feels

IF you love fantastic food and hotels that make you feel like you’ve stepped into Pride & Prejudice, we have just the place for you.

Here’s everything you need to know about staying at The George In Rye in East Sussex.

Where is The George in Rye?

Slap bang in the middle of town, you won’t miss The George in Rye – the Georgian House is painted in an easily-spottable salmon pink.

What’s it like?

The Grade II listed building dates back to 1575, welcoming three previous King Georges.

And the hotel has masterfully toed the line of restoring its heritage while modernising just enough.

Think old wooden staircases and low beamed bars next to trendy cocktail menus.

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What are the rooms like?

The exterior of the hotel doesn’t betray the maze of the building which saw me go down stairs, up stairs and through courtyards to find my tucked away room.

Bold pattern wallpapers and vintage furniture were offset by brushed brass lights and DAB radios.

My king-size bed was deliciously sink-into-able, while the lounge area was the best spot for a cup of tea and a biscuit, all complimentary.

The larger rooms – I was staying in their Junior Suite – have roll top baths, so you better believe I hopped straight in, making the most of the free Verbon toiletries.

It even has a tiny outdoor patio and table and chairs for you to have a coffee in the warmer months.

If you’re on a budget, opt for their Cosy Rooms which are more compact but just as gorgeous. Rooms start from £125 a night. See thegeorgeinrye.com.

What is there to eat and drink?

The restaurant is a must, even if you aren’t a guest at the hotel.

The Grill is the epitome of cosiness with deep red walls, low lighting and the perfect level of lo-do music.

And it has a delightfully concise menu – I hate having too many options.

My smoked salmon salsa to start was refreshingly zingy and fresh, and just light enough to line my stomach before devouring their rib eye steak. 

My dessert was the star of the show, with super sweet macerated strawberries offset by kalamata ice cream and marshmallow.

If you want to swap the pudding for a cocktail, The Dragon Bar has a great menu which also includes wines and beers.

Try the drink of the season – a Sarti Spritz – or my favourite, the aptly named Dragon Mojito.

(Come back for breakfast too – my Mimosa and Hastings Kipper went down a treat).

What else is there?

As tempting as it is to stay at the hotel, the town of Rye needs to be explored.

Grab a decadent hot chocolate from Knoops, before walking the cobbles paths of Mermaid Lane, which look straight out of a fairytale.

Beach days aren’t far away either, with Camber Sands beach just down the road too.

Is it family friendly?

The hotel has some rooms that are perfect for kids, with the Luxury Rooms and Junior Suites able to fit kids beds

Is it accessible?

There is an accessible room which can be accessed by the ground floor lift, which can also take you to the ballroom.

However being such an old building, there may be some issues with getting around the rest of the hotel.

IF you want an affordable hotel that feels way above its pay grade, you’re in luck.

Here is everything you need to know about staying at Holiday Inn Bloomsbury.

Where is the Holiday Inn Bloomsbury?

Tucked away in a quiet corner of the capital, Bloomsbury is known as a literary hub.

And the newly refurbished hotel has rooms inspired by 20th century British writers, artists and other creatives.

What are the rooms like?

There are 317 in total, each of which is fresh and bright.

I stayed in a Premium Room, which was bigger than typical London hotel rooms with enough room for a small sofa, desk and a bathroom of dreams.

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It also had little extras that make a trip special: earplugs, an eye mask and pillow spray.

I felt as though I was staying in a luxury hotel without the huge price tag. Rooms start from £199 per night for a King Premium. See ihg.com.

What is there to eat and drink there?

Dinner is served in the Artful Critic, which has a laid-back vibe and is open for food and drinks from 10am until 1am.

The menu showcases British classics: burgers, pasta, pizzas and curry plus daily specials. If you’re travelling with kids under 12, they eat free. Bonus.

Breakfast is served in a different area and as well as fruit, pastries, cold meats and cheese, there was an extensive hot selection.

There’s also an on-site Starbucks concession.

What else is at the hotel?

The hotel has an onsite gym and if you are travelling for work, the WiFi is really good.

Rare for London, there is an on-site car park.

But the hotel couldn’t be better placed for getting around London.

It is just a few steps away from Russell Square tube station and five minutes away from The British Museum.

Is it family friendly?

Kids under 17 eat and stay free. There are also family rooms where connecting rooms and cribs are available on request. 

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

For easy access there are a variety of features like wheelchair accessible rooms accompanied with grab bars, tall toilets, and handrails in bathrooms. 

WHILE this beautiful hideaway hotel looks like it’s in Asia, you’ll actually find it two and a half hours away in Spain.

The 5-star Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa is described as having the “serenity, peace and quiet of South-East Asia”.

It was named Spain‘s Leading Hotel in the World Travel Awards in 2024.

A number of famous celebrities have stayed too, including Wayne Rooney, Bruce Willis, Joan Collins and Zinedine Zidane.

The hotel itself is a 10-minute drive inland from Benidorm by the slopes of the Sierra Cortina mountains.

But thanks to being surrounded by 370,000sqm of pine forest and its own lush garden, it lives up to its name, and feels more like being in Thailand.

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The tropical grounds have 3,000 Asian plant species, including a 200-year-old bonsai tree as well as other bonsai and palm trees.

The hotel has a total of seven swimming pools, four of which are heated, and all are surrounded by jungle.

The Caras de Angkor pool is an adults-only Balinese style pool, while another is the Zen pool which has hydromassage.

Thailand is known for its massages and the hotel has its very own Thai spa on-site too.

Treatments include various types of massages, foot reflexology and beauty pamper sessions.

There are nine restaurants too, ranging from Asian cuisine at Koh Samui as well as a range of Mediterranean options and a poolside snack bar.

The hotel has its own fitness centre, tennis, volleyball and padel courts as well as football field.

Hotel staff can even advise guests on the best running routes in the area.

One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “Incredible place, not only for its design, floral decoration, gardens, atmosphere… but once you set foot in the lobby, you could perfectly believe you are anywhere in Asia.”

Another described it as: “A taste of heaven amongst beautiful gardens a feeling of being whisked away to Thailand without the long haul flight!!!“

Rooms range from Bali-style Deluxe to Deluxe Suites which have huge outdoor terraces with a Jacuzzi.

Room rates start from around £240 per night, but can increase to around £400 during peak season.

The most luxe room is the Presidential Suite which has its own lounge, kitchenette, outdoor terrace with sea views and a hot tub.

It also comes with 24-hour room service and guests can enjoy private in-room breakfasts.

Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, a Royal Hideaway Hotel can be booked with On the Beach – a seven-night stay for two adults in September 2026 starts from £840pp.

This includes return flights to Alicante and a stay in a Deluxe Room.

A stay with TUI in November starts from £985pp – which also includes bed & breakfast and return flights to London Stansted.