UK

Sofitel – so convenient – Gatwick airport
Sofitel – so convenient – Gatwick airport

Sofitel is linked to the north terminal at Gatwick airport by a covered walkway; two minutes on foot will get you to the terminal. There isn’t a more convenient place to stay.   Arranged around a central atrium, many of the 500-odd rooms look over the runway. It’s an airport hotel, so a slightly corporate

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Think Apartments Tower Bridge, London
Think Apartments Tower Bridge, London

Think Apartments Tower Bridge are about a 15 minute walk from London Bridge tube.   Finding somewhere to stay in London that’s clean, doesn’t bankrupt you and allows some room to swing that proverbial is hard.  Am I asking too much to want free Wi-Fi too and a place where I can work?  Well if I

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Harris Museum and Art Gallery – Preston
Harris Museum and Art Gallery – Preston

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

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Radisson Blu at Stansted airport
Radisson Blu at Stansted airport

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

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Grayshott Spa – the Hotel, Surrey
Grayshott Spa – the Hotel, Surrey

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

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Grayshott Spa, Surrey
Grayshott Spa, Surrey

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

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Dorchester Hotel, London
Dorchester Hotel, London

Everything you have ever heard about The Dorchester Hotel, London is true – it is one of those places that does live up to the hype. It’s just across the road from Hyde Park (you may request a room overlooking it) and a mere 10 minute walk to Oxford Street.   But it’s much more

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The Spa at the Dorchester Hotel, London
The Spa at the Dorchester Hotel, London

Recently refurbished, the spa at the Dorchester may lack a swimming pool, but in all other respects, it’s a lovely place to unwind. I had had a wonderful facial here before and was keen to see whether the new set-up would be as good.   Situated in the basement of the hotel, if you are

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