Europe and Middle East

Exclusive guide to the best holiday destinations in Europe and Middle East. independent reviews from award-winning travel writers

Majestic Hotel, Barcelona

26/04/2018 by .
MajecticHotel Spa Facade 1

Suited on the central Paseo de Gracia, the Majestic is one of Barcelona’s oldest and grandest hotels, with an imposing historic building and an impressive reception area.

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Hotel Arts Barcelona

17/04/2018 by .
Arts Hotel 001

‘Oh my GOD!’ is not how a seasoned travel writer usually enters a room – but the view from our suite in Hotel Arts caused me to lose my cool immediately.

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The Alpina Gstaad

04/04/2018 by .

Allington Manor Hotel. Grantham has never looked so good.

03/04/2018 by .
Allington Manor

 James Ruddy reveals the highlights of a night at Allington Manor Hotel one of the new breed of historic and luxurious manor houses, near Margaret Thatcher’s birthplace.

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The Salutation Hotel, Ambleside

12/03/2018 by .
Salutation exterior

Having occupied one corner of the centre of Ambleside for more than 360 years, it is not surprising that the Salutation Hotel has acquired both a history and a reputation.

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The Signal Box

06/03/2018 by .
Signal Box in sunny times

Ever wondered what life would be like hidden away in a romantic and luxurious railway signal box in deepest North Norfolk? James Ruddy reveals all.

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The Runnymede Hotel and Spa

22/02/2018 by .
the runnymede on thames exterior

Maybe it was the effects of a “White Night”   dry gin and pink Mediterranean tonic water but when I looked out of my bedroom window from the Runnymede Hotel I thought I saw a Jacuzzi by the Thames, full of happy looking people waving their hands in the air.

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The May Fair Hotel

21/02/2018 by .
hi MAY BED AzureBedroom 01

The May Fair Hotel opened in 1927 with Royal approval – since then it’s played host to many a celebrity and is as known for its discretion as much as its flowing champers. Sounds like the perfect place for a lavish stay – especially as I’m attending a star-studded film awards bash downstairs.

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The Rosewood London Hotel

15/02/2018 by .
Rosewood London Entrance Wrought Iron Gates

Pearl, the Rosewood London Hotel’s pet dog, seems to have the right idea. Lazily slumped in her comfy basket in the glamorous lobby surrounded by all her toys, she could have been a stand-in for me in my hotel room a couple of hours previously.

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Chilston Park Hotel

30/01/2018 by .
Chilston Exterior

If only Jane Austen had found a husband, of many acres and generous guineas, from the landed gentry. She might have lived a refined life as the lady of an elegant estate such as Chilston Park in Kent, instead of writing for a living.

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