...nights away...in town
- Malmaison, Birmingham
- The Lincoln Hotel, Lincoln
- The Lowry Hotel, Manchester
- St. Davids Hotel and Spa, Cardiff
- The London Outpost, London,
- London Marriott West India Quay, London
Malmaison, Birmingham
what they say:
“Back to back with the retail pleasures of the mailbox. The former royal mail sorting office, we are the perfect city centre base for big style retail therapists, nightlife pleasure seekers and total exhibitionists. Where Mr Harvey Nichols, Giorgio Armani and Hugo Boss are your neighbours and the letters NEC, NIA and ICC are well and truly sorted for vultures of culture to enjoy.
Overlook the city in one of our suites. For the best of the best choose the executive suite, the Penny Black. This suite in a former sorting office delivers everything you could ever wish for, with a big, first class stamp.
All our rooms have the complete set of mal ingredients – great beds for sleepy heads, moody lighting, power showers, cd players, cd libraries, satellite tv, serious wines and naughty nibbles. Other little luxuries include fast and free internet access, same-day laundry, toiletries that you're encouraged to take with you and 'vroom' room service for breakfast, dinner or those midnight munchies!”
what we say:
Located in birmingham’s super-stylish mailbox, previously the royal mail sorting office, the people at malmaison have done it again in terms of finding a truly unique place for a hotel. Magnificently designed, with trademark stylish décor, impressive bedrooms, a restaurant serving seriously tasty food and even a spa – this hotel really does have it all
mr bloggs likes:
Fantastic high-tech spec throughout-including dvd player, ipod speakers and free broadband in the bedrooms as well as wi-fi throughout the hotel.
Great gym facilities – a selection of cv machines as well as resistance and free weight section, visited twice during our stay and was always quiet.
The buzzing bar in the evenings, with table service and a vast selection of cocktails along with a lengthy champagne list.
mrs bloggs likes:
The unique chic interior design; with cappuccino walls, cream cushions and chocolate quilts make this a mouth-watering place to stay.
Shopping, shopping, and more shopping! all those lovely mailbox shops – harvey nics is literally next-door. the huge bullring and selfridges are only a 10 minute walk away.
What more could you want after all that shopping? a spa… and le petit spa does not disappoint, with a wide variety of treatments it’s bliss for your blisters and a scrumptious way to relax.
vital details:
Number of rooms: 189, including 10 suites
Price: see website for further details of the latest offers
Website: http://www.malmaison-birmingham.com/
Phone: 0845 3654 247
The Lincoln Hotel, Lincoln
what they say:
“The Lincoln Hotel is set in a beautiful leafy area of Lincoln just oozing history. Situated directly opposite the magnificent Cathedral. With big beds, chic bathrooms, plasma screen televisions – all excuses to linger longer. Your choice of bedroom falls into two main categories; those with unrivalled views of the Cathedral, and those with a view of our grounds and surrounding area.
Eating and drinking couldn’t be more stylish in our Green2 grill restaurant. Placed on a mezzanine level overlooking Lincoln Cathedral, Green2 is the place to meet, munch and quaff – an eclectic colourful mix of comfortable sofas, chairs and tables.
Only a short stroll away is the Bailgate shopping area, Lincoln Castle, Usher Art Gallery and various museums, the Lincoln Hotel is the place to stay in Lincoln.”
what we say:
The Lincoln hotel’s rather dull-grey concrete sixties façade looks a little out of place on the Georgian Eastgate opposite the famous 13th Century Cathedral. However, once you step inside, The Lincoln hotel is quite a find, with it’s celestial combination of a recently refurbished modish interior, incredible Cathedral views and appetizing menu making for a divine break away from home.
mr bloggs likes:
The hotel has truly amazing beds, incredibly comfortable, enveloping you from the moment you lie down.
Jogging routes are available from reception in the hotel giving a great tour round parts of the city (although be aware of the ‘Steep Hill’)!
The ‘Lincoln Grill’ restaurant serves a great choice of locally sourced foods as well as a well designed tantalizing taster menu
mrs bloggs likes:
Being situated at the summit of the city, there are stunning views of the Cathedral from your bedroom window.
The Lincoln Imp branding is brilliant throughout the hotel and the cheeky chap pops up all over the hotel from the room key ring to the bathrobes.
Not a bog standard hair dryer here – all rooms are equipped with fantastic high-powered Revlon hair-dryers.
vital details:
Numberof rooms: 72
Price: from £89
Website: http://www.thelincolnhotel.com/
Phone: 01522 520 348
The Lowry, Manchester
what they say:
“Manchester's most fashionable hotel, the award-winning Lowry Hotel is ideally situated on the banks of the River Irwell in the recently-developed Chapel Wharf area on the Salford-Manchester boundary. The first five-star hotel in Greater Manchester, The Lowry Hotel makes a bold contemporary architectural statement with its dramatic, curved, glass-fronted façade that creates a light and airy feel within the hotel interior.
Next to Calatrava's landmark Trinity Bridge, The Lowry Hotel is perfectly located for easy access to central Manchester and the main shopping and commercial districts. The hotel is also within ten miles of Manchester Airport and close to the railway station.
At The Lowry Hotel chic, cutting-edge design blends seamlessly with an attention to detail and a level of personalised service that ensures hotel guests enjoy the high standards synonymous with the Rocco Forte Hotels brand.
The relaxed and stylish ambience of the River Restaurant reflects the sophisticated feel of The Lowry Hotel with a fresh, unpretentious approach to top quality dining.”
what we say:
Despite the rather unexciting exterior as you approach The Lowry Hotel from Dearmans Place; the interior certainly has the ‘wow’– factor. With vast white wall space, a dash of bright colour here and there accompanied by stunning sculptures from David Begbie. The bedrooms are spacious, comfy and oozing style– worth requesting a river view when booking. The spa and gym facilities as expected are second to none, all much befitting the slogan of ‘Manchester’s most fashionable venue’.
mr bloggs likes:
Sitting in the cool ‘River Bar’ with the bright lights of Manchester shining just over the river and if you fancy a private function- the Library next door holds up to 20 and is available for cocktail parties and private dining.
Free of charge PSPs (PlayStation Portable) available for use whilst staying at the hotel available from concierge.
The hotel offers an online check-in facility, so no delays at reception – you’ll be shown straight to your room upon arrival.
mrs bloggs likes:
A great selection of glossy magazines provided in the bedrooms, it’s so nice to be able to make a hot drink, nibble on a biscuit, put your feet up and flick through a god old mag after spending a day traveling.
With stunning views over the River Irwell – the Terrace Restaurant is fantastically situated. Book a table on arrival – it gets booked up quickly.
The brilliant 'Bath Butler'– this is a truely unique feature. Request your bath to be run to your exact specification; temperature, time and fragrance– delightful!
vital details:
Number of rooms: 165, including 1 presidential and 6 riverside suites
Price: from £215
Website: http://www.thelowryhotel.com/
Phone: 0870 460 5040
St David's Hotel & Spa, Cardiff
what they say:
St. David's Hotel & Spa, Cardiff what they say: “Situated on the waterfront of Cardiff Bay, The St. David’s Hotel & Spa is a striking Cardiff landmark. Dynamic and contemporary in style, the building incorporates a glass-backed atrium from floor to ceiling, giving a vision of space and natural light. The hotel provides the highest levels of service, the ultimate in comfort, leisure and cuisine. It also provides extensive conference and meeting facilities. Just five minutes from the centre of Cardiff by car, St David's Hotel & Spa is adjacent to Mermaid Quay with a wide range of restaurants, bars and entertainment including The Wales Millennium Centre, home of the Welsh National Opera and an international arts complex.”
what we say:
Cardiff’s only five star hotel sits in pride of place on the edge of Cardiff bay with stunning views over the bay and the recently redeveloped millenium area. Bedrooms and suites feature full length windows giving superb views and the Tides Bar, Grill and Terrace offer an appetizing choice of gastronomy. There is a full programme of sumptuous treatments available in one the St David's Marine Spas 14 treatment rooms.
mr bloggs likes:
Tides Bar has an exciting cocktail list as well as offering the complete Krug range. Tides Grill offers a delicious and tempting menu using seasonal produce sourced from local Welsh suppliers. Tides also offers a number of dining experiences- see website for details.
Excellent gym facilities are located in the spa area with a great selection of CV machines alongside a well equipped free and resistance weight section.
The lively Cardiff bay, Millennium Centre and the bustling town centre are within a 5 minute drive of the hotel.
mrs bloggs likes:
The stunning architecture of building – it is almost as if you are sailing on one of the world’s largest cruise-liners in the middle of the ocean.
The hotel boasts a fully equipped spa, with 14 treatment glorious treatment rooms along with a selection of pools – plunge, hydrotherapy and a 15-metre ozone pool.
A unique and rather exciting opportunity exists in the form of the in-room ‘fitness menu’. With equipment available to order such as fitness balls, skipping ropes etc so you can exercise in the comfort of your own room!
vital details:
Number of rooms: 132, including 20 suites
Price: from £260
Website: http://www.thestdavidshotel.com/
Phone: 02920 454045
The London Outpost, London
what they say:
“Peace and quiet are difficult to find in any great capital city, but The London Outpost has achieved a unique level of privacy and exclusivity which transcends that found at even the very best hotels in the world.
The Outpost was once a grand private residence and has now been beautifully restored for the enjoyment of house guests who may enjoy the relaxing ambience of the drawing room, library, snooker room and the delightful conservatory where breakfast and light meals may be taken.
The London Outpost is like having your own special London home, with comfort and service to match. Let us carry your bags, turn down your pure linen sheets, clean your shoes, deliver your newspaper and offer you a complimentary glass of champagne each evening.”
what we say:
Set aback from the King’s Road and Sloane Square you’d think it hard to escape this busy shopping district, but as soon as you step inside the London Outpost you’ll be amazed at how calm and tranquil the hotel is. Once a grand, private residence, the London Outpost has just 11 bedrooms, but prides itself on making guests feel as though they are staying in someone’s home. The hotel makes fantastic home from home whether in London for a city shopping break or to soak up a bit of culture.
mr bloggs likes:
Fantastic portions of breakfast which is served until 2pm, great after a night out on the nearby Kings Road.
The snooker table in one of the ground floor lounges was a fun find.
Rather than the traditional mini bar, each rooms comes with it’s own drinks-tray- stocked with decanters of spirits as well as snacks and soft drinks.
mrs bloggs likes:
Being invited to enjoy a glass of champagne before going out for the evening in the delightful drawing room.
The home-from-home feel that they pride themselves on, I certainly did feel that I had gone to stay in my grand London residence for the night!
The location – a girl’s idea of heaven – five minutes walk to Harrods and Harvey Nic’s.
vital details:
Number of rooms: 11
Price: from £180
Website: http://www.londonoutpost.co.uk/
Phone: 020 7589 7333
London Marriott West India Quay, London
what they say:
“Rising above the vibrant Canary Wharf district and its captivating array of international business, entertainment, chic shops, restaurants, pubs and wine bars, the 5 star London Marriott Hotel West India Quay mirrors the best of the preferred hotels in London.
Located 11 minutes from the London City Airport via the DLR this landmark hotel offers an extraordinary blend of comfort and convenience that is in sync with its surroundings.
Stylish guest rooms and suites have been smartly designed with work areas, high-speed Internet and welcome appointments. To revive the body and soul, there's state-of-the-art fitness suite.
And for a relaxing repast, Curve Restaurant & Bar tempts with fresh seafood and great steaks, and offers the largest al fresco dining in the area.
The London Marriott Hotel West India Quay offers an ideal location with easy connections to ExCeL London, the celebrated theatre district, famed markets and popular West End attractions.”
what we say:
Towering above the Thames just a few minutes walk from the heart of Canary Wharf the Marriott at West India Quay offers luxury in abundance. Bedrooms feature floor to ceiling windows framing picturesque views across London, well appointed bathrooms and a mouth-watering selection of food and cocktails being served from the Curve Restaurant & Bar and Manhattan Bar & Terrace.
mr bloggs likes:
Stunning panoramic views through floor to ceiling windows across London from the business hub of the city.
The executive lounge on the seventh floor with complimentary drinks and canapés enjoyed with a selection of board games, magazines and newspapers.
A brisk walk from West India Quay DLR stop gives great access to Greenwich and via Bank to central London.
mrs bloggs likes:
They really have thought of everything here – even designated ‘female- business traveler rooms with Decleor toiletries, magnifying mirrors and high power hairdryers.
Just cross the bridge outside the hotel and you’re in shopper’s paradise – there are over 240 shops.
The hotel has an at your service facility where you can request anything that you don’t have with such as hair straighteners.
vital details:
Number of rooms: 301, including 22 suites and 47 executive apartments
Price: from £99
Website: http://www.marriott.co.uk/
Phone: 0207 093 1000