Hotel reviews

7Pines Resort Sardinia review: The perfect getaway on this Italian island where residents live beyond 100 years old

Writer Becky Ward followed the Blue Zone principles for living a healthy life on a trip to the northern region of the Italian island of Sardinia

If you’re not familiar with the world’s Blue Zones, they are regions where life expectancy is higher due to the diet and lifestyle habits of the locals. Exercise, stress management and social connections are all thought to play a part, with many residents living beyond 100 years.

One such region is in Sardinia, the Italian island often referred to as the Jewel of the Mediterranean thanks to its glorious beaches and lush landscape. The Nuoro province in the mountainous centre of the island is known for its high concentration of centenarians and was at one point home to the oldest women in the world, who lived to 113. While that record has since been surpassed, Sardinia is still a place where you can embrace a healthy lifestyle, and we headed to the 7Pines Resort in the north of the island to do exactly that.

The five-star resort has that laid-back vibe that makes you relax from the moment you arrive and are handed a welcome glass of prosecco. At its centre is a double layered pool with ambient house music playing softly in the background. There are floor-to-ceiling windows in the two restaurants and the gym to give the impression of the outside flowing in.

The rooms blend seamlessly into the landscape and are decorated with natural wood and textured stone tiles, and the little extras in our deluxe room, such as complimentary flip flops and a mini freezer filled with ice to chill our drinks, made our stay here feel even more special.

Get active

We started our days with an early morning swim. As well as the main pool, there’s an adults-only pool and a sandy beach with calm waters where you can go for a dip. The resort offers an activity such as a stretch class or Pilates each morning. We were initially wary of using the gym owing to the fact that everyone can see you through the glass walls, but we quickly realised what this actually means is you have a wonderful view to accompany your workout.

Keen to stretch our legs some more, we headed out of the resort for a two-hour walk around neighbouring Baja Sardinia. Along the way – which is part roadside path and part trail – we stopped off at five beaches, ranging from small sandy coves that we had all to ourselves to the large stretch of golden sand in the heart of the resort town. Here the water is crystal clear and not too deep, and when you’re ready for refreshments there are restaurants and bars on the concourse where you can enjoy a cool drink and a snack in the sunshine.

Further afield, the Pevero Health trail is a network of paths through aromatic scrubland with viewpoints to climb to and accessible beaches. It’s a 20-minute drive from the resort and it’s worth considering car hire as taxis here are expensive.

Eat well

The breakfast buffet at 7Pines will set you up for the day. As well as the usual fresh fruit and pastries, you’ll find cooked meats, grilled vegetables and a choice of egg dishes, including Uova Frattau, a typical Sardinian dish combining traditional bread, tomato purée, pecorino cheese and a poached egg.

The poolside Spazio by Franco Pepe restaurant boldly claims to serve the world’s best pizza and you’ll find unique offerings such as the delicious Spazio Mare, a fried pizza with buffalo mozzarella, red prawn, green salad and lime. We also tried the trattoria menu here, which includes catch of the day, pasta dishes and Italy’s best (in our opinion) dessert: tiramisu.

At the fine dining restaurant Capogiro, we enjoyed the Le Nostre Storie (our stories) tasting menu, a delightful mix of theatre and flavour using fresh herbs from the resort’s kitchen garden. From the amuse bouche served on ceramic sea creatures to the delicate lobster ravioli in a crab broth, every dish was beautifully presented and made our taste buds dance.

Pamper yourself

The spa at 7Pines has five treatment rooms named after flowers and plants found on the island. They face into an open-air relaxation area from where you can also access the sauna, steam room, ice bath and experience showers. To maintain the intimate feel of the area the resort allows a maximum of five guests at a time, so you’re advised to book a time slot.

Our personalised body massage somehow managed to be both relaxing and invigorating. While we almost dozed off during the treatment as our therapist worked the tension out of our back and shoulders, we felt full of renewed energy afterwards. Other pampering treats on offer include body scrubs, facials, manicures and reflexology.

Have fun

Being social and having fun are key components of living well. The resort’s beachside bar Cone Club was closed during our visit, but has DJs and party vibes throughout the summer. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset too. Over in Baja Sardinia, Phi Club is another popular beach club during the summer months.

The swim-up bar at 7Pines attracts a crowd towards the end of the afternoons. Our favourite tipple was the Bellavista sparkling wine – a crisp and fresh Italian fizz that became our daily sundowner.

If you’re a wine lover, the hotel can organise for you to go wine tasting at a local vineyard. Capichera Vineyard is a 20-minute drive from 7Pines and offers a golf buggy tour of the estate followed by a tasting of five wines. Watersports and boat trips (half and full day) are also bookable at the concierge desk. Of course if all you want to do is lounge around on the uber comfy sunbeds, that’s perfectly okay too!

How much does it cost?

Rooms at 7Pines Resort Sardinia start from €350 per night based on two people sharing. See BA or Ryanair for flights from the UK to Olbia, which is a 30-minute drive from the resort.

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The new grown up hotel in one of the UK’s best seaside towns

ONE of the newest hotels to come to Kent, Smith’s Townhouse is a cosy bolthole for a seaside escape.

Here is everything you need to know about staying there.

Smith’s Townhouse is the newest hotel in BroadstairsCredit: Supplied
A former coffee shop, they have the best flat whites in townCredit: EJW Digital

What is Smith’s Townhouse like?

Originally a coffee house round the corner, Smiths Townhouse is the newest boutique hotel to open in Broadstairs.

The Grade II-listed Georgian building is made up of just six rooms, along with an intimate bar and lounge area.

What are the rooms like?

Each room feels modern but cosy – think dark green walls check and stylish in furnishings.

Pick Room Five if you’re it out an Elton John fan as the wardrobe was said to have once been owned by the singer.

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Whack on the radio and tuck into the fresh cake on offer along with a cup of tea.

While the bathrooms are small, there is enough space for big walk-in showers and luxury Ren toiletries.

Rooms start from £140 on room-only basis. See smithstownhouse.co.uk.

What is there to eat and drink?

The downstairs bar is an ideal spot for a cocktail and nibbles. For something more substantial, nip around the corner to Bar Ingo.

Recently named one of the UK’s best restaurants, it’s a cosy, small-plate place worth trying to squeeze into.

Portuguese wine, braised beef, crispy ham croquettes and juicy octopus are just some of the best dishes to try.

Head back to Smiths for breakfast, though.

Get the spinach and mushroom Garden Breakfast toastie, chased down by one of the best cappuccinos in town.

What else can you do there?

There’s a new Pilates studio with reformer machines as well as late night DJ sessions.

However, you’re right in town, so it’s the perfect place to explore Broadstairs, from the arcades to the beach.

Is it family friendly?

No, each room sleeps just two people.

Are there accessible rooms?

Being in a Grade II listed building, the rooms are not accessible as there is no lift access.

Rooms start from £140 a nightCredit: Supplied

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I stayed at the grand 172-year-old hotel that is ‘London’s best connected’

Facade of the Hilton London Paddington hotel.

DESIGNED by one of the UK’s most famous civil engineer, Hilton London Paddington is both well connected and grand.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Hilton London Paddington dates back more than 170 years
The bar and restaurant was recently updatedCredit: Paul Rogers

Where is the Hilton London Paddington?

I can see why they call it London’s best connected hotel, being adjoining to London Paddington Station.

Along with trains to destinations such as Plymouth and Oxford, from here there are five London Underground routes, as well as a fast 15-minute train to London Heathrow.

What is the hotel like?

The grand hotel dates back to 1854, originally called the Great Western Royal Hotel by HRH Prince Albert.

It was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, an English civil engineer behind Great Western Railway, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and London Paddington Station, as well as the hotel.

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The hotel itself immerses you in the grandeur straight away, with a huge pillared entrance and stairs, before an art deco lobby and bar.

A nod to its railway history is throughout also, with railway photography displayed and a steam train mural along the main staircase.

It also has all of the amenities so a gym, restaurant and 18 meeting rooms named after historic Great Western Railway locomotives.

What are the rooms like?

There are 424 rooms to choose from, with many undergoing renovations later this year.

My suite was spacious and modern, with a massive super king bed next to a chaise lounge and desk.

The bathrooms were just as beautiful, with marble walls and floors and Crabtree and Evelyn toiletries. 

They fix problems quickly too – my WiFi wasn’t working and quick call to reception got it up and running. 

Rooms start from £235 on a room only basis. See hilton.com.

What is there to eat and drink at the hotel?

The recently renovated Carriages Restaurant is where you will find everything from breakfast to dinner.

The buffet is extremely large, with an interesting variety – such as papayas and banana toffee muffins.

Many of the original features have been restoredCredit: Rebecca Searle

Hot full English breakfasts along with, fruit, cereal, bakery, and lots of vegetarian and halal options.

Come back for dinner for everything from pizza and burgers to curries and salads.

Or, grab a lighter snack and a cocktail at the 146 Paddington Bar & Lounge as well.

What else is there to do?

The hotel also has an on-site gym to make the most of.

However, it’s central location means it is easy to explore London’s top attractions with a short train ride.

Don’t want to go too far? A short walk from the hotel is the Paddington Bear Statue, or the Alexander Fleming Museum.

Is it family friendly?

There are family rooms and connecting rooms, with kids up to 18 years old staying free when sharing a room with a paying adult on a room only rate.

Kids aged 5 and under enjoy free breakfast, while those aged 6-11 enjoy a 50 per cent discount on breakfast.

Is it accessible?

The hotel has a number of accessible rooms, as well as accessible toilets in the main building.

Bath seats and pillow alarms can be requested and there is a deaf alert system at the hotel, as well as lifts and wheelchair access.

Rooms start from £235Credit: Rebecca Searle

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Best long-haul babymoon destination according to a pregnant travel editor – it’s Zika-free and so relaxing

Tropical weather, luxury accommodation and relaxing rituals make this island the perfect babymoon destination to visit when pregnant, says travel editor Laura Mulley

Looking for a holiday destination for one last trip as a two before our baby arrived, we found our options surprisingly limited. We didn’t want to chance potential bad weather in Europe off-season, and with the risk of mosquito-borne virus Zika – which is particularly dangerous to pregnant women – ruling out most of the Caribbean and Asia, there was a clear frontrunner that ticked all of our boxes: Mauritius.

Emirates proved to be the best airline to fly with from our nearest airport – Manchester – with the most flight options available – and the staff were exceptionally helpful at making a six-months-pregnant woman feel as comfortable as possible during the journey.

Once we landed, our aim was simple: to enjoy all the things we’d probably struggle to do once our baby arrived, on what would potentially be our last relaxing holiday for a while. And it certainly delivered.

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Le Méridien Ile Maurice

Our first stop was the huge, open, colourful Le Méridien Ile Maurice on the island’s northwest coast. One of Mauritius’s leading family hotels (perfect for showing us what to expect from our future holidays), its hidden gem is its adults-only section, Nirvana, at the end of the kilometre-long beach, which has its own rooms, reception, restaurant, beach area and infinity pool scattered with squishy floating beanbags.

Our Hideaway Suite here was truly one of the biggest we’d ever seen, with a massive distance between the patio doors at the front to the heated plunge pool out the back. Guests get access to a ‘butler’ via WhatsApp, and lots of thoughtful touches from the friendly staff make staying here feel extra-special, from the complimentary cocktail (or mocktail) by the pool at sundown to the petal-strewn bath we found waiting for us after dinner. One night there was even a pregnancy pillow laid out on the bed, something we hadn’t requested but made our stay even more comfortable.

The food at Le Méridien

There are four restaurants at Le Méridien, and it’s worth making your way around them all: Nomad’s buffet is popular with families, Waves serves Mediterranean-style fish and grilled dishes, Kumin gives guests a taste of Mauritius’s strong Indian influence, and – our favourite – Nirvana’s Jade does excellent Asian cuisine, including sushi and teppanyaki (take breakfast here too if you want to savour the child-free moments for as long as possible). All are included in half-board and all-inclusive packages, although booking is recommended for the à la carte restaurants.

What to do at Le Méridien

Keen to enjoy as many grown-up activities as possible, we took part in sunset yoga on the beach, took kayaks and pedalos out into the lagoon’s clear waters, and enjoyed treatments in Le Méridien’s spa, including a heavenly head massage using warm coconut oil, and the perfect pre-natal full body massage. The therapists here are all incredibly skilled – you’ll really feel the benefits.

St Regis Le Morne

The second half of our trip was spent at sister hotel St. Regis Le Morne, formally the JW Marriott, and which joined the historic St. Regis hotel group – founded by American tycoon and Titanic victim John Jacob Astor IV – following a major renovation last year.

On the island’s southwest point, this is a quieter, more secluded part of the country, and St. Regis sits under the shadow of Mauritius’ iconic Le Morne mountain surrounded by miles of beautiful beaches and shallow waters.

Although we spotted plenty of multi-generational families here too, St. Regis definitely has a more elegant and luxurious air to it. With a colonial-style design and elegant rooms set amongst lush vegetation and trickling water features, it has a slight ‘White Lotus season three’ vibe.

There’s a huge pool here, but we found that most couples chose to spend their days on the loungers under palm leaf-umbrellas that line the beach, which are peaceful, always available, and serviced by bar staff at the touch of a button.

The food at St Regis Le Morne

Out of St. Regis’s five restaurants, our favourites were INDYA, serving a modern take on Indian cuisine with the friendliest service, and Japanese Atkuso, where the chef veered from the menu to whip up some of the best maki rolls we’d ever tried to cater to our vegetarian diets. Each restaurant also does its own signature cocktails and ‘mindful mocktails’ with certain health benefits.

What to do at St Regis Le Morne

St. Regis is proud of its history and heritage, and a key feature are its three ‘rituals’, found in all its properties around the world, and all – pleasingly for our purpose – highly unsuitable for children: Bloody Marys, sabrage and afternoon tea.

In homage to the first ever spicy tomato juice cocktail as we know it, reportedly invented at the St. Regis New York in the 1920s, our charismatic bartender Vymal demonstrated how to make this hotel’s own version, the L’Île Mary, using Mauritian rum infused with curry leaves and topped with turmeric foam. The self-appointed Bloody Mary connoisseur out of the two of us declared it to be one of the best he’d ever tasted.

Next up was learning sabrage – the art of opening a bottle of champagne with the swish of a sword, and supposedly how Napoleon liked to celebrate his victories. Although initially unconfident, following expert instruction we were thrilled to deftly remove the top of our bottle of fizz in one smooth swipe.

Afternoon tea was a more genteel affair, and is a reference to Lady Astor’s daily habit of gathering family and friends around in the afternoons to share wisdom. Here it involves Mauritian tea and viennoiserie from the hotel’s kitchen, taken under swaying palm trees on the beach – just heavenly, and the perfect last few moments of calm before we became a three.

How much does it cost?

Rooms at Le Méridien Ile Maurice start from £220 per night on a B&B basis based on double occupancy. Rooms at St. Regis Le Morne start from £585 per night based on double occupancy (two night minimum stay required). Returns flights from Manchester to Mauritius were with Emirates start from £775.

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The waterfront spa hotel in the UK with castle views

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For nature-lovers and spa dwellers alike, The Quay Hotel Conwy is the best mix of waterside comfort and adventure.

Here’s what you need to know about staying at the hotel.

The waterfront location offers spectacular views of ConwyCredit: Supplied by The Quay Hotel, Conwy

Where is The Quay Hotel?

Close to Snowdonia National Park and the enchanting Isle of Anglesey, The Quay Hotel in Conwy is immersed in nature.

The hotel is an 8-minute walk from Deganwy train station and a short stroll over the bridge to all of Conwy’s main attractions.

The beautiful town, hugged by the sea on one side and the Welsh mountains on the other, is full of things to do.

Peek into the smallest house in Britain, measuring only 3.05×1.83 metres or gaze up at the 21 turrets of the magical Conwy Castle.

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I would recommend bringing a car or your bikes so that you can set off into the glorious Welsh countryside.

What is The Quay Hotel like?

I felt genuinely welcomed by the staff, who maintained the calm atmosphere of the hotel.

There is 24-hour room service and if you want your four-legged friends to tag along make sure to book a ground floor superior room.

What are the rooms like?

Each of them is bright, airy and beautifully decorated in calming, coastal hues.

Pick from Cosy Cove rooms, the smallest of the bunch, or Superior and Executive rooms, which have a bit more space.

Some suites come with a balcony or terrace, are dog-friendly and can take two adults and two kids

One night’s B&B costs from £129. See quayhotel.co.uk

What is there to do in the hotel?

Enjoy its serene waterside setting with views of Conwy Castle, and a terrace bar where you can soak up the sunset.

There’s also a luxury spa, ideal for a laid-back break away from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind. 

Guests looking to unwind should head to the spa, where they can enjoy a thermal area, a spacious swimming pool, a vitality pool, heated loungers and foot baths.

If you’ve got cash to splash, the treatments here are fantastic, designed with skincare brand Oskia.

The hotel is also near the seaside, where you can treat yourself to fresh cockles and fish and chips. 

The luxury spa features heated loungers on the poolsideCredit: Supplied by The Quay Hotel, Conwy
For a relaxing break, away from the hustle and bustle, The Quay Hotel’s spa is perfectCredit: Supplied by The Quay Hotel, Conwy

What is there to eat and drink there?

The restaurant, connected to the bar, offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery and a relaxed atmosphere.

Dishes include a 24-hour slow-cooked beef that melts in the mouth, as well as salted caramel cheesecake.

Swing by the bar afterwards and cosy down on one of the comfy sofas – the house red is excellent. 

Is the hotel family friendly?

While the Quay Hotel welcomes children of all ages, it would suit older children best.

The spa pool is open to children but only at certain times.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

Fully accessible rooms are available, and the spa is all on one level with rails to assist in the swimming and hydrotherapy pools.

The restaurant offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery and a relaxed atmosphereCredit: Supplied by The Quay Hotel, Conwy

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I stayed at the 17th century hotel with its own on-site pub

The Stables Pub at Weetwood Hall, with outdoor seating under blue umbrellas on a cobblestone patio.

With its own onsite pub and nine acres of land, Weetwood Hall Hotel is a proper Northern retreat.

Even though parts date back to the Tudor period, all mod-cons are taken care of – so here’s everything you need to know.

Weetwood Hall Hotel is a former Jacobean manor houseCredit: Supplied

Where is Weetwood Hall Hotel?

Weetwood Hall Hotel is just five miles from Leeds city centre and on a direct bus route to all the main attractions.  

The hotel’s large car park, free for residence, lends itself to road trip adventures.

If you’re in town for one of the many sporting events Leeds plays host to, Weetwood is well placed being 2 miles from Headingley Stadium and 6 miles from Elland Road.

What is the hotel like?

This four-star hotel gives you a proper Yorkshire welcome, and the friendly staff are on hand for all your needs.

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It is built around a gorgeous 17th-century Jacobean manor house, set in nine acres of peaceful woodlands with its own traditional pub.

Parts date back to 1540, so it has real history – but it’s been thoughtfully updated into a modern hotel with quirky style.

It’s a nice balance of historic charm and modern convenience.

What are the rooms like?

You’ve got solid options. Signature rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, or upgrade to one of the king rooms, which really deliver on atmosphere with four-poster beds and period features.

Fast WiFi, proper amenities, and comfortable beds make for a good night’s sleep

Standard rooms cost from £31.05pp based on two sharing. See weetwood.co.uk.

What is there to do?

Weetwood’s Stables Pub has real character – it’s housed in the original horse stables and makes for atmospheric evening drinks.

It’s a cosy drinking hole serving traditional English beers and Yorkshire gin, plus there are big screens for watching sports.

For sunny days, there’s also outdoor seating in a lovely large courtyard. 

Once you’ve unpacked, why not take a ride on the little yellow water taxi (£3 per person per trip) to the free Royal Armouries Museum where Henry VIII’s and an elephant’s armour is on display.

Harewood House, one of the Treasure Houses of England, is an 18 minute drive away.

The breakfast has a very popular pancake stationCredit: Supplied by Ryan Venables

What is there to eat and drink?

The breakfast was delightful, with hot and cold options plus a very popular pancake station.

Convive Restaurant handles dinner with classic British dishes and cocktails, while afternoon tea costs £32.50 per person. 

At the onsite Stables pub, sample some of the many varieties of Yorkshire gin that are on offer.

Is the hotel family friendly?

For a family getaway, book one of the Weetwood’s family rooms with space for up to 4 people.

Make sure to ring ahead to organise a travel cot for the little ones.

Furry friends are welcome for a service charge of £25 per stay.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

Fully accessible rooms are available and equipped with an adjustable electric bed, wet room and orthopaedic raised seating.

Rooms start from £31 eachCredit: Supplied

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The London hotel that’s on the former grounds of a famous English king

A hotel room with a large bed, a curved orange sofa, and a round blue rug.

SITTING on some former royal grounds, Hyatt Regency Blackfriars is bang in the middle of London.

Here is everything you need to know about the hotel from room rates to restaurants.

Hyatt Regency Blackfriars is in a great location
Make sure to grab dinner at the Chinese Cricket Club

Where is the Hyatt Regency Blackfriars?

The Hyatt Regency Blackfriars hotel is in a great location.

It’s opposite Blackfriars train station and minutes away from St Paul’s Cathedral, this very grand looking Grade II-listed five-star hotel  is fit for a King.

The property sits on the former grounds of King Henry VIII’s Bridewell Palace, which was built around 1515.

What are the rooms like?

All the 205 rooms and suites have luxury mattresses, air conditioning, decent WiFi and a fridge.

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We stayed in a club twin room on the fifth floor.

It was a good size, especially for London, with super-sized single beds and a small sitting area.

The bathroom was equally lovely, with a good shower and luxurious toiletries.  

Rooms from £228 per night and suites from £420. See hyatt.com.

What is there to eat and drink at the hotel?

On site there are two restaurants and a lounge which serves light meals, coffee and pastries as well as a Latin American-inspired cocktail bar set in the former prison vaults.  

We had the cocktails and dinner of dreams in the Chinese Cricket Club.

It serves modern Chinese cuisine and was recently awarded two AA Rosettes.

We feasted from the Rose Set Menu which is £78pp and includes dim sum, smoked Peking duck and stir-fried lobster.

What else is there to do at the hotel?

Although the hotel is five-star, it has a chilled, easy-going vibe so you feel relaxed  from the moment you arrive.

The location is also ideal: It’s super-close to the City, plus we walked to the South Bank in ten minutes and Covent Garden in just 15 minutes.

Is the hotel family-friendly?

The hotel has options including the Family Room, which has two connecting King bedrooms and two bathrooms, sleeping up to five people.

Kids also get their own bathrobes and slippers, plush toys and activity books.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

There are accessible rooms as well as accessible access to the public areas including bathrooms and the restaurant.

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

The dinner options are raved about, including the tofuCredit: �2018 Giane Portella
Rooms start from £228 a night

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I stayed at the budget hotel on the edge of the Cotswolds

THE Holiday Inn in Oxford might not be the fanciest, but it is one of the most affordable for visiting the historic city.

Here is everything you need to know including room rates and how to get there.

Outdoor patio of the Holiday Inn Oxford with seating areas.
Holiday Inn Oxford is a great budget stay near the popular cityCredit: Holiday Inn

What is the hotel like?

The hotel is a bright, modern 220-room hotel just a short detour off the M40 motorway.

The terrace bar is a great suntrap, perfect for enjoying a gin and tonic or a pint of Stella while topping up your tan.

There’s also a spacious lobby bar inside, a decent sized gym and other amenities like a Starbucks and Waitrose within a minute’s walk.

What are the rooms like?

They have huge walk-in showers, robes and slippers (a nice touch in a value hotel), and big TVs with Netflix and other subscription services built-in.

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Ask for one of the recently refurbished rooms if you can.

We were on the ground floor but slept soundly with no road noise, despite the easy road links in the area.

Room rates start from £76 per night, or £92 with breakfast.

What is there to eat and drink at the hotel?

While it is a 15-minute drive into Oxford city centre, the hotel restaurant serves up big portions at decent prices.

Fish and chips, curries, pizza and burgers are among the options. Save room for a triple chocolate brownie or Belgian waffle for dessert.

Breakfast is available until 11am on weekends, so you can enjoy a lie-in before your full English.

What else is there to do?

The hotel sits in between the city centre of Oxford and the Cotswolds with its rolling hills and charming villages.

Gorgeous landmark Blenheim Palace is only a 10-minute drive away or spend a day exploring Oxford’s famous university buildings and visiting a pub on the banks of the Thames.

Discount designer shopping complex Bicester Village is another good local draw – also a 15-minute drive away.

If the hotel family friendly?

Family rooms that sleep four and connecting rooms are available, as well as cots on request.

Is it accessible?

The hotel has wheelchair accessible rooms, which include accessible door locks as well as bathrooms with grab bars, tall toilets and adequate clear turning space.

Hotel room with a bed, desk, and two chairs by the window.
Rooms include family and accessible ones as wellCredit: Holiday Inn

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The English hotel right on the beach with sea-view rooms and gorgeous spa

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Relais Cooden Beach outdoor dining area next to a pebble beach with a view of the sea, Image 2 shows Restaurant dining area with red patterned banquette seating, caned dividers, and a view of a gazebo, Image 3 shows Hotel bedroom with two beds, two armchairs, a small table, and a window overlooking the sea

WHEN it comes to seaside resorts, Relais Cooden Beach Hotel is one of the most beautiful along the English coastline.

Here’s everything you need to know from room prices to dining.

The Relais Cooden Beach is right on the beachCredit: Not known clear with picture desk
The hotel restaurant is a must too

What is the Relais Cooden Beach Hotel like?

A recently restored mock-Tudor hotel, the former holiday home of the aristocratic De La Warr family, set right on Cooden Beach.

A lot of hotels claim to be by the sea but this one really is – and with uninterrupted views across the Channel.

It’s friendly, welcoming and perfect for relaxing or for walking the dog.

What are the rooms like?

Take your pick from a range of comfortable and spotless sea-themed rooms and suites, many with sea views and all with wifi, 24-hour room service and tea and coffee-making facilities.

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There are single rooms, family rooms, accessible and dog-friendly ones available.

Rooms from £170 a night with breakfast included.

What is there to eat and drink there?

The Rally Restaurant offers a good range of evening meals, from burgers, steaks and pork belly to fish and chips and catch of the day, much of it locally sourced.

Plenty for veggies too.

If it’s sunny, sit on the terrace and enjoy the view as you eat.

What else is there do to at the hotel?

For a real taste of luxury visit the hotel’s spa.

We had a Deep Sea Soother facial, which was 90 minutes of bliss – but make sure you book treatments when you book the hotel room as it gets very busy.

The Relais is also very handy for Cooden Beach Golf Club and there is free parking.

It’s a great base for a holiday exploring East Sussex, for a long weekend or that special celebration.

It’s also perfect for an overnight stay if you go to a gig at the De La Warr Pavilion in nearby Bexhill.

Is it family friendly?

Yes, there are family rooms that sleep four and have direct access to the shoreline.

The restaurant has a kids menu, along with an ice cream cart and garden games in the summer.

Does it have accessible facilities?

They have accessible rooms which have wide doorways and an adapted bathroom with grab rails and a walk-in shower.

There are family and accessible rooms tooCredit: Gregoire Gardette
You can directly access the beach from the hotel

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