Five famous escapes without leaving the UK
It remains a topsy-turvy time for hotels in this country. The lingering question mark over international travel means that while some coastal properties have busier summers than ever lined up, others will suffer from the lack of overseas visitors. Still, as they have done throughout this torrid time, hotels have adjusted, opening outdoor terraces and creating private experiences. Some are coming back with great offers. Here are five top choices to book for when restrictions ease.
HOTEL BROOKLYN Manchester
New York may be off limits for a little while yet, but take a bite of the Big Apple at Manchester’s Hotel Brooklyn, which aims to recapture the borough’s gritty but glamorous spirit. Expect plenty of exposed brick and thick American pancakes in the morning, but thankfully the feel is more chic than gimmicky. This summer, the hotel is offering a range of perks for direct bookers, including breakfast, a £40 voucher to spend on food on-site, a “hooch bag” (a snack pack filled with Brooklyn lager, crisps, Hershey’s chocolate bars and more), plus entry into a prize draw for a holiday to, of course, NYC.
Doubles from £139 per night; hotelbrooklyn.co.uk
MONKEY ISLAND ESTATE Bray, Berkshire
For those with missed milestones to celebrate, this proud Palladian hotel on its own island on the Thames is a fitting setting. Monkey Island is all about its river: if your bedroom doesn’t overlook the Thames, book a treatment at the Floating Spa, housed in a repurposed barge moored along the bank, or take a private sunset cruise with wine and canapés. Back on dry land, the foodie village of Bray is studded with Michelin stars thanks to Heston Blumenthal and Michel Roux Jr. The hotel is reopening with an enticing “stay for two nights, pay for one” offer on midweek trips.
From £245 for two nights; monkeyislandestate.co.uk
GLENEAGLES Perthshire, Scotland
For an antidote to the lethargy of lockdown, there are few places more appealing than Gleneagles, that grand Perthshire resort with an Art Deco flair. With 850 acres to roam and a range of country pursuits to try (such as gun dog training and falconry), you’ll need a few days to explore. This summer the hotel is offering 20 per cent off stays of three nights or more. Much will move outside when the hotel reopens, with plans for al fresco foodie pop-ups, garden games on the lawn, picnics by the loch and whisky nights around a roaring fire pit. From £1,215 for three nights; gleneagles.com
THE MAYFAIR TOWNHOUSE London
London is where you will likely find the best offers this summer, as hotels compete for city breakers’ custom. It only opened in September 2020, so the Oscar Wilde-inspired Mayfair Townhouse didn’t have much chance to get going before being forced to shut. It’ll no doubt return looking sparkling, as will its centrepiece peacock sculpture made out of 25,000 Swarovski crystals. Head to the low-lit Dandy Bar for a cocktail and club sandwich, before retiring to one of the regal blue bedrooms. The hotel is encouraging guests to extend trips with three nights for the price of two, which includes a complimentary minibar.
From £738 for three nights; themayfairtownhouse.com
THE LORD CREWE ARMS Blanchland, Northumberland
Up in dark-sky country, on the border of Co Durham and Northumberland, the Lord Crewe Arms is the perfect base for an active break. Borrow bicycles or wellies and explore the surrounding moors and nearby Derwent Reservoir. A modern country style runs though this old abbot’s lodging (owned by the otherwise Cotswolds-based Calcot Collection), with cosy touches like hot-water bottles and local fudge in the bedrooms. For a hearty stay, book the new twonight offer, which includes breakfast, a pre-dinner drink and supper on one evening plus afternoon tea.
From £478 for two nights; lordcrewearmsblanchland.co.uk