To admire a marvellous view of a waterfall longer than a brief excursion permits, you may stay at one of the best hotels situated close to waterfalls. Their rating was developed by the British newspaper "Independent".
Hotel "Das Cataratas" (Brazil)
This hotel consisting of 200 rooms is situated in the building of the former confectionery plant on the territory of the national Brazilian park "Iguasu". This is the sole hotel in the Brazilian part of the park. The company "Orient Express", the new owner of the hotel, promises to make it even better and launches a program of its renovation. The waterfall is in two minutes' walk from there, and some hotel rooms have a direct view of it.
"Huka Lodge" (Taupo, New Zealand)
"Huka Lodge" is situated on the river Vaikato in Taupo. This is a small but luxurious hotel which may serve an example of the country comfort of the "old school". Its popularity with such celebrities as Bill Gates and Kate Winslet is explained by its open fireplaces, pictures in gilded frames and sophisticated flower compositions. The hotel is situated in a picturesque place near Hook Waterfalls which are in ten minutes' walk from there.
"Sheen Falls Lodge" (Canmar, Ireland)
Member of the hotel network "Relais & Chateaux", "Sheen Falls" is a five-star hotel in the country style. It is situated in South-West Ireland not far from the village of Canmar. Once, this house served as marquis Landstone's summer residence. Now its rooms are furnished with hand-made pieces of furniture, and its guests may read books from the hotel library in their spare time. Hotel windows overlook mountains with waterfalls or the bay of Canmar.
"Sukantara Cascade Resort" (Thailand)
Although the size of the cascade of small waterfalls situated near this resort in North Thailand cannot be compared to the size of Victoria Falls, the hotel itself is very comfortable and its luxury level meets the highest standards. The hotel has only 7 rooms, situated in cottages built in the Bali style. "Sukantara Cascade Resort" is built among gardens along the river and its special services include massage procedure right at the bottom of the waterfalls. Some time ago the hotel was visited by Angelina Jolie.
"Stanley Safari Lodge" (Zambia)
If the goal of the journey is to admire the wonderful Victoria Falls (its name in the local dialect means "the smoke that thunders"), "Stanley Safari Lodge" is one of the best placed to stay at. It includes only 10 cottages. Victoria is situated at the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe and is one of the biggest waterfalls in the world. It can be admired from the hotel, but for the bravest travellers "Stanley Safari Lodge" organizes canoe tours to the falls.
