Before planning a holiday to the UK, it is important that you have a few things sorted first – a rough itinerary, budget, flights, transport and of course, accommodation.
There is an abundance of hotels throughout the UK to suits all tastes and budgets. Check out Travelodge.
The Ealing Guest House in London is a cheap option. Located near Central London and Heathrow, you can nab a basic double room for around 40GBP. Something much more up-market is the Sloane Square Hotel. It is perfect for Knightsbridge shopping and the charm of Chelsea or the West End. A double room is around 180GBP per night.
A budget choice in Glasgow is the The Rennie Mackintosh City Hotel. It is a charming city centre hotel inspired by the design genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. A double room, breakfast included is about 65GBP.
A mid-range option for Wales is the Park Inn Cardiff City Centre Hotel. This hotel is located a few minutes' walk from the city's prime business and shopping district, and is adjacent to the Cardiff International Arena. A double room will set you back about 80GBP, if you can grab the special offer in time.
If you want to stay in Belfast then why not try the Parkview Lodge. It is about two kilometres from Belfast city centre, which is only five minutes away by bus or taxi. A double room, breakfast included, is about 63GBP per night.
Paris, Venice, Prague ...Belfast? Gulp. The capital of Northern Ireland is unlikely to be a city that people instantly think of when planning a romantic weekend away. But now that The Merchant Hotel has opened, maybe they should.
Belfast's second five-star establishmentin the
regenerated area by the river Laggan and the Cathedral Quarter is further proof that the city has moved on from the depression of the Troubles and into a bright new economic dawn.
The service from every single member of staff at The Merchant Hotel is perfectly judged and beautifully friendly. And that is worth remarking on, because service is often something that money can't buy, no matter how much you're willing to pay.
Bed and breakfast in a deluxe double costs from £220 per night for the room; special offer on certain dates of £120 per night, or £395 for two nights B+B plus one dinner for two. Suites from £290 to £600 per night.
Check out The Merchant Hotel (028 9023 4888, themerchanthotel.com).
And you can have them pick you up from the airport in a gleaming black Bentley – just so you arrive in style.
Discover Belfast! With so much to see and do, you won't be disappointed. From the Albert clock to McHugh's pub, the Botanic Gardens, Ulster Museum, and political murals as well as the Golden Mile, famous for its bars and restaurants, Titanic Quarter, where the ill-fated ship was built, Cathedral Quarter, Queen's University, and Waterfront Hall, there's something for everyone in this amazing city. Take a look at our list of Belfast hotels, which are just as appealing as its attractions, and book today!
Culloden Estate and Spa on Holywood hills has the tagline "Built for a Bishop, Fit for a King" - no wonder it meets even the highest expectations.Dine at Culloden Mitre Restaurant which, thanks to the culinary expertise of Paul McKnight, has received the AA Rosette award; Cultra Inn in the hotel gardens is also a good choice. Go to Culloden Spa to relax or work up a sweat, with facilities such as a marble steam room, a Jacuzzi, a fitness suite with cardio-theatre, a dance studio, and Zest Juice Bar; treatments include Reiki, Reflexology, Thai Massage, Deep Sports Massage, and Indian Head Massage. Their rooms are tastefully and carefully furnished to ensure a good night’s rest.
Ten Square Luxury Hotel, just behind the city hall, has received numerous honours as well; it was dubbed Belfast Coolest Hotel by the Sunday Times, and Most Stylish Hotel by Belfast Telegraph Tia Maria Style Awards 2004/2005. The in-house Grill Room & Bar won Theme Magazine's Best Eating Experience in Ireland award in 2006, and also had the Best Wine List in Northern Ireland in Bushmills Restaurant Guide 2003/2004. Chic and Asian-inspired, unwind in any of the bedrooms which are decorated with cream carpets, Percale linens, and opal glass-inset shutters.