heating and fully fitted kitchens and bathrooms, things the original occupiers had to manage without. Hotel Arbez, La Cure, Jura. This hotel on our Lake Geneva to Lake Neuchâtel Walk quite literally straddles the Franco-Suisse border, with some rooms in France, others in Switzerland. Fortunately, you do not have to show your passport each time you walk between your room and the restaurant! Hotel la Central, Maçanets, Catalonia. This extraordinary hotel on the Garrotxa to the Mediterranean Walk was built in the 1890s and has the appearance of an Art Deco palace built for an eccentric millionaire but its original purpose was, in fact, as a hydro-electric power station – you can still see the water supply pipe at the rear of the dining room. It has all sorts of fascinating features such as ceramic-tiled towers and the occasional round window, and an eclectic choice of décor and furnishings. Its setting, in a valley surrounded by rivers and waterfalls, is truly superb. Castell d’Empordà, Castell, Catalonia. As you can perhaps guess from the name, this slightly eccentric 4-star hotel on our Catalan Castles & Coves Walk has been converted from a Gothic fortified manor house. Rooms are opulently decorated with heavy, brightly coloured fabrics. Can Jou Farmhouse, La Miana, Garrotxa. Several members of staff have enjoyed holidays at this popular horse riding centre and rural inn, and feel it deserves a mention for its extremely remote location in the Garrotxan hills, surrounded by expanses of Mediterranean ‘jungle’ and enjoying views of the Pyrenees.
Fefor Hotel, Fefor, Norwegian Highlands. The hotel’s most famous guest was Captain Scott, who stayed in 1891. His visit is recorded in some fascinating old photographs which hang from the walls. Douar Samra, Tamatert, Atlas Mountains. Located in an appropriately secluded mountain hamlet and built with the help of the villagers, this inn on our Beneath Djebel Toubkal Walk is as authentic a taste of Berber life as you are likely to get. Like the other village houses, the main house has no electricity – the small but comfortable standard bedrooms are warmed by open fires and lit by candles which create a cosy glow. Vila Bled, Lake Bled, Slovenia. This is another hotel with a fascinating past – it was once the summer residence of President Tito, presumably chosen for its tranquil and very panoramic position above Lake Bled. Now a 4-star hotel, it offers extensive gardens, excellent service and superb food. A recommended upgrade on The Lakes & Julian Alps Walk. Le Bastard, Lectoure, Gascony. Words fail us as regards this strange choice of name for the final hotel on our Sunflowers & Abbeys Walk. We even checked with the owner about the history behind the name, expecting to hear some intriguing tale of wrong-doings, but there is none! |
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Abbazia di San Pietro in Valle, San Pietro in Valle, Umbria. Tastefully
converted from an abbey, this is an atmospheric place to stay on our