From finding pants on the floor to a blood-stained sheet on the bed, there’s a lot that can go wrong when staying in a hotel – but there’s one thing I always check before using
There’s something I always check with every hotel room(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The hospitality sector is known for its gruelling demands, with long hours and erratic shift patterns, making anyone in the industry a true unsung hero in my book. It’s a tough gig, with intense time constraints, so it’s hardly surprising that occasionally things can get overlooked when it comes to preparing hundreds of rooms before the 3pm check-in on a busy Friday night.
I’ve discovered everything from discarded underwear on the floor, a half-drunk bottle of water in the fridge, a dirty dressing gown and a blood-stained sheet after checking into my supposedly clean hotel room at various hotels. While these areas are easy to spot at a glance, there’s one thing I always meticulously inspect and clean whenever I enter a hotel room – the glassware.
Most of us have checked into a hotel room to find a complimentary tea and coffee setup waiting for us. However, during my time working in the hospitality industry, I’ve discovered that not all hotels thoroughly clean their mugs before the next guest arrives, which is rather revolting.
On several occasions, I’ve seen housekeepers simply rinse the mugs in the bathroom sink, give them a quick wipe with a cloth, and then place them back on the table ready for the next guest. While this might remove any leftover coffee or tea residue, it doesn’t quite suffice for properly cleaning a mug that’s used repeatedly by guests.
This applies to the water glasses perched on the sink or bedside table, too – a quick rinse and Bob’s your uncle! Now, I’m not suggesting that every hotel is guilty of this, but based on my own experiences, I tend to be a bit sceptical.
So, with every hotel check-in, I now make it a point to inspect the glassware and give it a good rinse with boiling water from the kettle as a precautionary measure, and a dab of hand soap doesn’t hurt either. After all, I don’t want to be that guest who insists on a fresh mug and glass just in case they haven’t been properly cleaned; a simple DIY sterilisation is enough to set my mind at ease.
But I do empathise with the housekeepers. They have a lengthy checklist of cleaning tasks ranging from changing the bed linen, deep cleaning the bathrooms, hoovering the floor, replacing robes and slippers, wiping down glass and windows, restocking the mini fridge, to meticulously folding countless towels.
Sometimes they barely have a moment to catch their breath, let alone dash down to the kitchen, load the dishwasher and replenish a tray of glasses for each room. They typically have a 3pm deadline for every room, and staff shortages only add to the pressure.
In the past, ABC News conducted an undercover investigation that revealed that housekeeping at 11 out of 15 hotels didn’t replace the glassware when tidying the rooms. Instead, they were simply rinsed in the sink and wiped down with a cleaning cloth or sponge.
To circumvent this hygiene issue, some hotels opt for plastic-wrapped cups, while others insist on their rigorous glassware cleaning practices. However, even if the glass or mug seems spotless and clean, it’s not always easy to be sure.
The next time you settle into a hotel room, consider giving your mug a quick rinse with boiled water as a precautionary measure. If you’re particularly concerned, bring along your own reusable water bottle and request a fresh mug from the hotel bar, because let’s face it, no one fancies pondering over someone else’s lips whilst enjoying their morning brew.
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Best destinations where it’s hot and sunny in January, February and March – The Mirror
Need to know
If you’re over the winter weather and want some promise of hot and sunny climates, we’ve got you covered with a round-up of the destinations to have on your radar
It’s not too late to book a winter sun getaway(Image: Getty Images)
Where is hot and sunny in winter?
In January, some of the best destinations for that glorious sunshine include Mexico and the Caribbean islands. You can expect temperatures ranging around 29C in the daytime making it ideal for lazing on those postcard-worthy beaches or having a dip in the sea, not to mention that you’ll be avoiding the peak holiday crowds. Barbados, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are just some of the beautiful spots you can visit – and with the Caribbean’s monsoon season ending in November, you’ll get the best chance for good weather.
Dubai in the UAE can also be a good January getaway as temperatures range from 15-24C, so it can be ideal to visit before the weather gets into the 30-40C summer heat, which may be unbearable for some.
Come February (and with it, half term), there are some brilliant adventure destinations on offer. Cape Verde’s islands boast temperatures around 21-27C and an average of seven to eight hours of sunshine a day if you want to enjoy the beaches and watersports. Meanwhile it’s similar in Thailand with minimal rain, making for ideal conditions to explore the islands or discover hotspots like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Costa Rica is another destination for February; you’ll miss the peak winter sun crowds and get in before the April rainy season.
If you’re not tied to school holiday dates, March can be a great time to enjoy the last of the winter sun. Morocco is just a few hours’ flight from the UK and offers up some sun-soaked city breaks in Agadir and Marrakech, with temperatures around 21C so you can enjoy the bustling markets and still enjoy a dip in the hotel pool.
Egypt is popular with Brits in the winter months as it offers year-round warmth and sunshine, but in March the temperatures start to hit 27C so you can make the most of Sharm-el-Sheikh’s beaches and crystal-clear waters, while in Hurghada it’s still cool enough to take a day trip to Luxor and enjoy sights such as the Valley of the Kings and the Karnak Temple.
From majestic mosques to tasty treats, mum of two Hannah Britt reveals why the juggernaut of a city is a Turkish delight for all ages
Incredible Istanbul ticks boxes for the whole family(Image: John Ellis)
Choosing where to travel with children can be tough. But when I tell you that you need to add Istanbul to your family travel bucket list, it’s no lie. I’m a mum of two and as a family of four we like to travel extensively. And when choosing where our wanderlust will take us, there needs to be something for each of us to enjoy. So I’m pleased to report that Istanbul in Turkey ticked boxes for all of us: me, John, five year old Molly and one year old Poppy. From mouthwatering food to incredible historic sites – and a brilliant fairytale sweet shop – we fell in love… and I think you will too. Istanbul has it all. Here’s why…
When to go
As with all of Turkey, Istanbul can reach searing temperatures in summer. And as sightseeing as a family in the heat can be a bit, well, testing, I would advise that the best time to check it out with little ones in tow is between October and May. We went in October half term. Temperatures rose no higher than around 20 degrees. While we couldn’t swim in an outdoor pool or the Bosphorus, it was really pleasant to walk around in T-shirts and jeans.
When chatting about Istanbul with friends before we went the same question kept coming up: is it safe? And I’m pleased to report that whether day or night the city felt very safe indeed. There is beefed up security at the entrances to places like the Grand Bazaar market, tourist sites like the Basilica Cistern and many upmarket hotels. But the city has a relaxed vibe to it – people are friendly and absolutely love children. Istanbul welcomed us with open arms.
Right in the heart of the old city, the five star Four Seasons Sultanahmet is just steps away from the Blue Mosque, main square, endless shopping – and you can see the Hagia Sofia from the hotel’s open air rooftop bar. With delicious food and drink on offer, the rooftop welcomes children to enjoy the views too, which are particularly spectacular at sunset. Hearing the call to prayer ring out around the city gives you goosebumps.
Elsewhere, for the foodies, there’s fine dining eatery Avlu; a lovely little coffee shop in the foyer, which does a good flat white; and exceptional in-room dining. With kids in tow on our travel, when deciding what and where to eat I choose ease… and the extensive room service menu, quick service and good food, provided exactly that for us. Rooms themselves at the FS Sultanahmet are spacious, luxurious and have everything you could possibly want, from Diptyque toiletries to expensive sheets and artisan robes.
The hotel doesn’t have a pool, but a shuttle takes guests for free to nearby Four Seasons at the Bosphorus to use the two they have there. Staff on site couldn’t do more to help their guests, and remember names and coffee orders in the morning. Children are welcomed with open arms, and are gifted toys on arrival. A play tent was set up in the room too, which was a lovely touch and provided lots of fun. But the best bit? The building used to be a prison! My five year old absolutely loved that she was ‘staying in jail’. Prices from around £650.
You want… pools
Those two pools I mentioned… well they belong to Four Seasons’ other location in Istanbul: Four Seasons at the Bosphorus. Set, as the name suggests, right on the strait that runs through the middle of the city, it allows for glorious views over the water from many of the rooms. A renovated 19th century Ottoman palace, the grand five star hotel is pretty impressive to look at itself too. The word splendor springs to mind. Rooms are beautiful, light and airy with squishy window seats and gargantuan beds. One night, during our stay, there was an incredible thunderstorm. We turned all the lights off, snuggled up on a window seat, and watched the sky for hours. Magic. In both Four Seasons locations, nappies, bubble bath, wipes and more were supplied in a handy – and much appreciated – basket of baby essentials.
One for the water babies, FS Bosphorus has an outdoor pool (although this was too cold for us to frequent in October) and an indoor pool, which welcomes children around the clock. Molly loved this, and the hot tub. When it comes to food, seafood restaurant Aqua is completely divine, as is Middle Eastern-inspired Ocakbasi. With tired children, though, the in-room dining options available were sublime. An extensive menu for both adults curious to try the local cuisine… and little ones hankering after a margarita pizza… were catered for.
Toys on arrival delighted the children, in-room games provided screen-free entertainment after a day of sightseeing, and a seemingly never-ending array of tasty treats appeared in the room. Prices from around £650.
What to do
Hagia Sofia
Cavernous. Majestic. Awe inspiring. The Hagia Sofia (Holy Wisdom) is the biggest must-do of Istanbul. A monumental building with a rich history, it was originally built as the greatest church of the Byzantine Empire in 537 AD, later converted into an Ottoman mosque after 1453, then a secular museum in 1934, and reconverted into a mosque in 2020, making it a significant cultural landmark representing centuries of religious and architectural evolution. It’s famous for its massive dome and stunning mosaics. As a working mosque, it is fascinating to behold, especially for the children. Visitors can walk around the gallery on the upper level to take it all in.
Blue Mosque
At a mere 400-odd years old, the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is almost new in comparison to the Hagia Sofia – but the stunning building is also steeped in history. An iconic 17th-century imperial mosque, it’s famous for its stunning blue tiles, six minarets, and grand domes, blending traditional Islamic and Byzantine styles to create a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, serving as both a historical landmark and an active place of worship.
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern was one of the places that took us most by surprise – it’s absolutely amazing. A massive, ancient (Roman) underground water reservoir built by the Byzantines in the 6th century to supply the Great Palace, it’s famous for its forest of marble columns, eerie lighting, Medusa head bases, and atmospheric setting that makes it a major tourist attraction. The cool location has served as a dramatic filming location for several major films – most famously the James Bond movie From Russia with Love (1963) and Inferno (2016) starring Tom Hanks.
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) in Istanbul is one of the world’s oldest, largest, and most famous covered markets. A historic labyrinth of over 4,000 shops across 61 streets, selling everything from carpets, ceramics, and jewelry to spices, Turkish delights, and souvenirs, it attracts millions of visitors annually as a major cultural and commercial hub in the city’s heart. It’s known for its vibrant atmosphere, historic architecture, and the tradition of bargaining, making it a quintessential Istanbul experience. We bought spices to take home, and a stunning handcrafted bowl.
Turkish delight
No trip to Istanbul would be complete without a haul of Turkish delight. A traditional Middle Eastern confection made from a gel of sugar, starch (usually cornstarch), and water, it’s often flavored with rosewater, citrus, or mastic, and sometimes filled with nuts like pistachios or walnuts. These small, soft, jelly-like cubes are typically dusted with powdered sugar or coconut to prevent sticking and are served with coffee or tea as a sweet treat. Oh so very moreish – there are shops everywhere you look to try and buy.
Where to eat
Calakasik, Kadikoy
Kadikoy is one of Istanbul’s coolest neighbourhoods, with antique shops aplenty. And for the hungry, there’s Calakasik. A very unassuming-looking ‘local’ looking restaurant, it’s relaxed, lively and serves absolutely incredible Turkish food – canteen style. Come hungry and choose lots of dishes to share – try the zeama, kebabs and peka.
Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine
Michelin Guide 2025 recommended, Deraliye serves authentic, historical Ottoman palace dishes, featuring rich flavors from Turkish, Balkan, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian traditions, with unique recipes including goose kebab, stuffed fruits like apples/quince with minced meat, unique grape leaf wraps (sarma) with cherries, and traditional dips (muammara, babaganoush) alongside grilled meats, pastries, and rich desserts like Katmer . I had an exceptional lamb kebab, with onions, grilled tomatoes and peppers and rice. The kids had meatballs and loved them.
Muutto
An anatolian tapas bar sat by the side of the Bosphorus in a new development at Galataport cruise ship port. When there isn’t a boat, it’s a lovely place for a shop and a stroll, with loads of bars and eateries lining the waters edge. Serving modern Anatolian tapas (mezze) and street food, Muutto offers creative twists on traditional Turkish dishes like potato bravas, stuffed meatballs, octopus, lamb wraps, and unique items such as liver with halloumi, alongside homemade drinks and a focus on fresh, flavourful small plates for lunch and dinner. Even the dips were a work of art.
*For more on planning a trip to Türkiye, see Go Türkiye
*Return flights with Turkish Airlinesor SunExpress from Manchester to Istanbul start from around £185 per person (checked November 2025). Flights take approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Where is hot and sunny in January – the destinations not to miss – The Mirror
January can be a gloomy month to live in the UK, and if you want to escape from the winter weather without taking a long haul flight, here are some options that are closer to home and have plenty of sunshine.
Even in January winter sun isn’t far away(Image: Getty Images)
Where is it hot in January?
Paphos in Cyprus offers daytime temperatures of around 18C in January and around five to six hours of sunshine a day. It’s about a four and a half hour flight from the UK, and offers amazing hiking trails, ancient sites such as the Tombs of the Kings, and beautiful beaches with golden sands and calm waters. January tends to be a peaceful month in the city, so it’s a great time to visit the tourist attractions without the queues.
Gran Canaria tends to be less busy than Tenerife in January, but has a similar climate with 21C days and six to seven hours of sunshine a day. At just four and a half hours from the UK, it’s perfect for a short break to get some sun. Many of the island’s attractions are open year round, and there’s a variety of things to do from waterparks such as Aqualand Maspalomas, to historic sites like Christopher Columbus’s home. The pretty sandy beaches are quieter in January and the sea is swimmable if a little cold.
Agadir in Morocco is growing in popularity as a winter sun destination thanks to more budget airlines opening up new routes. It’s around 21C during the day, and you can expect about seven hours of sunshine. This coastal city is a mix of old and new, and has attractions such as La Médina d’Agadir, a reconstruction of the old market where you can learn about traditional crafts. The city’s main beach stretches for five and a half miles, and in January the sea temperature hovers around 18C making it possible to swim if you’re brave.
Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt is a five hour flight away, but one of the warmer short haul destinations in January. Enjoy 22C daytime temperatures, eight or nine hours of sun a day, and sea temperatures of about 23C meaning you can make the most of the sandy beaches. Snorkelling and water sports are popular activities, or you can simply relax and get a dose of vitamin D.
Madeira has been nicknamed the ‘Island of Eternal Spring’ thanks to its year-round mild weather. In January, expect 19C daily highs with occasional showers and five or six hours of sunshine a day. The island’s climate means it’s green and full of colourful flowers even in winter, and January is a popular time to hike and visit beautiful beaches such as Praia Formosa which has black sand. With flights from the UK as short as three hours 45 minutes, it’s perfect for a weekend away from the grey weather.
Brits flying over Christmas should take note of airline rules on presents and crackers – The Mirror
Plane passengers travelling over the Christmas period should take note that there are some airline rules that could mean you have to ditch presents
10:00, 12 Dec 2025Updated 10:02, 12 Dec 2025
Take note if you’re travelling with presents this year(Image: Getty Images)
Airline rules on Christmas presents and festive fun
Brits heading abroad this Christmas to see family and friends should keep in mind some airline rules that often catch people out during the festive period, from banned items to liquid restrictions.
Christmas crackers are banned by some airlines because they fall under the ‘dangerous and explosives’ items. EasyJet is an exception as it lets you bring sealed boxes in your cabin bag, but most airlines including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic restrict this to checked luggage provided the crackers are in their original sealed box. Some airlines such as Ryanair ban them altogether. Always check with your airline direct as these rules can change.
Wrapped presents may feel like an efficient way to prepare for your trip, but if you take them in hand luggage you may be asked to unwrap them at airport security. You can place wrapped gifts in the hold but again security may carry out additional checks on your bag and open them, so it might be worth wrapping your gifts when you get to your destination instead.
Toys may seem innocuous, but if they could look like a weapon (toy guns for example), you won’t be allowed to take them in the cabin. It’s worth noting that if you put them in your hold luggage, again your bag may be scanned for additional checks.
Don’t forget about the 100ml liquid restrictions; these not only apply to toiletries and drinks, but also to the likes of jams and marmalades if you’re planning to take these with you. Oh, and don’t get caught out if you’re packing a snowglobe; these also need to be in the 100ml restriction unless you pack it in your hold luggage.
As for Christmas foods, check the rules for your chosen destination as some countries won’t let you bring in the likes of dairy or meat products, so you could risk some hefty fines if you’re caught bringing them in.
The new Entry-Exit system (EES) has been rolled out across Europe, and UK holidaymakers have been warned to expect long queues at airports this festive season — here’s how to avoid delays
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You can avoid long queues at the airport, especially during the Christmas period(Image: Getty)
Brits planning a festive getaway have been warned to brace themselves for queues of up to four hours at European airports, following the launch of the new Entry-Exit system (EES) on October 12. The EES, which swaps traditional passport stamping for biometric checks, requires every non-EU traveller to undergo fingerprinting and facial scans.
This extra step, combined with the influx of passengers travelling during the holiday season, can cause significant delays when multiple flights land at the same time.
Early signs show that major hubs like Paris and Amsterdam are already struggling with congestion during busy times, and with Christmas fast approaching, more chaos is anticipated. Representing one of the biggest overhauls to European border control in years, the EES applies to all non-EU travellers — including Brits — entering the ‘Schengen area’ (29 EU countries including France, Italy, and Spain).
While registration only takes a few minutes per person, when multiplied by hundreds of passengers, it leads to lengthy queues.
This alert comes as winter holidays continue to rise in popularity, with 51% of Brits planning to jet off abroad between November and February. To help holidaymakers dodge the mayhem, travel guru Jane Bolton from ski holiday specialist Erna Low shares her top tips for navigating the new rules and ensuring a hassle-free trip, reports the Express.
Arrive well in advance
“Airport wait times can vary, but with the new EES checks, queues of up to four hours are expected at peak times,” Jane explains. “In the past, travellers were advised to arrive at the airport two hours prior to a domestic flight and three hours for an international flight. Now, it’s worth allowing more time than usual – especially during school holidays and weekends. I’d recommend arriving at least three to four hours before your flight to make sure you don’t miss it.”
Keep tabs on your departure airport’s latest information
Jane advises: “As the EES rolls out across Europe, it is unavoidable for airports to be at different stages of this process, given the scale of the system. Some major airports like Charles-de-Gaulle (France), Düsseldorf (Germany), and Rome Fiumicino (Italy) have already implemented self-service EES kiosks, while others will still be manually registering the biometric facial and fingerprint recognitions.
“Those doing it manually are expected to take longer, so check your airport’s website before you leave home to plan appropriately.”
Choose ‘fast track passes’ wherever available
With lengthy queues anticipated, passengers are urged to consider alternative time-saving options. The travel expert’s advice?
“Purchasing fast-track tickets for security is a great method for reducing the time needed prior to a flight. These tickets cost between £3 and £12 per person, depending on the airline, and can shave off hours within peak travel times. It’s a relatively small investment for peace of mind.”
Allow additional time when travelling with families
Jane explains: “Whilst the new system requires facial and fingerprint recognition, children under twelve are exempt from this requirement and instead must be linked to an accompanying adult who is registered on the system.
“For families or large parties travelling, allowing extra time at the airport is essential. This process will take longer than average, so plan ahead and keep all documents ready.”
Verify passport validity
Jane warns: “Since Brexit, many Brits have been caught out by new passport rules. Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before your travel date and be valid for at least three months after departure.”
The travel specialist further adds: “The key date to look at is the issue date rather than expiration. For example, a passport issued in March 2015 and expiring in December 2025 won’t be valid for EU travel after March 2025. Checking this before you book is essential to avoid being turned away at the airport.
“Whilst the new entry/exit system may seem likely to cause chaos for your upcoming travels, holidaymakers should be assured that this process will, in the long-term, streamline your travel. Once registered, the travel process will become much smoother for those travelling within the Schengen area.”
The travel expert concludes: “If you check your passports, allow extra time for queues, purchase fast track where possible and check your departure airport for updates, your holiday should be off to a great start.”
