Thursday, July 31, 2008

Brilliant Blighty

Gordon Brown and David Cameron have got it right this summer in one department at least - they're both holidaying in the UK. David Cameron might want to watch out for old Mother Ivy and not do any digging... (click here... you couldn't make this stuff up!).

Now, being who I am and doing what I do, I don't discourage holidays abroad - they're great for expanding our horizons and seeing a different perspective on the world. But this summer just feels right to bring back the good old British summer holiday. Whether it's on the beaches (ooh, Churchill) or in the wonderful cities.

My friends who came down last week had an amazing time in London - I was doubly proud because of the fine weather. Nicolas from Paris even liked the food - he did go to a French restaurant though! They all loved the hotels I recommended of course!

So, at the risk of repeating myself - there is so much to do in London right now. Come and take advantage! Somerset House are putting on their usual outside film screenings - balmy summer nights and great films! London Zoo, the galleries, the museums, the palaces, the shopping...! I've also booked up to go and see Ripley's Believe It or Not museum, full of the weird and wonderful and it's open until midnight... believe it or not... Oh, I crack myself up!

So I've taken it upon myself to invite more friends this week, as there are more fabulous hotels in London that I want to share. And you, dear reader, can take advantage of my great advice too.

My first friend would've been a real challenge, a real pain in the derriere to most people, but I'm really rather good at what I do! Irish Steve is a fitness fanatic; he needed a gym and pool; he wanted to be near friends in North London, a bit away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre; a really good quality hotel for not too high a price.
No problem - the Crown Moran Hotel in North West London. Not only does it fit all those criteria, it's an Irish hotel, so he knows it'll feel like a home from home. I've stayed here many times and I love how cool this place is - the massive glass atrium/reception is a wonder!
from £54pppn


Next up was Carrie, a Gemini (who I met whilst in a Waitrose in Surrey buying nice olives), who is rather contradictory and loves the best of both worlds. She likes history, but then loves all things modern too. She wanted to see the sights, but also experience the nightlife of London. This was also a doddle - the London Bridge Hotel, right in the city centre, right near, yes, you guessed it, London Bridge.
From here she can go to the Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, the Old Operating Theatre Museum the list goes on. And when she gets back from all this sightseeing, she can relax in this historic building with its cosy modern decor. Nearby are the riverside bars and restaurants that make London so special.
from £49pppn

My final challenge was John, a rugby-loving Northern builder who's been a friend of the family ever since we had an extension put on the country house for my parent's extensive expedition equipment (try saying that 5 times really quickly - even funnier after a shandy). He's never been down to London and I've told him a million times how much he'd like it.
He's a real patriot, he knows all the words to Land of Hope and Glory, stands up for the national anthem and loves his British food. So Sanctuary House Hotel London, right in the heart of Westminster, is right up his street. First of all it's above the very smart Fuller's Pie & Ale House, so if he doesn't want to do nouvelle cuisine and wants a proper portion of great home-cooked food, he doesn't have to go far. It's near all the sights he'll want to see, and the bedrooms are very comfortable and traditional. I even got him a day out at the Twickenham Museum and Stadium Tour.
from £50pppn

It's so satisfying knowing that I've made some great friends very happy. Check out our London hotels and all our other destinations here. And, of course, our special offers. After all, we all love a bargain!

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