stayed

Tom Parker Bowles tests the budget hotel chain that just beat Premier Inn in Which? rankings, finding ‘astonishing value’ at £58 per night despite some surprising flaws

Queen Camilla’s son has experienced some of Britain’s most swanky hotels, but now he’s put a Wetherspoon establishment to the test.

The budget pub chain has been a firm favourite among millions of Brits for years, and has recently broadened its offering to include 56 hotels dotted around the UK.

Wetherspoon has just overtaken Premier Inn in a Which? survey of chain hotels, with the consumer watchdog now hailing it as offering “great value” accommodation.

Following such high praise, food writer Tom Parker Bowles – one of Queen Camilla’s two children – decided to experience a Wetherspoon hotel first-hand during a stay at The Hatchet Inn in Newbury, Berkshire, reports the Express.

Despite confessing he’s usually a “five star bore”, Tom admitted he was genuinely impressed by what £58 per night delivered.

Writing in the Mail on Sunday, he praised numerous aspects of his accommodation, highlighting a “sparkling clean” bathroom, generously-sized towels, a shower boasting excellent water pressure, and reliable Wi-Fi.

He notes: “I’ve stayed in far worse places, for three times the price.”

However, it wasn’t entirely plain sailing for Tom. He pointed out that the bed, which could be larger, is positioned directly above the pub’s entrance, meaning he attempted to drift off whilst the venue ejected customers at approximately 1am.

A few hours later, he was rudely awakened by the noise of an extremely early marketing meeting taking place nearby. He also noted that the shower floods if you linger too long, and the extractor fan roars like an “angry chainsaw”.

Despite these niggles, he concluded: “But for £58, it feels churlish to complain. Astonishing value, of course, made better by its proximity to the pub.”

The overwhelming majority of these hotels are located directly above existing pubs run by Britain’s largest pub operator.

Tom observed how drinkers in the pubs were enjoying Worthington’s for just £2 a pint and jugs of Pornstar Martini cocktails for under a tenner. He noted: “Say what you like about Wetherspoons, you can’t beat those prices.

“God, I love a Wetherspoon’s, not in some trite, archly ironic way – rather for providing cheap beer, bottomless coffee, warmth and no-nonsense succour to great swathes of the British public.”

This comes after a couple revealed their experience staying at a Wetherspoon hotel, where they instantly spotted something peculiar.

YouTube content creators Ash and Kels, who’ve travelled to 65 countries worldwide, had never before checked into one of the budget pub chain’s accommodation offerings. In fact, Ash confessed that until recently, they had no idea Wetherspoon even ran hotels across the country.

This discovery led them to book a room at their closest branch, The Wyndham Arms in Bridgend, Wales. Upon arrival at the venue, they observed the pub was “really busy” before picking up their keycard for the room upstairs.

Stepping away from the bustling pub environment, the pair were pleasantly taken aback by what they found. Ash observed: “Straight away the noise of the pub has gone.”

WITH my floating breakfast and infinity pool overlooking the ocean, I feel like I’m in the Maldives.

Yet I’m barely four hours from the UK, on the Greek island of Crete, where temperatures reach into the low 20s — and it’s only January.

My hotel, the Royal Senses Resort & Spa, is a masterclass in elegance — with the towering resort built into the mountainside.

Its main attractions are the two swimming pools, stretching 80m across the front of the resort.

And it is safe to say my attempts to get some laps in before breakfast were quickly left wanting.

Instead, I hopped into the heated pool just behind, which is popular with the younger guests if they’re not at the on-site splash park.

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Live saxophonist

If you want some peace and quiet, tucked away on the other side of the resort is the adults-only luxury infinity pool, complete with mini hot tubs and curtained cabanas.

Despite the gym calling me after my failed swimming session, I headed to the hotel spa for a sleep-inducing massage, followed by a trip to the steam room and sauna.

The spa pool is worth a visit too. Half inside, half outside, it has muted pink tiles I want in my own bathroom.

When it comes to time to eat, there is a buffet — complete with a live saxophonist at breakfast — grill restaurants Mitato and the Michelin chef-run Cretamos.

After goat milk ice creams at the Platia pop-up restaurant and cocktails at the Euphoria pool bar, I very much needed the walk back up to my room.

The two-room suite, with sea views, had me feeling like I had stepped on to the set of Netflix’s Selling Sunset.

For an additional charge, you can request your own floating breakfast — something I couldn’t resist — and it came loaded with pastries, fruits, meats and cheeses.

Many of the smaller suites have their own pools as well.

The only thing the hotel is missing is the beach — but that’s where sister hotel The Royal Blue Resort comes in, which is just a short shuttle ride down to the coastline.

The best rooms in the house are the Blue Residence villas, which opened last year and are ideal for larger families.

Made up of a sprawling lounge and kitchenette, along with two bedrooms and three bathrooms, they have private balconies that wrap the length of the villa.

Of course they have their own swimming pools for a quick dip, but the only spot I wanted to be was the hotel’s secluded beach. No beaches on Crete are private, but this certainly felt like it was.

This resort is the smaller of the two but has plenty of dining options to keep you full. Symposium is where you can find breakfast and dinner, with similar options to its sister resort.

Seafood lovers can try the a-la-carte Asterias — serving everything from sea bream ceviche to grilled octopus — or the Mediterranean Elia (I’m still dreaming of the creamy duck risotto).

If you’re feeling pruney from all the pool and sea sessions, and want a touch of culture, then there are some great day trips to choose from.

A short taxi ride away is Margarites — a small village known for its ceramics — or Rethimno, a coastal city with Venetian architecture and trendy cafes.

But being in paradise with your feet in the pool and champagne in hand?

That’s worth the pruney toes.

YouTuber content creators Ash and Kels stayed at one of Wetherspoon’s 56 hotels and were immediately surprised when they entered the venue through the pub

A couple who stayed at a Wetherspoon hotel for the first time were left stunned by what they discovered. YouTube content creators Ash and Kels have travelled to 65 different countries after developing a love of travel.

But the pair had never stopped in a Wetherspoon hotel before. In fact, Ash says that until recently the couple never even realised that the budget pub chain offers a range of hotels across the nation.

It led them to booking a stay at their local Spoons, The Wyndham Arms in Bridgend, Wales. Upon arrival at the venue, they discovered the pub was “really busy” but soon found themselves picking up their keycard to access the accommodation.

After leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the boozer, the couple found themselves taken aback. Ash explained: “Straight away the noise of the pub has gone.”

Kels added: “Which is crazy because it’s literally there. The minute that door closes, silence.”

After navigating their way to the room, the pair were impressed with the amenities offered by the hotel room, as well as the feature wall decorated with Wetherspoon carpet.

Ash though wasn’t sure about the one on the floor. He said: “One thing I don’t actually like about this room is the carpet. One half of the carpet is this swirly pattern and the other half of the carpet are these striped, they should just have one or the other.”

The couple were however impressed with The Wyndham Arms overall. Kels said: “I really like it, I’m actually surprised with how modern it is. For £55, that’s an insane deal, I could stay in Wetherspoon’s hotels more, what a good idea.”

She added: “This room has been really lovely. It’s nice, it’s modern, it’s clean, I have no complaints really.

“I thought you would have been able to hear noise downstairs, especially considering how busy it was, but the minute you come through that first door, there’s no noise, it’s absolutely crazy.”

Wetherspoon’s hotels, much like the chain’s pubs, are traditionally based in historic buildings. Each hotel is either situated above or near one of the brand’s boozers, says its website.

Each hotel room comes complete with an en suite bathroom, complimentary tea and coffee making facilities, hair dryer, a flat-screen television and WiFi. The company’s hotels are only available to book via its app or website, something it claims gets customers “the best rate”.

The brand now boasts more than 50 hotels ranging from Birmingham to Wigan and Wembley to Dublin. Prices start from £55 a night.

Our writer Ben Whisson visited Haven’s Devon Cliffs Holiday Park in November and discovered that off-season breaks offer brilliant family fun

As I embarked on a three-night getaway to Haven’s Devon Cliffs site in November, I was slightly apprehensive about what an off-season UK holiday park might have in store. However, as my wife, young son and I pulled up to the park’s entrance, any worries were quickly laid to rest.

Upon check-in, we navigated through the expansive grounds to find our lodge, which would serve as our base for a weekend packed with thrilling activities and lively entertainment.

READ MORE: Where to go on holiday in 2026 – from surprising EU foodie hotspot to ‘cheaper Cotswolds’

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What to do at a Haven Holiday Park

The handy Haven app allowed us to manage our booking and plan activities before even setting foot in the park. Despite visiting during the quieter season, there was no shortage of things to do – from a ‘Make A Bear’ party and an Aerial Adventure to their Football Fun Factory and Ranger Activities.

With a mix of complimentary and paid activities, there’s truly something for everyone. Moreover, a Haven PlayPass grants you 14 sessions at the site’s indoor pool throughout your stay, reports OK!. We specifically chose this site for its swimming facilities, and it certainly didn’t disappoint.

Entertainment at Haven Devon Cliffs Holiday Park

Given the timing of our visit, I expected the entertainment offerings to be somewhat limited – but I couldn’t have been more mistaken. The park boasted two entertainment venues, each offering a plethora of options from morning till night. With full-scale pantomimes, karaoke, and a host of fun and games for both children and adults, I was thoroughly impressed by the variety on offer.

The entertainment team were the absolute highlight of the park – and our holiday. This gifted bunch put on fantastic shows, interacted with the kiddies and made it a memorable trip for us and numerous other families.

Food and drink at Haven Devon Cliffs Holiday Park

Our caravan was well kitted out for whipping up home-cooked meals (which we did) – but we also had the opportunity to try the broad range of food options at the park. With Slim Chickens, Chopstix and Papa Johns among the outlets on site, we were spoilt for choice. The entertainment venues boast bars, plus there’s a sports bar and even a Wetherspoons.

Accommodation at Haven Devon Cliffs Holiday Park

We lodged in a spotless Emerald grade lodge, which was beautifully presented, featuring two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a cosy lounge/kitchen area. It had parking for two cars and was just a short stroll from the centre of activity on the site. The icing on the cake was the outdoor decking that encircled the lodge, which – during the fleeting moments of sunshine – allowed us to fully appreciate the view of the Devon coast.

With a beach accessible from the park, a snug lodge and everything you could need for an action-packed break – whenever you decide to visit – Haven’s Devon Cliffs park surpassed our expectations. Despite a typically rainy November weekend, the multi-skilled entertainment team and staff brought the sunshine for us and our little lad – and we’ll definitely be returning for more.

How much does it cost to stay at Haven Devon Cliffs Holiday Park?

Four-night breaks off-peak in March and April at Haven Devon Cliffs Holiday Park start from £99 staying in a Saver grade caravan. The park reopens in March 2026.

For alternative caravan holidays, have a look at Parkdean Resorts and Hoseasons.

I stayed at a hotel that’s been branded one of the worst in the UK and for some reason decided that it would be a good idea to use a UV light in my windowless room

There aren’t that many hotels that charge £10 for windows or are seemingly completely empty the week before Christmas. And there’s only one hotel chain that has been named the worst in the UK for 12 consecutive years. To experience such delights, you’ve got to check yourself into a Britannia.

The chain is the stuff of legend. Fifty years after its first property, the Country House Hotel in Didsbury, Manchester, was opened, it has added around 60 more and grown to stretch across the UK before taking over Pontins.

However, its story is not an entirely positive one. Britannia has been much maligned over the years for (according to some of its unhappy customers at least) turning once grand properties into grimy, unpleasant, and uncomfortable hotels that don’t offer good value, even for their budget price tags.

My first experience in a Britannia came back in 2022, in the heady post-lockdown days when I took the train down to Bournemouth to stay in a hotel that has since been repurposed to house asylum seekers. The stuck fast windows and thick smell of paint ensured it was a hot and sticky night, while the drained outdoor pool, discarded knickers in the courtyard and a scattering of NOS canisters added to the general sense of neglect.

Have you had a memorable hotel stay? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

READ MORE: I stayed at the UK’s best hotel – one thing makes it really stand out

OPINION

Milo Boyd

With such images in my head, it was with trepidation that I headed to my local Britannia to find out whether anything had changed at the UK’s worst hotel chain.

It hadn’t.

Britannia Hampstead is bleak, albeit in different ways to its sister venue down on the south coast. Here’s a breakdown of its key elements, compared to a recent visit to The Manor in Blakeney, North Norfolk. The Manor is part of the Coaching Inn Group, which was named the UK’s best large hotel chain of 2025 by Which? readers, while Britannia came dead last. Here is what separates the wheat from the chaff.

Vibe

On my Bournemouth trip, things were a lot livelier. There was life in the hotel. I knew because I could hear arguing couples and other people’s TV choices through my room walls. What I would’ve done for even the most muffled background characters this time around. The six-storey London hotel, which is big enough to house a 350-person business suite, was completely dead. The fairy lights flickered, but no one was home.

Contrastingly, the Manor was vibey. It may be a good hour’s cycle from the nearest train station, but even in the dead of November, it was busy, friendly, and warm. The staff were happy to chat, as were the guests lined up at the bar, enjoying special weekends away or a quick drink in what served as their local.

Rooms

It’s certainly not going to win any prizes, but my room in the Hampstead Britannia was much nicer than the Bournemouth one. In Bournemouth, a singular dead fly lay on the windowsill next to a deeply stained armchair. A screw stuck out from a picture frame. For several hours, I was unable to illuminate the room as all but the bathroom lights were out of action, leaving us with the deafeningly loud extractor fan until a cheery man on reception explained that the central electricity switch was hidden beneath the kettle.

In North London, the room was just… a bit bland. It was so clean that my UV torch found absolutely nothing. I can only assume that the strong stench of cleaning fluids had something to do with that. The furnishings were old and mostly brown, but inoffensive. At points during the night, the lack of windows did make me wonder if I was in prison. But I slept, woke and then jailbroke to tell the tale.

Over in Norfolk, it’s a different story. The Manor has 36 rooms, the cheapest of which can be booked for £99 next week. It is classic budget hotel fare, albeit of the quality end of the spectrum. A comfortable double bed, a medium-sized TV, and a well-decorated bathroom. Everything is solid, clean and cheerful.

Staff

As my only fellow humans in the Britannia hotel that night, I have no real complaints about the staff. They seemed nice enough, if not a little distracted when I chatted to them. The receptionist didn’t seem completely sure why the restaurant and bar were closed. Otherwise, my interactions with the staff were limited to them looking at me curiously as I read my book in the empty lobby.

Contrastingly, at the Manor, it’s all about staff. Many of them have been there for well over ten years. About half of them seem to be members of the Hill clan, including Tore, Karen, Sophie and Wayne. They were all on hand at various points during my stay to ensure everything was in its right place and to offer insights into the local area. For me, and the chatty returning customers who knew staff by name, such warmth is a major plus. It transforms the hotel from a place to stay and eat for the night, to somewhere homely that you want to be.

Location

This should be one of Britannia’s strong suits. In my mind, its customers tolerate a low-quality stay because of the convenience of staggering home to a city centre joint after a work away day or stag do. The Hampstead hotel offers none of that. It’s neither near enough the Heath nor Camden to be properly in either, and it’s a long old schlep from the centre of town. I can only imagine the disappointment of tourists who didn’t do enough research before booking.

Blakeney, on the other hand, is a lovely place. Just metres from the hotel’s front is the River Glaven, which winds its way through the National Nature Reserve. Nearby Blakeney Point is renowned for its seal colonies, with Beans Boat offering guided tours throughout the year. Most Coaching Inn Group hotels are in similarly scenic and remote rural locations.

Price

Windowless rooms at the London Britannia cost from £55, according to its website. But mine was closer to £90 with breakfast. If I’d opted for the sought-after window option, that would’ve hit the £100 mark.

The average cost of a room at the Manor is £128. While that isn’t very cheap, in the Which? survey, the hotel was one of only two to score four out of five stars for value for money. The other was Wetherspoons. I visited the Spoons Hotel in Canterbury in November, where a room for the night can be yours for just £55 and the average price is £70.

Spoons easily takes the prize for best value in my book, with Coaching Inn Group not far behind. Britannia, however, offers very little for what is a sizeable price tag. The average home price across all its hotels is £84, according to Which?. Even in 2025, that’s poor.

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OPINION

Milo Boyd

The verdict

Nothing about my stay at the Britannia convinced me that it’s on the up or going to shed its unwanted ‘worst in class’ title anytime soon. I’m sure it’ll bag the bottom spot for a thirteenth time next year.

Britannia’s model seems to be to buy up grand old properties and flog the rooms for cut-price rates. Such is the size of the buildings, renovating to a modern standard would be a costly and risky venture. Far better, I imagine its executives have assumed, to keep costs low, even if profits remain the same. As a result, it’s a franchise with dozens of worn-out buildings that consistently fail to delight.

Contrastingly, Coaching Inn Group is a company that has done things right. For virtually the same price, customers can stay in one of its charming hotels in a warm, comfortable room with staff that seem genuinely invested in their work. Really, there is no competition.

Britannia has been contacted for comment.

Wales’ craggy coastline is among the most beautiful in the world and can be enjoyed year-round

The UK’s craggy coastline is among the most beautiful in the world and can be enjoyed year-round, especially in winter when crowds disperse and prices drop. I spent an affordable winter weekend in Tenby, widely considered one of the UK’s best seaside towns — and now summer travel is officially off the list as I want to avoid the crowds and sky-high prices.

There’s a particular joy in taking a solitary coastal walk on a Tuesday in November while everyone else is stuck at their desks. Strolling around the seafront, it’s easy to see why Tenby is such a hit. With picturesque beaches just a short stroll from the lively town centre, pubs, cobbled streets, and eye-catching, brightly coloured houses, I’m not surprised that this coastal jewel consistently tops the list of the country’s “best seaside towns”.

Stepping beyond its historic 13th-century walls, you’ll find sandy beaches and dramatic cliffside vistas over the sea towards the mesmerising Caldey Island. I have visited Tenby many, many times over the years, from childhood holidays to grown-up escapes and I love it a bit more with each visit. While admittedly summer is perfect for sea swimming and long wine-filled afternoons on sun-trap pub terraces, I have come to appreciate Tenby more in winter, especially when I can bag a good accommodation deal.

Sure, the weather might not be as sunny, but this is Wales. It’s completely unpredictable, so you may as well chance a cheaper autumn visit and hope the weather gods smile upon you. I love that if you visit Tenby during the week, say, mid-January, you can escape the crowds and wander the pretty streets and sandy beaches in relative peace. Just wrap up warm, buy a hot chocolate, and watch the waves roll in from a chilled-out seaside cafe.

Where to stay in Tenby

You can get some pretty good deals in the off-season, especially if you visit midweek rather than at the weekend. One of my favourite spots is YHA Manorbier, a very affordable stay that’s a short drive from the town centre.

This budget-friendly hostel, situated on a former military installation, offers glamping and camping facilities and costs under £50 for a private en-suite room for two (YHA members pay even less). Accommodation options include affordable private rooms, unique American Airstreams, cute camping pods, and pitch-up camping.

I usually book a clean, private en-suite room for just £45 for two, and as a YHA member, I get an extra 10% off. Win! Yes, the private rooms can have limited space for large luggage, which estate agents might call “bijou” and normal people might call “compact”. However, for just over £20 each it’s a genuine bargain – especially in the pricey Pembrokeshire area. You’re here for the vibes.

A community-spirited atmosphere fostered by shared kitchens, mismatched mugs, and conversations over wine in the lounge. Want to stay closer to town? Check out autumn deals on Booking.com and book a seaside hotel for around £70 for two adults, or spoil yourself with a stay at a four-star property, the Dunes, for just £80 for a night in the off-season.

The Premier Inn Tenby Town Centre hotel costs just £48 for a night for two in January and offers a cosy stay right in the middle of all the action.

Things to do in Tenby off-season

There’s still plenty to do in Tenby after the busy summer season has ended. You can stomp along the coast path, drink craft ales in local boozers, browse boutique shops, and pick up locally made gifts. Tenby has several sandy beaches where you can take a chilly winter sea dip if you’re feeling brave or drink hot chocolate overlooking the blustery shoreline.

South Beach is a dune-backed sandy beach close to the town and has the added accolade of being a Blue Flag Beach. For food options, check out Salty’s Beach Bar and Restaurant, located right on the beach.

Nearby Castle Beach was crowned the UK’s best beach in 2019 and currently holds a 4.8 out of five rating on Google. Unlike most places in the UK, it’s just a few steps from the town centre. North Beach in the Pembrokeshire town has previously been voted the most photogenic in the UK, beating other stunning sites like Durdle Door in Dorset and Brighton seafront. Pretty Harbour Beach is the smallest but has a backdrop of colourful houses, bobbing boats, and a road leading back to town.

Autumn is also a great time to traverse the Tenby Coast Path. This scenic section of the larger Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers views of Tenby’s colourful harbour, Caldey Island, and St Catherine’s Island.

Popular routes include the four-mile walk to Saundersfoot, a moderate nine-mile loop returning inland, and a challenging 10.9-mile point-to-point path to Freshwater East.

If it’s raining, head to Tenby Museum and Art Gallery, the oldest independent museum in Wales. Established in 1878, this retro museum houses a wide-ranging collection of local geology, biology, archaeology, and maritime artefacts.

Many of the exhibits also relate to the culture and heritage of South Pembrokeshire, offering insight into local history and art. A small gift shop near the entrance also sells local books and gift items.

The museum’s admission price is £6.50 for adults and £3.50 for children. It also operates a reusable ticket scheme – all tickets are valid for one year after purchase, so you can make as many return visits as you like within that time at no additional charge.

Places to eat and drink in Tenby

There are two local breweries in Tenby for Welsh tipples. Both produce quality beers and supply local bars and restaurants. Tenby Brewing Co., which took over from Preseli Brewery, has multiple stockists in Tenby and is one of Wales’s leading craft breweries.

The award-winning brewery was born when two friends decided (over a pint) to quit the rat race and start their own brewery. The Yard is their hip venue here at the brewery, with a capacity of 150, an exciting rotating food offering from awesome pop-up food vendors, draft beer lines from their range, and some of their favourite brewers.

The newer brewery on the scene, Harbwr, is a craft brewery and taproom that brews a range of cask and bottled ales just above Tenby harbour.

Food-wise, Tenby’s cluster of tiny streets and pastel-coloured buildings hides its best restaurants and cafes down the narrowest of alleys.

One of these more secluded dining finds is Plantagenet House, with a warren of flagstone floors, exposed beams, and a 40ft medieval Flemish chimney.

If you book early enough, you can bag a table by the fireplace. A recommended dish is their vegan Thai coconut curry, featuring squash, chargrilled spring onion, spiced rice, and roasted almonds.

Links restaurant is located on the ground floor of Tenby Golf Club and is a great Michelin-recommended dining choice for gastronomes.

Led by a talented local chef, the menu features simple yet incredibly tasty dishes made with the best Welsh produce. Start your meal with their freshly baked ale bread, served with whipped Marmite butter – trust me, it’s the perfect opener.

The atmosphere is relaxed but refined, and the menu strikes the perfect balance between unpretentious and exciting. From hot-smoked salmon with cucumber and buttermilk to heritage tomatoes paired with buffalo mozzarella, there are loads of lush dishes to choose from.

For mains, enjoy locally sourced delights like Pembrokeshire beef or Cornish cod in a bisque sauce, or tuck into a tender Welsh lamb rump, served with all the right accompaniments.

And don’t forget to save room for dessert, whether it’s rich dark chocolate fondant with tarragon ice cream or tangy lemon meringue with almond cake and blueberry sorbet, you won’t go home hungry.

D. Fecci and Sons possibly serve the best fish and chips in Wales and have been serving visitors and locals since 1935. With potatoes grown up the road in Pembrokeshire and groundnut oil making haddock, cod, and calamari fantastically light, the chippy also serves fresh mackerel in the summer.

For sweet treats, pop into Môr Tenby, a swish family-run coffee shop and gift shop that sells its own blend of coffee (“Coffi Môr”), chocolate products, deli items, home fragrances, homeware, gifts, and Welsh produce.

A beloved institution in Tenby, Top Joe’s is the go-to spot for pizza lovers.

This former ’60s diner has transformed into an artisan pizzeria serving freshly-made pizza, pasta, and salads with the finest Italian ingredients. Located in the heart of this picturesque beach town, it’s a firm favourite with locals and visitors.

Chef Giovanni Recchia, recently named one of the best in the world at the Pizza World Championships, brings his expertise to the menu. He crafts pizzas with locally milled flour and top-notch ingredients, including cured meats from Trealy Farm Charcuterie.

After snapping up a room for just £50, strolling straight into pubs that are usually rammed, and demolishing fish and chips by the sea, I can honestly say winter has stolen the crown as my favourite time in Tenby.

In 2026, I fully intend to resist the siren call of summer and book another cold-weather escape, where I can wander the streets before anyone else wakes up and claim the town entirely for myself.

Almost everything was bad.

Every January I try to escape Britain’s gloom for sun and wine that doesn’t cost £8 a glass. I convince my long-suffering husband to log off and join me on my yearly escapades to sunny and cheaper places like Sri Lanka and Costa Rica. In January 2025 I was itching for a new destination and ‘the Egypt saga’ was set in motion.

Cut back to Christmas 2024 when, fuelled by mulled wine and poor judgement, I was doom-scrolling and found a deal that stopped me in my tracks: almost four weeks in an all-inclusive resort in Hurghada, flights included, for just under £1,700 for both of us. I booked immediately. No research. No caution. I was so giddy with the adrenaline of having bagged a bargain I forgot the first rule of resort booking: always check the reviews. Always.

“How bad could it possibly be though?” I dreamed as I packed. As a freelancer I intended to ‘work’ during my extended jaunt – preferably with a pina colada in hand like I have seen other smug ‘world citizens’ do on Instagram. My husband stayed suspiciously quiet.

Our budget booking promised a “four-star resort and aqua park and private beach” so I was fully expecting spacious, stylish rooms with plush bedding, multiple delicious dining options, and peaceful pools and spas to unwind in after a busy morning doing important writing and sharing my new life on Instagram. In a plot twist no-one saw coming what we actually got was a rundown bargain-bin resort that clearly hadn’t been updated since 1987 with the ‘private beach’ a bus ride away.

While certain parts were pleasant (I really liked the towering palm trees, our room balcony, and the abundance of resident cats) there were vast areas that needed an update and some serious deep cleaning.

Shabby and dirty room decor, exposed wiring, freezing cold pools, and screeching groups of budget holiday punters who were already drunk by 10am. It seems Egypt’s idea of four stars is very different from mine. “Swanky”, apparently, is a relative term.

Because I’m “annoyingly positive” (according to my family) I earnestly declared that we would make “the best of it” while stepping over broken paving slabs as Pharrell Williams played on loop. However my eternal optimism eventually faltered when I tried to work.

The “free wifi” was confined to the smoke-filled chaotic lobby where everyone was glued to YouTube on their phones. You couldn’t send so much as an email as the connection was utterly dire. This meant we had to buy local sim cards with data, which felt like being back in the dial-up era. Work completely stalled so we headed to the pool, abandoning all hope of finishing my mountain of assignments. Future me could sort that out.

If blaring 2010-era music was stressful being hassled by resort staff while lounging by an icy pool was worse. Headphones, fake naps, and avoiding eye contact didn’t help. Every 20 seconds someone asked if we wanted a photoshoot, a massage, or tickets to the resort party. Yes, a party you’ve technically already paid for. Joy. To be fair I know next to nothing about all-inclusives. Most of my travel has been DIY so I was unprepared for many aspects of resort life.

I totally appreciate that staff earn most of their money from commissions but I’m only human; I have only so much patience for endless sales pitches when I’m trying to relax and drink lukewarm wine at 11am.

Back in our extremely basic room (certainly no Egyptian cotton sheets here) sleep escaped us as deafening music went on into the early hours. I’m pretty sure I now know all the lyrics to Rihanna’s Pon de Replay. Come, Mr DJ, won’t you turn the music down? I am old and tired.

Food-wise I also hadn’t considered how eating the same reheated trays of dubious pasta, watery stews, and charred meat from the all-inclusive buffet could get quite repetitive. And, yes, prompt several frantic loo dashes.

On top of that there was an awkward expectation to tip every time we sat down to eat even though the whole point of “all-inclusive” is that you’ve already paid to serve yourself from the questionable buffet.

Salvation did not arrive in the form of alcohol. The wine tasted like dishwater, the cocktails like ground-down Fruit Pastilles, yet I remain in awe of my fellow Brits who somehow managed to down enough terrible booze to render a rhino comatose.

The worst part, really, is that I’ve been to Egypt’s historic capital, Cairo, enough to know that Egyptian food and drink are worth celebrating.

Koshari, ful medames, tameya, grilled kebabs, stuffed vegetables, molokhiyya: I was ready to feast like a queen. Instead local options at the resort were sparse and what they did serve was a pale shadow of the rich, fragrant dishes I’d enjoyed in Cairo. One mediocre bite and I mourned my lost koshari (a bonkers mix of grains, legumes, and pasta).

So why, you might reasonably ask, did we not call it quits, check out, and head home after failing spectacularly to live the #nomad dream?

To take a short break from being a negative Nancy what actually saved us from despair was the town of Hurghada itself. This seaside strip is the second biggest town on the Red Sea and is one of Egypt’s busiest holiday destinations. Home to world-renowned coral reefs, bazaars, bars, restaurants, and hotels there’s actually plenty to do once you step outside the resort. Rather than wallow in buyer’s remorse we spent as much time as possible exploring Sakalla, the frenetic town centre, Hurghada’s marina, and the kaleidoscope-coloured coral reefs.

Who needs tacky poolside entertainment when, for around £25 each, you can hop on a dive boat and swim among shoals of fish and even pods of dolphins as you explore vibrant coral reefs? I honestly couldn’t believe that we witnessed dolphins in the wild in turquoise waters for less than the cost of a sad lunch in Britain.

This is what you need to come to Hurghada for – not cheap resorts but instead to float in clear waters as clownfish, angelfish, and parrotfish dart in and out of reefs.

Over in Hurghada’s surprisingly swish marina we discovered a large yacht harbour lined with shops with restaurants and buzzing bars offering outdoor seating. Here we escaped the beige hotel buffet and feasted on meaty shawarma and sweet, flaky baklava.

There are also plenty of excursions and day trips from Hurghada to keep you busy. Instead of paying the resort’s extortionate prices we haggled with local operators like seasoned diplomats. Best decision of the trip.

We booked a day-long desert safari by quad bike and 4×4 vehicle, including dinner and stargazing in a traditional Bedouin village, for around £23 each including pickup.

Hurghada sits at the edge of the Eastern Desert – a vast sweep of volcanic hills, sand flats, stony plateaus, and wind-carved gullies that look like a film set. It stretches from the Nile to the Red Sea and is where tourists head for quad biking, camel riding, and desert camps.

First they handed me my own quad bike. Within minutes I was tearing across the desert like I’d been cast in Mad Max, sand smacking me in the face as I tried to remember whether I’d purchased travel insurance. The desert rolled out around us in every direction: golden ridges, jagged red mountains, and the glorious sound of silence.

After my brief yet glorious action-hero era we swapped the quad bikes for a jeep. The driver treated dunes like a Top Gear challenge, launching us over rises and plummeting into valleys with the latent enthusiasm of a man who has never Googled “spinal compression injury”.

The scenery was astonishing: jagged dark-red mountains in the distance, rippled sand glowing gold, and long stretches of valley that made Britain feel very far away indeed.

Eventually, after enough bumps to rearrange my internal organs, we reached a small Bedouin village where we sipped sweet tea, learned about desert life, and watched a spectacular sunset.

As the sun dropped behind the mountains the whole landscape exploded in colour and, for the first time for the entire trip, I actually stopped complaining.

But the serenity didn’t last. Because eventually we had to return to our subpar resort where music boomed, food was abysmal, and the pool was arctic cold. And that’s when it hit me – perhaps the issue wasn’t Egypt.

The problem was my delusional belief that I could be a ‘digital nomad’ in a super-budget place where the wifi barely loads a weather app. Instagram told me I could work carefree from a sun lounger, cocktail in hand, living my best life. Reality suggests I need an actual desk, a functioning internet connection, and maybe fewer drunk tourists vomiting into a nearby plant pot. Yup, British people take all-inclusive bars extremely seriously.

Here’s the thing I should have known by now. In travel, as in life, you get exactly what you pay for. During my 20s, while backpacking on the cheap, I stayed in three-dollar-a-night hostels with sanitary conditions so questionable the Red Cross would have intervened.

I’m older now though. I like comfort and have learnt the hard way that “four-star” can mean very different things depending on the destination.

As an introduction to resort life this was certainly character-building. And while Hurghada itself was brilliant I have accepted that working in all-inclusive is a fantasy best left to influencers who only have to upload a single staged #blessed photo and lie down on the lounger again.

It’s safe to say that lessons have been learned and my ego has been checked. This travel writer has been suitably humbled and will do better. Next time I’ll stick to my DIY trips, read the fine print, and stop pretending a resort pool is a suitable workspace.

STROLLING the empty grounds of the “UK’s most beautiful castle”, I imagine myself as former resident Catherine of Aragon – minus the impractical clothing and messy divorce.

It was an autumnal Sunday morning after I had booked my family into one of the new Knights’ Retreat Lodges at Leeds Castle, near Maidstone in Kent, for the night.

The wooden lodges, named after mythical creatures such as Basilisk, Gryphon and Hippogriff, are built at the far end of the grounds, next to the children’s playground and falconry — an important detail for families when the grounds span 500 acres.

Our lodge slept five people, with a double bed in one room and three single beds decorated with cute shield pillows (available in the gift shop for a reasonable £14), plus a lounge area with a kitchenette and a bathroom. The lodges are a masterclass in small space management.

This allowed the adults to spend an enjoyable couple of hours chatting over a bottle of wine in the lounge, while the two boys battled it out in the bedroom with their shields.

Huge sandpit

But we weren’t there for chilling. Because a stay in the lodges gets you two-day access to Leeds Castle and its grounds, so we had to use our daylight hours wisely.

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First stop, the Knights’ Stronghold Playground, an enormous medieval-themed play area that is potentially the best “climbing frame” in the country. The four-storey castle has enough bridges, turrets, walkways, ziplines and slides to keep your child entertained for hours.

But we gave ourselves a strict two-hour time limit so we didn’t miss out on the rest of the action.

In the kids’ corner of the grounds, there is a huge sandpit almost as big as a small beach, an obstacle course and the birds-of-prey centre, which holds falconry shows featuring the resident hawks, falcons and owls.

The impressive show saw the handlers weaving through the crowd so that the birds were encouraged to whizz among us. They were so close that I had to duck on more than one occasion.

But the attraction that has been discussed most since our return to the commoner life is the maze, which was built in 1988 from 2,400 yew trees.

We were so bad in there that we had to ask for help to reach the middle. At that point, we were rewarded (for our cheating) with entrance to the magical underground grotto.

Thanks to back-to-back activities we’d worked up quite the appetite, so we took the woodland path over to the Castle View Restaurant for dinner.

We dined on classic dishes including ham hock terrine, rib-eye steak, chargrilled cauliflower and glazed pork chops, with a fantastic view of the castle all lit up at night.

Another brilliant thing about a stay in the Knights’ Retreat Lodges is you get access to the castle grounds before they open to the public. We took advantage of that with a magical hour’s stroll.

For the price of a night’s stay in a lodge that works out from £69 per person, it was quite something to have such a famous location to ourselves.

On the whole walk, we bumped into just two members of staff and got plenty of fantastic crowd-free pictures of ourselves outside the castle.

It also meant we were among the first inside the castle itself, so the four and six-year-olds in our company were able to exclaim loudly at obscure details in the lavish property, last decorated by Lady Baillie in the early 20th century.

As a rule, heritage properties don’t hold much interest for young boys, but Leeds Castle allows you to walk in among the items in many of the rooms instead of being roped off. You’re even encouraged to play a game of chess in the games room.

And at Christmas, they decorate the entire place, making it the perfect time to visit.

If you’re looking for some extra festive magic, they also have a Christmas Lights Trail, which runs until December 31, and features a small food market and fairground.

Even the great Catherine of Aragon would have been impressed.

Zedwell’s Capsule Cocoons in Piccadilly Circus start from £35.82 per night, offering budget accommodation in central London – but it won’t be to everyone’s taste

People with claustrophobia might want to look away now.

A hotel in central London is offering beds from just £35.82 a night, but there’s a catch. Instead of a room, you’ll be sleeping in a capsule or ‘Cocoon’ as they’re named. But does the location and low price make up for the cramped accommodations?

Reporter Christopher Sharp went to stay at the Zedwell Piccadilly Circus, and his first impressions of the space were a little morbid. Writing for the Express, he said: “One thing I do know, is that at some point after dying, I may well find myself in a coffin of some sorts.

“This isn’t my last will and testament, but one of my first thoughts after entering one of Zedwell’s Capsule Cocoons at their Piccadilly Circus venue earlier this month. The ‘Cocoons’ are effectively small windowless boxes that can be yours for as little as £36 a night.

“Stacked in columns of two, they’re an option for someone looking to spend not very much money for a room in the heart of London.”

He was impressed by the location, saying: “The room is located in just a stone’s throw from the likes of Soho, Covent Garden, Regent’s Street, Leicester Square, and a short walk from Hyde Park, Green Park, and the Serpentine.”

He described the experience of checking in, which was straightforward: “Once you’ve found the entrance to the hotel, currently located underneath a lot of scaffolding, it’s easy to check in using your booking number and email address. With your key card, you receive a small lock and key to secure your belongings, along with some compostable slippers. The check-in is 24 hours a day, so whenever you show up, you’ll be fine. If you want to check out at 3am, you can do that as well.

“Once you’ve got your key, it’s off to find your cocoon, which you’ll discover in one of several dorms stretched across several floors. Each set of cocoons is behind a locked door that can only be accessed with your key.”

However, his impressions of the hotel could be summed up by the words: “unfinished and tired”. Christopher said: “I spoke to one regular user of the Zedwell venue, and he explained that building works were still continuing. The bathrooms were not in a very good state when I was there, and the fact that an open lift shaft was visible behind a small hole in the wall didn’t fill me with much confidence.”

He felt, even for the cheap price, it didn’t represent the best value for money: “You might very well argue that for the price one pays, one shouldn’t expect high quality, but ragged toilets, an unfinished building, and an open lift shaft? I expected more.”

Zedwell’s spokesperson said: “Our targeted completion timeline is Q2 2026. When we opened a few months ago, we did so as a soft launch, with a couple of floors still in preparation. These floors have now opened and we’re finalising certain construction elements to better serve guests and optimise the way the spaces are used. This approach allows us to adapt quickly to guest feedback and ensure the hotel meets evolving needs.”

But what was the pod itself like? Christopher described the unusual accommodation: “Looking past the human safe store coffin simulation aspects, the cocoon itself was very roomy, thanks to a light at the end of the room that bounced off a full-length and full-width mirror.

“This sat in front of a ledge on which sat a three-pin socket, a USB-A and USB-C plugs, as well as a dial for the light and a switch for the fan. That fan is quite important as it’s one way of circulating air through the box after the small grills at the entrance.

“Next to said entrance are a couple of hooks for your bag and coat, and all in it’s quite an accommodating place to be and an easy enough space to crawl into. You get a much better sense of the logistical mortality of it all once you pull the shutter door down and turn out the lights and fan. It’s dark enough that you can’t see your hand in front of your face, which, given the shape of the space, is quite unnerving.

“Sleeping was difficult, but not as bad as expected. I got a couple of two or three-hour stretches before my 6am alarm the next morning. The moment the alarm went off I was out of the venue quicker than you can say Lando Norris (Max Verstappen takes a little longer to say).”

Christopher said the cheap price was clearly bringing in the crowds, writing: “The venue is clearly popular. One member of staff told me that businesspeople use it as well as tourists, theatergoers, and members of the military. I still felt there must be better options out there, even if the price is incredibly low.

“The hotel itself doesn’t claim to be the cheapest in London, but you’d be hard-pressed to find anything for less. (If you do, please email webtravel@reachplc.com and let us know). It suits travellers and tourists on a budget, but unless you’re comfortable in such a small space or value your privacy more than dealing with a night of claustrophobia, I would avoid it.

“Was it an interesting experience? Definitely. But that doesn’t mean that I would go again or that I’d recommend it, unless you only want to be in that part of central London and have no more than £40 to spend.”

A spokeperson for the hotel told us: “Zedwell Capsule Hotel Piccadilly Circus is the first hotel of its kind on this scale, not only in the UK but globally. It’s been incredibly valuable to see how guests interact with the space and to understand what features and amenities enhance their experience. We actively encourage guest feedback, especially during these early stages, as it helps us refine the experience and ensure every stay is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. We’re excited about the improvements we’re rolling out and have some exciting announcements planned in the new year.”

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Price and booking

Prices vary by date, with the cheapest rooms currently showing at £35.82. Towel hire is an extra £5. There are also women’s dorms which cost slightly more but include a towel, and have hairdryers in the bathrooms and dedicated female housekeeping staff. Check prices and book a room on Zedwell’s official site.

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

Mar Hall Hotel and Resort near Glasgow underwent a £20m refurbishment and was voted in the top 20 resorts in Europe by Condé Nast Traveler readers – and I recently stayed there

Many tourists are drawn to Scotland for the Highlands, Loch Ness and whisky — not necessarily the outskirts of Glasgow. However, I recently discovered a charming corner of Scotland is just a stone’s throw from the baggage claim.

The phrase “airport hotel” isn’t one that ignites much enthusiasm. They’re more often a necessary inconvenience than a destination, but just outside Scotland’s largest city lies the newly refurbished Mar Hall Hotel and Resort. Let’s be clear, this isn’t so much an ‘airport hotel’ as it is a hotel near an airport. The five-star resort has recently undergone a £20million makeover under new management.

Despite being no more than 30 minutes from my flat, it feels like an escape to the country. Arriving at 3pm, which is sunset during the depths of winter here, the sun casts a golden hue over the Clyde and the gently rolling hills and trees beyond. Toto, I don’t think we’re in Glasgow anymore.

The new Mar Hall

At the grand old age of 180, Mar Hall has had several incarnations. Originally commissioned by the 11th Lord Blantyre as the latest Erskine house estate, it was later transformed into a hospital for soldiers returning from World War 1 with amputations.

Fast forward to 2025 and Mar Hall finds itself under fresh ownership once more. For Glaswegians such as myself, an evening spent in a lavish period property offers a welcome escape from everyday life. For those travelling from further away, it provides an exceptionally luxurious introduction to Scotland.

Despite the hotel’s new proprietors being Dubai-based — and its Instagram-ready aesthetic — Mar Hall’s makeover feels unmistakably Scottish. During a tour of the recently renovated establishment, Jim Hamilton from Graven, the interior design company behind the transformation, told me he grew up locally and still lives minutes away.

The quintessentially Glaswegian design house Timorous Beasties provided wallpapers and fabrics, while Glasgow’s Artpistol gallery sourced much of the artwork displayed throughout, including pieces from recent Glasgow School of Art graduates.

Noting how Mar Hall has transformed from “home to hospital to hospitality”, Jim said they aimed to maintain that sense of homeliness and care in its latest incarnation.

One of the callbacks to its Victorian roots is the potted palm trees flanking the entrance hall — a nod to an era when exotic plants were a symbol of sophistication and worldliness. The attention to detail extended to the very walls. A series of four large paintings depicting Scotland’s seasons, commissioned from Scottish artist Nichol Wheatley, are set within custom wall panelling, reflecting the style of the period.

The aesthetic is a bold mix of vibrant colours and patterns: it’s Victorian, but with a 2025 twist. Your gaze is constantly drawn upwards through the lofty spaces towards the stunning vaulted ceilings above. The overall effect is lavish and chic, yet inviting. Whilst it is a five-star resort, the staff are incredibly friendly, making me feel perfectly at ease.

The rooms

It’s nearing December and the hotel has been fully decked out for the festive season. The receptionist, who offers a typically warm Scottish welcome, pauses before the doors to the Gallery, clearly excited to show me the grand room at the heart of the hotel.

For a moment, I worry about having to feign excitement for this kindly lady, but when she swings open the doors, I’m genuinely taken aback. It’s even more impressive in person than online.

To reach one of the hotel’s 74 rooms, guests walk through the Gallery with its plush seating, fireplaces and marble bar. I’m handed the keys to the Erskine grand suite for the night, priced at £1,125 per night, kitted out with a regal sitting room and grand piano.

The sitting room and bathroom, featuring a rolltop bath, offer views over the golf course, River Clyde and picturesque woodlands beyond, in that order. The bespoke bookcases are so perfectly illuminated — as is everything in the hotel — that when I meet Jim, I can’t resist asking if he would design my flat pro bono.

The festive decorations extend to the rooms. I’m thrilled to discover a Christmas tree in the lounge, sparkling next to a handwritten note and dish of treats welcoming me to Mar Hall. It’s enough to make anyone feel warm and fuzzy.

The bedroom, with its luxurious four-poster bed and impeccably luxurious bedding, lulls me to sleep shortly after I start watching a cheesy Netflix Christmas film. It’s a pity I can’t spend more time savouring a hotel room of this standard.

Mar Hall only reopened in May this year, but I hear Kylie Minogue has already stayed in these suites twice.

The food

Before dinner, I enjoy a drink in the Slàinte bar, which is delightfully cosy with a crackling fireplace and a Christmas tree. For dinner, smoked salmon, beef, and sticky toffee pudding are the mainstays of ‘fancy dining’ in Scotland and rightly so. I’m pleased to see all three on the menu.

Layering local smoked salmon on a bed of horseradish and a crunchy cracker was a real treat. The blade of beef was as tender as expected, with dauphinoise and honey-roasted carrots making for a perfect mouthful. The only critique I’d have is that the pudding could have done with more toffee sauce, as is often the case.

The unexpected highlight, however, were the warm fig bread rolls – they’ve been on my mind ever since. And all throughout, the service struck a good balance between being attentive and unobtrusive.

Breakfast in the Dining Room offers a continental selection with a variety of hot options including full Scottish breakfast, sausage egg roll, eggs Benedict, and porridge. I chose the ‘rise & shine crumpet’, a tasty combination of Argyll smoked salmon with scrambled egg.

Location and facilities

Mar Hall is set within a 240-acre estate, just a 25-minute drive from Glasgow city centre or a mere 10 minutes from Glasgow Airport. However, it’s not easily reachable by public transport.

The 18-hole Earl of Mar golf course is conveniently located just outside. Like the hotel, it boasts picturesque views of the River Clyde and the Kilpatrick Hills.

The spa features a swimming pool, saunas and steam rooms. Other amenities include a gym, games room and private screening room.

Final thoughts

Mar Hall’s new owners have invested millions into the hotel with the aim of making it a world-class destination. Resort director Andy Roger shared plans for a clubhouse featuring a second restaurant and a state-of-the-art indoor-outdoor spa.

However, it faces tough competition just an hour up the M8. This year, Mar Hall made it into the top 20 resorts in Europe as voted by readers of American luxury travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler. The number one spot on the list? Gleneagles. This iconic resort is a Scottish summer camp for the rich, offering seven eateries, three golf courses and a spa, along with horse riding, shooting, fishing, off-roading and more in the hills of the Perthshire resort.

While it may not be a full-service millionaire’s playground, I’m already excited about returning. Mar Hall tops my list for a pampering staycation with my husband or for afternoon tea with out-of-town visitors. Once the spa is refurbished, I know it’ll be a huge hit with locals.

The more time I spent at Mar Hall, the less I wanted to leave, and that’s the sign of a great hotel.

Booking details

Rooms and packages can be booked through Mar Hall’s website. Rooms start from £292.