The Marriott V and A is a four star hotel converted from former warehouses and backs onto the River Irwell. It has been a hotel in previous lives but this one seems to be working. The entrance and lobby have high ceilings affording a feeling of space. There is a half galleried wooden mezzanine
Read more
Der Wiesenhof is a three generation family-run hotel, set in the small hamlet of Pertisau, next to Lake Achensee in the Austrian Tirol. It is about a half hour drive from Innsbruck airport. Surrounded by mountains and fresh air, there is outdoor activity to enjoy all year round, right on your doorstep. The cable
Read more
The AlpenMedHotel Lamm is situated in the picturesque mountain village of Seefeld, in the Austrian Tyrol. Based around a cobbled square, a 15th century church happily rubs shoulders with this modern hotel. Typical Tyrolean buildings with wooden balconies line the streets like a film set with a Hansel and Gretel storyline. At any moment one
Read more
The stunning Grade 1 listed neo-classical Victorian building that houses the museum and art gallery was built from a bequest by the lawyer Edmund Harris, who wanted a free library, museum and art gallery to be built in memory of his father, who was the vicar of St George’s church in Preston for most of
Read more
The main appeal of the Molina Lario is its location, slap bang in the middle of town. From here all the attractions may be reached on foot and within spitting distance are the main shopping street and numerous pavement cafes and bars. Rooms are spacious and modern and what one would expect from a four
Read more
Early flights are a necessary evil. Firstly they enable one to get to business meetings in Europe on time. Secondly, if you’re a holiday maker, an early flight is just part of the process of getting a cheaper flight. If you are flying from Stansted, the early-morning agony can be relieved somewhat by staying overnight
Read more
Olivia Greenway takes a mobile-mad teenager to the Highlands in search of some ‘quality time’
Conveniently placed in Covent Garden, Moti Mahal Restaurant, as well as being a possible choice for lunchtime meet-ups, is also an ideal option for a theatre supper. This smart, modern restaurant is five years old and the London outpost of its big older brother established in Delhi in 1959. I like restaurants with
Read more
Mr Thomas’s Chop House claims to be the oldest Victorian example of a restaurant (or chop house) in Manchester and certainly the interior appearance of dark wooden settles, green tiled walls, attractive black and white chequerboard floor and glass hanging light shades, does little to cast doubt on this. So many of these “themed”
Read more
A small townhouse hotel with 11 rooms, the Lord Milner is tucked away from the main roads, yet is a mere five minute walk from the Victoria main line train and tube station. Each of the Lord Milner’s rooms is different. The Empire Room has a large four poster bed with an old sea chest, an antique-style
Read more
Grayshott Spa is situated in 47 acres of Surrey countryside, surrounded by National Trust land. With new owners in 2005, it’s very much a spa with hotel rather than a hotel that offers a spa, as so many imitators do. Grayshott’s a smart, friendly place and not a bit stuffy. The first thing that
Read more
I’ve been to so many places that pretend to be spas. Grayshott Spa in Surrey is the real deal. There is a chill out area where you help yourself to limitless tea and coffee. As well as the spa proper’s treatment rooms, there is a steam room, two steam pods and plunge pool. Changing
Read moreOlivia Greenway © 2025. All Rights Reserved