I'd, sob, like to, sniff, thank...

For some people winning a coveted award is a once in a lifetime achievement (see Martin so-many-brilliant-films-he-didn't-get-an-Oscar-for Scorsese), but for HotelConnect they just keep coming. And we never get bored of it.

We think we're pretty tip-top, and so does my mum, but it's just so nice to be told we're great by other people. People who didn't give birth to us, or work with us, or want to get in our good books - but real people, who are in the industry.

In the last fortnight we've won two more awards - Best Travel Trade Website at the Northern Ireland Annual Travel Awards, and Best Hotel Booking Agency at the Scottish Passenger Agents' Assocation Awards. Kudos in both instances have to go to the entire HotelConnect team, their parents, their goldfish, their hairdressers - for making them look so fabulous (we're a great looking team too, you know!).

It takes two things to get awards like these - a great team and great people who recognise genius when they see it. Seriously though, a big thank you to the team and those who voted for us in these recent awards. It gives us a warm fuzzy feeling and makes us work even harder to bring you the best deals, the best advice and the best service.

Speaking of which, I thought I'd just do a quick reminder here about upcoming events that you'll probably need hotels for - nice, handpicked hotels that come recommended by us.

First up is Christmas Markets. A great way of stocking up on unique stocking fillers and lovely Christmassy food and drink (and a nice little mini-break for you - it's what your nearest and dearest would want for you). Personally, I really like shopping at Christmas Markets, there's more of a festive spirit than Oxford Street at 6.30pm on Christmas Eve. That's, frankly, dangerous.

Budapest is a really authentic, traditional market, and we've got some great offers at lovely hotels that we've picked especially for the occasion! I'd stock up on some hand-made folk art for the relatives (and, as you know dear reader, they're a hard-to-please bunch!). I'd take in one of the puppet shows, feast on honey cakes, strudel and mulled wine before settling in at the cosy chalet-style Normafa Hotel for the night. They even have a steam room and sauna to really warm up in! At just £50pp for 3 nights (I know - 3 nights!!) this is a real contender...

Check out all our other special Christmas Market offers... it's not too late... yet!

Plus... The party of the year - New Year's Eve is coming up (31st December I believe) and what better way to see in the New Year than in a top European city for surprisingly good prices! I'll probably be heading to Prague - where a 2 night stay at the 3 star superior Vysehard Hotel is just £88pp. I'll start off with a nice dinner cruise and at midnight I'll be watching the fireworks from the Charles Bridge. Maybe I'll see you there?