Get in first for a bargain
saw sawdays.co.uk/ ho houndgatetownhouse, 01 01325 486 011. This old roadside inn has been transformed into the coolest motel in the land.
Outside, the glen shoots down to Loch Voil, while inside, chic white minimalism mixes with warm Scottish tradition.
Mhor 84 blends 21st-century living with boarded floors, tractor seat bar stools, curios hanging on the walls and the odd sofa for afternoon tea.
Fires roar, cake stands bulge and happy staff deliver fabulous food at old school tables. Simple bedrooms have contemporary art and spotless bathrooms are 1980s originals – all part of the fun. NICELY PRICED: From £70 per night, based on a double room and including breakfast. BOOK: sawdays.co.uk/mhor84, 01877 384 646. Picasso stayed here when he attended the World Peace Conference in 1950, though things have BE the first under the sheets at spanking new luxury hotels – at bargain rates. Websitee Be The First, which was laun launched last month, brings you th the best deals from hot new v venues and lifts the lid on t the little-known known world of of h hotel soft openings openings. . The changed a little since – a refit has turned this into a small-scale pleasuredome.
Downstairs, there is a Scandi feel in the cafe, with joggers and dog walkers swapping the park for delicious smoothies or a slice of cake.
Bedrooms are divine – the best white linen, smart neutral colours and bathrooms with organic oils. And don’t miss out on tasty dinners downstairs. NICELY PRICED: From £85 per night, based on a double room. BOOK: sawdays.co.uk/brocco, 0114 266 1233. Retreat to the peace of this fine old house on the edge of the city, with its 70 peaceful acres of woodlands and gardens and huge views. There’s a ceiling covered in murals inn the dining room and a bar for cool tunes and cocktails.
Big bedrooms in the main house come with padded headboards and beautiful fabrics.
Garden rooms – most with terraces or balconies – have heaps of colour and walk-in offers cost far less than you’d pay when the hotels are properly up and running. Among its bargains is the five-star Sokha Siem Reap resort, next to theAngkor Wat temple in Cambodia, for only £66 a night until December 20. See bethefirst.com. showers. Indulge in a treatment at the spa and take a dip in the gorgeous pool before heading to the restaurant for a delicious end to the day. NICELY PRICED: From £100 per night, based on a double room and including breakfast. BOOK: sawdays.co.uk/combegrove, 01225 834 644. In the Pembrokeshire National Park, Cnapan is a family affair. Judith excels in the kitchen, Michael looks after the bar and son Oliver has returned to the fold to help them both.
The house is cosy and traditionally homespun – whitewashed stone walls and old pine settles in the dining room, comfy sofas and a wood burner in t the sitting room. There are maps for walkers, bird books, flower bo books and the daily papers, too. NICELYNI PRICED: From £95 per nig night, based on a double room and inc including breakfast. BOOK:BO sawdays.co.uk/cnapan, 01 01239 820 575.
Sawday’s Special Places: British Ho Hotels and Inns, costs £11.99 at sa sawdays.co.uk/bookshop. seem to be some very good ski deals this Christmas but last year the snow was rubbish. Is it worth going? IT’S difficult to say. Last year there was a load of snow in October but it had all but vanished by December. There hasn’t been much in the Alps so far this year but a big storm is sweeping in this weekend. So fingers crossed – or head to a higher resort. And it may be worth waiting a week to keep an eye on snow levels. By then, holiday firms will have their best deals. But there are already offers out there. St Anton, Austria, at 4.5 diamond Chalet Kapall, is up for grabs from £699pp, saving £510pp (42 per cent off) departing on December 23. See inghams.co.uk/ski-holidays. These gloves provide everything you would expect from a winter cycling glove but withth material that works withith touch screens on the forefinger and thumb. They are wind and water resistant with padded palms to aid comfort and to protect you in a fall. Great for using a phone on the go.