Introduction: Time of year: Early December, 2016 Purpose of trip: Nigel had two days of business meetings in London; Jane had a couple of free days and a chance to meet up with some friends….so we decided to book an overnight stay in one of our favourite corners of London–and tie it in with a … More Review: De Vere Venues, Devonport House, Greenwich, London, UK.
Introduction: Time of year: Late October 2016 Purpose of trip: As part of our round the world trip, we were determined to see Halong Bay. In reality, that is best done by an overnight junk cruise. Why we chose this place: Halong Bay is unlike anything else, with thousands of limestone mountains rising from the … More Review: Dragon Legend II, Halong Bay, Vietnam
Introduction Time of year: Mid-October 2016 Purpose of trip: This was a one night stopover during our round the world trip. We particularly wanted to experience a traditional ryokan whilst in Japan. Why we chose this place: Miyajima is an island with many Shinto and Buddhist temples and shrines, set amongst beautiful wooded hills. It was a place that we … More Review: Ryoso Kawaguchi, Miyajima, Japan
Introduction: Time of year: September 2016 Purpose of trip: This was a one night stopover on our drive up through South Island, during our round the world trip. Why we chose this place: This accommodation was actually chosen for us by the travel agent who fixed the New Zealand leg of our 57 day trip … More Review: Murchison Lodge, Murchison, New Zealand
Introduction: Time of year: Sept 2016 Purpose of trip: This was our base for the San Francisco leg of our round the world trip. Why we chose this place: Accommodation is very expensive in San Francisco. The Chelsea Inn provided reasonable rooms at a price we could afford. It fitted our brief of half way between 5* and … More Review: Chelsea Motor Inn, San Francisco, USA
Introduction: Time of year: Mid-May 2016 Purpose of trip: This was our base for a surprise birthday treat for Nigel’s mum. Why we chose this place: This was a treat – a really special occasion and this 5* boutique hotel was just the ticket. How long we stayed: Just the one night. Nigel’s accommodation: Our party had … More Review: The Clarance Hotel, Lille, France
Introduction: Time of year: April 2016 Purpose of trip: Jane travelled to Leeds to see her youngest daughter who’s studying there. Why she chose this place: The 4 Star Queen’s Hotel is right next to Leeds railway station. I’d visited Leeds many times for work, but hadn’t been able to afford a room here before. … More Review: The Queen’s Hotel, Leeds, UK
Introduction: Time of year: April 2016 Purpose of trip: We travelled here to join a two-venue family party. Why we chose this place: The second part of the celebration was being held here; but if we’d been browsing for a weekend break, the pub’s idyllic, riverside location and 17th century beauty would have caught our … More Review:The Waterman’s Arms, nr Totnes, Devon, UK
Introduction Time of year: February 2016 Purpose of trip: We were in Dublin for the Ireland-Wales 6 Nations rugby match, but wanted to arrive in time to relax a little before landing in the city for the match build-up. OK, and Guinness. Why we chose this place: We flew into Dublin from London Gatwick, … More Review: The King Sitric,Howth, Ireland
Introduction Time of year: We arrived mid afternoon on March 31st, 2016. Purpose of trip: We wanted to combine relaxation with hill-walking and sampling some great, locally-produced food. Why we chose this place: We chose The Oak Tree Inn because neither of us had visited Loch Lomond before, but had heard it was a beautiful … More Review: The Oak Tree Inn, Balmaha, Loch Lomond, Scotland