The Hot Tug—a new venture

The ‘Hot Tug', launched during August by the Runnymede-on-Thames Hotel is certainly something different—a real hot tub for guests, that's floating on the Thames.

It is an electric driven boat containing a tub of water heated by a wood-burning stove, and has been in great demand during the holiday season, Alan Tilbury reveals.

Canal enthusiast

It was designed by canal enthusiast Frank de Bruijn of Rotterdam, who wanted a boat that was also a hot tub. When someone at the hotel saw a picture of the finished boat he thought it ideal as a treat for guests, and a few weeks later it arrived at the hotel.

The Hot Tug is available for hotel guests and spa members only, at a cost of £90 per hour during the week and £120 per hour at weekends, and there is a waiting list.

However, it is not too 'seaworthy', so it is taken off the river during times of strong current or flood.  As to whether it is licenced or has a Boat Safety Certificate is not known.