Hotel

THE Signet Collection is one of my personal favourite hotel brands in the UK, with properties tucked away in countryside locations where you can snuggle down in cosy nooks near a roaring fireplace.

The Barnsdale is its third property, which opened in 2023. Here’s everything you need to know.

Where is The Barnsdale?

This elegant retreat sits just a stone’s throw from one of the UKs most famous reservoirs, Rutland water.

It’s immersed in isolated countryside, so you’ll want to drive and take advantage of the parking on site.

Oakham train station is around a ten-minute drive away if you’d rather use public transport.

What is The Barnsdale like?

The Barnsdale has all the charm of a dainty cottage in the Cotswold, but with the hospitality benefits of a 4* hotel.

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A former hunting lodge constructed in 1760 that – despite the installation of modern amenities – still has an old world feel to it in the form of grand paintings and varnished wooden furnishings.

It has an air of posh members club to it, only without the price tag.

What are the rooms like?

Each of the 46 rooms is decorated in a typically English style with pastel-toned walls, frilly cushions and patterned armchairs. 

The Classic is the smallest and cheapest of the bunch and worth it for the lower price.

The only difference in rooms, bar the decorative tweaks, tends to be size and the view (the Royal Room has one of the best).

Classic rooms cost from £85 per night with brekkie. Click here to book.

What is there to eat and drink?

The hotel’s 1760 Brasserie serves classic British favourites including seared scallops doused in butter and a mouthwatering 32-day dry-aged rib-eye served with chips.

I opted for the Atlantic cod which was seasoned well and served with an unctuous vermouth sauce.

Anyone with a sweet tooth will love the sticky toffee pud – this one’s a real crowd pleaser.

What else is there to do at The Barnsdale?

People come for the outdoor Signet Spa where wood-fired hot tubs, a heated pool and a glass-walled sauna overlook fields of grazing Highland cows.

It’s a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon, sipping on sparkling wine and admiring the creatures munching away on the grass.

The only downside to the spa being entirely outdoors is the unpredictability of the British weather.

Fret not, though – every spa guest is given a DryRobe and flipflops to plod around in.

They can keep this for the duration of their stay.

When the drizzle hit, we persevered in our tub. Big thanks to the staff member who swiftly came to the rescue with a couple of umbrellas.

Massages can often be overpriced, but not here.

My therapist truly listened to my needs and pressure preferences, ensuring I enjoyed every one of those 60 blissful minutes.

Is The Barnsdale family friendly?

Families are well accommodated at The Barnsdale with specific family rooms that come with a double bed and a separate bedroom with bunk beds which comes complete with a cuddly lion toy to keep.

When little ones aren’t taking advantage of the outdoor play areas they can have a get stuck into some classic board games in the Rod Room.

Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here.

WE all know Wowcher is good for offers, but did you know you could go on holiday for just £89 and it is all-inclusive?

Holidays really can add up – by the time you book flights, airport transfers, and accommodation, you may have already spent hundreds.

Then add in the costs when you are there, like eating and seeing paid-for attractions.

Often, holidays aren’t cheap.

But this is what makes all-inclusive so appealing, as it takes away that stress.

And Wowcher now has deals as cheap as £89 for an all-inclusive break away.

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For example, you could head to a four-star all-inclusive resort in Tunisia.

The package includes return flights, two nights at a four-star hotel and all your meals and drinks.

The hotel is the Occidental Sousse Marhaba, which has recently been refurbished according to Wowcher.

At the hotel, guests will find two outdoor pools, a wellness centre, direct beach access, kids’ pools, on-site bars, and a sauna and hammam.

Rooms at the hotel include en-suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and either have a garden or sea view.

When it comes to food and drink, you get your daily meals, snacks and drinks included.

One recent guest said: “Lovely hotel, good choice of food, staff very pleasant.

“Evening entertainment was good. We paid extra for a sea view and it was well worth it.

“Five min walk through the grounds to the beach. Has a lovely pool.

“You can book trips out by speaking to the lovely Lee who explains the trips in detail. We did the Sahara Explorer, it was amazing.

“Would return to this hotel. Sousse is a beautiful place.”

Nearby you can explore the medina of Sousse, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are a number of souks as well, such as Sousse Medina Souk.

One recent visitor said: “Needs at least a couple of hours to soak up the atmosphere and wander.

“I love wandering around a souk. This one is easy to navigate and not overlarge.

“Also very pretty in parts as this is a very ancient medina area, where people have been trading and living since ancient times.”

History lovers should head to the Ribat of Sousse, a small fort that was built in the eighth century and has a tower boasting panoramic views.

Or head to the Sousse Archaeological Museum, where you can explore a collection of mosaics and statues, as well as sit in a pretty courtyard.

There is one date left in January, from January 18 to 20.

But there are several dates still available in February, including February 1 to 3, 8 to 10, 23 to 25 and 25 to 27.

Or for £99, you could head off on February 24 for two nights.

Prices then rise from March onwards.

Alternatively, you could head to Majorca in Spain, staying at the Bluesea Mediodia for £99 for two nights.

The hotel includes meals, snacks and unlimited drinks and your flights will be from either London Gatwick, London Stansted, London Luton, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol or Edinburgh.

At the hotel, there is a swimming pool, restaurants and beach access.

One recent guest said: “Considering the price and the services offered, I was very satisfied!

“The hotel is in an excellent location, very close to the beach. The food is varied and can satisfy both those with simple tastes and those who are more demanding.

“The rooms have air conditioning, which is a great plus during hot days.”

The hotel is just a 16-minute drive from Palma, so is a great spot for exploring the city, but also soaking up sunshine on the coast.

Dates available for the £99 offer include January 19 to 21, and the 26 to 28.

Or if you travelled in February, you could go on the 4 to 6, 23 to 25 or 25 to 27.

Prices then rise from March onwards.

For more getaway inspiration, there’s an all-inclusive hotel that’s just been named best in Europe with ten swimming pools, free childcare and Jet2 flights.

Plus, 10 winter sun holidays for all budgets – with 7 nights from £193pp.

If you’re looking for a completely unique weekend away, there’s a hotel with colourful themed rooms and lots of fun surprises, and it’s set in the UK’s coolest city with plenty to do nearby.

While staying in a hotel for the weekend can be nice, one criticism you can level at them is that so many hotel rooms look the same. They may be comfy, but it’s easy to get bored of the same beige style you get in every hotel room.

However, whatever words you use to describe Hotel Pelirocco, “boring” is not one of them. This boutique hotel has 19 rooms, each one with a different theme, and each room is its own colourful little world.

Set on a quiet square in Brighton, the hotel is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking to enjoy the UK’s coolest city. Brighton recently beat competition from cities such as Edinburgh and Manchester to cinch the title, thanks to its independent shops, unique restaurants, and lively music scene.

The hotel is just a 15-minute stroll from the North Laines, famous for its colourful shops including vintage stores, bookshops, record shops, and quirky cafes. There’s also The Lanes area, which has a more historic vibe with narrow cobbled streets full of pretty jewellery stores and designer shops.

Historic Brighton Pier is also just a short walk away, with old-fashioned rides, amusements, and stalls. And of course, there’s the iconic Brighton Beach, a long stretch of shingle that has a promenade full of clubs and bars, and becomes a lively area for nightlife as the sun goes down.

Hotel Pelirocco is set inside two converted Regency townhouses, with its historic façade blending in with the other buildings in a pretty square. However, once you step inside, it’s a maximalist’s dream with colourful walls covered in vintage art and posters. Downstairs it has a bar that hosts live music and events, and opens until the small hours for guests returning from nights out.

However, it’s the rooms that the hotel has become famous for, and themes range from David Bowie to pin-up girls and local artists. The Mod-themed room is perfect for visitors to Brighton who are there to see the city’s filming locations for Quadrophenia, while Do Knit Disturb is a room dedicated to knitting and crochet, with accessories including a knitted telephone.

Brighton has long been a destination for couples’ weekends, and the hotel has a cheekier side to it too. The Botanica suite, for example, comes with a dancing pole and a mirrored ceiling, among other surprises, and there are rooms such as Taboo with more romantic vibes.

The hotel also offers a range of extras that are perfect for couples celebrating a special occasion, from Champagne to boudoir photography in your bedroom. And if you want to really surprise your other half, you can arrange for a hamper from independent store Lust!, which includes an array of toys for couples for a fun start to your break.

Find out more about the Hotel Pelirocco or book a room on their official website.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

If you’re bored of theme parks with long queues and greasy food, a new ‘luxury’ theme park will be opening in 2026 that promises a much more upmarket experience including “five-star hospitality”

A day out at a theme park is hardly what you’d call a luxury experience. While it’s nice to enjoy a day of family-fun, having to queue for 30-second rides and fight the crowds isn’t exactly relaxing.

However, an upmarket resort chain now aims to elevate the average theme park experience. Billed as “the world’s first-ever luxury theme park”, BON (beauty of nature) is set to open in autumn of 2026 for guests of VidantaWorld Nuevo Vallarta in Mexico.

There are ambitious plans for this new theme park, which will eventually have multiple lands including 23 attractions, 25 restaurants, lounges, and shops across the site. It’ll feature both thrill rides and family-friendly options, as well as immersive experiences and playgrounds.

Guests of VidantaWorld Nuevo Vallarta, a resort featuring a 5-star hotel, golf course, and direct beach access, already have access to select attractions within the theme park. The park recently opened Cirque du Soleil LUDÕ, a spectacular water-based show that takes place in a custom-built theater costing $ 200 million (£ 148 million) for an immersive dinner experience. The theatre is surrounded by a wrap-around aquarium for a 360-degree undersea experience.

Two of the theme park’s seven planned lands are also open for guests to preview. There’s Wonder Bay, which includes a lake show and seasonal celebrations. Until January 11, a Christmas theme is in effect, featuring decorations, live performances, and festive meet-and-greets.

Adventure Valley is also open, featuring the serene Carousel of Colors and the family-friendly Time Quest. There’s also Tempest Towers, a ride that takes you to new heights before plunging you down, and Kids Cove playground with plenty for them to explore. Some of the park’s shops and restaurants are also open, offering visitors a glimpse of what the park will be like.

Once fully open, visitors will be able to enjoy rides such as the Tecuani Beast, set to be Latin America’s only double-launch coaster. This will have top speeds of 65mph and more airtime than any other rollercoaster in the region. Another attraction will be the floral-themed Floresta Drop, which will be a family-friendly ride.

There will also be a variety of eateries offering an elevated experience compared to the typical theme park fare. This includes authentic Mexican cuisine offerings, sushi restaurants, and American-style grills.

The park will also feature numerous surprises around every corner, including costumed entertainers, light shows, fireworks, and much more. The company VidantaWorld, who already have two beach resorts in Mexico and a mega yacht, want to create a “multi-generational” experience, with something for all ages.

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The news comes as a popular European theme park is set to get a new world based on the Harry Potter series. LEGOLAND Deutschland in Germany confirmed the creation of a new Wizarding World based on J.K. Rowling’s popular franchise. Details will be released in the next 12 months and are set to include Harry Potter themed accommodation.

Disneyland Paris is also set to get a brand new attraction, and has confirmed that the World of Frozen, based on the Frozen movies, will open on March 29, 2026. The area is set to include a brand new ride, character meet and greets, new shows, and exclusive food and drink.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

A new hotel and resort, owned by a famous chain with properties around the world, is set to open in the heart of the British countryside, offering ‘free desserts’ every day for guests

There’s a catalogue of luxury hotels dotted all over the UK, but there’s one that might just stand out from them all after it opens its doors to Brits. The Swiss brand Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, known for offering guests an hour of complimentary desserts every day, is set to open its first hotel in the UK.

Dubbed the ‘chocolate hotel’, Mövenpick has establishments all over the world, from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and even as far as the Pacific in Australia and New Zealand. In an exciting move, the well-known chain, owned by Accor, will open a new hotel in late 2027 at the Old Thorns Estate & Resort in Liphook, Hampshire, across 400 sprawling acres.

After a full renovation, the luxury hotel and resort will boast 194 bedrooms, a championship-level golf course, four restaurants, a wellness centre with spa, 2,500 square metres of conference and meeting spaces, and a ballroom accommodating more than 500 guests.

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Mövenpick is known for its premium and varied ice cream, which was acquired by Nestlé. Guests staying at the hotel can expect to enjoy an extensive selection of delicious treats, including éclairs, truffles, and brownies, as well as a chocolate fountain, during the brand’s famous ‘chocolate hour’, along with other food offerings.

What’s more, these desserts are famed for being complimentary for guests every day for 60 minutes. What makes the hotel chain stand out is its in-house chefs, who provide various workshops, demonstrations, and experiences for their guests, from truffle rolling to cupcake icing during the famed ‘chocolate hour’.

Graham Dodd, VP development for UK and Ireland, premium, midscale and economy brands at Accor, said: “Bringing Mövenpick to the UK marks an important step in strengthening our premium brand portfolio and reinforcing our growth commitment for this important market.

“Mövenpick is a world-renowned brand that is recognised for its culinary excellence and environmental responsibility, which align perfectly with the expectations of UK guests. The Old Thorns estate provides an exceptional backdrop to introduce the brand in this incredibly important destination for Accor.”

Renovations are expected to take place over the next two years to transform the former Old Thorns Estate & Resort into a new Mövenpick property in the heart of the Hampshire countryside, just an hour from London. The chain aims to expand its leisure and wellness facilities, elevate the dining experience, and restyle the guest bedrooms, all with an approach rooted in its Swiss-inspired hospitality.

Israr Liaqat, group CEO of Select Group, added: “This property stands as a landmark of character and opportunity. Its celebrated history aligns seamlessly with Mövenpick’s commitment to authentic experiences and Swiss-inspired hospitality. Together with our trusted and established partner Accor, we will elevate this iconic property into a world-class resort destination, blending heritage with the sophistication of the Mövenpick brand.”

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

The UK banking group has shared advice for people who connect to wi-fi during hotel stays

NatWest has urged customers staying in hotels to always check the guest book before connecting to wi-fi. With the festive season in full swing, many Brits will be on the move, whether they’re travelling home to visit family, attending Christmas parties, or travelling abroad for a seasonal holiday. For those staying in hotels or similar accommodation, it’s essential to be vigilant, as criminals may target hotel guests when plotting scams.

According to advice shared on NatWest’s website: “Scammers sometimes set up fake hotel networks with names that are very similar to the genuine one.” As such, it’s important to ‘make sure the network name is the one printed in official hotel guest books’, says the bank.

NatWest also advises customers against entering any personal information when connected to open Wi-Fi networks. “When using open Wi-Fi networks, stick to messaging and browsing, and avoid entering any personal information.”

“These networks are usually open, which means anyone can log on or that many people have the password. This makes it easier for fraudsters to see any details you enter on the same network,” the bank explains.

Cybersecurity company Norton has similarly highlighted the risks associated with hotel wi-fi. Advice on the brand’s website states: “Malicious hotspots, or rogue access points, are deceptive networks that trick users into connecting by mimicking legitimate Wi-Fi names.

“For instance, if you were staying at the Goodnight Inn and wanted to connect to the hotel’s Wi-Fi, you might mistakenly select ‘GoodNight Inn’ (with a capital N) instead of the correct network. By doing so, you risk connecting to an ‘evil twin’ network set up by cybercriminals to access your internet traffic.”

According to Norton, public Wi-Fi hotspots could also pose a risk, especially if criminals target unencrypted networks to gain access to sensitive banking information. “Many public Wi-Fi hotspots are unencrypted networks that transmit data in plain text, making it vulnerable to cybercriminals with the right tools. Hackers on the same network can intercept your online activities, including banking information, login credentials, and personal messages.”

While criminals might try to take advantage of people using their wi-fi, it’s just one of several tactics that scammers might employ. For holidaymakers spending their Christmas in another country, NatWest also offers advice on staying safe while exchanging money and dining out at restaurants.

The banking group advises customers to always pay in local currency where possible and to be mindful of potential restaurant scams, which could result in people being overcharged for food or charged for food that seemed complimentary.

NatWest suggests checking reviews ahead of time before choosing a restaurant, checking prices when placing an order, only eating and drinking what was ordered, and requesting an itemised receipt. The bank also recommended looking out for any additional charges, such as water charges or cover charges.

IF you’ve ever fancied the high-life of a celebrity, you can do exactly that at this hotel, and even book it with TUI.

For a classy stay, The Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel is just a few streets away from the Marina Las Palmas in Gran Canaria.

Tucked away behind the Atis Tirma, the hotel is a 19th century building and inside there are high ceilings and huge chandeliers.

With its grandeur, there’s not much surprise that it’s been a hideaway retreat for celebrities and even royals.

Over the years, the hotel has welcomed guests like Brad Pitt, Sir Winston Churchill and the Spanish royal family.

Most recently, The Holiday star Jude Law was staying there while he had been filming in Gran Canaria.

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While it’s a simple stay, you still have all the essentials like swimming pools.

In fact, the hotel has two pools, one outdoor tucked away in a pretty garden – and it has a sun terrace with sunbeds and parasols.

When you get thirsty or a little peckish, pop over to the outdoor bar.

Inside the spa is a heated pool, whirlpool, sauna and plenty of treatments to enjoy like sea salt and vanilla oil peels, facials and massages.

Those who booked a junior suite at the hotel can enjoy use of the infinity pool.

The hotel’s main buffet is in the Doramas restaurant, but it’s by no means basic as you can enjoy a ‘Royal Breakfast’ and watch live show-cooking.

Poemas Restaurant is the à la carte eatery serving up gourmet meals, MuXgo is a green Michelin star restaurant where guests can dine on classic Canarian dishes.

For smaller bites, there’s the Camarote snack bar as well as the Carabela bar and Alis rooftop bar – an exclusive bar with cocktail service and an infinity pool.

If you fancy a bit of entertainment while you’re there then there will be a live piano playing from Monday to Saturday and a singer on Sundays.

When it comes to activities, next door is a tennis court which guests are welcome to use at an extra cost.

Rooms range from Deluxe Double Rooms which have a neo-classical design up to the suite, which has a separate bedroom and living space as well as a bathroom with a tub and rain shower.

Packages can be on a Bed and Breakfast or Half Board basis.

You can book a stay with TUI and lowest price for a family of four during 2026 is in April where a seven night stay will cost £958pp – including flights from London Luton with easyJet.

One writer explore the quieter side of Gran Canaria…

Writer Alex Cohen explored Gran Canaria, and here’s what they discovered…

“Ain’t life Gran-d! Well it is when you’re far from the madding crowd, soaking up the silence in the middle of an island more famed for popular beach resorts.

“The south of the volcanic island has mile after mile of beaches full of hotels and holiday apartments. But we’ve come off the beaten track to explore the hidden delights.

“There are more than 300 days of sunshine a year here and you really could do something different on each of those days.

“There are almost as many different landscapes too, thanks to the microclimates of every soaring volcano, ravine and valley brought in by the trade winds.

“As we climbed up from the coast, the many faces of the second biggest of the Canary Islands showed themselves. Swirls of mist-cloaked mountains gave way to desert-like fields and green forests.

“Around one hairpin bend, it looked like the Grand Canyon, with the light disappearing down sheer cliff faces into deep rocky ravines.

“Round the next and suddenly we were in a Breaking Bad-style desert with cactus and not much else growing. Down into the next valley and we could have been in the Caribbean with palm trees guarding the lush vegetation.

“Once you get into the interior of the island there’s an array of things to do; hiking on mountain trails, village markets with local crafts, UNESCO heritage sites, laurel forests or even walking through a National Park.

“Go rock climbing around the Pico de los Pozos de la Nieve, the island’s highest point at nearly 2,000m. Or perhaps cycling — on or off-road — or visit the island’s botanical gardens, ancient cobbled villages, vineyards or the old town in the soulful and lively capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.”

For more celebrity holiday hotspots, check out the waterpark hotel where Stacey Solomon went on holiday with Blue Flag beach and unique ice fountain.

Plus the UK hotel which attracts famous celebrity guests & makes holidaymakers ‘feel like they’re abroad’.

A FAMOUS hotel chain known for serving free desserts every day is opening its first ever UK location.

Mövenpick Hotels has locations across multiple continents and became famous for its guests getting to eat free desserts for 60 minutes daily.

The hotel will be located at the Old Thorns Estate in Liphook, Hampshire, and is expected to open in late 2027.

Graham Dodd, VP development for UK & Ireland, premium, midscale and economy brands at Accor, said: “Bringing Mövenpick to the UK marks an important step in strengthening our premium brand portfolio and reinforcing our growth commitment for this important market.

“Mövenpick is a world-renowned brand that is recognised for its culinary excellence and environmental responsibility, which align perfectly with the expectations of UK guests.

“The Old Thorns estate provides an exceptional backdrop to introduce the brand in this incredibly important destination for Accor.”

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Mövenpick, a Swiss hospitality brand, will be running the property in Hampshire which was acquired by a Dubai-based real estate firm, Select Group, earlier this year.

Mövenpick, which is known for their wide range of ice-cream flavours, offers guests a free “dessert” for an hour every day.

Guests staying at any of the hotels can enjoy Chocolate Hour all kinds of treats such as éclairs, brownies, truffles, chocolate fountains and other snacks which change on a regular basis.

In-house chefs also host live demonstrations and experiences which include rolling truffles to icing cupcakes during the hour.

The Old Thorns Estate will be transformed into a 194-bedroom hotel and resort.

The improvements will include a championship golf course, 2,500 sq m of conference and meeting spaces, four restaurants, a wellness centre with spa, and a ballroom accommodating over 500 guests.

Renovations of the 30 acres property are expected to take place over the next two years.

Mövenpick was founded in 1948 by Swiss restaurateur Ueli Prager and has since grown into a portfolio of over 120 hotels globally in over 35 countries.

Its ice cream business was acquired by Nestlé in 2003.

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts was bought by Accor 2018 and is now part of its premium brand portfolio.

The brand offers its culinary experiences in countries like Germany, Switzerland, Egypt, and many others across the world.

Israr Liaqat, group chief executive of Select Group, added: “Together with our trusted and established partner Accor, we will elevate this iconic property into a world-class resort destination, blending heritage with the sophistication of the Mövenpick brand.”

Mövenpick Hampshire – Old Thorns will join Accor’s existing portfolio of more than 5,700 hotels across 110 countries.

YOU don’t have to compromise on the quality of hotels when visiting London.

Stay at the Leonardo Royal Hotel Tower Bridge for a luxurious city stay with delicious breakfast buffet, huge rooms with comfy beds and panoramic views of London from floor to ceiling windows.

Where is Leonardo Royal Hotel London Tower Bridge?

As the name suggests, this hotel is in Tower Bridge, and is just minutes away from London’s most iconic attractions like the Tower of London. 

While it’s the perfect spot to explore some of the most iconic landmarks in the country, you won’t hear any of the noise you’d expect from being in the heart of the city.

The hotel is tucked away behind the busy streets, and I can confirm you’ll get a great night’s sleep.

It’s within walking distance to Tower Bridge (of course), The Shard, Leadenhall Market and the Sky Garden. The nearest tube station is Tower Hill, or Aldgate, and the hotel is a 10 minute walk from Fenchurch Street Station.

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What is the hotel like?

The Leonardo Royal Hotel London Tower Bridge is contemporary and luxurious, but cosy too.

Inside the revolving doors, you’ll enter the lobby which is decorated with a huge seasonal display and the diffusers around the hotel make it smell incredible.

There’s an area for guests to relax with velvet sofas and brown leather armchairs. For those who are working, you’ll find desk areas with USB chargers.

What is there to do there?

Aside from the obvious tourist spots to visit, you can actually spend time having a great time in the hotel itself.

Underneath the hotel is a huge 25metre heated swimming pool with an infinity-edge spa pool, sauna and steam room.

For guests who want to make their experience extra special, check out the four pamper packages on offer, and spa treatment menu.

What is there to eat and drink there?

Of course you can head out into London during the evening for a bite to eat, but you can always stay in at Leo’s Restaurant.

I tried the delicious lemon and thyme herb chicken with roasted tomatoes, mushrooms and crispy chips.

The pot roast pork belly with Sauerkraut, mash and crackling which comes in a little hot pot, was also a favourite.

Make sure to check out the dessert menu for sticky toffee date pudding or white chocolate cheesecake.

There’s also a lengthy list of cocktails and a wine list, I enjoyed a refreshing glass of the Pink Flamingo grenache rosé.

In the morning, head back into Leo’s to eat from the huge breakfast buffet. It has everything to set you up for the day from continental options like yoghurt and fruit as well as cured meats and cheese.

For something more filling, there’s a selection of hot food like sausages, eggs, baked beans, bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms and a separate omelette station. You can fill up on as much tea and coffee as you’d like too.

What are the rooms like?

There are 370 spacious rooms ranging from a Superior Room with a double bed to the very impressive suites.

Each room comes with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a hair dryer, television, tea & coffee station, as well a work space, and an ensuite 

Executive rooms and suites have extra perks, including a mini fridge with water and snacks, fluffy towel robes and slippers.

Executive guests also get 20 per cent off spa treatments, and access to the lounge which serves breakfast, dinner, as well as nibbles, soft drinks and coffee and tea throughout the day.

I was lucky enough to stay in a suite on the top floor, which has floor to ceiling windows and an incredible cityscape view across Tower Bridge to the Shard.

You can also see the beautiful skyline on your way up to the room in the glass lift.

Is Leonardo Hotel Brighton family-friendly?

Families can book into the larger Superior Room with two queen beds (sleeping up to four guests), cots can be added to rooms upon request. For connecting or adjoining rooms contact the hotel directly to request them.

Children are welcome in the pool from 9-11AM and 4-7.30PM – outside of these hours it’s 16+ only.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

Yes, guests with accessibility needs will find rooms designed for wheelchair access, built to the highest specifications. 

The hotel has lifts to all floors and features like accessible bathrooms and toilets.

The Room rate for a superior rooms starts from £170 – see https://www.leonardohotels.co.uk/ for more.

For even more Leonardo hotels, check out this one in Brighton that’s the perfect base to explore the seaside city.

Plus, one Sun Writer checked into London’s cheapest hotel room and slept like a baby.

MICHELLE Keegan enjoyed a visit to a £1,260 a night swanky hotel with Mark Wright and their daughter amid the couple’s ‘most lavish Christmas yet’.

The Brassic actress shared a series of snaps from their stay at London‘s Corinthia Hotel in London on her Instagram on Monday.

She captioned the pictures: “A little bit of Christmas magic this weekend” and the first saw her enjoying a glass of wine in the hotel’s bar.

Michelle, 38, wore a beige sleeveless, roll neck jumper and retro style glasses as she posed for the snap, while in others, she had switched into a pair of black satin trousers and a matching top.

The garment had a lace panel down the side, revealing a hint of her bra and trim waist.

The couple also posed for a lift selfie, with Mark, 38, holding their daughter Palma, who looked adorable in a red knitted cardigan – which read Palma Believes – and white tights.

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Michelle also shared snaps of the hotel’s impressive Christmas trees and of their Italian meal.

Their festive trip to the capital is another part of the new parents’ plans to pull out all the stops for their first Christmas with their baby girl.

The couple are well known for their over-the-top Christmases, but this year is extra special because of their daughter.

Sources say the Wrights plan on making this festive season “one to remember”, with “no expense spared” as they go all out, and have already shown off the incredible decorations both inside and outside their Essex mansion.

An insider close to the couple told OK!: “Mark loves Christmas and he’s wanted a family for a long time, so for him it couldn’t get any better.

“He’s like an excited puppy dog and cherishing every minute of it. It means the world to him.

“When it comes to presents, he’ll be spoiling them both – Mark doesn’t know how to reign it in!”

The source added that Michelle – who gave birth in March – can’t wait to spend some quality time with her little family this Christmas.

They said: “She’s been really busy but family is her priority. It’s lovely to have some special time together, especially because at one point she and Mark were practically living separate lives because of work.

“Her family are coming down from Manchester but it’s very much a Wright Christmas – family comes first and it’s very important for them to be all together. It’ll be lovely seeing all the kids together.”

I want to plan a weekend “staycation” with two of my girlfriends. They have kids, I don’t. This weekend would be adults-only. We are longtime friends who thought about getting out of town, but now feel that option is too expensive. We’re not heavy drinkers, but do like cocktails and good food. One of us doesn’t eat meat. We all love the outside, but would prefer to sit in the shade (to protect our skin and to be outside longer). We love dancing and live music. One of us is an avid walker.

Looking for things to do in L.A.? Ask us your questions and our expert guides will share highly specific recommendations.

Can you suggest some things to do to have a restful, relaxing and energizing weekend that is affordable and can help make unique memories? — Stephanie Perea

Here’s what we suggest:

I love your idea of doing a staycation as opposed to going out of town. It’s definitely cheaper and easier to plan (especially for moms). Plus, it’s fun to play tourist in your own city. I’ve put together three mini itineraries in different areas to give you some options. All of the hotels mentioned have rooms with double beds at rates under $250 a night (before taxes and fees).

The first place I usually recommend to visitors is the Line in Koreatown because it’s centrally located and there are loads of things to do nearby. The aesthetically pleasing hotel has a rooftop pool, a highly Instagrammed greenhouse restaurant and the ’80s-themed speakeasy with karaoke suites. Within walking distance — because you’d easily waste an hour trying to find parking — there are also several yummy restaurants. In this guide to Koreatown, Jeong Park recommends Sun Nong Dan for a delicious Korean breakfast (“get there before 10:30 a.m.,” he notes) and Guelaguetza for Oaxacan staples. If you’re a fan of Sundubu-jjigae (spicy tofu stew), my personal favorite is BCD Tofu House, which is a short walk from the hotel and stays open until 3 a.m. on most nights. It’d be criminal to not visit a Korean spa while you’re there, so check out Olympic Spa. I recently got a massage there after a stressful week and it brought me back to life — no exaggeration. For fun activities, you can take your pick from the many karaoke bars in the area, go dancing at Apt 503, take a virtual swing at W Screen Golf or bowl a strike at Shatto 39 Lanes.

For a Westside option, my colleague Christopher Reynolds suggests the lively Hotel Erwin in Venice, which “has a rooftop bar, hip vibe and a location close to the boardwalk,” he says. Some standout restaurants in the area, according to senior food writer Danielle Dorsey, are Si! Mon, Dudley Market and Wallflower (which is vegan, vegetarian and gluten free-friendly). She also suggests taking “a stroll through the Venice Canals, which is decorated during the holidays.” Take a short drive to Santa Monica for a pastry and coffee at Bread and Butter, which you can enjoy as you walk along the beach. My colleague Hanna Sender, who lives in the area, says, “I also love taking visitors to Bergamot Station for comedy at the Crow and food at Le Great Outdoor.” To achieve the ultimate relaxation, visit Tikkun Holistic Spa, featured in our Times guide to under-the-radar spas. Writers Elisa Parhad and Danielle Roderick noted that it garnered notoriety when Goop reported on its ancient vaginal steam therapy, but that its services are beloved for having “a more holistic bent than straightforward body scrubs.”

Another neighborhood that would be fun to explore during a staycation is Culver City. The Hilton has affordable rooms, but if you don’t mind splurging a bit, the charming Culver City Hotel is a great option. It’s located downtown, which is also home to an array of restaurants and shops including the infamous Erewhon. Start your day with a short hike at the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, which offers a breathtaking view of the city. (If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even challenge yourself to the 282-step staircase.) Dorsey also recommends Destroyer for brunch and Merka Saltao for an affordable lunch. I recently tried the Japan-born ramen shop Mensho Tokyo and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. For a relaxing activity, get a facial at Formula Fig, but when you’re ready to dance, head over to Blind Barber, a speakeasy that has live DJs throughout the week.

I hope these suggestions help you plan your relaxing staycation. If you’re anything like me, simply being with your girlfriends — no matter where you end up — is always a good time and a necessary recharge. *Cues the “Girlfriends” theme song by Angie Stone.*