A startrescue.co.uk story...

Some of our short term European breakdown cover customers may have been eyeing up a new Volkswagen California campervan recently – arguably the last word on camper comfort.

But if you're not sure whether to invest in one of these fine looking holiday-mobiles, then you might want to head down to Henley-on-Thames, where a Volkswagen 'hotel' featuring the vans has opened for business.

The German car giant currently has six Californias on a tiny island near Henley-on-Thames, each of which can be booked for a mere £35.

That's very cheap for a single person, but if you bring three friends along you'll be paying just £8.75 each!

The six-van Volkswagen hotel will be touring the nation after it leaves Henley-on-Thames, so you may well be able to try out a California in your part of the UK very soon.

Each California boasts seating for four, a fold-out table, a fridge, a cooker, running water and lots of useful storage units.

The vehicle features a double bed in the roof section, as well as another double in the main cabin – which is folded out from the seats.

Headroom worries are eradicated with the California's extending roof which is operated by a special panel; this also controls the cabin temperature and fridge.

And those concerned with battery drain from all this on board wizardry will be mollified by the presence of two leisure batteries. Mains power can also be used.

Of course, if you stay in one of these 'hotels' you still won't know how well a California drives – unless of course you decide to put the key in the ignition and take your hotel for a spin.

Perhaps such potential behaviour is why VW chose an island location in the first place!