Six of the best canal hotels

Designed in French Gothic style, the 429-room Fairmont Chateau Laurier in downtown Ottawa is central to most of the Canadian capital's main attractions and overlooks the Rideau Canal. During winter the canal transforms into a 7.9-kilometre ice rink, with guests able to skate from the hotel. Warm up back in your room with a cup of tea (kettles and bathrobes are standard in every room), while those not inclined to skate can borrow an iPadfrom the front desk for a historical tour of the hotel, swim laps or work out in the 24-hour fitness centre. From $244. See fairmont.com/laurier-ottawa

Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce, Bruges

Considered one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, Bruges is an enchanting European destination filled with cobbled streets, horse-drawn carriages, and waterways. Overlooking the canals in the historic centre is the boutique Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce, a hotel originally built in the 16th century, which features stained-glass windows and a traditional exposed timber exterior. The hotel's 16 rooms are furnished with antiques, Persian carpets and marble bathrooms, andthere is complimentary Wi-Fi, turndown service and 24-hour room service . The hotel restaurant, Maria van Bourgondie, is just off-site and serves traditional Flemish cuisine. From $310. See relaisbourgondischcruyce.be

Coconut Lagoon, Kerala

Accessible only by boat, Coconut Lagoon in the Kerala backwaters of India is known for its incredible architecture. Rooms and guest facilities are 55 traditional Kerala tharavad wooden houses that have been restored and rebuilt on the hotel grounds, with guests offered a choice of Heritage mansions, Heritage bungalows or private pool villas that include their own stretch of waterfront. The hotel is focused on responsible tourism (even an endangered breed of cow grazes on the lawns) while daily activities for guests include yoga, meditation and cooking demonstrations. From $177AUD (low season). See cghearth.com

Canal House, Amsterdam

Overlooking the canals on the Keizersgracht, Canal House Amsterdam is a series of 17th-century merchant houses converted into a luxury boutique hotel, all within walking distance to the city's major attractions. In the trendy Jordaan neighbourhood, each of the hotel's 23 rooms are heavily influenced by Dutch art and history, featuring a dark textured palette of silk wallpaper and rich velvet drapes, while original fireplaces and wooden beams have been preserved in most rooms. The period touches are balanced out by mod-cons including a Bose docking station, Blu-ray players and complimentary Wi-Fi From $282. See canalhouse.nl