Johannesburg - To help immerse guests in their destination Trafalgar has selected a range of authentic accommodation based on special criteria: architecture, history, décor and the 'wow factor'.
These hotels are hand-picked for quality, character and location and consistently receive a 99 percent satisfaction rating.
For example in Rotterdam guests gain an insight into Dutch maritime history by spending a night onboard the SS Rotterdam. Whilst in Ireland you can follow in the footsteps of royalty and spend a night in Ashford Castle, an authentic medieval castle on the shores of Lough Corrib.
In 2015 Trafalgar has scouted a range of new hotels, kasbah's and castles to add to their growing list of wonderfully authentic accommodation.
Kasbah Xaluca, Erfoud
Erfoud is known by the name of “Gate of Sahara Desert” and the Kasbah Hotel Xaluca can be found just on the outskirts. The Kasbah is listed as unique in Morocco due to its distinctive characteristics. It was built with adobes, the traditional Moroccan building bricks, and it is a great place to relax and enjoy the moment.
Bailbrook House, Bath
Bailbrook House was originally built as a private residence in the early 1790s and has had a number of uses over the years. Originally designed by Bath architect John Eveleigh, Bailbrook was used as a private country house and later as an air training college. It has recently been refurbished and reconfigured to offer 94 classic rooms, some with original fire places, roll-top baths and large bedroom spaces. The Mansion House also offers three large lounges and a conservatory bar.
Taybet Zaman hotel, Petra
Below the Desert Highway in the Taybet Mountains lies the old Jordanian village of Taybeh. Once a lively village near the sacred mountains of Petra, it was almost deserted as a living community during the 1960's when its inhabitants moved toward modernisation.
Taybet Zaman, with its bedouin-style rooms, was restored with respect to authenticity of materials, environment, and regional style resulting in a preservation of culture, recycling of materials, and an experience its guests will forever remember.
The Albergo Dell'Agenzia, Pollenzo
The 4-star Albergo dell'Agenzia hotel is situated in the country estate of King Carlo Alberto of Savoy. The site is also home to the University of Gastronomic Sciences and the Wine Bank.
The Banca del Vino, located in the historical cellars of the Agenzia di Pollenzo, is a centre of storage and refinement for the best wines of Italy. At the same time it is also a museum of Italian wine, offering visitors the chance to discover our oenological heritage and to taste the wines from some of the most prestigious wineries. While the University students, hailing from around the world, gain dynamic experiences in artisanal and industrial food production.
The Mercure, Albi Bastides, France
This Mercure hotel is on the banks of the Tarn River in the city centre, near the Pont Neuf (bridge) and Sainte Cécile Cathedra. It is set in a former watermill dating back to 1770 and is 500 meters from the Berbie Palace and museums. It offers cosy and modern accommodation in a building that has retained all of its original charm.
Best Western Le Donjon, Carcassone, France
Set within the walls of Carcassonne's fortified medieval city, this hotel is less than 200 meters from Basilique Saint-Nazaire and Château Comtal. Brasserie Le Donjon serves regional and classic French cuisine for lunch and dinner, while Le Comptoir des Vins et Terroirs offers regional wines, cold plates, courtyard seating, and a wine shop.
With departures available year-round, guests seeking a to stay in wonderfully authentic accommodation on can also take advantage of Trafalgar's 2015 Early Payment Discounts with saving up to 10 percent on Easy Terms valid for a limited time only.
Contact your local ASATA travel agent or Trafalgar on (011) 280 8400 for more information. Visit www.trafalgar.com to learn more and follow the conversation on social media Twitter @TrafalgarSA