Paul Routledge

The illustrious Tourism Superstar award will go live on February 10. Launched by Mirror Travel and national tourist board VisitEngland seven years ago, it celebrates the unsung heroes of the staycation industry. We’ll be revealing the line-up of 10 fabulous finalists in print on these pages and online at mirror.co.uk/ travel a fortnight today. And we’ll also reveal the fabulous holiday prizes to be won, just for voting. visitengland.com One of Marriott’s contemporary, fun and affordable Moxy Hotels is now open in the booming Stratford area of East London.

Offering a ‘’vibrant, playful design and approachable service’’, the 294-room property is close to the major transport interchange, Westfield shopping mall and West Ham United’s football stadium.

Rooms range from standard to family size and have soundreducing walls, 42in TVs, free wi-fi, numerous device charging points, Muk toiletries in the bathroom and a floor-to-ceiling artwork.

The Living Room lounge – with a nod to the 2012 Olympics – also has abundant power sources and free wi-fi, while the 24/7 B&F food zone is a self-service concept with fresh juices, coffee, sandwiches, salads, antipasti and a main plus a full bar for cocktails, craft beers and wines – and this is where guests check-in.

A spokesman said: “The new Moxy London Stratford will offer guests a cocktail at check-in, spontaneous games in the lively communal spaces, and an energetic crew to bring out the most fun from this vibrant corner of London and give them something to rave about when they return home.”

Special opening rates start at £68 a night, very reasonable for London. marriott.com ATMOSPHERIC The remains of an Ottoman prison on misty Lake Skadar. And the express crossed the highest railway bridge in Europe near Kolasin HAUNTING No murders, but it beat the Orient Express