Mini Travel Guides

We stayed at the 4 star Soreda Hotel in Qawra on our Malta trip in May 2011. We didn’t have great expectations of the Soreda Hotel, as it cost £18 per person per night on half board, booked through sunshine.co.uk and the guest reviews were mixed, many saying it was more like a 3 star hotel.

Exterior of the Soreda Hotel

We arrived at the hotel one hour before the official check in time of 2pm. I tested the hotel wifi, which is available in the lobby free of charge, on my mobile phone while waiting to check in and the signal was very good.  We were allocated Room 105; although I had requested a room on the top floor when booking on sunshine.co.uk,  it is made clear that requests can’t be guaranteed.

Lobby of the Soreda Hotel

We were happy with the room size, general condition and facilities. The wardrobe space was generous with plenty of hangers. There was a fridge and tea and coffee making facilities. It did seem a little mean that the tea bags and coffee sachets were only provided for the first day, then you had to either purchase from a shop or at reception. There were a few patches of mould in the tile grouting and some stains at the bottom of the bath under the shower.

Room 105 a the Soreda Hotel

Room 105 is at the back of the hotel facing into a courtyard which was good from the point of view that there was no traffic noise. However there was no privacy on the balcony, as there were no screens between the balconies. Many guests in neighbouring rooms were smoking on their balcony, so we had to keep the French doors shut to keep out the smell of cigarette smoke.

I had a swim at the hotel’s roof top pool on our first evening. We were pretty tired that evening as we had to get up at 3am to reach Edinburgh Airport for our 7am flight to Malta, so we planned an early night. However it was not to be, as we seemed to be directly above the entertainment stage. The music was so loud, we couldn’t talk or watch TV.  Now the entertainment did finish at 11pm. Many guests were staying on an all-inclusive basis, so were down enjoying the entertainment at the bar.

Roof top pool at the Soreda Hotel

After the second night of loud entertainment we decided to request a transfer to a quieter room.  Reception were very helpful and offered us a two bedroom apartment in a block across the street from the main hotel, at no extra charge. It was such a relief to be away from the evening noise. The apartment had a double and a single bedroom, a bathroom with shower over the bath and a separate toilet with wash basin.  The cooking facilities were limited with a small electric oven with 2 rings on the top. That wasn’t as issue for us as we were staying on half board.

Kitchen area of apartment at Soreda Hotel

Some of the electrical wiring in the apartment looked a bit dodgy, as the wires were not embedded in the walls. The cleaning of the apartment could have been a bit more thorough.

The breakfast at the Soreda Hotel was fine with a selection of hot cooked items including omelette, fried, scrambled and boiled eggs, bacon, beans, fried bread and sausages. There was also a selection of cereals, fruit salad (which was fresh fruit some days and tinned others), fruit juice (which tasted like squash), yoghurt, croissants, cake and bread. The tea and coffee machines were a pain, as they dispensed such small servings, a cappuccino and a small white coffee just filled up one cup. On the whole the dinners were better with delicious soups, an extensive salad buffet, various pastas, a carvery meat, one fish dish and a couple of other meat dishes. There was a good choice of desserts.

Dinner salad buffet at the Soreda Hotel

We spent another two nights at the hotel after our return flight to Edinburgh with Ryanair was cancelled on 24 May due to the ash cloud. We were able to stay on in the same apartment at a cost of 32 Euro per night per person on half board. This was quite a bit more than the £18 a night we paid when booking in advance on the sunshine.co.uk site but still a very reasonable price for short notice. Again reception were very helpful in printing our Ryanair boarding passes for our re-booked flight; this was only possible during office hours but was free of charge.

In summary, we were very happy with our stay at the Soreda Hotel and would rate it as excellent value for money. I probably wouldn’t be saying that if we’d had to remain in Room 105 with that thumping music for the nine nights. However the hotel did allocate us another room very graciously.  I’d agree that it’s more like a three star hotel than a four star. I was able to pick up an excellent signal on my netbook on the free wifi in the lobby.  The food was pretty good overall.

You can see all my photos and videos of the Soreda Hotel on Flickr.

Click here to check availability at the Soreda Hotel

Review of Soreda Hotel, Qawra, Malta

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I want to ask fellow Brits, “Are you are making the most of the UK?”. The term staycation has become increasingly common over the last few years. You can take that to mean literally staying at home, such as in my post “7 Reason to Have a Holiday in Your Own Home” or taking a holiday within the UK.

Whipsiddery Beach in Newquay, Cornwall

Podcast: Are We Brits Making the Most of Our Own Country?

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For many Brits, a holiday equates to flying somewhere with better weather than normally found in the UK. Well we’re currently enjoying a warm spell in April 2011, with temperatures higher than some spots in the Med, which does demonstrate that the UK weather can be good too. Then there’s the argument that many destinations abroad offer better value for money.

I’d like to illustrate that you can have great short breaks and holidays in the UK on a budget. My examples have a strong Scottish bias, as I’m Scottish but living in north-east England, so I’m up in Scotland at every opportunity.

At the beginning of April 2011 I stayed for 3 nights at the Travelodge Edinburgh West End for 3 nights paying only £19 a night for a double room on the advance booking saver rate. The hotel is very close to the Dean Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art, both free to enter, offering wet weather options. One day I walked along the Water of Leith to the Botanic Garden (free to enter), where in addition to admiring the daffodils and rhododendrons, I looked around two art exhibitions at Inverleith House.

View from John Hope Gateway at the Edinburgh Botanic Garden

Another day I drove north to Fife to climb up Falkland Hill. It was touch and go if I’d stay dry as as it was a showery day but I was lucky.

View from ascent of Falkland Hill

I’ve booked 2 nights at the Travelodge Perth Broxden Junction at the start of May 2011 at the price of £15 a night, booked in the Travelodge sale in early April 2011. I love Perthshire and we’re planning to walk the Birks of Aberfeldy and visit the Hermitage at Dunkeld. There’s a leisure pool in Perth, a museum, theatre and concert hall.

Robert Burns statue at the Birks of Aberfeldy in Perthshire

There’s still plenty of opportunity to book cheap rooms as Travelodge have £19 rooms available from 27 May to 3 June 2011 for the Half Term holidays and Premier Inn have £29 advance booking rooms on offer. We just need to cross our fingers that we’ll have more fine weather.

So next time you’re planning a short break or holiday, why not look at UK staycation options?

UK Staycations: Are We Brits Making the Most of Our Own Country?

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Travelodge UK are offering £19 Saver rooms for stays during the Half Term holidays between 27 May – 5 June 2011. I did a quick search for availability of £19 rooms in central Scotland and found reasonable availability, except on Saturdays nights.  I even found some £19 rooms at my favourite Edinburgh Travelodge, the West End, where I spent three nights earlier this month (paying the £19 a night Saver rate).

Entrance to Edinburgh West End Traveldoge

You’ll need to book your room on the Travelodge site at least 21 days in advance to get the £19 rate but £29 rooms are available up to 7 days before arrival.

£19 Travelodge UK rooms available for Half Term stays 27 May – 3 June 2011

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I stayed at the Premier Inn Glenrothes in east central Scotland for one night on Saturday 22 January 2011. I managed to bag the room for only £19 a night (room only) during the Christmas sale on the Premier Inn website.  Now I recently did a comparison of the two biggest UK budget hotel brands in the UK, Premier Inn versus Travelodge in which I concluded that Travelodge was better mainly due to wider availability of cheaper rooms. However on this occasion a room at the Glenrothes Travelodge for the same night was priced at £23.50.

The Premier Inn Glenrothes is located just off the big roundabout as you drive into the town heading north from Kirkcaldy. There’s plenty of parking at the front and the back of the hotel. I checked in just after 2pm and requested a room at the back of the hotel at the end of the corridor, which I judged would be quieter.  The receptionist was very helpful, although I’d already been allocated a room she gave me a room which matched my request.

Exterior of Premier Inn Glenrothes

My room was a good size with the sofa bed made up as a single bed.  There’s a thermostat to control the heating and the room was warm within minutes. I also like the fact that there’s a  heated towel rail in the bathroom to make it a bit warmer and to avoid soggy towels.  The bed was very comfortable but I didn’t like the pillows, they were too soft for my liking.

Breakfast is served next door at the Brewer’s Fayre. It costs £8 per adult but kids eat free with paying adults. I didn’t bother with breakfast at the restaurant, I just ate some cereal and fruit I’d brought with me in my room. I noticed that the restaurant was doing two main courses for £10 and two desserts for £2 Monday – Friday until 18.30, meaning a couple could eat a two course meal for £12,. That seems better value than breakfast for £16 for two guests?

My room at the Premier Inn Glenrothes

While the town of Glenrothes may not be on many peoples’ top Scottish destination list, it does make a good overnight stop as you head north up the east coast from Edinburgh or as a base for spending for exploring the Fife region. Some suggestions of things to do in the area are a visit to Falkland to see the Palace and climb up Falkland Hill, the historic village of Ceres and the seaside town of St Andrews.

I’d recommend the Premier Inn Glenrothes if you can find a cheap room here by booking in advance on the non refundable rate or during a sale.

It’s a good idea to check  prices for the Premier Inn Glenrothes on the HotelsCombined price comparison site.

Find Great Deals on Hotels in Glenrothes

Click here to check availability and price for all hotels in Glenrothes on the HotelsCombined price comparison site.

Review of Premier Inn Glenrothes in Fife, Scotland

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I stayed at Premier Inn Edinburgh Leith for one night on Sunday 23 January 2011 after the Edinburgh Travel Tweet Up that afternoon. I paid £19 for the night (room only) booked during the Premier Inn Christmas sale in December 2010.

Premier Inn Edinburgh Leith on the Forth Estuary

I was looking forward to staying at that Premier Inn as I really like the location down on the Forth Estuary next to Newhaven Harbour.  One big benefit of staying here is the free parking, as parking around Edinburgh city centre is expensive and it can be hard to find a space. The hotel is located around 2 miles from the city centre but there are regular buses from a stop just across from the hotel.

I was delighted with my room at it was on the first floor with an estuary view. The room was a good size with two comfy chairs and a coffee table, as well as a chair at the desk.

My room at Premier Inn Edinburgh Leith

I’d recommend the Premier Inn Edinburgh Leith if you prefer not to be in the city centre and/or are coming to Edinburgh by car. You’ll either need to book well in advance on the non refundable rate or during a promotion, if you want to get a cheap room here.  There’s a Brewers Fayre restaurant attached to the hotel, a large Asda supermarket and another couple of pubs within walking distance.  The Ocean Terminal shopping and leisure centre and the home of the Royal Yacht Britannia is around half a mile away from the hotel. You can see all my photos/videos of the Premier Inn Edinburgh Leith on Flckr.

It’s also worth checking prices for the Premier Inn Edinburgh Leith on the HotelsCombined price comparison site.

Search for the Best Deals on All Edinburgh Hotels

Click here to search for low prices on all hotels in Edinburgh on the HotelsCombined price comparison site.

Review of Premier Inn Edinburgh Leith

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There’s a £15 room promotion starting today (Thursday 7 April 2011) on Travelodge UK.  It’s only available for stays from 21 April – 4 May 2011, so ideal for the May Bank Holiday in England.

I’d recommend that you get on the Travelodge UK site early to book your £15 room, as these promotions usually sell out fast. This is a great price as many Travelodges have family rooms which can sleep up to 2 adults and 2 children.

Update 10.00 on 7 April 2011: I just booked a couple of nights in Perth for £15 a night. No problems with Travelodge site, I was able to search and book quickly.

£15 Travelodge UK rooms for stays 21 April – 4 May 2011

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I stayed for three nights at the 3 star Days Hotel Manchester City when attending the Travel Bloggers Unite Conference in March 2011.  I searched for a hotel that was good value, located in the city centre, offered free internet connection and included breakfast in the rate. I found the Days Hotel Manchester City for £45 a night for a double room for 2 guests including English breakfast buffet on the HotelsCombined price comparison site.  I was delighted that the hotel offered free wired internet connection in the room and free wifi in the lobby.

Lobby at Days Hotel Manchester City

It took me around ten minutes to walk to the hotel from Manchester Piccadilly rail station. I received a very warm welcome from the receptionist who checked me in. The hotel is adjacent to student halls of residence. There was some external noise from the students but less than I generally experience in city centre hotels.

My double room at Days Hotels Manchester City

My room, classified as a city double, was beautifully furnished in a contemporary style. I loved the colours and the quality of the fittings.  There was good size power shower.  It was great to have a wired internet connection as hotel wifi is often unstable.  However it was very small for a double and I was quite glad I was staying there alone.

The breakfast buffet was very good, even including smoked salmon and trout. In fact for a 3 star hotel, the spread was as good as in some four star UK hotels.

In summary, I’d recommend the Days Hotel Manchester City for a budget yet quality, if a little cramped, accommodation in Manchester city centre with a very good breakfast and free internet connection.

Tips for Things to Do in Manchester

Read our tips things to do in Manchester which I collated after asking readers for recommendations for the Manchester stop on my Summer 09 UK Blogging Tour.

Find the Lowest Prices at All Manchester Hotels

Click here to search for all hotels in Manchester using the HotelsCombined price comparison site. I’m a big fan of HotelsCombined and it’s my first port of call when searching for the lowest prices on my travels.

Review of Days Hotel Manchester City

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Introduction

My husband Demetrius and our son Simon are are off to Tallinn, the Estonian capital, for 5 nights at the end of March 2011. We found flights with Ryanair from Edinburgh for only £23 per person return (hand luggage only and payment by Mastercard prepaid debit card to avoid the £5 per person per flight admin fee). As the family travel expert, I was charged with finding a hotel for their Tallinn trip.

Tallinn by sashapo

Tallinn Hotel Criteria

• Buffet breakfast included
• Not more than one mile from city centre
• At least 75% in verified guest ratings
• Free wifi
• A budget of £70 a night for either one twin room or 2 single rooms (in order to keep the cost per person to under £200 including flights for the 5 nights).

The Search

I started off searching for hotels in Tallinn on the HotelsCombined price comparison site. It quickly became apparent that single rooms cost almost the same as twin rooms.  Most hotels offered free wifi.

I was attracted by the 4* Hotel Barons at £67.40 per night for a twin room, which included buffet breakfast, afternoon coffee with pastries and buffet dinner, free wifi and wired internet, scoring an average guest rating of 80%. We find that going for the half board option makes it easier to stick to your budget when travelling.

Exterior of Hotel Barons, Estonia

After I spotted that had a £30 off code (TCSAVE30) for hotel bookings of £300+, reducing the price of a twin room at the Hotel Barons for 5 nights from £337 to £307  i.e. £61.40 a night per room, we decided to book there. (No dates were given on the Thomas Cook site for expiry of offer).

Total Cost

With return Ryanair flights from Edinburgh to Tallinn at £23 and half board in a 4 star hotel at £154, the total cost per person is £177.

However if you’re looking for a budget Tallinn trip. you can find some B&B deals at 3 star hotels from around £25 a night for a double or twin room.

Click here to check availability and prices for all hotels in Tallin for your dates.

Tallin Trip: Flight & 5 nights 4* half board for under £180

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Introduction

We’re all looking for low cost car hire but I think it’s better to focus on an all inclusive price than merely the cheapest price. If you book the lowest price you may have to fork out for extras when you pick up the car and take the risk of ending up paying a few hundred pounds for the insurance excess, if your hire car is damaged or stolen.  Finding the best truly inclusive holiday car rental can be hard with so many extra charges e.g. out of hours pick up, premium location pick up, additional driver(s) and excess insurance cover.

by eguidetravel

I’ve been using and recommending EconomyCarHire for the last few years. They are car hire brokers who include a 2nd driver and no insurance excess in the basic quoted prices. Standard exclusions such as damage to tyres, windscreen and loss of keys can be covered by paying an additional premium of £10.50, (correct on 20 February 2011) when you book. Now, you do have to initially pay the exclusions excess to the car hire supplier, but then you reclaim that excess from economycarhire’s insurance company. You can read the terms and conditions here.

Our Requirements

However, I wanted to reassure myself that I was getting the best deal for car hire with EconomyCarHire, so I did a thorough search for car hire for our holiday to Cyprus in March 2011 for a pick up at Paphos Airport. We’re not planning on doing a lot of driving but as we’ll be staying at three different hotels in the Paphos area, we thought that a basic supermini would be handy for the airport and hotel transfers and a few local trips. Another reason for selecting a supermini was that all the quotes stated that you’d be charged for a full tank of fuel on pick up and I didn’t want to be paying for fuel we wouldn’t be using.

The Inclusive Price

I wanted to compare total prices that included:

• 2nd driver (so my husband and I could both drive)
• no excess
• charges such as airport pick up & late pick up

I looked on car hire brokers sites, car hire price comparison sites and on suppliers sites (e.g. Hertz).

Conclusion

EconomyCarHire offered us the best inclusive low cost car hire in Cyprus. I booked a Daihatshu Cuore, a basic supermini, for £63.50 i.e. £53 for basic hire plus £10.50 for the additional excess insurance. The 2nd driver and airport pick up is included and there is no standard excess to pay. The supplier is Avis who offer a 24 hour service at Paphos Airport.

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Disclosure

This post is based on my personal research and circumstances and you should carefully read all the small print in the terms and conditions before booking car hire. I will receive a commission if you book with economycarhire.

Finding the Best Low Cost Car Hire

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I managed to bag a room at Holiday Inn Express Glasgow Riverside for a stay on Saturday 8 January 2011, for only £20.12. Rooms at this price were only available for one day (20 December 2010) on the Holiday Inn site, to publicise that they are one of the sponsors of the 2012 Olympics in London.

Holiday Inn Express Glasgow Riverside

The hotel is a perfect location for a Glasgow short break. The hotel doesn’t have its own car park but I saw a car park close to the hotel which advertised all day stays for £5. We managed to find free on-street parking close to George Square (chargeable hours are Monday to Saturday 8am-6pm). It takes around ten minutes to walk to the hotel from either Queen St or Central rail stations. The hotel is a two minute walk from the St Enoch Shopping Centre and Argyle Street. The hotel is by the River Clyde, and Glasgow Green park (home to the People’s Palace) is just along the river.

Doulton Fountain in Glasgow Green

Although the hotel is by the riverside, only the two rooms at the end of the corridor on each floor have full river views. It may be worth checking in early to try to get one of these rooms?

We were allocated room 523 on the top floor. Our room was at the front of the hotel facing the street, so there was some traffic noise, made more audible by the fact our window was missing one of its catches, so wouldn’t close properly.  I have to admit that I always find it noisy in city centres, as it’s very quiet where we live.  I did hear a bit of door banging and some loud voices during the night, but nothing too bad. The room was fairly comfortable but the bed had an inclination to roll together in the middle.

There was free wifi in the lobby which had a reasonable signal, although it struggled to upload a short video to Flickr.

Lobby at Holiday Inn Express Glasgow Riverside

Continental breakfast was OK but the fruit juice tasted a bit watery and one of the hot drinks machines was low on supplies, so my hot chocolate appeared as watery hot milk. However the croissant and fruity cereal were good.

Continental Breakfast Buffet at Holiday Inn Express Glasgow Riverside

Overall, I’d recommend the hotel as a good budget option for a Glasgow short break, with reasonable rooms, free wifi in the lobby and breakfast included, as I’ve noticed more and more hotels with room only offers.  There are plenty of opportunities close at hand to sample three of the reasons to visit Glasgow, restaurants, music and food. You can also read our tips on things to do in Glasgow.

You should also check out room prices at the Holiday Inn Express Glasgow Riverside on the HotelsCombined price comparison site. I found a room at the Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Waterfront for £24 less per night than the price quoted on the the Holiday Inn site, for my last minute stay there in December 2010.

Review of Holiday Inn Express Glasgow Riverside

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