Hotel reviews

IF you want a historic stay in one of the UK’s coolest seaside towns, we’ve found one of the best.

Here’s everything you need to know about staying at Margate‘s The George & Heart House.

Where is The George & Heart House?

You couldn’t ask for a much better spot from which to explore Margate.

Across the road are the Old’s Town’s vintage shops, cafes and pubs while just a five-minute walk away is the beach as well as the Turner Contemporary art gallery and retro amusement park Dreamland, both of which are free to enter.

Margate train station is a ten-minute stroll from the hotel.

What’s it like?

Sat on the edge of Margate’s Old Town, this revamped 18th-century coaching inn is full of character.

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The charming interior features exposed brickwork, velvets, fringes and drapes with eco-friendly up-cycled furniture and a colour scheme of pink and dark green.

What are the rooms like?

There are six compact rooms designed by Kent creatives, all with their own unique style and names.

Among them, Burley & Field has Art Deco and Oriental influences while Home Alone With Mrs Jones is a riot of 1970s Biba-style imagery.

There is also the plush and spacious Heritage Suite, where I stayed, which takes up an entire floor.

It comes with two bedrooms and a big living space complete with a small kitchen area, two sofas, wall-mounted flatscreen TV and a dining table.

Double rooms with breakfast cost from £90. See georgeandheart.com.

What is there to eat and drink?

Definitely eat here. The restaurant delivers mainly pub classics, including burgers and fish and chips, but also more elaborate dishes such as pork Milanese.

I had the halibut in a tomato and caper sauce with new potatoes and tenderstem broccoli which was perfectly cooked and delicious.

In the summer you can also dine in the pub’s airy Stables Courtyard.

The breakfast is continental, including juices, muesli, fruit, croissants, ham and cheese.

What else is there to do?

The hotel has a Zen Den, which offers massages and facials by appointment, but can also be used by guests for morning stretches or meditation.

Is it family friendly?

The hotel’s two-bedroom Heritage Suite sleeps four, so works for families.

Is it accessible?

Due to being a historic pub, the hotel is not wheelchair accesible

IF you want a beautiful spa hotel with all the trimmings, you’re in luck.

Here’s everything you need to know about staying at Mottram Hall in Cheshire.

Where is Mottram Hall?

Mottram Hall sits in the heart of Premier League Wag country.

It’s rural but easily accessible from Manchester while Wilmslow, on the mainline rail line from London, is just three miles away.

What’s it like?

The Grade II listed building has a modern £15m spa and large gym attached to it, and looks out over an 18-hole championship golf course.

What are the rooms like?

We had a suite with a kingsize bed – the kind of bed where you have to reach over and check if someone else is still there in the morning.

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The room was smart and functional over trendy and gimmicky.

It’s very peaceful – we slept with the window open and even the birds seem to wake late.

Room only is £49.50 per person and a spa treatment can be added on for £60. See champneys.com.

What is there to eat and drink?

We visited in January when hotels usually are less busy but the main Carrington Grill restaurant was packed with hen dos and couples.

We had a hearty lunch in the spa so stuck to mains for dinner and tucked into a couple of steaks.

Both well-cooked and good value along with a lovely bottle of Malbec.

Attentive staff brought us a Mojito cocktail and a Cosmopolitan while we waited for our mains.

We finished with some tea and a cheese board.

If you’re staying for longer, Wilmslow is jam-packed with restaurants – Cibo is a favourite of footballers while Hickory’s Smokehouse is more family orientated.

What else is there to do?

Mottram Hall is an activity-based hotel.

There’s a busy golf course, and while the spa attracts a large crowd, the experience was still relaxing and we didn’t feel cramped.

I enjoyed the 20m pool, along with the jacuzzi, steam room and saunas.

The gym looked well-equipped, but I was on a rest day, ahem.

Instead, I saved myself for a Champneys massage which almost caused me to yelp, but made my muscles feel amazing two days later.

A tailored spa break including three-course dinner, breakfast and lunch is £560.

Is it family friendly?

There are some family rooms available that sleep up to three people, as well as kids menu at the restaurants

Is it accessible?

The hotel has disabled parking spaces, along with ramps to the main entrance and the restaurant.

There are also three accessible rooms which have been tailored to suit disabled guests.

CALLING all foodies – this might just be the country pub with the best food in Britain.

Here’s everything else you need to know about staying at The Freemasons at Wiswell.

Where is The Freemasons at Wiswell?

The beautiful country pub is in the heart of a pretty sandstone Lancashire village.

What is the hotel like?

Lots of nooks and crannies ensure you enjoy the buzz of a busy spot, but also have privacy to enjoy the company of family or friends.

The inn itself was once three cottages, one of which was a freemason’s lodge.

What are the rooms like?

The room we stayed in was in a property next door so we had no noise from the bar and enjoyed a peaceful sleep in the countryside.

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Our room – Mr Hare – boasted a super king bed, and a stunning rolltop bath on a mezzanine floor.

Luxury touches included fluffy towels and dressing gowns as well as a Nespresso coffee machine and premium, handmade bath and body products.

“My dream bedroom”, said my wife.

Rooms start from £125. See freemasonsatwiswell.com.

What is there to eat and drink at the hotel?

The kitchen is led by executive chef Michael Shaw who has worked for some of Britain’s best known chefs including Gordon Ramsay and Raymond Blanc.

We visited on a Thursday so Mike popped out of the kitchen and encouraged us to enjoy a six-course tasting menu (£85pp).

English asparagus, cornish crab, stuffed mushrooms, glazed duck and salted white chocolate.

Andrew, our host, allowed us to choose some wine, before choosing us a better bottle of red. An a la carte menu is also available.

The following morning we enjoyed a three-course breakfast – fresh baked pastries, smoked salmon and cured meats and a delicious cooked breakfast.

Even if not staying at the hotel, the Freemasons is a lovely place for a pint, or a celebratory meal. Sunday lunch (£39.50 for two courses) looks good too.

What else is there to do there?

Chocolate box Wiswell is lovely to stroll around before or after a meal.

A few minute’s drive away is the popular village of Whalley which features lovely little shops, wine bars and traditional pubs.

We got into the car and drove 15 minutes to nearby Barley and spent a lovely couple of hours walking up 557-metre Pendle Hill, famous as the spot where ten people were hanged during the 1612 Pendle Witch trials.

Is it family friendly?

For families, it is advisable to get in contact to discuss the needs of your stay so there’s plenty of room for everyone.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

Freemasons at Wiswell offers disabled access rooms on the ground floor.

THE HOLIDAY inspired hotel rooms? Check. Free fudge after check in? Check.

If both of those have you tempted, here’s everything you need to know about a stay at The Feathered Inn.

What is The Feathered Nest like?

This 350 year-old former malthouseturned-inn with a fine dining restaurant is a cosy bolthole in a chocolate box village overlooking the rolling hills of the Evenlode Valley.

What are the rooms like?

The inn has four tastefully decorated rooms where homemade cookies and fudge will await you.

For those wanting a Kate Winslet moment, inspired by movie, The Holiday, the inn features a gorgeous honey-coloured cottage that sleeps four guests.

It features flagstone flooring, an open fireplace and a huge freestanding bath.

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Rooms start from £235 per night, including breakfast. Stays at the cottage are from £350 per night. See thefeatherednestinn.co.uk.

Dogs are allowed at the cottage for an additional £25.

What is there to eat and drink at the hotel?

The inn’s award winning 3-AA Rosette restaurant sources the best seasonal ingredients, such as Welsh lamb and Yorkshire rhubarb and is where head chef James Erasmus works his magic.

Breakfast can be served in either the pretty garden room or the grounds.

What else is there?

The nearby village of Stow-on-the-Wold is a market town featuring quaint antique shops and traditional tea rooms.

David Beckham‘s favourite sausage roll can be found at The Cotswold Guy in the village of Guiting Power.

The Feathered Nest has lots of information about circular walks or, if you’re up for it, take on The Cotswold Way – a 102-mile hiking route between Chipping Campden and Bath.

It’s surely one of the best kept secrets in the Cotswolds.

Is it family friendly?

The cottage fits 4 people which families will want to book to make their stay easy. 

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

The ground floor of the Inn can be uneven and requires the use of short staircases throughout the building.

Guests that need a room with easy access should contact the bookings team to discuss requirements for the stay.

However, there is level access to the dining terrace and the Garden Room, although guests should let the booking team know that easy access is needed. 

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. 

FINDING a brilliant UK hotel that is stylish, comfortable and in a top location for under £100 can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Luckily, we’ve scoured Tripadvisor‘s UK hotel data to find incredible Brit hotels that are top-rated and budget-friendly.

All of these UK hotels are winners of the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award, which puts them in the top 10 per cent of listings on the site based on real guests’ rankings and reviews.

Plus they all have a 4.5/5 rating or over, as well as an average nightly rate of below £100.

We found everything from forest hotels with roaming wild ponies to secret Scottish ‘gaming rooms’ with video-game cheat codes etched into the furniture.

From retro American-style motels to seaside escapes with cabaret entertainment, here are ten of Tripadvisor’s top-rated and affordable UK hotels.

Mollie’s Motel, Bristol

If you’re into all-American style diners and neon-lit motels, you’ll love a stay at Mollie’s.

Just off the M5 at Cribbs Causeway, this retro hotel is hard to miss, with its glowing red sign and zig-zag shaped exterior.

Inside you’ll find a classic diner, with shiny tiled floors, booth seating and a swanky bar, with plenty of stools to sit and sink back a bottled beer.

After chowing down on your burger, hot dog or steak (best washed down with a milkshake, of course) head upstairs to a modern room with scandi-style wooden decor, warm lights and crisp, white linen.

Each room comes with fancy rainfall showers, high-end Cowshed toiletries, fluffy towels, and Dyson hairdryers. You can even borrow some GHD straighteners from reception.

The hotel is rated 4.6/5 on Tripadvisor, with many praising how comfortable it is to stay in.

One reviewer even remarked: “If I could take the bed home with me, I’d be tempted!”

You can book a stay from £68 on Booking.com.

Hotel Indigo Dundee by IHG

This swanky Scottish hotel is set inside a former 19th-century mill, but has been decorated with a modern twist.

Industrial touches like brick walls and iron columns still remain, but inside you’ll find modern, quirky themed rooms.

The Dundee Cake room is decorated with marmalade in mind, while the Comic Room has decorations inspired by “Black Bob” – a comic about a Scottish Border Collie.

Perhaps the coolest part is the Gaming Room, where there are books about Dundee’s rich video game history.

There are even secret GTA codes are hidden within its walls, a nod to the fact that popular game Grand Theft Auto was invented in the city.

You can book a stay from £56 on Booking.com.

EasyHotel Oxford

If you want to explore Oxford without entirely draining your bank account, easyHotel Oxford is a wallet-friendly budget, no-frills pick.

You won’t find fancy hotel bars or luxurious extras here. Instead, it offers exactly what it says on the tin: a clean, practical, and easy place to crash after a day of sightseeing.

The hotel offers clean and comfortable double and twin rooms, but if you want the absolute cheapest rate possible, you can opt for a windowless room.

That way you can secure a room from as little as £26 a night during off-peak times.

When you’re ready to explore Oxford, there’s a bus stop right outside the hotel that will whisk you straight into the city centre and the university colleges in around 10 minutes.

You can currently book a room from £31.50 per night on the easyHotel website.

The Telegraph Hotel, Coventry

The Telegraph Hotel is the #1 ranked hotel in Coventry on Tripadvisor, with a score of 4.5/5 stars.

Once the home of the Coventry Evening Telegraph paper, this building now serves as a stylish hotel, with plenty of nods to its journalistic past.

Inside you’ll find a glamorous, marble-floored lobby with emerald green plush sofas and warm golden chandeliers.

You may spot typewriters, old newspapers, pigeonholes, photos of the original 1960’s newsroom dotted around inside.

Rooms are spacious and on-theme with black and white artwork and those same emerald-coloured chairs.

Rooms start from £65 per night on Trip.com.

The Melbreak Hotel, The Lake District

Named after the Lake District’s Melbreak fell which you can see from the property, this family-run hotel offers a friendly base right on the border of the rugged Western Lake District and Cumbrian coast.

Rooms come with big comfy beds, traditional wooden furnishings, and plenty of space to unpack after a long day of hiking.

They come with all the essentials like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and en-suite bathrooms. Many of the executive rooms offer gorgeous, sweeping views over the surrounding countryside.

After spending the day exploring the nearby peaks, head to the hotel‘s conservatory restaurant for generous portions of hearty pub classics.

For a relaxed drink, the cosy lounge bar is the perfect spot to sink into a leather chair with a pint of local Cumbrian ale.

Plus stunning spots like Ennerdale Water, Bassenthwaite Lake, and the market town of Cockermouth are all less than a 20-minute drive away.

Rooms are available from £79 on Booking.com.

The Templestowe Hotel, Torquay

The Templestowe Hotel in Torquay delivers big on old school seaside town charm – plus it has a whopping 4.7/5 stars on Tripadvisor.

The excellent evening entertainment includes a massive ballroom and dance floor, plus a stage where you’ll find nightly acts such as cabaret, singers, dancers and comedians.

When it comes to food and drink, forget tiny tasting menus – this hotel is all about generous portions of classic British meals.

You can expect hearty multi-course dinners featuring roast meats, pies, and comforting puddings – plus a traditional cooked breakfast each morning to set you up for the day.

One Tripadvisor reviewer commented: “The entertainment was very good every night”, and that there is “a free bar from 19.00 – 23.00” where “there was never a long queue & you just had to return your empty glasses to get another drink & show your room card”.

Another said: “Great atmosphere. Entertainment was at a very high standard. Great content. A great hotel for the more mature people.”

You can book a stay from £93 per night on Booking.com.

Woodlands Lodge Hotel

This country house hotel is tucked into Hampshire’s New Forest, where you’ll find endless pretty woodland walks and might even bump into a few of the forest’s 5,000 free-roaming wild ponies.

Originally built as a royal hunting lodge in the 1750s, this woodland retreat makes for the ideal countryside escape to return to to take off your muddy boots and laze back by the log fire.

There are 17 bedrooms here, including options with grand four-poster beds and dog-friendly options.

For food and drink you can tuck into some tender lamb or a juicy steak, or sit down to a delicious, homemade afternoon tea with a view of the hotel gardens.

With an impressive 4.5/5 star rating on Tripadvisor, one guest commented “it was a pleasant surprise to find such an idyllic little country house tucked away within the cattle grids and Forest”.

Another said “Our room was lovely. A walk across the back lawn through a gate takes you into the forest where we experienced several horses galloping together, into the shade of the trees.”

You can book a room from £80 per night on Booking.com.

The Crown Hotel Boroughbridge

Once a historic 16th-century coaching inn, The Crown Hotel in Boroughbridge is full of historic charm.

This cosy Yorkshire hotel has low oak beams, roaring fires and comfy rooms with tartan furnishings.

But the best thing about this hotel is the on-site leisure club, where you’ll find a heated indoor pool, hot tub, steam room, sauna and gym to unwind in.

Once you’re suitably relaxed, head to the hotel’s traditional bar and restaurant where you can tuck into pub classics like fish and chips, washed down with a pint of local Black Sheep ale.

The hotel sits on the doorstep of the spectacular North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales. Plus you’re also just a 20-minute drive from Harrogate, the cathedral city of Ripon, and the family-friendly rides at Lightwater Valley.

Rooms start from £74 per night on Hotels.com.

Super 8 by Wyndham Chester East

If you’re looking for a cheap and convenient pitstop that feels significantly cooler than your average roadside hotel, the Super 8 by Wyndham is a top pick.

This is an American budget brand’s first foray into the UK, which arrived at the Chester motorway services in 2023.

But forget the dingy US motel stereotype – this place feels slick, modern and boasts fancy rooms that punch high above their price tag.

Rooms have sleek wooden finishes, mustard yellow details and cityscape artwork that reflects the brand’s American roots.

You also get brilliant tech upgrades that you wouldn’t typically expect from a motorway stay, including large smart TVs, ultra-fast free Wi-Fi, and plenty of USB ports.

The en-suite bathrooms are spotless and feature large walk-in power showers to wake you up before you hit the road again.

But this hotel isn’t just a pit-stop for road-trippers. It’s a 10-minute drive from shopping at Cheshire Oaks, plus Chester Zoo and Chester city are easily accessible from here for a day out.

Rooms are available from £38 per night on Expedia.

Cedar Court Huddersfield Hotel

This hotel in the village of Ainley Top in Huddersfield is in the prime position for exploring the Peaks (only 20 minutes’ drive), plus you can easily nip into Halifax to visit the Piece Hall or the interactive Eureka! children’s museum.

The hotel has a bright, modern and airy feel, thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows which let the sunlight pour through and look out to well-manicured gardens.

There are 113 rooms here, which have recently been refurbished with sapphire blue, brick and wood decor.

When you’ve spent the day stomping across the Peak District, you won’t want fussy fine dining. Thankfully, here you’ll find familiar favourites like pizzas, chicken and chips plus that all-important buffet breakfast.

And for when you need to unwind, there’s an underground health club complete with a fully equipped gym, sauna, and steam room.

You can book a stay from £45 on Hotels.com.

DID you know of the UK’s most affordable hotel chains was actually inspired by first class plane cabins?

Here is everything you need to know about staying at Yotel London City.

Where is the hotel?

A short walk from London Farringdon station, you couldn’t get much more central when visiting the capital.

What is the hotel like?

The modern hotel has all the trimmings – on-site restaurant, rentable umbrellas, underground gym and hundreds of rooms to choose from.

Check in whenever you get there; the lobby is 24 hours or there are self-service machines.

What are the rooms like?

Rooms are minimalist, decked out in clean white and the famous deep purple of the brand, albeit with some essentials such as large Smart TVs and hairdryers.

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The highlight is the reclining bed which goes from upright to fully reclined with the click of a button (another cheeky space saver).

Otherwise the toilet and shower are in separate smaller cubicles, kitted out with eco-friendly Urban Jungle toiletries and towels.

Forgo the room service on longer stays and you even get added discounts.

Each room comes with complimentary towels and Urban Jungle toiletries, as well as a safe and fridge, iron and hairdryer.

Rooms range from single beds for solo travellers, to 2-3 person rooms with queen beds or even bunk beds. Ask for the VIP suite to get 399sqft of space to yourself.

Rooms start from £119. See yotel.com.

What is there to eat and drink there?

The on-site restaurant Revolve has a limited, but perfect menu for food that ticks all the boxes.

I went for the classic pepperoni pizza and it came out fresh from the oven with the perfect level of charred crusts.

It’s also where you will find the bar, with a very extensive list of cocktails, wines and beers.

(I was sold by the elderflower and grapefruit Solar Boom).

If you’re short on time, there is a 24-hour Dine and Dash area with snacks and hot drinks you can buy to take with you.

What is there to do at the hotel?

Make sure to try Yotel’s Anti-Appy Hour, a collaboration with app-blocking keycard Bloom.

Sign up, tap the card on your phone and it blocks your chosen social media for one hour – the perfect time to take advantage of a now-discounted drink at the bar.

There are even postcards throughout the hotel so you can spend time writing them for your loved ones during your off-screen time.

Is the hotel family-friendly?

Cots can be requested at no extra cost, with some rooms sleeping up to three people including a bunk bed.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

The hotel has lifts between all of the floors, as well as accessible rooms including Accessible Queen and Accessible Premium Plus.

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

THERE’S nothing worse than a 3am alarm clock before a long flight – which is where airport hotels come in.

I stayed at the Holiday Inn at London Gatwick Airport. Here’s everything you need to know.

What is the hotel like?

A very comfortable, convenient modern hotel for those wanting to grab more sleep before a flight.

There’s a shuttle bus running every 15 to 20 minutes most of the day and every hour from midnight to 3am, providing a direct link to check terminals.

What are the rooms like?

Clean, modern rooms with more facilities than you’d expect for an overnight stay.

There’s tea and coffee, free water, a mini bar and work desk with lamp.

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The iron will ensure you’re presentable for any flight and there are also plenty of plug sockets and USB points. Room service is 24/7 too.

It took the sting out of our 6am flight and we managed to grab a few extra hours’ sleep before heading off on our trip feeling rested.

Book through Holiday Extras and with their Flextras policy, if you need to cancel or amend, you can without charge.

One night’s stay in a standard room at the Holiday Inn Gatwick is from £121 in total.

Or for one night plus four days Maple Meet & Greet parking, prices start from £244 in total. See holidayextras.com.

What is there to eat and drink there?

Great for a quick dinner before heading off for an early night, there’s a buzzy restaurant and bar.

The menu features comfort food from burgers (£18.50) and stuffed flatbreads (£12) to curries, steaks and salads.

Food arrived quickly and service was efficient and friendly. Breakfast served from 6am.

What else is there?

For those looking to drive, Holiday Extras can package up a stay at the hotel with a range of parking options from longstay to Meet and Greet.

Is it family friendly?

The hotel has connecting rooms, cribs on request and kids can eat free making this a family friendly hotel.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

Guests can find accessible bathrooms equipped with grab bars, tall toilets, handrails, and a clear turning space for wheelchair users.

As well as easy access for wheelchairs, there are also conveniently located door locks.

FINDING a London hotel room that isn’t the size of a shoe box and is actually affordable can be a real challenge.

Luckily, I’ve done my research and have found an underrated hotel that hides a secret bargain.

This stay offers suite-sized rooms for a very reasonable £65 – which is less than what you’d pay for those broom cupboard-sized rooms in the city centre.

Not only that, but the hotel has great connections into Central London, plus has attractions like the Minecraft Experience and The Legend of the Titanic exhibition less than 10 minutes away.

Throw in unlimited free ferry rides across the river to Canary Wharf, and it might just be the best-kept budget hotel hack in the capital.

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Where is a&o London Docklands Riverside?

a&o London Docklands Riverside is in Rotherhithe, which sits directly opposite swanky London finance district Canary Wharf.

A stay here even comes with free ferry tickets to cross over the river and reach Canary Wharf in a matter of minutes.

You can take the ferry as many times as you’d like during your stay. Ferries come every 15-20 minutes, and run daily until around 11pm.

The easiest way to get to the hotel via public transport is by taking the underground to Canada Water, and then walking around 10 minutes to reach the hotel.

What is the hotel like?

This is a no faff, no-frills spot which makes for the perfect budget-friendly base on a trip to London.

The building is a restored 17th century wharf warehouse, bringing a touch of the area’s maritime history to your stay – but all of the amenities here are super modern.

Everything here is designed for efficiency – the check-in process is quick and easy, there are vending machines throughout with snacks, drinks and toiletries, and reception are on-hand 24 hours a day to help.

There’s an indoor bar and lounge area, plus an outdoor ‘Urban Beach’ bar with plenty of parasol-topped tables for soaking up the sun in the warmer weather.

What are the rooms like?

This London stay offers the ultimate room hack – entire suite-sized rooms from just £65 per night.

a&o London Docklands Riverside used to be a Hilton Doubletree hotel, however since a&o took over ownership, you can snag a large room for a shockingly low price.

This is because some rooms here which were once sold as King Junior Suites are now being sold for the price of a regular double room.

This means that you could bag an entire suite with a big double bed, lounge area with a sofa, desk to work from and even a balcony overlooking the Thames for just £65 per night.

That works out to only £32.50pp per night (almost unheard of for a Central London hotel).

Prices vary depending on the time of year you visit, so if you want to bag this price, make sure to look for off-peak season stays such as weekdays in the winter.

As this accommodation is owned by a&o hostels, there are actually dorm rooms on offer here, too.

If you’re a seasoned traveller that doesn’t mind sharing a room, you could bag a stay here from as little as £19 per night – perfect if you just want a place to crash after a concert or event.

What is there to eat and drink?

Breakfast here is served buffet-style with all the usual suspects – eggs, sausage, bacon, cereals – plus a pancake machine with Nutella and maple syrup.

It’s definitely worth heading out into the city to grab lunch and dinner, as London is full of amazing restaurants inspired by all sorts of cuisines.

Cross the river into Canary Wharf and you’ll soon spot Big Easy – a huge, American-style BBQ restaurant that sits on top of the underground station, with huge neon signage that reflects onto the water below.

Here you can feast on steak, ribs, fries, corn on the cob and more, all lathered in thick barbecue sauce. Messy, but so delicious.

What else is there to do there?

When you’re out in Canary Wharf, make sure to book in a session at Fairgame.

Head towards the giant yellow rubber duck on the waterfront and behind it you’ll find a playground for grown-ups.

Inside there’s street food-style stalls, a bar serving crazy cocktails and, most importantly, loads of fairground-style games like whack-a-mole and basketball hoop-shooting.

If you’ve got kids with you, or just fancy a wholesome day out, hop on the DLR to Mudchute Farm.

Here you’ll find a farm with a surreal feel, where you can see alpacas, goats, sheep, chickens and more grazing grasses backed by London skyscrapers.

There’s even a community garden on-site where you can get stuck in and lend a hand planting flowers, fruits and vegetables.

Is it family friendly?

a&o London Docklands Riverside is family-friendly, with private, family-sized rooms and even pram hire from reception.

The hotel also has dog-friendly rooms, with a fee of £13 per pet per day.

Is the hotel accessible?

The hotel is accessible with step-free access onto the property and elevators to reach the rooms.

Make sure to mention any specific needs you may have upon booking.

STRIKING orange sunsets over sage green marshes. Clear, starry skies and healing salty air. A seafront pub bringing all the party vibes and the best of local seafood.

This is The White Horse in Brancaster Staithe, a posh pub with rooms on the North Norfolk coast.

Norfolk locals like me will tell you this pub is famous for three things: Oyster festivals, blazing orange sunsets, and the colossal Seafood Platter that’s doing the rounds on social media. (And maybe that clip of General Manager Rob falling off his chair on Instagram).

Here’s everything you need to know about staying at The White Horse.

Where is The White Horse?

The White Horse sits on the North Norfolk coastline in the seaside village of Brancaster Staithe.

This stretch of North Norfolk coast is known for it’s freshly-caught seafood such as lobsters and oysters, vast golden beaches and laid-back, friendly feel.

POSH PUB

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SEA IT

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The seafront pub sits smack-bang on the Norfolk Coast Path, its garden leading straight out onto the coastal trail with its maze of creeks and pretty marshland.

Follow the trail along to Brancaster Beach to find a sprawling expanse of dog-friendly golden sand, where you can even spot the rusted wreck of a WWII ship.

What is the hotel like?

The White Horse has an impressive exterior, with multi-levelled restaurants directly facing the salt marshes.

This setup offers unbeatable sunset views for arguably the best outdoor dining on the North Norfolk coast.

Inside the beachy theme continues with rattan furniture, shell and sailing artwork lining the walls, as well as a balance of cool blue and warm orange tones to reflect those famous Norfolk sunsets over the sea.

Whether you’re sipping your morning coffee by the creeks, or enjoying a pint of golden Wherry by the roaring fire, the whole place operates at an unhurried coastal pace – what locals dub being on ‘Norfolk time’.

What are the rooms like?

There’s 15 bedrooms in the main building, many of which look out over the sea, offering views over the sandy stretch of Scolt Head Island.

The ‘Room at the Top’ comes with a stargazing terrace and telescope, letting you take full advantage of Norfolk’s clear, starry skies.

The pub’s eight garden rooms are pricier starting at £210 per night, but are super spacious, come with their own outdoor terrace, and are just steps from the sea.

Rooms start from £165 per night, including breakfast. See whitehorsebrancaster.co.uk.

What is there to eat and drink?

There’s three main spots to eat here: the cosy bar, the swanky main restaurant, and the vibey Marshside bar.

The main bar is perfect for popping into after a breezy beach walk, where you can grab a pint of local ale or a hot drink and sink into the sofa.

There’s also light lunches and dinner on offer here, like focaccia sandwiches (£12.50), fish and chips (£22.50) and a local beef burger with fries (£19).

The raised main restaurant boasts panoramic views over the marshes, with floor-to-ceiling windows that allow the sunlight to flood in, with touches of warm light and glowing candles.

Here you can order a locally-caught Market Fish of the Day (£28.50) served with Norfolk potatoes, three huge Brancaster Rock Oysters for £13.50, or the one that people travel far and wide for: the Seafood Platter.

The Seafood Platter comes with smoked salmon, oysters, crab, cockles, clams, tuna, crevettes, prawn cocktail, caviar, mackerel, sauces and focaccia for £89, and can easily be shared between 2-3 people. It’s a must-try!

Then there’s Marshside – the outdoor bar and restaurant where the pub’s festivals are held in summer, and cocktails are enjoyed with salty air and vibey music.

If you’re dining at Marshside, go for the chicken kiev and fries – or a cheeky Bloody Mary served with an oyster on the side for £15.

What else is there to do there?

This pub hosts very popular festivals over the summer and into September, including an annual Oyster Festival, Paella Weekend and a Lobster BBQ. Make sure to check the website for specific dates.

My favourite is the Sea Shanty Festival, where local crew Nelson’s Shantymen and touring shanty groups perform sea-faring favourites like Blow The Man Down and the TikTok-famous ‘Wellerman’ to raise money for the RNLI.

Outside of the festivals, there’s plenty of water sports to tackle nearby, from stand up paddling with Brancaster Boards to sailing with Brancaster Staithe Sailing Club.

If you’re looking to unwind, Wild Yoga Norfolk offers unique seaside wellness sessions like seaside sauna and swims in the saltwater creeks.

Twitchers will love nearby Titchwell Marsh, where you can spot birds like pink-footed geese, marsh harriers and avocets.

Sister pub The Jolly Sailors is just a few minutes down the road, and has a large beer garden with beach huts selling everything from unicorn ice cream to rum cocktails. They also serve generous bowls of local mussels, when in season.

Is it family friendly?

There are dedicated family rooms here with space for extra beds – just make sure to mention if you need this when booking.

There’s also a children’s menu in the restaurant with options for ‘Little Kids’ like haddock and chips (£9.50) and a chargrilled chicken burger (£9.50), or ‘Bigger Kids’ mains like a beef burger (£16) and even half a lobster with fries (£28).

Is the hotel accessible?

There are accessible garden rooms with ramps, as well as step-free access to restaurants.

Make sure to mention any additional needs you may have when booking.