This year, fall for a half-term weekend break, take a few extra days to enjoy it together if you decide to indulge in a romantic break – maybe leave the children with grandma!

Everyone knows that the most romantic city in the world is Paris, and it’s an exceptionally easy destination to reach.  Perhaps the most comfortable way to travel to the city, with minimal changes, is on the Eurostar.  What’s even better is that it’s carbon neutral, so you don’t have to feel guilty that your getaway is damaging the environment – unlike short journeys by plane.

The journey from London to Paris takes only around two-and-a-quarter hours, and even if you factor in the time it will take for you to travel to London from wherever you are in the country, it doesn’t take long and the journey won’t eat into your precious holiday time.  Taking the train Paris can be romantic in itself, especially if you treat yourselves to Standard Premier Class (formerly known as first class)!

There are some good deals to be had around Valentine’s Day as Eurostar seeks to encourage people to travel by train to Paris (or on to Brussels).  There are some attractive combination deals, too, with discounted rail plus hotel packages on offer.

When you arrive, make the most of the beautiful city by visiting its famous attractions – the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and stroll along the Seine before enjoying a romantic meal in an authentic French restaurant.  Enjoy a night or two in any of the city’s stylish and comfortable hotels and enjoy a warm croissant and fresh coffee in a café for breakfast.

And if all that wasn’t enough, if you join My Ice you can earn reward points – for free – by travelling with Eurostar.

Valentine’s Day, celebrated on 14th February, is believed to have stemmed from a Roman named St Valentine who was martyred on that date in 269AD and left a card for the jailer’s daughter signed ‘From Your Valentine…’  St Valentine eventually became the patron saint of lovers and it is following his lead that romantic messages are exchanged on 14th February each year.

Many people celebrate Valentine’s Day in that way – swapping cards, normally signed ‘From Your Valentine’ to add an air of mystique, and others give their loved ones chocolates and flowers.  A lucky few get taken away for a romantic break!

If you don’t want the stress or expense of travelling abroad for a short break, why not look closer to home?  There are many fantastic short breaks here in the UK.  You could take the car, but with the ever-increasing cost of petrol – and perhaps a desire to spend the journey gazing into the eyes of your loved one rather than at the road – you may decide to do what so many people are choosing to do these days and take a Stagecoach bus to one of several destinations in the UK  that are simply great for romantic getaways.

Stagecoach buses run all over the country, from the South West of England up to the North of Scotland and most places in between.

If you’re thinking of heading up to Scotland this Valentine’s Day, you’ll be following in the footsteps of several celebrities who have chosen to tie the knot up there, so beautiful and picturesque is the scenery… an ideal destination if you’re thinking of popping the big question this Valentine’s Day.

Or head up to the North East, which has a surprising number of beautiful areas to explore, like Bamburgh beach (ideal for romantic walks with gorgeous views of Holy Island or Budle Bay), or Embleton Bay.

Further south, in Yorkshire, there are also plenty of romantic places for a Valentine’s break – some beautiful harbours in the East Riding, castles and abbeys to explore in the North, West and South Ridings.

Wales is an easy place to picture as an ideal destination for a romantic break – all those hills, valleys, beaches and coastal walks.  Utterly charming towns and villages, castles and coves.  The same applies to the South West coast, with plenty of beautiful harbours, coastal paths, wide sandy beaches and mountainous paths to trek along, followed by a cosy night in together.

Wherever you decide to visit for Valentine’s Day and the surrounding days, take the Stagecoach bus – and even better, you can earn My Ice points that can lead to some fantastic savings – visit www.myice.com for details.  It’s free to join, all you have to do is book with their selected partners (like Stagecoach) to earn points that can be used as payment for other services.

A trip to London, whether it’s for business or pleasure, invariably means finding a suitable hotel for your needs.  What you want in a hotel will depend on why you’re visiting – if it’s for business, your priority may be to find a hotel close to wherever you’ll be working, or you might be in the nice position of having an expense account that lets you stay in a comfortable, even luxurious hotel.  If you’re travelling for pleasure, your priority might be to find somewhere nice to stay that is local to the major attractions (or, at the very least, local to a tube stop with good connections to where you want to be).

So in choosing hotels in London, the first thing you need to do is to determine what you’re looking for in a hotel – location, size, quiet/lively, amenities (including wifi, or business conference facilities), cost.  Once you’ve done that, how do you choose which of the thousands of London hotels to choose from?

Most people turn to search sites and plug in ‘London Hotels’ or ‘Hotels in London’ plus some key terms.  Many search sites let you specify things like exact location, cost and so on.  These will make it very easy to find the best hotel for you.   You can easily compare prices, and can read reviews, which takes the risk out of booking a hotel ‘blind’.

The sheer number of hotels competing for business, coupled with the high level of demand created by virtue of the draw of attractions such as world-famous museums and national treasures, and of the thriving business community, means that there are some good deals to be found on cost.  It’s not as expensive as you might think to stay in a nice hotel in London and if you’re travelling for pleasure and stick to the many free attractions available (notably the Science Museum or Natural History Museum, or Lady Diana’s park for children) then a short break in London can work out surprisingly cheaply.

For an even better deal, though, check out sites that advertise last-minute deals on breaks in London Hotels – you can get a real bargain and have all the more money spare to spend on things like a trip to the theatre.  If you don’t want to leave things until the last minute, then be sure to book well in advance as many hotels in London offer discounted rates for people who book early.

Booking online can often save you money, as many hotels offer discounts for this type of booking.  It’s also far more convenient if you have limited time in the day to make phone calls as you can book online 24/7. 

If you’ve never been on all-inclusive holidays before, you’ve been missing a real treat.  They offer real convenience which self-catering or half-board holidays may lack, especially if your chosen holiday is in a resort that is not very close to amenities.  Going all-inclusive means that you can choose resorts or hotels that are away from the hustle-and-bustle of city life and even away from the major tourist centres without worrying that doing so will leave you without easy access to shops, bars and restaurants.

All-inclusive doesn’t mean that you will be sacrificing choice and freedom.  At one point, an all-inclusive holiday for Brits guaranteed that there would always be egg and chips on the menu, and seldom did you get the chance to experience local cuisine.  Not so now, with most all-inclusive packages recognising travellers’ desire to try new things, including dishes native to the country they are visiting.

Most all-inclusive packages include all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), drinks (alcoholic or otherwise), entertainment (usually evening shows, like dancing and music performances, and kids’ clubs during the day) and everything onsite (like mini-golf, swimming complexes, nature walks, exercise classes etc).  Many even include snacks throughout the day.  Depending on where you go, the all-inclusive package might also include certain excursions – common if you are taking a cruise, for example.

Taking an all-inclusive holiday can make it an easier option to budget for.  It will cost more up-front than would a self-catering or half-board holiday, but when you consider how hard it is to stick to a budget whilst you’re on holiday (it can be very tempting to think ‘we’re on holiday… why not?’ and blow the budget), the cost is generally about the same and you don’t have to worry about organising anything when you’re there.

The cost of the holiday obviously includes your stay in a hotel.  There are plenty of cheap hotels to choose from, which can lower the overall cost of your stay, or you can push the boat out and go for a luxury hotel and really spoil yourself.

London – the Big City where the old establishments of the monarchy co-exist harmoniously with the new establishments of capitalism. It’s no wonder then that the hotels in London combine the best elements of classic and modern architecture as well as the best in service fit for royals. But we digress since even the amenities, facilities and services offered by the most luxurious London hotels should be sufficient reason to miss out on the following attractions.

Let’s start with the Stonehenge tour. Yes, it’s a few miles away from the city centre but it’s worth the trip. One of the oldest and certainly the most famous of its kind, Stonehenge is a collection of earthen burial mounds towering over the countryside, a mystery for the ages.

After marvelling at the Stonehenge, take yourself back to the modern ages via the so-called London Duck Tour. You will ride in an amphibious vehicle that looks like, well, a duck that allows for sightseeing on the city’s streets and straight into the River Thames.

You also have the opportunity to take river cruises down Old Father Thames to marvel at the marvellous city of London. Most large hotels in London have booking arrangements with both duck tours and river cruises so do ask.

Well, of course, there are plenty of other things to do in London aside from sightseeing although the sights and sounds are truly spectacular. Go shopping at Harrods, get a spectacular view of the Big City atop the London Eye, and perhaps even get to see the Queen and the royal family.

For more information please see hotel London

The hotels in Manchester city centre are located in a historic area with great influence on the United Kingdom’s industry, music and sports, among other aspects of culture. Guests like you can then expect highly satisfactory service, amenities and facilities from even the seemingly run-of-the-mill Manchester hotels. Appearances can, indeed, deceive since these hotels have many pleasant surprises in store for their clientele.

When choosing from among the numerous hotels in the City of Manchester, we suggest looking at your itinerary. This means determining the exact district where you intend to engage in pleasure or do business – or both – while in the city.

Keep in mind that Manchester’s 44-square mile land area is divided into 7 districts with each district offering its fair share of attractions.

For example, if your purpose is to visit the attractions of Gay Village, Piccadilly and Piccadilly Gardens, then Manchester hotels in the East Central District are your best bets. Yet another example is when your shortlist of hotels in Manchester city centre is in the University Corridor, you must be visiting one of the two universities, namely, Rusholme, and Fallowfield.

Of course, there’s also the factor about determining your budget for accommodations when in Manchester. The good news is that prices for virtually everything in Manchester is comparatively lower than those in London so you can still find good accommodations at reasonable prices.  You have to make certain compromises on price as there will understandably be hotels with higher rates than others such as in case of 4-star as against 2-star hotels.

View and book hotels in Manchester city centre

The hotels near Leicester Square are located in one of the best districts in London. Leicester Square is, of course, the heart of the world-renowned entertainment centre known as The West End. Food for the soul via the theatres, cinemas and galleries co-exist with food for the body via the restaurants, bars and cafes – truly, a heaven on earth for individuals who want the best in British lifestyle. It’s not surprising then that many West End hotels are filled to near capacity especially during peak season because of the various entertainment options available in the area.

At night, Leicester Square takes on an almost-magical quality albeit a thoroughly modern one. The entire place seems to light up from the vibrant, bold and bright lights coming from the establishments around the square. Think of Christmas sans the snow and you have the idea of how well lighted Leicester Square is.

Most of the hotels near Leicester Square are within walking distance of Theatreland, the heart of the city’s movie and theatre industry. Numerous exciting events take place here including movie premieres where A-list stars from both sides of the pond parade down the red carpet and movie festivals where non-commercial films are shown. Don’t expect West End hotels to have available rooms whenever these big-time events happen either.

Of course, it is not just the theatres and cinemas that draw visitors to Leicester Square. It is also home to several nightclubs, bars and cafes, all of which form part of one of the most vibrant nightlife scenes in the Big City. Party the night away and discover why Leicester Square is well loved by its patrons.

To view and book Leicester Square hotels search here

Many of the best boutique hotels London has to offer are located in The West End and for good reasons, too. The West End, after all, is one of the most happening districts in the Big City with plenty of major tourist attractions, shopping establishments and entertainment venues. All of these establishments require only the best hotel in London although what constitutes the best is up for discussion among visitors to the area.

It must be emphasized that the term “West End” is used loosely in different contexts. Thus, West End can be the entertainment district centred on Covent Garden and Leicester Square, which is the most common association; the shopping district around Regent, Oxford and Bond Streets; and the entire part of this particular area in central London.

Again, West End is most commonly associated with the entertainment district filled with theatres where world-class productions are staged virtually the whole year-round.

When looking for a hotel in London particularly in the West End area, we suggest setting a budget for the accommodations. Keep in mind that West End has one of the most expensive real property values in London so the hotels in the area tend to be on the upscale end of the spectrum. Fortunately, you can find many affordable boutique hotels London provides for its millions of visitors to its shores even in the expensive parts of West End.

What can you do in West End? Oh, there’s aplenty going on including visits to art galleries and museums; shows at the theatres and cinemas; and shopping at the numerous high-end shops around the area. Yes, don’t forget the raucous New Year’s Eve parade either.

For more information and booking see boutique hotels London

Luxury is the name of the game in many a London hotel with ultra-lavish touches like penthouse suites, butlers and gourmet room service, to name just a few. With so many hotels to choose from in the Big City, taking a luxurious vacation in one of the premier world capitals is very easy to do. Just log on to the official online site of a 4 star hotel London has to offer, choose your accommodations and then book the room/suite.

In your chosen luxury hotel in London, you will have the benefit of numerous amenities and facilities designed to make your stay the best experience possible in your life, so far. You will be surprised at how the management and staff outdo themselves in catering to your needs and wants within reasonable limits.

Your stay will definitely be a memorable experience with amenities like spa and salon, swimming pool and Jacuzzi, restaurant and bar, and an ultra-comfortable bedroom equipped with all the essential furniture and fixtures. It’s as close to heaven on earth as you can possibly get.

Well, of course, you will not want to stay inside your London hotel room no matter how luxurious it may be. London is waiting to be explored with your senses and, in the process, fall in love with the city built by Romans and adopted by millions around the world as their home away from home.

You must explore the sights and sounds of the city including the Buckingham Palace, the Westminster Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the London Eye, among other tourist attractions.

The best 4 star hotel London has to offer may feel heavenly but London itself is heaven for tourists wanting to be part of the ultimate British experience.

For more information and to book see London hotel

Among the numerous areas of London, one section stands out for its swanky appeal – Mayfair. It is located between the world-famous Oxford Street and Regent Street as well as Piccadilly Circus and Park Lane right at the heart of the Big City. Many a 4-star and 5-star hotel London has to offer are located in Mayfair and for good reasons, too. Think of the likes of the Bloomsbury Hotel London branch and you have a good idea of just how swanky Mayfair is, then and now.

Yes, indeed, Mayfair was and is the enclave of well-heeled families and individuals in London. Its name is derived from the 15-day fairs held in the area until 1764; the well-to-do residents of the area deemed the fairs too lowly for their neighbourhood. Today, the residential houses, commercial establishments and public spaces in Mayfair are one of the fairest in the city, so to speak.

On one hand, private banks, wealth management institutions and hedge fund companies have offices in the area. It’s no surprise then that many a luxurious hotel London offers to its visitors serve the professionals who manage the wealth of the wealthy in the world, not to mention being wealthy in their own way, too. The clientele of Bloomsbury Hotel London include these professionals and their wealthy clients as well as other well-to-do individuals and families willing to pay for excellent services.

On the other hand, Mayfair has more than a few of the world’s most exclusive shops selling everything from suits to shoes and everything else in between. Mayfair is, truly, a fair place to shop in if and when you are a serious shopper with serious money.

So, on your next quest for the most luxurious hotel London has to offer, think of the Mayfair area and you will not be disappointed.

For more information please see Bloomsbury Hotel London