TOURISTS looking for a room with a view can try something a little different following the creation of the UK's first 'flotel'.

The unique hotel room at Hartlepool Marina gives visitors the sensation of floating and has been compared to glamping on water.

It comes complete with a double bed, kitchen area, wet room, outside

seating area, a Bluetooth speaker system and even WiFi all of a deck that measures just 4m x 6m.

Luke Robertson, founder of Robertson Marine Group, said that the 'flotel' is perfect for keen fishermen, water-sports enthusiasts or just people who want to experience something different.

The businessman, from Hartlepool, said: "I have always lived by the sea and I just thought how good would it be if you could just stay on the water without it being as cramped as a boat.

"It is giving people the sense of being on a boat but with all the luxuries you could possibly need.

"No space is wasted. The bed is custom made so that it fits perfectly, and there is storage underneath. There is a load of space.

"You can just sit and take in the nice view.

"This pod is for two people so it is maybe aimed at couples who want a romantic getaway with a difference.”

He now plans a pod that can accommodate five people to appeal to fun-seeking families.

The 24-year-old said the pods have been built with 10 millimetre thick

plastic underneath to make them float, and have been injected with polystyrene so they are ‘unsinkable’.

Mr Robertson, who has been in business since he was 15, added: "We want the prices to be competitive with the local hotel rooms. We don't want to charge an extortionate amount for this experience.

"In the future we hope to have eight or ten more on Hartlepool Marina, and have a sort of floating village.

"We will then take the concept and showcase it to other marinas around the country.

"The glamping market is huge in the UK right now - but there is nothing at all out there like this.

"In the future we will be making them for buyers, who may want one to themselves all year round.”

The room will be available to book from May 5 and prices are between £65 and £75 a night depending on the season, for details visit robertsonmarine.co.uk