Hotel reviews

We checked in to this stylish new hotel in west London and discovered stunning interiors, a tranquil garden and innovative drinks at the bar

A few minutes’ walk away from bustling Earls Court Road, past quiet cobbled mews, is Templeton Garden, chic European hotel group Miiro’s latest opening, and arguably London’s most stylish new hotel.

A former townhouse, its grand white-pillared entrance opens up into what looks like an interiors Pinterest board brought to life, an elegant colour palette of creams, beiges and rusts, with a light and airy lounge area leading onto a beautiful private garden out the back – a rare find in central London – with a terrace for taking lunch or drinks.

Stay between 17 November-24 December and get access to the hotel’s Ribbon Room, a Santa’s grotto stocked with beautiful papers and ribbons to wrap your finds from your Christmas shopping expedition like a pro, accompanied by a hot buttered Brugal cider, from Sprout, the hotel’s bar.

The rooms at Templeton Garden

The complimentary colour palette continues to the 156 bedrooms, which our Junior Suite was elegant and understated with soft plaster-pink walls and lots of fabric textures, and immediately made us want to redecorate ours at home. A pop of colour comes from the dark red tiled shower space in the bathroom, complete with marble bath, vintage-style brass fittings and Le Labo Santal 33 products. Sleeping here under the canopy bed feels special yet still homely – a tricky balance to get right.

The food and drink at Templeton Garden

Evenings at Templeton Garden begin with a drink at Sprout, lined with hand-painted wallpaper and low velvet seats arranged around lamp-lit tables, with a stunning gold oak leaf light fitting overhead.

The most interesting thing about this bar, however, is the drinks list. The Market Stall Menu features innovative cocktail creations using ingredients commonly found in the back of your cupboard, such as a Marmitini, Red Onion Manhattan and Anchovy Gimlet. The Specials Menu, meanwhile, uses seasonal fruit and vegetables, and changes regularly depending on what’s available.

Templeton Garden

From £290 per night

Booking.com

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A stylish new hideaway in London’s Earl’s Court.

We opted for the Sweet Pea Spritz, made, we were told, by separating the peas from their pods, roasting the pods, blending them both back together to make a cordial, then mixing them with vodka and sparkling wine. Fresh and slightly sweet, it was like nothing we’d ever tried before, and completely delicious.

It was then on to dinner at Pippin’s restaurant, where the focus is again on seasonal ingredients with lots of fresh herbs from the garden. The spring vegetable salad was a colourful plate of crunchy pickled veg and leaves atop a tangy cheddar emulsion, while for mains, the catch of the day was a delicious crispy-skinned stone bass paired with a herby, zingy chimichurri.

How much does it cost to stay at Templeton Garden?

Rooms at Templeton Garden start from £290 per night.

Our writer Abby Wells soaks up the culture on a wonderful weekend in the Italian capital, featuring incredible history, authentic cuisine and top tourist attractions

Having never been to Italy before, I was very excited to see what its capital city had to offer – and it certainly didn’t disappoint. After leaving rainy England and landing in Rome’s significantly sunnier weather just over two hours later, I was immediately smitten with the architecture, the people, the food and the history.

Where to stay in Rome

I arrived at the Grand Hotel Palace Rome in the centre of the city in the heat of the afternoon sun as I was visiting back in the summer. Walking into the cool reception, with its calm and inviting decor, was a refreshing welcome.

Restored in 2010, this boutique hotel now blends timeless Italian design with 21st-century modernity – think marble floors, huge chandeliers and stunning frescoes. Despite having 74 bedrooms and 12 luxurious suites, it has an intimate feel.

My superior room was spacious and decorated in pastel hues. It had impressive city views and was a real haven away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds outside.

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What to do in Rome

This city is best explored on foot, so comfy shoes are a suitcase essential. The grand architecture is guaranteed to impress as you wander around with your gelato.

Our hotel was a stone’s throw from the gorgeous Villa Borghese, Rome’s largest park, which has landscaped gardens, sculptures and fountains, a zoo and even a replica of London’s Globe Theatre. I recommend heading to the Pincio terrace, which offers panoramic views of the city, including the famous domed roof of Saint Peter’s Basilica in the distance.

The Spanish Steps are a 10-minute walk from the hotel and although it was very busy here with tourists, I managed to find the perfect spot to sit and people watch – Babington’s tea rooms, which dates back to 1893 and is a must for tea lovers.

You can’t go to Rome and not visit Trevi Fountain. Tradition says that if you throw a coin into the fountain, you will return to the city. Already keen to visit again, I joined in.

What really struck me was how big it was. Measuring 26 metres high, it’s the biggest fountain in Rome, and undoubtedly the most magnificent. You need to join the queuing system to get close to the fountain, but this did move very quickly when I went at 9am.

Visiting the Colosseum is another must and I highly recommend booking a guided tour. My guide, Max, was extremely knowledgeable but also managed to add some humour. It was amazing seeing the huge arena where gladiators used to fight in front of thousands of people. Be sure to pre-book and get there in plenty of time, as getting through security takes a while.

After a long day of sightseeing, you can treat your tired feet to a pamper at Grand Hotel Palace’s Fusion Spa, an Asian-inspired oasis with a sauna, indoor heated saltwater pool and relaxation areas, plus a choice of indulgent treatments.

Where to eat in Rome

You’re spoilt for choice for places to eat in Rome. On every street there are lovely little tabernas strewn with fairy lights, pizzerias or shops serving gelato in every flavour imaginable.

On my first night I enjoyed the tasting menu at Grand Hotel Palace’s Ristorante Cadorin. I feasted on four courses, but the best was saved for last – the tiramisu was heavenly. I went to bed very happy with a full stomach. The hotel breakfast was buffet-style, with optional extras available to order.

If you’re looking for a traditional Italian restaurant, I recommend Checco Er Carettiere in an area called Trastevere. Tucked away down a side street, it’s family-run, serves authentic Roman dishes and has a pretty courtyard out the back. My pasta dish was just as you’d expect: utterly delicious.

If you’re a fan of fish, Il San Lorenzo is worth a visit. This sleek restaurant is reputed to offer the best seafood restaurant in Rome. If you do find yourself eating your body weight in pizza and pasta, don’t worry, as you’ll soon walk it off exploring this amazing ancient city.

How much does it cost?

Rooms at Grand Hotel Palace Rome start from £330 per night.

For alternative hotel options in Rome, browse on holiday booking sites such as Booking.com and Expedia.

THE TEMPUS, Northumberland is a hotel surrounded by natural serenity and an immersive, sophisticated experience. 

Here’s everything you need to know – from room rates to dining options at the hotel’s restaurant.

Where is the hotel?

Located just 7 miles from Alnwick and just off the A1, The Tempus is just 12 miles from the nearest station in Alnmouth, where taxis can be arranged for an easy journey. 

What is the hotel like?

Sparkling blue sea, rolling sand dunes and sunshine beating down on glorious ancient ruins. I could be on an island in the Med.

But this was a plush hotel in Northumberland.

The barns of this 18th century estate have been tastefully converted into 32 rooms. 

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What are the rooms like?

Inspired by Alice In Wonderland, the Superior King with a Terrace was decorated with eye popping hot-pink walls, a comfy sofa and two armchairs, alongside a gorgeous gold and marble coffee table.

The bathroom was huge with multiple lighting options, giving guests the choice of a disco shower, while rooms come with a Nespresso machine and biscuits, as well as dressing gowns and slippers.

Double rooms cost from £195 on a B&B basis.

What is there to eat or drink there?

 A gastro pub-style menu at the hotel’s Orangery restaurant combines hearty with sophisticated dining and features favourites such as burrata, succulent beef burgers and salty chips.

I had a veggie ragu pasta while my partner Jonah devoured lamb coupled with shepherd’s pie, followed by a delicious cheese board.

For brekkie, guests can pick a range of cooked options or there’s a continental buffet.

What else is there to do at the hotel?

There are some excellent walks on your doorstep, including a four hour coastal hike, starting at Embleton and ending at the grandiose Bamburgh Castle.

Relatively flat, the trek winds through villages that have lovely cafes and pubs.

We also enjoyed an evening in Alnwick town, which features an array of characterful boozers filled with friendly, chatty locals.

Absolutely a place to go back to. Owners Judith and Nigel were a delight. 

Is the hotel family friendly?

Yes, there are dog-friendly rooms available, as well as family suites. 

Is the hotel accessible?

Yes, The Tempus Northumberland offers ground floor rooms, accessible accommodation and accessible dining spaces.

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Additionally, there are plenty of ramps making movement around the site easier. 

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

CLOSE to Snowdonia National Park and the enchanting Isle of Anglesey, The Quay Hotel in Conwy is immersed in natural beauty.

Read on to find out more about the hotel.

Where is The Quay Hotel and Spa?

The Quay Hotel and Spa is on Deganwy Quay in Conwy, Wales.

Conwy is a walled market town with a rich history, and is a popular Welsh summer holiday destination.

The hotel has stunning views of UNESCO World Heritage Conwy Castle, and a terrace bar where you can soak up the serene waterside setting and sunset.

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

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What is there to do there?

Head out to explore Conwy Morfa Beach and the local seaside, where you can treat yourself to fresh cockles and fish and chips.

The hotel is also close to Llandudno, Wales’ largest seaside resort. This town is home to a bustling high street, famous promenade and pretty pastel houses.

Guests looking to unwind can also visit the Quay Hotel Spa.

Here you 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.

What is there to eat and drink at the hotel?

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

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

The hotel restaurant is also well-known for its delicious seafood, including mussels and mackerel.

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

What are the rooms like?

Each of the rooms are 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.

Is the hotel family friendly?

The Quay Hotel and Spa offers some suites that have room for two adults and two children.

The hotel also offers dog-friendly stays in their ground floor Superior Rooms.

Just make sure to mention you’ll be bringing them when booking.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

The Quay Hotel and Spa is fully wheelchair accessible.

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Guests should contact the hotel for any special requirements. 

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

TRIBE at Manchester Airport is the hotspot of both convenience and comfort for those travelling early or late. 

Here’s everything you need to know – from room rates to dining options at the hotel’s restaurant.

Where is the hotel?

Less than a 15 minute walk from all 3 of Manchester’s airport terminals, it is an attractive spot for holidaymakers flying very early or very late, making the start to your journey as relaxing as possible.

What is the hotel like?

This 412-room hotel boasts the title of Manchester’s largest, and is packed with a mixture of both football fans off to Old Trafford and vacationers when I visited last week.

The relaxing, contemporary and carefully curated vibe attests to the design-led comfort.

What are the rooms like?

The rooms are both comfortable and functional, following the same bright and trendy theme of the interiors throughout the hotel, it feels very metropolitan and classy.

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Each one has a TV, coffee machine, kettle, plentiful supplies of Kevin Murphy toiletries,  a hairdryer and a steamer instead of an iron.

With room sizes ranging from the TRIBE Essential to the TRIBE Extra, there is something for everyone.

Rooms available starting from £115 a night.

What is there to eat or drink there?

The restaurant is a bright, open space which offers an Italian-inspired menu.

The kitchen has a real pizza oven, while pasta dishes also feature heavily on the menu.

Other mains include sea bass, bavette steak, roast chicken and cheeseburgers.

If the menu doesn’t do it for you, The Ship is a lovely pub in Styal village ten minutes away, while tapas restaurant El Bosc next door also gets great reviews.

What else is there to do at the hotel?

Tribe is only a few minutes’ walk to the Metrolink network, which takes visitors to Old Trafford, the Etihad stadium and Manchester city centre.

Nearby Styal is home to the beautiful Quarry Bank Mill National Trust park. While Hale – home to dozens of Premier League footballers – is 15 minutes away.

Is the hotel family friendly?

Yes, the TRIBE is ideal for keeping the bigger families in order before a big holiday to avoid all the last minute panic.

Is the hotel accessible?

Yes, the hotel offers two different types of accessible rooms, the TRIBE Essential Accessible, and the TRIBE Atrium Accessible.

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

AWAY from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, Room2 Chiswick is greener hotel spaces, with chic and trendy comfort.

Here’s everything you need to know – from room rates to dining options at the hotel’s restaurant.

Where is the hotel?

Found right next to the greenery of Chiswick Common, in West London,  this hotel is difficult to miss with its sustainable and contemporary exterior, inspired by the arts and crafts movement.

The hotel is just a 5 minute walk from Turnham Green station.

What is the hotel like?

A cosy modern hotel just off the high street of London’s well heeled Chiswick.

There’s a big emphasis on sustainability and Room2 claims it is the world’s first carbon-neutral hotel- or ‘hometel’, as it calls itself.

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The apartment style rooms are suited to short stays as well as longer ones.

What are the rooms like?

Our pastel-toned studio room was fairly compact, but the clever layout meant that there was still enough room for a sofa.

I particularly liked the decorative ornaments, most of which were from local artists and designers.

Every room has a kitchenette and mini dining table for whipping up your own meals.

Thoughtful touches include a glass bottle for fresh milk that you can fill at the bar.

Snug rooms are available starting from £97 per night.

What is there to eat or drink there?

Winnie’s, the in-house bar and cafe, relies on local and seasonal ingredients.

The menu is largely geared towards brunch – we tucked into a hearty full English breakfast with sourdough bread and juicy Cumberland sausages. 

Make sure to sample the ‘zero-waste’ cocktails with the hotel’s homemade coffee liqueur or honey, all served and made at the rooftop bar.

What else is there to do at the hotel?

With Chiswick as a base, the banks of the river Thames are within walking distance, and make for a great morning stroll during the spring months.

The local area is bursting with independent shops and restaurants, all at your doorstep, it would be a shame not to explore.

Additionally, Chiswick Flower Market is a popular attraction, with its local authenticity and stunning flowers.

On the Room2 website, there is a feature in which you can input your interests and details about your trip before it generates suggestions of local gems and attractions tailored to your specific wants and needs.

Is the hotel family friendly?

Yes, the hotel welcomes all including families, with the suggestion of a Lounge, Suite or Studio room as to allow for a comfortable amount of space. 

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Is the hotel accessible?

Yes, the hotel is accessible as it is compliant with the guidelines on their website. For other inquiries you are encouraged to contact the hotel.

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