hotel

HOLLYWOOD’S Jared Leto was accused of “aggressively harassing” and hitting on teen models 21 years before new sex assault claims emerged this week.

The Oscar-winning actor and singer, 54, allegedly approached and texted girls aged 16 and 17 when he was staying at a New York hotel in 2005.

Leto, then 33, was in town with his band 30 Seconds to Mars, and rumours quickly swirled about his behaviour.

A source alleged to the New York Post at the time that Leto was “hitting on” all the models — and the paper ran a story headlined: “Jared shows he’s a teen play.”

The insider had said: “He’s been approaching all the girls and inviting them to his shows.

“Girls from IMG, Elite, Next and Women are staying there, and Jared has been hitting on all of them.

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“He’s a serial texter. He is constantly texting these 16- and 17-year-old girls. It’s really kind of creepy.”

The report also highlighted that Leto was spotted in New York with actresses Lindsay Lohan and Ashley Olsen, both 19 at the time.

Last year Leto, who won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for playing a HIV+ trans woman in 2013’s Dallas Buyers Club, was accused of sexual impropriety by nine women.

He “expressly denied” all the allegations in that exposé.

This week, in BBC documentary Jared Leto: Hollywood’s Dark Secret, four women came forward accusing him of sexual misconduct when they were teenagers.

The women — using the pseudonyms Isabel, Alex, Clara and Etta — said they were between 16 and 19 when the alleged acts took place.

Isabel claimed the star sexually assaulted her in a motel bathroom when she was 17 in 2002.

Alex alleged he threatened her with sexual assault in a hotel room in 2013 at age 19.

Clara claimed they had sex in California in 2006 when she was 17 and that Leto “shrugged off” a conversation about the state’s age of consent being 18.

Etta accused him of grooming her from 2014 at age 16, and made explicit phone calls to her.

Leto responded: “I have never sexually assaulted anyone in my entire life. These claims are absolutely and categorically false.”

WHEN it comes to coastal destinations, you might not have heard of Cooden Beach.

But with interest rising, it might be a spot that could soon take your fancy – not to mention it has a beachside terrace, hotel and nearby adventure play park.

Google search data shows searches for Cooden Beach have jumped by 120 per cent in the past month.

Not to mention that other searches like “Cooden Beach hotel menu” and “Cooden Beach hotel restaurant” have risen by more than 5,000 per cent.

Cooden Beach in East Sussex is a simple spot in that it has no loud amusement parks to speak of, or arcades.

It’s ideal for anyone looking for a simple beach break rather than a resort.

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The pebble beach is half-an-hour drive away from Eastbourne – but is much quieter, especially in the summer months.

One gem of the seaside town is the boutique coastal hotel that opened almost 100 years ago.

Saying that, it’s very modern with one of the most popular spots being its Seaview Terrace which on the beach with views across the shingle shore.

One visitor said “on a sunny day it looks and feels like the Med!”

Another called it “East Sussex’s best kept secret”.

Along with its beachfront terrace, it has bedrooms with sea views and a modern wellbeing thermal spa with heated loungers, rooms for treatments and a gym.

There’s even a hot tub that looks out over the sea and beach-facing sauna.

Cosy Double rooms start from £110 per night and Family Rooms start from £190 per night.

The beach is on the outskirts of Bexhill-on-Sea which is known as the birthplace of British motor racing as it hosted the first automobile races in the country.

It also has a long seafront promenade and a huge De La Warr Pavilion where there are often art exhibitions and events.

For anyone heading to the seaside for a summer break, there’s also a nearby adventure park – and you get 10 per cent off if you stay with the hotel.

Called Knockhatch Adventure Park – it’s a play paradise for kids with jumping pillows, a pirate ship ride, huge water slides, a splash park and boating lake.

There are animal encounters in the owl sanctuary and a huge Dragon Castle playground to explore.

Inside there’s the Froggies soft play centre which is a multi-level play area with slides, ball-pools, a spider tower and tunnels.

The play park has lots of top reviews – one visitor wrote on Google: “Fantastic day out. So much to do we couldn’t fit it all in.”

Another said: “One of the best parks I have visited in a long while.”

Day tickets to Knockhatch Adventure Park start from £20.46.

You don’t have to book in advance but it’s advised to get a ticket before arrival to guarantee entry.

After a day spent walking around Alton Towers, I was happy to be spending the night in their iconic hotel on the resort – here’s my honest review of a stay for our family of four

A day at a theme park is knackering, especially with two kids in tow who can seemingly have the best day of their lives while also complaining every single second. Nothing is worse than getting to the end of a day out and facing the drive home exhausted.

So, if you’ve got a day at a theme park planned, you may be considering staying in one of the park’s onsite hotels. Arguably, Alton Towers has one of the best selections of accommodation out of any UK theme park. It has hotels, woodland lodges, treehouses, and stargazing pods, so there’s all sorts of places to stay, and you’re right on the park’s doorstep so you’ve got somewhere to rest after a long day.

Recently, I stayed with my two kids at the Alton Towers Hotel, a three-star property that’s one of the park’s three hotels. Themed around a fictional Victorian explorer, Sir Algenon, the hotel has a sort of steampunk, historic look, although my kids thought it was pirate-y more than anything, but either way, the detail that has gone into it is impressive.

Stepping into the hotel, there’s a huge atrium with a large ship-shaped stage, and checking in late afternoon there was already entertainment and live music in full-swing. We went back later and the entertainers were playing some fun games with the kids, and it had a really joyful, slightly chaotic atmosphere around the bar.

We stayed in a Moon Voyage room, which had a similar theme to the hotel with lamps that looked like Victorian gaslights, lots of gears and levers, and explorer-themed murals. The room was clean and the beds comfy, and I liked that the kids sleeping area with bunk beds was slightly sectioned off and had their own TV. It meant we could lie in bed and watch some grown up TV while they could watch a bit of CBBC before dinner.

For dinner, we headed to the Splash Landings Hotel to try Flambo’s Jambo, an all-you-can eat buffet that had a bit of everything from peri peri to tacos, roast dinners, and Chinese dishes. The atmosphere was fun, with a giant waterwheel and the sounds of some very lively entertainment going on in the background, and the food was OK, with the kids more excited about the ice cream machine than anything else.

While we slept well and the room was comfortable, I woke up early to find the bathroom door had locked itself from the outside. I had to run down to use the loo in the lobby and find hotel staff, still in my pyjama bottoms and my hair looking even more dishevelled than usual. It did get fixed within an hour, but obviously that kind of thing is a pain when you’re up early with kids.

Breakfast was included and is served buffet style at the Secret Garden Restaurant. It had quite a basic selection of hot food, plus some cereal, pastries, and pancakes, which the kids were happy with. Again, the food wasn’t amazing, but it kept us going on the way home.

If you’re visiting Alton Towers and have a long drive, a stay at the hotel or its other accommodation is worth considering. For us, driving there and back would mean five hours in the car as well as the long day exploring the park, so it was nice to crash overnight and split the journey up.

I’ll admit, the hotel is expensive, and some parts felt more worth the price than the others. Packages include one day at the theme park, 9-hole golf, and breakfast, and there are deals on such as free child entry to the waterpark if you book an adult ticket. The hotel does have an incredibly fun style and is well-maintained, and kids are enchanted by the style.

But other things felt like they needed a little work. The themed rooms feel a little basic, and while they have nice décor it felt a little like they were missing something. I would have liked to have some bottled water in the rooms for example, as there were no refill points in the hotel and at £3 a pop, it’s expensive to rehydrate after a day in the sun. But I think most visitors know to expect theme park prices when they stay somewhere like this, and really, it’s the location that’s the main draw when you’ve spent all day on your feet in the summer.

Rooms start from £106pp for an Explorer Room at the Alton Towers Hotel this summer. You can currently book and take advantage of their Kids Swim Free offer. Find out more and book at altontowers.com.

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

IF you fancy a trip to the Cotswolds, then how about a stay in the quaint village of Burford?

Here is everything you need to know about staying at one of its hotels, the Prince of Burford.

What is the Prince of Burford like?

We loved this super cosy 4* hotel in the historic market town of Burford, in the Cotswolds.

The former 18th-century coaching inn is packed full of original features, including dark wood wall panelling and an impressive wooden carved staircase.

The hotel has been recently refurbished, with a big bar area and a more formal dining room – but we loved the squidgy sofas by the fireplace, the perfect place for a glass of red.

What are the rooms like?

We stayed in the spacious Family Suite room, and were blown away by the humongous bed – it was one of the best night’s sleep we had in a long time.

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The neutral-coloured furnishings made the room feel warm and bright, while the plump velvet armchair tucked away in the corner made for a perfect place to have our morning cuppa.

The toiletries smelt amazing and we enjoyed the rainfall shower. All rooms come with an ensuite, desk, TV, hairdryer and ironing board.

Double rooms start from £136 per night, including breakfast. See princeofburford.co.uk.

What is there to eat and drink at the hotel?

You won’t be disappointed by the grub.

The hotel won a 2025-26 Rosette Award for culinary excellence and the menu features pub classics like a pie of the week as well as more adventurous options, such as venison, swede mash and kale.

It was a little on the pricey side – I had a large Jerusalem artichoke risotto for £18.10 – but you won’t walk away hungry as the portions were huge.

My husband had the rump steak with mac and cheese for £38.50.

Next time I’d give dessert a miss – while the Brantley Apple Choux bun (£9.20) was decent, I didn’t think it was worth the money, and wish I had tried the dark chocolate and pecan brownie (£8.90) instead.

Breakfast was the star of the show. The ingredients were top quality – the fry up was perfectly cooked with a juicy sausage and hot buttered toast.

What else is there to do there?

While Burford was a quaint little market town, it was small – we finished looking around in under an hour.

It was posh and felt like the Mayfair of the Cotswolds, and you should expect to pay similar prices too.

We paid a painful £7.50 for a sausage roll at a nearby cafe, and £15 for two pints at The Bull along the high street.

I’d recommend going to Blenheim Palace nearby – an impressive stately home with huge grounds to keep the kids busy.

I’d love to go back around Christmas – the hotel’s rustic charm would be perfect for a cosy festive stay.

Is it family friendly?

From the Suite or Family Room where pullout beds can be made available to dedicated children’s menus makes this a family friendly option.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

For guests with disabilities, it is advised to contact the bookings team at Prince of Burford to discuss requirements for their stay.

PREMIER INN has revealed plans to open a £14million hotel in a seaside town.

The UK’s largest hotel chain is set to to transform an “underutilised” area near to several tourist attractions.

The investment by Whitbread, the company which owns the Premier Inn brand, has been welcomed by residents and businesses in Norfolk.

The site earmarked for development is in Southend Road, Hunstanton.

Premier Inn has been discussions to create the 108-bedroom hotel “for years”.

Planning permission will now have to be gained before the development can take place, which would be built near Seagate (East) Car Park, the council said.

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Simon Ring, deputy leader of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council, described the move as a “vote of confidence” in the future of the town.

He said it followed years of discussions between the local authority and the firm.

“This is huge news for Hunstanton,” Ring told the BBC.

“The sheer fact the UK’s largest hotel chain wants to invest in Hunstanton is a vote of confidence in the resort’s future, placing us alongside Norfolk’s other big visitor destinations, and this investment and new facility will hopefully act as a catalyst for further money.”

Whitbread acquisitions manager Paul Smith said the new hotel would provide “visitors with the quality, value and reliability they expect from the UK’s leading hotel brand”.

Premier Inn currently operates nearly 850 hotels in the UK.

WE ALL know five-star hotels aren’t made the same – but how do you know which resorts really feel like top-end luxury, and which have some hidden catches?

For example, Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat on France’s Cote d’Azur will set you back a £2,055 a night in September – while El Mouradi Palace in Tunisia will cost just £123 (including ALL your meals).

Both are 5* but the difference in price is astonishing – and no surprise to a travel journalist like me.

Deciphering exactly how luxurious your five-star holiday resort is has always been a challenge.

The truth is, there is not one, single, global set of standards a hotel has to achieve in order to get that coveted top star status.

While 20 European nations have joined a group called the Hotelstars Union – including Greece, Germany and Austria – agreeing to adhere to a huge 247-point check list to harmonise standards, the likes of France, Italy and the UK are not members.

In Italy, the system is split across 20 different regional governments. In some parts of the country, a hotel can scoop a high star rating simply because it has a lift, a luggage room and a receptionist that speaks two languages.

The fact the rooms are unloved and wallpaper peeling would be irrelevant.

In France, the government enforces some of the strictest legal hotel regulations in the world.

To get five stars in France, a double room must be at least 24sq metres, feature air conditioning, high speed wifi, bathrobes and 24-hour room service.

In Tunisia, the Ministry of Tourism oversees ratings and a 5* property will generally be a sprawling all-inclusive mega resort with lots of amenities.

Because land and staff are relatively inexpensive, the hotels can look amazing with huge pools, private white sand beaches and marble-clad lobbies the size of football pitches.

But that all-inclusive buffet restaurant probably isn’t going to feature the same quality of food as the ultra-exclusive Four Seasons on the Cote d’Azur (think pizzas and pasta instead of lobsters and caviar).

And while the French hotel will be staffed by some of the most experienced hospitality professionals in the world, the same might not be said for the earnest, hardworking staff in Tunisia’s emerging tourist economy.

So how do you work out how 5* your holiday resort is?

Tour operators have been tackling the issue themselves – they don’t want to promise customers a 5* hotel in a non-European resort if, in reality, it is probably equivalent to a 3* in Europe.

Many will create their own ratings and often downgrade some hotels – TUI’s T system might decide that a 5* hotel in Egypt is actually a 4T based on the standards and facilities.

Jet2 has their own rating system, based on guest feedback, facilities, service and their team’s own in-person visits.

While that is a good start, what’s more important is to read the most recent reviews from real customers on websites like TripAdvisor, Feefo and TrustPilot – read as many of those as you can as a hotel may have had a good reputation five years ago but gone downhill since.

Look out for fakes though – if a hotel has a flurry of 5* reviews or multiple reviews using similar language, take that as a red flag.

And of course, look for reviews in The Sun’s very own travel section – our experienced journalists will give the verdict based on their own stays.

So next time you are browsing summer getaways, treat hotel stars like pirate maps – they are a rough guide, but you will need to do your own digging to find the real treasure.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN IN ENGLAND

England’s hotels are rated by VisitEngland or the AA (Automobile Association) using a standardised three to five star Quality Scheme with inspectors conducting annual, unannounced overnight visits to assess strict physical criteria, service levels and hospitality standards.

3 Stars:

Must have on-site dining options and offer a buffet breakfast with hot and cold options.

All bedrooms must have ensuite bathrooms, an iron and ironing board, space for guests to easily move around, good access to both sides of a double bed and individually-controlled heating systems.

You should also expect efficient service from approachable staff.

4 Stars:

All of the above is expected, as well as an elevated level of service where courteous, polite staff demonstrate good levels of service and in restaurants, can show they have good knowledge of the food and drinks on offer.

Room service should be provided and rooms have more space. Guests should be offered assistance with luggage.

5 Stars:

All of the above but staff should be anticipating guests needs to create unique and memorable experiences.

Impeccably-presented staff should be showing guests to their room and providing a full explanation of the hotel and room facilities.

There should be a 24hour return laundry service and at least one restaurant open to residents for all meals.

There should also be outstanding quality food and 24-hour room service with hot and cold options.

Breakfast should be served to the table.

Rooms should be spacious, double beds at least 5ft wide and air conditioning available.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN IN SPAIN

Like Italy, Spain doesn’t have a single national star rating system, each of its 17 autonomous regions (like Andalusia, Catalonia or Madrid) writes its own rules.

In the past, the rules were very focused on hardware checklists – the square metre size of rooms and corridors.

But now a more modern system allocates points for optional services like having a spa, pillow menu or valet parking.

3 Stars:

Rooms must be at least 15sq metres with a private ensuite bathroom of at least 4sq metres and include a telephone, television, and a safe either in room or at reception.

Central heating and air conditioning is required in all public areas – and in some rooms depending on the region.

Reception must be staffed at least 14hours a day with a phone number for overnight emergencies. Hotels must feature a bar or cafe.

4 Stars:

All of the above but rooms must be at least 16sq metres and feature air conditioning and heating.

Rooms must also feature a fully-stocked mini bar and an in-room safe.

Reception must be staffed 24/7 and staff should be multilingual, fluent in Spanish and English at an absolute minimum.

Luggage porter services and room service should be offered for a significant portion of the day.

5 Stars:

To gain five stars in Spain is legally-protected, very difficult to achieve, and heavily scrutinised by regional inspectors.

Rooms must be a minimum of 17sq metres with ensuites at least 5sq metres or larger.

Reception must be open 24/7 with dedicated concierge desk and valet parking.

Luxury room service must be available 24hours a day and the hotel should feature multiple premium dining options (including fine-dining or celebrity chef-backed restaurants) as well as high-end spa and wellness facilities and distinct luxury finishes.

Because the 5* category became so crowded, regions like Murcia and Andalusia created a special, ultra-exclusive legal tier 5GL (Grand Luxury) and to earn it, hotels must score hundreds of extra points by offering luxuries like private transfers, high staff-to-guest ratios and historic building preservation.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN IN GREECE

For decades, hotel stars in Greece were handed out by the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels and were based on strict criteria.

If you had a pool and a big lobby, you got five stars, regardless if the service wasn’t great.

But now the country has signed up to the Hotelstars Union, where hotels must meet a handful of strict, non-negotiable legal minimums plus amass a set number of points from a catalogue of luxury features.

3 Stars:

Reception must be open at least 10 hours a day, with a means to communicate 24hours and a comfortable lounge or waiting area.

Rooms must feature a desk and chair, colour TV with remote control, private safe and reliable wifi.

You should also expect a reading light next to the bed, a breakfast buffet and access to laundry / ironing services.

4 Stars:

All of the above plus reception available 16hours a day with a spacious seating area and dedicated lobby bar or cafe.

Rooms should be more comfortable with an upholstered chair or couch with a side table.

The hotels should offer a mini bar or 16hours of room service as well as premium touches like bathrobes and slippers.

5 Stars:

This tier must be audited by independent inspection bodies.

Reception must be open 14hours a day by multilingual staff that speak English.

A professional doorman or valet parking service is mandatory.

Guests must receive a personalised greeting – often a gift of local Greek products, fresh fruit or flowers in the room.

A safe, an internet device (on request) and a premium evening turndown service are also mandatory.

Food and drink must be available 24hours a day and the hotel should provide ultra-fast laundry services.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN IN TURKEY

All official star ratings are strictly controlled by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and to get a star rating, hotels must pass a rigorous assessment with mandatory entry requirements and a specific points system to evaluate everything from staff training to physical infrastructure.

3 Stars:

The reception should have a formal lounge offering hot and cold drinks to arriving guests.

Public spaces – and rooms – should have air conditioning.

Rooms should also have a TV, hairdryer in the bathroom and direct-dial phone to reach reception.

The hotel cannot just serve breakfast and should have at least one restaurant or cafe on site for more comprehensive meal options.

4 Stars:

Hotels must have a second restaurant on the property that is required to serve at least five authentic Turkish dishes to promote local gastronomy.

The hotel must also provide a swimming pool, entertainment options and at last three distinct activities or facilities from a pre-approved government list – including Turkish baths, saunas and tennis courts.

Rooms must add premium touches including a stocked minibar, in-room safe and room service.

5 Stars:

To achieve 5* status in Turkey, hotels must legally feature an on-site men’s and women’s hair salon, local shopping arcade or market and offer 24hour room service.

The infrastructure of the hotel should be able to support large numbers of guests while maintaining luxury – think round-the-clock reception, multilingual concierges, valet parking, multiple fine-dining a la carte restaurants and spa complexes.

It’s important to know that a 5* rating doesn’t mean that the offering is always top notch – think local spirits and beers instead of premium brands.

For true luxury, look for hotels that offer Ultra All Inclusive, an industry shorthand for premium, imported alcohol and branded goods.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN IN TUNISIA

Regulated by the Tunisian National Tourism Office (TNTO), for many years the star system was based heavily on grand architecture but a recent modernisation has seen the criteria overhauled to focus more on hygiene, safety and quality of service.

Four and five star hotels face unannounced inspections by the TNTO as well as inspectors acting as mystery guests.

It’s also important for guests to know that hotels must legally turn on their central air conditioning from June 15 to September 15.

If there’s a heatwave outside of those dates, the hotel isn’t legally required to turn its air con on.

Hotels also legally do not have to provide facilities year-round. In winter outdoor water slides and beach bars may be closed and entertainment cancelled.

3 Stars:

Rooms must be 13.5sq metres and feature a colour TV and private safe.

The hotel needs to have a reception staffed 12 hours a day, main restaurant, bar and wifi.

4 Stars:

Rooms must be 16sq metres. If the hotel has more than 30 rooms, the reception must be staffed 24hours.

The hotel must have multiple on-site facilities including an expansive outdoor pool, secondary bar, room service options and lifts if the hotel is more than two stories.

5 Stars:

Hotel must have premium furnishings, extensive grounds and flawless staff service.

Rooms must be a minimum of 24sq metres and guests can be expected to be pampered around the clock with 24 hour room service, dedicated concierge desk, porter and personalised guest greetings.

SOMETIMES all you want is a great nights sleep – enter The Akyra Bangkok 11.

Here’s everything you need to know about staying at the new Bangkok hotel (and rooms are as little as £40 a night).

Where is the hotel?

The hotel is in the Nana district of Bangkok on Sukhumvit Soi 11. It is a short drive to the city centre by taxi.

There is also a complimentary shuttle to the BTS Skytrain.

What is the hotel like?

Having only opened earlier this year, it feels extremely fresh and new. It’s simple in design, but still feels like a boutique hotel.

From the outside, it is unassuming – on the inside it is clean designs with a touch of warmth.

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Akaryn Hotel Group founder Anchalika Kijkanakorn said: “We designed it as a place where people can connect with each other and with themselves while still enjoying the pulse and possibilities of Bangkok.”

What are the rooms like?

The hotel’s ethos is to offer the best night sleep – with loads of features within the 100 rooms.

This means blackout curtain and even a “sleep butler” night time ritual.

My Deluxe room had a very comfortable king size bed, as well as a Smart TV, hair dryers, dressing gowns and a coffee making station.

Even in the muggy heat of Bangkok, I slept so well thanks to the easy-to-use air conditioning and the quiet location of the hotel.

Rooms start from THB 1870 (£41). See aleenta.com/akyra-bangkok.

Upgrade to Club and get early check in, late check out and a free evening drink and snacks.

What is there to eat and drink there?

The hotel restaurant E/R/N is where you will find everything from breakfast to dinner.

The extensive breakfast menu ranged from unique fantastic coffees to smoothies, as well as acai bowls and egg Florentine.

Dinner is Med inspired – I was seriously impressed by the massive juicy scallops, as well as my fruity house cocktail.

What else can you do there?

Wellness experiences can be booked for in your room, including massages and relaxing evening rituals.

You can also book experiences with the hotel from street food tours to canal boat trips.

Deals include free IV drips when staying two nights or more, or free signature experiences when staying three nights or more.

Make sure you save time for a dip in the swimming pool too.

Is it family friendly?

The hotel has 18, two-bedroom family rooms with interconnected access.

Is the hotel accessible?

Yes, there is lift access and accessible rooms with more spacious layouts.

WHETHER you fancy a retro 80’s disco weekender, a relaxing spa staycation, or a cocktail masterclass and overnight stay – we’ve found your next British break.

Best Western has launched a massive wave of budget-friendly summer staycation and hotel deals across the UK.

Click below to browse all Best Western hotels offering free breakfast, from gorgeous country manors to bustling cities across the UK.

To sweeten the deal, if you lock in your getaway before July 31, you can bag a FREE breakfast with your break at selected hotels.

Best Western has 200+ hotels across the UK. Click here to browse which ones are offering free breakfast.

To make a proper weekend of it, the hotel group have also rolled out their exclusive ‘GEM’ packages – which stands for Great Escapes, Memorable Stays.

Instead of just booking a hotel room, these thoughtfully crafted breaks combine your stay and food with unique activities perfect for couples or families.

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To save you the scrolling, we’ve tracked down some of the best value hotel packages on offer right now.

From dancing the night away at 80’s weekenders to serene wellness stays by the sea, here are our top Best Western staycations to book this summer.

Seaside escape to Bournemouth

Explore the best of Bournemouth and indulge in some serious pampering with a three-night escape to BW Signature Collection Hotel Collingwood.

This glamorous hotel also packs in the perks with a 24-hour hop-on, hop-off bus ticket so you can cruise around the seaside town easily.

When you aren’t out exploring, you’ll have unlimited access to the heated pool, sauna, and hydrotherapy facilities at the on-site Eden Spa – plus a generous 25% discount to use on treatments.

Not only this, but you’ll also enjoy a delicious three-course dinner in the evening and a hearty Full English breakfast in the morning – plus access to the classy Bubble Lounge Bar for a late-night cocktail.

Stay from £180 per night (for two)

Swing and Stay golf break at Southcrest Manor Hotel, Redditch

If your idea of a perfect weekend involves playing on a championship fairway before soaking in a hydrotherapy hot tub, this one’s for you.

The “Swing & Stay” deal gets two people onto the greens of the prestigious Redditch Golf Club for a full 18-hole round, with the flexibility to play on either your arrival or departure day.

Once you’ve finished playing you can retreat to this grand 1901 manor house, which sits inside 10 acres of gorgeous countryside grounds. The package also includes access to the hotel’s spa, which has infrared saunas to soothe those aching arms.

Wake up to a cracking breakfast in the morning, and tuck into delicious cakes and traditional afternoon tea at the on-site Laura Ashley Tea Room.

Stay from £238 per night (for two)

VIP Jazz and Blues Festival break, Birmingham

This VIP package lets you drink your weight in bottomless Prosecco while live jazz bands play right in front of you but instead of standing in the crowds, you’ll be lounging in reserved VIP seats for an in-house hotel performance from Birmingham‘s Jazz & Blues Festival.

You won’t even have to stand up to get a refill, thanks to a personal waiter serving bottomless Prosecco, draught lager, and wine for a glorious two-hour window.

Stay at a grand 1704 Victorian mansion in leafy Edgbaston: Best Western’s Plough & Harrow Hotel. And of course enjoy that cooked breakfast in the morning.

After enjoying the music and drinks, you can chill out on the garden terrace or catch a quick tram into the city centre to explore.

Stay from £166.95 per night (for two)

Cocktail Masterclass and countryside escape, Canterbury

Countryside manor Abbots Barton Hotel in Canterbury is swapping traditional quiet country weekends for something with a bit more kick.

With Best Western’s ‘Art of Mixology Escape’ package, you’ll check into a gorgeous hotel surrounded by two acres of stunning, manicured lawns before heading out into Canterbury.

Guests will then step into The John in Canterbury for a hands-on cocktail masterclass. A welcome glass of bubbly gets the session started, and you’ll soon be shaking and stirring your own custom creations.

The deal also lines your stomach with a fresh stone-baked pizza dinner at the hotel, and includes a full English breakfast the next morning.

Stay from £229.49 per night (for two)

80’s party night – The Hatfield Hotel, Lowestoft

Dust off your neon leg warmer for Lowestoft‘s 80’s party weekend. The event takes place over the weekend of September 26–27, and you can secure a free ticket by booking this stay with Best Western.

Stay at the seafront Hatfield Hotel and spend Saturday night on the dance floor boogieing to DJ Chica’s 80’s playlist.

The night is packed with everything from rock and roll anthems to cheesy power ballads.

Your booking covers your event ticket, a double room right at the seafront hotel and a free cooked breakfast the next morning.

Stay from £103.68 per night (for two)

Prices correct at the time of publication.

During the June heatwave, we took a trip down to the great British seaside, where Bournemouth’s Highcliff Marriott Hotel had something special on offer

Bournemouth vastly expanded in the 1800s as wealthy Victorians came to convalesce among the town’s famous, inflammation-soothing pine trees.

Strolling through the town, I can’t quite catch the scent of those historic pines – but the sea breeze coupled with the olfactory overload of a nearby doughnut stand is equally reviving.

While the trees may no longer soothe my woes, there is a mountain of scientific research proving that being by the water really does boost spirits.

Marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols, in his book Blue Mind, wrote how exposure to blue spaces – including the glorious British seaside – can act as medicine for the brain, effectively lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol and boosting overall happiness. For me, it is an undeniable truth: being by the sea brings a sense of calm that I simply cannot replicate anywhere else.

Luckily, I am soaking up all of these benefits from my seaside cottage at Bournemouth’s Highcliff Marriott Hotel, which offers incredible, sweeping views from its hillside perch.

For many of us, 2026 is the year of the staycation. With thousands of holidaymakers enduring airport chaos and the EU’s troublesome new entry/exit system, opting to stay closer to home makes sense.

But while staying in the UK gets rid of most problems, it can still be a gamble: the fickle British weather, the uninspiring reality of holiday rentals that look fabulous online, and the long list of check-out demands by so-called hosts.

If you’re looking for the perfect compromise – which offers the privacy of a private rental, but with four-star luxury and no cleaning demands – the hotel’s new coastal cottages have cracked the code.

Marriott has revamped its 19th century former coastguard cottages into a set of stunning boutique retreats. Designed by Joanna Knight Interiors, they feature a gorgeous coastal aesthetic packed with sandy neutrals, retro Smeg fridges, and beach-hut-coloured front doors.

The service when we arrive after a long, sticky drive during the June heatwave is top notch. We arrived at a cottage where staff had already thoughtfully blasted the air conditioning, and were handed a kids’ activity pack at reception.

Best of all, there was no requirement to strip the sheets or empty the bins at the end of our stay, leaving us more time to enjoy the hotel’s perks, including a 24-hour gym and a well-heated outdoor pool.

Complete with a range of games in the garden for kids, including giant Jenga, while there’s a fully stocked pool-side bar for adults, along with grandstand views of the pier, it is remarkably hard to drag yourself away from the surroundings and into the town itself.

You don’t have to venture far to eat well, with the on-site Brasserie Blanc restaurant serving up an impressive feast for every meal.

For dinner, I followed a wise proverb: cheese is love, and cheese with cream is extra love, meaning I had to order the cheese soufflé (£8.50) – it was delicious, with a beautifully light, airy texture, while my guests opted for a tasty looking Devon crab and avocado with garlic croutons for their starter (£9.95).

The mains include a spectacular sirloin (£29.95) alongside an impressive Chateaubriand (£69.95) for two: succulent, perfectly seasoned, teamed with a punchy pepper sauce, and accompanied by very decent fries. For dessert, the lemon tart (£9.50) went down extremely well, as did the classic crème brûlée (£6.95). The mocktail menu is surprisingly strong – if often feels like an afterthought at most places, but here, I got to enjoy an alcohol-free margarita (£10.95) that left me reeling at how punchy it was.

Even the children’s menu is surprisingly decent, with a welcome absence of standard beige chicken nuggets; instead, it offers a large variety of healthy, delicious dishes including grilled trout and veggie bolognese. Thanks to the temporary summer VAT cut, it is also well-priced at £9.50 for two courses or £12.50 for three.

Dining on the large outside terrace where I could breathe in the sea air, I left the table feeling spiritually lighter despite the three-course meal.

That welcoming atmosphere carried me straight into a buzzy evening, with the hotel bar packed with drinkers ready for a fun night out before the England match.

The next morning, breakfast continued to the same high standard, with a vast range of hot and cold items, including an exceptional cooked-to-order omelette bar, a high-quality full English fry-up and a great Continental spread.

Fuelled up for the day, Bournemouth beach called to us. Helpfully, it is just a three-minute stroll from the hotel, which is a godsend when you’re travelling with kids. Its golden sands are stunning, and at seven miles long, there is plenty of room for everyone to spread out.

Bournemouth is a town of brilliant dualities. While parts of the town centre can look slightly worse for wear, looking beyond the high street reveals world-class coastal beauty.

The nearby Hengistbury Head is well worth a visit, a sprawling nature reserve offering great views of the Isle of Wight and gentle walks.

Closer to the hotel, right by Bournemouth Beach, sits the Oceanarium. We found this to be very reasonably priced at £35 for a family and a perfect sanctuary during the heat. It is a great spot for kids to burn off some energy in the shade, while staring down sharks, stingrays, and penguins.

And of course, the iconic pier remains an absolute must for older kids, packed to the brim with traditional arcade, fairground rides and a set of indoor climbing walls.

By combining a private cottage with the luxuries of a landmark hotel, the Highcliff Marriott has set a new standard for the great British staycation.

Book it

• A private Coastal Cottage is available from £130/night (based on two sharing). Fine out more here.

THERE’s a universal rule of thumb that ‘you get what you pay for’ – so when I booked a £23 hotel in one of the UK’s most popular seaside destinations, I was definitely apprehensive.

It’s estimated that Blackpool has around 500 to 600 hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses. And with that many, the choice can be overwhelming.

Scouting for the cheapest option, I came across The Vernon costing from just £23 – or £11.50 per person, per night.

While alarm bells ring when I find something this cheap – will it be clean, is it even real – after a couple minutes of hesitation I pressed the looming booking button.

Within 24 hours, my Booking.com reservation was confirmed, with a check-in time of 4pm and no further instructions.

The hotel itself lies on a street just off the main promenade and is only a couple of minutes’ walk from both the beach and the closest tram stop.

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So when it comes to location, I really couldn’t have asked for better – far enough away from the hustle and bustle to not hear it, but close enough that I can enjoy it and pop back to the hotel in two ticks.

Standing outside the hotel, I could have easily mistaken it for a pub, with textured cream bricks, two large bay windows and a sign that has seen better days.

Though, it was still in a better shape than I had anticipated.

Stepping inside was rather like stepping back in time, with elaborate carpets, mahogany beams and textured plaster walls.

To check in, there was one man standing at an old counter with a notepad and pen at the ready.

With no computer in sight, I simply stated my name, which he then checked against his notepad and highlighted to signify that I had checked in.

Sometimes, the old school way is the simplest.

The old school theme continued when he handed me my keys (physical door keys rather than an electronic card) with one for the front door of the hotel and the other for my room.

The hotel has 15 rooms ranging from family options to singles, but I was staying in a ‘superior double’.

After a rather arduous 20 minute battle with the door lock, when it just would not open, I was in.

The room before me was flooded with light coming from a large window.

Mind you, you don’t get much of a glamorous view (not that I would’ve expected one for the price).

Instead, I peered out to see a flat grey roof, scattered with empty pill packets.

On the surface the room looked neat and tidy enough, and a decent size, with a double bed in the middle with two towels placed neatly at the end.

Deploying tactics learned from years of binge-watching Channel 4‘s Four in a Bed, I got straight to work.

The bed was comfortable and clean, with sufficient pillows on each side and there were no bed bugs in sight.

But just when I felt pleasantly surprised at the cleanliness of the room, out of the corner of my eye I spotted a crescent in the carpet.

By the skirting board, there sat a rogue toenail clipping.

It felt like a budget hotel ‘rite of passage’, but it was definitely a souvenir I didn’t want from my time in Blackpool.

Two bedside tables also featured reading lamps, though the remains of two defunct wall lamps still hovered above them.

One wall boasted a TV and another had a full-length mirror.

By the window was also a chest of drawers where I found the kettle, tea, coffee and milk pots – of which there were plenty.

Expecting to find layers of crusty limescale, I popped the kettle lid and… nothing. It was spotless.

I was simultaneously disappointed and relieved – so far, so good, I thought to myself.

Then onto the en suite. While ultimately outdated with a cream-coloured bathroom suite, it was notably clean.

As if they knew I would inspect the cleanliness of the toilet (I was taking this very seriously), the seat was already lifted up to reveal a perfectly polished bowl.

The shower had the same clean sheen.

In fact, the only things to note in the bathroom were a broken tile, a slightly scruffy window seal and a watermark on the ceiling.

Just don’t expect any complimentary shower gel, shampoo or conditioner…

Obviously for this price you don’t get breakfast, but downstairs you can make the most of a social room with a large pool table and even an in-house pub.

Now, I’ve stayed in some pretty grotty places and I’ve also experienced my fair share of hostels.

While I am young, I might still opt for the hostel especially as these tend to be part of big chains that set a standard.

But if I wanted privacy, then The Vernon wouldn’t put me off.

While my experience wasn’t awful, it is worth noting other guests who have recently stayed have left reviews commenting that the milk in the room was out of date, some of the beds are uncomfortable and despite advertising there is a hairdryer in each room, there isn’t in some.

But for the price, and its location, can you really argue at any of the hotel’s imperfections? Personally, I think not.

The tower was once London’s tallest building, but has been closed to the public other than for special events for decades. Now, it’s becoming a hotel as well as opening a whole new tourist attraction for the capital

For decades, the BT Tower has been an icon in the London skyline, a 1960s structure that has been everything from a revolving restaurant to a news display for the capital.

But the tower’s doors have remained closed to the public since 1981, other than a handful of special events. Unless you worked in telecoms you won’t have been able to appreciate this London landmark up close.

The Grade II-listed building, based in Fitzrovia, was completed in 1964 and originally named the Post Office Tower. At 177 metres high, it was the tallest building in London for years, but was damaged by a bomb in 1971. Its tower-based restaurant and viewing galleries had to close as a result.

The public has been unable to access the building since 1981. It was renamed the British Telecom Tower a few years later. Since then, it has been used as a communications hub. Most Londoners know it for its breaking news alerts, which play on a huge 360-degree screen wrapped around the tower.

Now, architecture firm Orms has revealed plans to turn the London landmark into a luxurious hotel with a rooftop pool. Its plans were shown at a public consultation earlier this week, with visuals showing how the completed project will look.

In addition to the hotel, the tower would include a visitor experience space giving views across the London skyline. On the ground floor, the retro 1960s buildings would be converted into shops and cafés, with plans to remove “unsightly” modern additions.

Other plans include a new public square with pedestrian routes through the complex, according to the Architects’ Journal. This is where the entrance and exit to the new visitor experience will be found. A new staircase would open up the main body of the tower, and hotel rooms would be arranged around its core.

Past consultations have also speculated on the uses for levels 24 to 30, which could become “spaces for art and cultural engagement”, although no solid plans have been revealed just yet.

Camden Council is set to receive the planning application for the site this autumn, and if successful, work could begin in 2029, once BT decommissions and removes equipment from the site.

The BT Tower isn’t the only London landmark being brought back to life as a hotel. Custom House on the River Thames, a beautiful Georgian structure, is set to become a 179-room luxury hotel including a basement spa with a 25m pool, waterfront restaurants, and quayside areas open to the public.

Admiralty Arch on The Mall, long associated with royal parades, is also set to open as a Waldorf Astoria hotel this autumn, and will offer views of Buckingham Palace in some of its rooms as well as restaurants and a spa.

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

LOST Property, part of Hilton’s fancy Curio Collection, has a very specific theme: the lost history of London.

Read on to find out everything from the restaurant menu to room prices.

Where is Lost Property hotel?

The Lost Property St Paul’s London hotel is in the heart of the city of London, and just a few minutes from it all.

There’s St Pauls Underground Station which takes you to all of the top attractions, and of course the stunning St Paul’s Cathedral right outside.

It is also right by the City Thameslink line which takes you directly to both London Gatwick and London Luton Airport.

What is the hotel like?

While unassuming from the outside, the interiors are a glam slap in the face.

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From the Murano glass lights casting a cosy glow in the lobby, to the fun herringbone carpets throughout, it’s almost tempting you to take pictures of it.

You may not even notice the image of Winston Churchill or the inspiring quotes subtly emblazoned on the wall in reception.

But take a closer look at and you’ll find little treasures hidden all over this 145-bedroom hotel.

Make sure to look down when heading to the lift, for some fun photo-taking opps…

What are the rooms like?

Ranging from Queen and King rooms to Junior Suites, the rooms are drenched in rich jewel tones of burgundy and navy.

The herringbone patterned carpets and red marble countertops were a masterclass in luxury, with gold fittings and mood lighting for when the sun goes down.

The marble bathroom was just as impressive, with fancy Urban Apothecary toiletries.

The rooms have it all – delightfully squishy beds, a stocked mini bar and some even come with a view of St Paul’s Cathedral.

Don’t want to be disturbed? Hang on your door the “Kindly Get Lost” sign for some peace and quiet.

Rooms start from £184 a night. See hilton.com.

What is there to eat and drink there?

A dinner at the hotel’s Found Bar is a must.

Combining French and British classics, the watermelon vichyssoise was the perfect dish to cool me down in the heat.

The beef ribeye was cooked to perfection, while the zesty lemon posset cut through it perfectly.

Ask for the cocktail menu too, which leans into it’s theming of being lost – complete with am ’empty’ menu and a laser pen to help you find the cocktails.

For breakfast, head to the front of the hotel to Tattle Coffeehouse.

Drinks are made with Monmouth coffee, some of the best in London (and best chased by a freshly baked and flakey croissant…)

What else is there to do there?

For those that fancy a workout, there’s a very nice gym with Peloton bikes and treadmills.

They sit under large windows in the ceiling so you can soak up the natural light while you cycle.

The hotel is a short stroll from some top tourist attractions like the Tate Modern (15-minutes walk), the London Eye (30-minutes walk) and Somerset House (18-minutes walk).

Is the hotel family friendly?

There’s everything from kids menus at the restaurant to connecting family rooms and cribs on request – so definitely family friendly.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

There is lift access to all floors as well as step-free access to the restaurant and accessible adapted rooms.

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

THE abandoned BT tower is set to be turned into a fancy hotel – and the first images of what it could look have been revealed.

The London attraction first opened in 1964 as the Post Office Tower, and was the city’s tallest building until the NatWest Tower opened in 1980.

The BT Tower then closed in 1981 to the public, bar some private events.

It has since been bought by MCR, an American hotel chain who also owns the High Line Hotel and TWA Hotel in New York, for £270million in 2024.

And new images released by architect Orms (behind The Outernet and The Standard Hotel) show what to expect from the 177m tower when it reopens.

The main attraction will be the rooftop swimming pool on the fifth floor, and open to both hotel guests and the public.

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The ground floor will be used for retail and food and drink spaces, while the hotel will take over the first and second floor. 

The Howlands Building will get a three to four storey extension upwards, which will be the hotel space as well.

Levels 24-30 are unconfirmed as to what they will be used for but could become art or culture areas.

And a public space will be part of the exterior as well, to make it more easily accessible. 

Designers Orms are behind the renovation, who has replaced Heatherwick Studios.

They said in the application: “While maintaining the overall structure, we will remove unsightly modern additions to the 1960s exterior on the ground floor.

“We will then introduce retail on the ground floor and add a modest pavilion structure on the roof.”

A planning application will be submitted in September, although works cannot start in 2029 due to BT decomposing on equipment inside.

Expected opening dates of the hotel are in 2033.

The tower was once known for its rotating restaurant, although this was forced to close after an IRA bombing.

BOOKING something to look forward to doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank.

In fact, you can jet off to trendy European capitals or unwind at a spa hotel in the British countryside for less than you’d think.

We’ve rounded up a selection of the best Wowcher travel deals on offer right now, starting from £89 with options both in the UK and abroad.

Whether you want to hop on the Eurostar to the canals of Amsterdam, pop over to Paris for a 4* getaway, or take the ultimate £99 gamble on a mystery holiday, we’ve got you covered.

Wowcher Mystery Holiday – £99

This famous travel gamble lands you return flights and a minimum 3-star hotel stay for £99pp, with 100+ worldwide destinations in the mix.

While you could bag a sunny beach escape to Ibiza or a chic city break to Rome, the real jackpot is landing a long-haul trip to New York, Bali or the Maldives.

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Other destinations where you could land a mystery holiday include Disneyland Paris, Thailand and Miami.

Book a £99 Wowcher Mystery Holiday

4* Peak District Countryside Spa Stay – £89

Escape to the spectacular hills of the Peak District with this four-star spa staycation for two.

Situated on the edge of Staffordshire, this bargain break at The Three Horseshoes Country Inn includes a cosy overnight stay, a cooked breakfast, and access to the spa.

Nearvy, explore rock formations at The Roaches, go paddle-boarding at Rudyard Lake, or visit Alton Towers Resort, which is a 20-minute drive away.

Book a 4* Peak District Countryside Spa Stay from £89pp

4* Paris Getaway with Hotel, Flights, and Breakfast – £119

Whisk yourself away to Paris on a stylish, four-star city break from £119pp which includes return flights from your pick of nine UK airports, plus a two night stay and a delicious daily breakfast to fuel your sightseeing.

Stay at the sleek 4* Best Western Plus Suitcase Paris – La Défense, which has beautifully-designed contemporary rooms and a relaxing lounge bar.

Ticking off landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre is totally effortless too, thanks to a metro station just 300 meters from the hotel door with direct routes straight into the city centre.

Book a two-night city break to Paris from £119

Northampton Stay at Staverton Park Hotel & Golf Club – £104

Treat yourself to a countryside retreat with a stay at the Staverton Park Hotel & Golf Club, starting from just £104 for two people which includes delicious two-course dinner or buffet access, a complimentary glass of wine each, and a full breakfast.

You’ll also enjoy unlimited access to the on-site gym and sauna, plus handy perks like a 2pm early check-in and an 11am late check-out to stretch your relaxation time.

Golf fans can even tee off on the PGA European-tour standard course, while the hotel sits just a short drive away from the beautiful Daventry Country Park and the iconic Silverstone Circuit.

Book a stay at Staverton Park Hotel & Golf Club for £104

Amsterdam Eurostar Break with Hotel Stay – £139

Hop aboard the Eurostar for a seamless two-night city break to Amsterdam, with return Eurostar tickets plus a stay at the modern ibis Amsterdam City West, which places you close to the vibrant Westerpark.

Getting around the capital will be easy, too, with a metro station a five-minute stroll from the hotel door.

From there, a quick ride drops you right at Amsterdam Centraal, putting bucket-list attractions like the Van Gogh Museum and beautiful canal cruises within easy reach.

Book a two-night city break in Amsterdam for £139

*Prices correct at the time of publication.

Holidaymakers have returned to ‘their’ poolside sunloungers to find their towels and property gone

Holidaymakers battling for poolside loungers may have finally met their match after a hotel worker was filmed removing towels and bags from reserved sunbeds while guests were at breakfast. The footage, filmed by Lucie Hewes, 19, from the UK, shows a member of staff making his morning rounds at a hotel in Rhodes, Greece, clearing unattended loungers despite personal belongings being left on them.

Lucie said the hotel has a clear policy banning guests from reserving sunbeds, but many holidaymakers ignored the rule by laying out towels, hats and bags before heading off to breakfast – or even back to bed. She said: “The pool man comes round at around 8 every morning and removes towels and belongings from the beds with no one sitting on them.”

According to Lucie, some guests returned looking confused when they discovered their belongings had vanished, while others were unhappy to find fellow holidaymakers already sitting on what they considered “their” sunbeds. She added: “It was funny and entertaining to watch and good to see, as the rule of no sunbed reservation is fair.”

One woman reportedly confronted a member of the pool staff, complaining that her belongings should not have been moved because she now had nowhere to sit. Lucie said staff calmly explained the hotel’s policy, telling her sunbeds could not be reserved so that all guests had a fair chance of getting one.

“She did not agree despite getting all her stuff back,” Lucie said. The clip has reignited the annual sunbed wars debate, which has become a familiar feature of British holidays abroad.

Lucie’s video was viewed 538,000 times, had 23,000 likes and had 294 comments. One user said: “Well done wish all hotel done this.”

Another person said: “All hotels should do this.” Someone else added: “If you don’t like this, all skip breakfast and stay on your loungers.”

Jay said: “Every hotel should do this! Well done.”

Another user added: “Not all heroes wear capes.”

It comes just days after another UK holidaymaker made headlines for taking a far more controversial approach to the problem. Tom Caunce admitted secretly sprinkling itching powder onto towels left on reserved loungers during a holiday in Majorca, saying he was fed up with guests claiming the best poolside spots before sunrise and then disappearing for hours.

Walking into the Orangery at Teffont House during the golden hour, the restaurant is glowing. Sunlight falls across cocktails the colour of spun sugar, spills on to a terrace trailing constellations of fleabane, and bounces off spoons sinking into raspberry trifles. What really gives the room its sparkle is none of these things, however, but the fact it’s packed with local people. On a warm June evening this new hotel, 10 minutes’ drive from the Wiltshire village of Tisbury, already feels embedded in village life.

It’s the latest venture of the Beckford Group, which runs a small clutch of West Country inns and restaurants, including the Talbot Inn in Mells and the Beckford Canteen in Bath. The company has carved a niche in modern rural hospitality, teaming unflashy furnishings (all chalky pink and moss green paintwork framed by antiques and contemporary art) with menus designed for greedy locavores and pricing that delivers an unstuffy demographic. Underpinning all of this is an ability to tap into local communities to create soul. With this, the Beckford Group’s first hotel, it is making that connection more explicit by labelling it as a “village”, rather than a country house hotel.

Rather than just point visitors towards nearby Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral or Stourhead Gardens, the guest guide recommends the village pilates teacher, and local people are actively encouraged to use the hotel’s walled garden and croquet court. Hospitality should flow both ways, explains Charlie Luxton, one of the group’s founders, when I meet him in the hotel’s bar. “There’s no sweeping drive taking you away from everything; the drive is the road into the village,” he says.

What a drive it is. Snaking down from the wide, open chalk downs of Cranborne Chase, the roads successively narrow. By the village of Teffont Evias itself, it’s down to a single track, tracing the line of a rare chalk stream and a long caterpillar of cloud-pruned hedging past rose and hollyhock-frilled cottages, deep in the Nadder valley.

Teffont House sits elegantly at the village’s heart. Part genteel stone dower house, part cuckoo clock, it was built in the 17th century but altered, in then voguish Swiss style, in the 19th century, its sedate bone structure spiked with gothic windows, chalet-style eaves and surprise carvings.

Inside are 17 bedrooms. Mine, number seven, looks out over the walled garden towards the church through soaring arched windows. Instead of oversized minibars and fluffy robes there are proper cups and saucers on a silver tea tray, a tiny decanter of vermouth with two vintage glasses and, in the bathroom, botanical Bramley toiletries.

Luxton tells me he drew inspiration from French auberges. “They are often owned by the same families for generations,” he says. “We can’t recreate that history but we can create that feeling. We come from a pub background, so we’ve taken what we’ve learned and become a bit smarter here. You can dress up and get a cocktail but it’s still low-key.”

Exploring the garden after dropping my bags, I discover two summer houses being installed: one stocked with watercolours and sketchbooks, the other with telescopes for making the most of the Nadder valley’s dark skies. Behind the kitchen garden, in a treatment cabin in the orchard, I have a facial that leaves me feeling as rosy-cheeked as the apples that will soon grow on the newly planted trees.

Georgia, my therapist, shares her Nadder valley tips. The hotel has two mapped walks, she says: one a village loop and one a five-mile ramble to sister inn the Beckford Arms (stroll over for lunch and the hotel will pick you up afterwards). Other options include a 45-minute hike to Dinton Park via an old coffin path over Teffont Common; order one of the hotel’s picnic lunches and sit in the shade of an oak tree for views of neoclassical Philipps House between bites of smoked trout and watercress sandwiches.

Visiting during a heatwave, I abandon my walking boots and drive over to Tisbury the following morning. Just 10 minutes away, this large village is Wiltshire’s answer to Bruton in Somerset, with an excellent bookshop, butcher and deli, a community-run pool and direct hourly trains from London. It’s also home to a gallery and cultural centre, Messums West, where the vast 13th-century monastic tithe barn at its centre is hosting artist Andrew Amondson’s Forest Cathedral installation before it tours England’s gothic cathedrals next year.

Entering its yawning shade from the bright sunshine, the exhibition feels appropriately jungly in the still heat, and calmingly meditative. A soundscape loops a soporific medley of rushing water and bird calls, and kinetic leaf sculptures sway overhead, casting dappled sunlight on to the barn’s ancient timber ceiling.

On the way back to the hotel, I detour via Old Wardour Castle. This hulk of a hexagonal 14th-century fortress was blown up during the civil war and now stands as a picturesque ruin surrounded by landscaped parkland. Swallows fly in and out of the castle’s ravaged windows as I step inside its shell, while below it a fishing lake shimmers with waterlilies. A handful of visitors huddle in the cool, ferny damp of the castle’s 19th-century grotto, but I sit beneath an old cedar instead, watching the hot breeze stirring the branches and drowsily sweeping slits of sunshine across the shade.

The day is unfolding at a similarly snaily pace back at Teffont House, where guests are ordering slices of Victoria sponge or gentleman’s relish on toast soldiers from a “four o’clock” menu. Soon, Luxton hopes, guests will gather for five o’clock sherries, announced by the sounding of a brass gong. “That’s the fun of a small hotel,” he says. “You can do little things that surprise people.”

The big surprise at dinner is how many local people are there. Joining them for three courses, I wolf my way through a lightly spiced venison carpaccio dotted with sharp little kea plums, crisp-skinned chalk stream trout with buttery greens and a sauce peppered with briny little beads of roe, and a single, perfect scoop of strawberry sorbet.

Afterwards I wander up to the top of the garden. Dusk is falling, the moon rising and the soft clink of glasses from the terrace is harmonising with the calls of song thrushes. A sheep bleats somewhere in the distance, lights glint on in a cottage down the valley and, behind me, the woods on the ridge are darkening. Enfolded in the village, I feel truly part of it – albeit just for a night or two.

The trip was provided by Teffont House. Double rooms start at £155 B&B

Reality TV star Tom Sandoval’s former girlfriend Victoria Lee Robinson has filed a dueling restraining order after she was arrested in June following an altercation that involved her father being pushed into a lit fire pit.

In the petition, filed Thursday in a Los Angeles court, Robinson claims that over the course of the former couple’s 2.5-year relationship, the former “Vanderpump Rules” star “routinely physically and verbally abused” her.

According to court documents reviewed by The Times, the model alleges that Sandoval shoved her down a flight of stairs in his home, pushed her to the ground at a hotel in Nashville, and attacked her and her father on June 3.

On Monday, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge denied Victoria Robinson’s request for the temporary domestic violence restraining order because Sandoval’s existing temporary restraining order requires a hearing (which was set for July 16) before Robinson’s could be granted.

Representatives for Sandoval told The Times in a statement, “It’s no surprise that Victoria’s request for a restraining order was immediately denied.”

Sandoval, known for the Scandoval cheating scandal that erupted on the hit Bravo series “Vanderpump Rules” in 2023, filed a temporary restraining order against Robinson and her father J. Will Robinson on June 25. In Sandoval’s petition, he claimed that since the two became a couple in February 2024, Victoria Robinson has been violent and attacked him physically.

Sandoval was granted a temporary restraining order which required Robinson and her father to vacate the Los Angeles rental the three had shared. According to Sandoval, he’d left the house and stayed in hotels and with friends following the June 3 incident.

“This is my home. We are both on the lease, but I paid the first month’s rent and deposit, surprised him with the keys and virtually every item in it is mine,” Victoria Robinson said in a statement shared with The Times. “I have filed my own legal action because I have my own account of what happened and it’s very different from what has been said publicly.”

Robinson said that while her father has been under media scrutiny, he was trying to protect her.

“My relationship with Tom has already controlled the past two years of my life,” she said. “I cannot allow a false narrative to control my future.”

The altercation involving Sandoval, Robinson and her father happened in the early morning hours after the couple returned home from a night out at a bar, according to both accounts.

In a video of the June 3 incident, obtained by TMZ, Robinson and her father are seen sitting next to a lit fire pit on the patio when Sandoval and the elder Robinson begin arguing. Sandoval is heard yelling at Will Robinson before he asks his girlfriend if she is recording and approaches her. Will Robinson stands up and wraps his arms around Sandoval, seemingly to get him to back away from Victoria Robinson. Sandoval turns and pushes Will Robinson, who falls backward into the lit fire pit.

After Will Robinson gets back up, he rushes after Sandoval into the home while Victoria Robinson screams for the men to stop.

According to Victoria Robinson’s petition, when Sandoval noticed she was recording his exchange with her father, he twisted her arm while trying to gain control of her phone.

Will Robinson allegedly suffered a thumb fracture and elbow and back injuries.

Victoria Robinson was arrested after police responded on June 3 and released on bond the same day. On June 4, Sandoval returned to their L.A. house to collect his things and Victoria Robinson called police, who escorted Sandoval from the home, according to the filing.

The Los Angeles Police Department declined to comment on the reason for Robinson’s arrest.

Will Robinson told TMZ last month, “The DA did not file the case for a reason. I lifted Tom off of my daughter because he was overpowering and twisting her arm and trying to take her phone aggressively after yelling at us in a very aggressive and threatening manner.”

“This is my daughter’s home and we just want Tom as far away from us as possible and to keep his lies and drunken abuse away,” Robinson said.

This isn’t the first time their fights have turned physical, according to both accounts. Victoria Robinson‘s petition claims that in August 2025, Sandoval shoved her down their hardwood stairs and she suffered knee injuries. She said she reported the incident to police but ultimately recanted her statements to protect Sandoval from being arrested. “In hindsight, I deeply regret this decision,” reads the suit.

Weeks before the fire pit incident, Robinson alleges that during a trip to Nashville to visit her grandfather who was in hospice care and has since died, Sandoval pushed her to the floor of their hotel and locked her out of their shared room.

“During their 2½-year relationship, Tom has made it clear he never physically harmed Victoria,” representatives for Sandoval said. “Instead, he lived in fear of her repeated physical attacks and unpredictable behavior. He will show he was the victim of ongoing physical and emotional abuse, and has substantial evidence documenting what he endured, which will be presented through the legal process.”

Mexico supporters attempted to wake up England players with music and fireworks close to their hotel the night before the sides’ last-16 World Cup tie, but were moved back by police.

Footage published on social media appears to show a group of fans chanting, playing music and letting off fireworks on a street nearby England’s hotel in Mexico City.

Early indications from the England camp are it had minimal impact on the players.

Police in riot gear have been lining the streets immediately surrounding the hotel, with anyone attempting to get close being moved away.

The increased security presence comes because Ecuador – beaten 2-0 by Mexico in the World Cup last 32 – lodged a noise complaint with world governing body Fifa after fans with loudspeakers, motorbikes and horns disrupted their sleep last week.

The World Cup co-hosts play England at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium on Sunday evening local time (01:00 BST, Monday).

On Saturday, the team were met with a mixture of cheers and jeers from fans as they left their hotel for training under enhanced security measures.

England boss Thomas Tuchel dismissed concerns over his side’s treatment in Mexico, saying it had been “nicer” than he expected and that home fans were “friendly and respectful”.

WATCHING the morning sun sparkle on an immaculate padel court as the first players warm up, I can’t help but admire their dedication.

I, however, have a different priority in mind and a few minutes later I’m settled at a shaded table on a flower-filled terrace, enjoying breakfast of omelette, mini tortillas and crushed tomatoes on crusty bread.

Fellow guests in their pristine tennis whites head towards yet more courts as the Andalusian sun rises into a clear blue sky.

Perhaps later. For me, the comfy Balinese beds beside the terrace pool are calling.

And that’s the joy of the Higueron Hotel Malaga Curio Collection by Hilton on Spain’s Costa del Sol.

There are sporting and spa facilities that would put a posh country club to shame — and all sorts of indulgent ways to do very little but soak up all that sunshine.

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Don’t let the name fool you though.

While it has Malaga in the title, the hotel actually sits in the hills directly above the bustling, British beach favourites of Benalmadena and Fuengirola.

Malaga city itself — with its Picasso Museum and buzzing tapas bars — is an easy 30-minute drive away.

Meanwhile, the superyachts, designer boutiques and champagne-fuelled glamour of Marbella and Puerto Banus sit 30 minutes in the other direction.

Snag yourself a cheap hire car from the airport and the whole coast is your oyster.

But the joy of this hotel is just how much there is to keep you busy without ever leaving the grounds.

The extensive sporting facilities include not just the ten padel and tennis courts, but beach volleyball sand courts and three for basketball as well as indoor and outdoor pools and a huge air-conditioned gym.

The spa is just as comprehensive, with a hydro circuit in its heated pool with pressure jets, massage beds, Jacuzzi and waterfalls.

There’s also a sauna, steam rooms and dedicated rooms for treatments.

Luckily for me, the hotel had plenty to keep non-sporty guests busy.

As well as the main pools and terraces — including a stunning adult-only rooftop infinity pool — there’s also a private beach club on the coast.

A free hotel shuttle whisks you down the hill to yet more comfy lounging spots, a pool and two superb restaurants.

And what could be more indulgent on a sunshine break than food created by a Michelin-starred chef?

There are seven a-la-carte restaurants in the hotel and the beach club, three of which have menus designed by award-winning chef Diego Gallegos.

While the Michelin-starred Sollo has tasting menus at £150pp, you can still enjoy the chef’s creations at funky fusion restaurant Arara.

Its £51 tasting menu features Brazilian, Peruvian and Andalusian flavours with a South East Asian twist, with eight courses designed to be shared by diners.

For daytime indulgences, catch more chef- inspired dishes at the beach club, including clams cooked in sherry with flying fish roe and delicious prawns in a spicy pil pil sauce.

Rooms in the main resort are ultra-modern — opt for a deluxe for stunning views of the resort and Mediterranean beyond.

And if you’ve really got cash to splash, the exclusive Leiro Suites are another level.

There’s more space, Scandi designs and funky balcony furniture.

But you’ll also get the choice of breakfast at the rooftop Infinity restaurant and access to the Balinese beds there and at the Beach Club.

Also included is spa access, free guided sports activity, early check-in and late check-out and parking, as well as priority ­reservations.

The hotel offers the best of the Costa Del Sol and a host of sporting options to keep you fit and healthy.

For me though, those Balinese beds at the Infinity Rooftop are the reason

I’ll definitely be returning for the stunning views — and the most chilled of snoozes.

The TWA Hotel at New York’s JFK Airport is a luxury plane-themed hotel that was once a disused airport terminal – transformed into a stunning hotel after a $265million (£200m) renovation

A former airport terminal that sat abandoned for years has been transformed into a stunning aviation-themed luxury hotel — following a jaw-dropping $265million (approximately £200m) restoration to revive it to its former glory.

The TWA Hotel flung open its doors in 2019, boasting a rooftop infinity pool with breathtaking views over an active runway at New York’s JFK International Airport. Originally serving as a TWA flight terminal, the iconic building was designed by renowned architect Eero Saarinen before it closed its doors in 2001, only to be reborn 18 years later.

The hotel, which occupies the TWA Flight Center, now comprises two buildings at each end of the former terminal, offering 512 rooms for guests to choose from.

Designers painstakingly worked to recreate its appearance when it first opened back in 1962, hailed by the Landmarks Preservation Commission as “one of the great masterpieces of expressionistic modern design”.

Earlier this year, it was recognised as one of the top five best airport hotels on the planet at the prestigious Skytrax World Airport Awards.

The original terminal now serves as the lobby for the four-star hotel, which also features a round-the-clock 10,000 square feet gym — claiming the title of the world’s largest hotel gym — alongside a selection of restaurants.

One of the most striking highlights is a 1958 Lockheed Constellation aircraft that has been cleverly converted into a cocktail lounge, with an aviation history museum also housed within the hotel.

Time magazine previously featured it on their coveted list of “The World’s Greatest Places of 2019”, and one recent visitor was British travel YouTuber Hannah Ricketts.

She explained that she was keen to visit the hotel to get a taste of what the golden era of air travel felt like during the 1950s and 60s.

Upon reaching the lobby, she told her 489,000 subscribers that it was one of the “coolest entrances” she had ever seen.

Spotting a vintage Coca Cola machine, she remarked that it felt like stepping back in time, before adding that the place was far more impressive than she had anticipated.

She went on to reveal that she paid around $400 (approx £300) for a room with a deluxe runway view. Hannah confirmed this included taxes, with standard rooms starting at roughly $200.

Gazing out from her room, she exclaimed: “This looks so much better in person. I feel like the camera isn’t going to do it justice.”

She said it felt like being on the set of Mad Men, describing the building as “utterly stunning”, packed with period details that truly transported you back to the 1960s.

“I’ve never been anywhere like this in my life,” she added. “And it’s obviously pristine where it’s been refurbed. It’s almost surreal. Wow.”

The travel vlogger described the swimming pool as “insane”, though pointed out that it cost $25 (approx £19) to use, even as a guest.

She then savoured a Mile-High Margarita aboard the converted cocktail lounge plane, telling her audience: “Maybe you’re a Brit watching this and you’re going to come back from JFK, back to the UK, back to reality, back to work. If you want to plan this, it’s a really positive end to a trip.”

Her sole gripe was with the food, which she rated a 5/10, though she described the overall experience as immersive and one she would happily repeat.

Summing up her one-night stay, she said: “This is a four-star hotel, I would say this is literally better than quite a lot of the five-star hotels we’ve been looking at.”

YOU could soon have a staycation at a racetrack that has hosted Formula 1 stars.

Clay Pigeon Raceway near Dorchester is soon being demolished to make way for 226 chalets for a holiday park.

The karting track was once used by F1 drivers Lando Norris, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button at the start of their careers.

The racetrack is also home to a disused clay pigeon shooting ground, hence the name and a caravan park.

Little details have been revealed about what the holiday park would be like and if the racetrack would be kept, though in addition to the 226 chalets, the George Albert hotel will also be expanded.

The racetrack has been open since the 1950s and was built on the grounds of a disused World War II military hospital.

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It stretches 815 metres in total and, according to its website, has hosted nearly every major championship to tour the UK.

There is also an onsite cafe.

Visitors could head to the track and try out karting, with different options for adults and juniors.

The track is also home to Motorsport Hub, with a pit area, professional timing systems for races and even a spares shop.

Events planned for this year will go ahead as planned including the Daniel Ricciardo Series which is a UK-based karting championship that the former F1 driver launched back in 2019.

Dan Parker, head of Karting Motorsport UK, told councillors: “The venue has played an important part in British karting for decades and has supported the development of competitors, officials and volunteers, clubs and all their families throughout the south west and far beyond.”

IF you need a central London stay but want all the perks of an apartment, then there’s Citadines Islington.

Here is everything you need to know about staying at the aparthotel.

Where is Citadines Islington London?

The hotel is just a short walk from Angel Underground Station in London, which is just one stop from London St Pancras.

Built inside the former Royal Mail postal sorting centre, it dates back to 1907.

What is the hotel like?

The modern hotel is in the heart of Islington Square, and hidden down a quiet side road.

The main lobby is popular with co-workers, and where you will find lounge areas, tables and a 24-hour cofffee machine.

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What are the rooms like?

Being an aparthotel, this means all of the rooms come with a kitchenette, so is perfect for longer stays.

My Studio Deluxe had wonderfully high ceilings so felt extremely spacious.

Inside the kitchenette is everything you’d need from a hob, mini fridge and microwave to crockery and cutlery.

My plush kingsize bed was extremely comfortable, and the floor to ceiling curtains blacked out any light for a great night sleep.

A coffee machine, complimentary tea and biscuits were all included, along with a seating area and huge flatscreen TV.

It was an extremely beautiful and cosy room – especially after some time spent in the walk in shower, followed by a fluffy dressing gown and slippers evening.

Rooms start from £198.90. See here.

What is there to eat and drink?

There’s no restaurant, although guests can enjoy a limited breakfast of fruit, pastries, cereals and some hot options.

But if you want lunch or dinner, there is loads to choose from in the area.

Right outside in Islington Square is everything from brunch at Megan’s to dinner at Rosa’s Thai.

Just round the corner is the main high street as well, with cuisines ranging from Chinese and Japanese to Italian and Mexican restaurants.

Wat else is there to do there?

The hotel also has an on-site gym, as well as laundry services on offer.

Otherwise outside the hotel is a huge Odeon cinema and attractions like indoor golf.

If is family friendly?

The hotel has family rooms that sleep up to four people, and each room can accommodate one extra bed or crib.

Additional beds cost extra but cribs are free.

Is it accessible?

There are accessibility rooms as well as wheelchair access and adapted bathrooms.

Lifts also go to all of the floors as well.