Accommodation in the UK

76 DUKE ST B&B, WINDSOR

(2012) A lovely, comfortable and spotlessly clean small B&B. The owner Julia is very pleasant and welcoming and extremely helpful. A private bathroom is available and although not ensuite, it was not a problem at all. Beautiful bathroom, great shower/bath, and fluffy white towels too.

It was a great base for visiting Windsor, and only a short pleasant walk along river path into town.

10/10 (from Gilly70

This is weird.

BLUESTONE NATIONAL PARK RESORT, PEMBROKESHIRE

(feb 14) I won a weekend at Bluestone National Park Resort in a Gransnet competition. When I won the prize I expected DD might say "Oh, Mummy" rather disparagingly, but NO. "When are we going?" was the prompt reaction.

We went for the first weekend of February half-term. We travelled there on "Frightful Friday" which was difficult, [we being DD, GS1 (8), GS2 (6), and GD (3) and me] so it was lovely to be welcomed very pleasantly at the entrance and congratulated on my win!

The Resort is about six years old and built on farmland. At the centre of the village are stone-terraced cottages for guests, and shops, restaurants and a pub are scattered around a large area. There are about 300 dwellings, all spread out. We were in a two-bedroom "upside down" lodge. The two bedrooms downstairs both had en-suites - a wet room in one and a bath in the other. The boys shared the double bed and GD stayed in our room in a very large cot bed that came as standard. Upstairs the large living area was clean and well appointed. The three areas did not impinge on one another and the kitchen was so well equipped. I saw a dishwasher and was relieved to discover that the "welcome pack" contained three eco-friendly tablets! It is all very green.

The lodge was self catering and it was a joy to use the kitchen! The beds were comfortable and the linen (all provided) was lovely.

On the Saturday I had a two-hour session in the spa. I didn't opt for treatments, but used the two different heat saunas, two different steam rooms, the ice room and the salt room, the jacuzzis and the experiential showers! Bliss. Meanwhile the others were in the activity centre doing sky walks and playing indoors. It was a 12-minute walk there, which gives an indication of the size of the site.

The site is car free after unloading, apart from electric buggies. The children had a bike ride and then we went off to the Blue Lagoon. It had waves, three exciting slides, and a lazy river, and was a super place for under-fives. The sandy beach area had water just 20cm deep, which was surrounded by lots of wet sand to make castles with or just be messy with and enjoy!

On the Sunday tree climbing and messy play ensued (there are exciting activities for older children and adults too) and another visit to the pool. On Monday I came home after breakfast, but the family stayed and had another time indoors at the activity centre as one's stay can be enjoyed until 3.00pm.

It was all superb and I'm booking for next year's February half-term. It’s a very suitable holiday destination for a family group. We were blessed with dry (and sunny) weather for our days there, but as one can be indoors it does not really matter! A splendid safe environment for bike rides, walks in forests and by streams. All in all ********!

10/10 (from eGJ)

DOLPHIN HOUSE GUEST HOUSE, EAST LOOE, CORNWALL

(Nov 11) A beautiful guest house which is very popular with guests returning year after year. The rooms are extremely comfortable & food the best I've tasted. The owners are a lovely couple & nothing is too much trouble for them. Not suitable for wheelchair access as set above the road with a steep slope & a few steps. Private parking available free across the road. Perfectly located just 100 yards from shops, restaurants & railway station

10/10 (from lizd31)

HANSEN RESIDENCE

(Sep 14) This place is a serviced apartment block. It was lovely to have our own sitting room and kitchen. We could really relax. It's very well furnished and the location is fantastic in an old building overlooking a square right at the end of Union Street. It's unobtrusively managed, but smiling staff were unfailingly helpful. We loved it!

10/10 (from Jane10)

THE COTTAGE, BROXA, N YORKSHIRE

(Sep 11) Just had a brilliant break at this self-catering cottage for two. Beautifully appointed with a few luxuries such as underfloor heating in the bathroom and a hot tub and summerhouse with a stunning view over the steep valleys with cows grazing in the field below. Attached to the house of the owners - a lovely couple. Although the hamlet of Broxa feels remote it is only seven miles from Scarborough so you have the whole of the 'Dinosaur' coast to Whitby and the Moors at hand. Our weather was mixed but there was loads to do close to the cottage and further away, especially if you like walking & geology. Also good theatres and a hidden gem in the church of St Martin's, Scarborough - designed by and containing work of leading pre-Raphaelites such as William Morris & Edward Burne-Jones. Owners very flexible about start days.

10/10 (from Gadaboutgran)

THE ROYAL GARDEN HOTEL, KENSINGTON

(Feb 2015) I can honestly say I had never thought of taking a small child on a trip to a luxury city hotel. But when asked if we'd like to try out the experience at the Royal Garden Hotel thought that it would be an interesting test of whether five star and family can really be a good mix. And the answer is absolutely!

Of course, you need to make sure you pick the right hotel. The thought of an enthusiastic six year-old in the confines of a stuffy "old school" establishment is still one I wouldn't relish. But staying somewhere that actively welcomes smaller visitors is a different kettle of fish altogether.

First of all check in. Small child was presented with her very own room key (genius - she absolutely loved this!) and was treated just like any other guest rather than simply an add-on. She was also given a backpack containing activities, snacks (healthy!), a water bottle and a teddy as well as a voucher for free cookies at Whole Foods across the road.

The room. Huge! Quiet (this is my number one important thing when I stay in a hotel). Immaculate (a close second!). Lovely view and everything you could possibly need. The bathroom was massive with bath mats for bath and shower and again, sparklingly clean. I loved the (optional) night light detail which I hadn't come across before, At the flick of a switch a dim, low level light comes on in the bedroom and bathroom. Very handy for small (ok and big) people nipping to the loo in the night without having to crash around in the dark and/or switch all the lights on.

Up to two children can share your room - otherwise there is the guaranteed option of interconnecting rooms. DD slept on a sofa bed (which was turned down for us at night) which was very comfortable and in a slight alcove, meaning we could have our bedside lights on without it disturbing her in the slightest. She slept like a log.

The hotel offers other things for children too. You can borrow (free!) micro scooters (of all sizes) - so we did (and I was very pleased to see that helmets were offered too. You can also borrow games and films (and outdoor toys such as footballs and skipping ropes) but we never quite managed to find time to do this.

Interestingly the hotel recently ran a survey which showed two thirds of parents hadn't visited London with their children and the main reason for this is that it is too expensive. And it's true that when you stay somewhere you always have to factor in things like food and trips on top and it can end up being much more than you thought. But, as we found out for ourselves, you can get round this quite easily!

Firstly - the hotel breakfast is amazing and huge (with GF options - hurrah!) It kept us going pretty much all day. Secondly, no need to eat out for every meal. The joy of the Royal Garden is that within a couple of minutes walk is a Tesco, an M&S and a Whole Foods market so picking up bits or stuff to make a picnic is quick and easy. The location is also great if you want somewhere quick/easy/fairly reasonable to eat in the evenings. There is a Giraffe directly opposite. A Wagamama right next door and a number of other popular/family friendly restaurants within a few minutes walk. (Great shops too)

In terms of entertainment - again it's easy to have fun without spending much (or indeed anything). The hotel is right next door to Kensington Gardens with the Diana fountain and memorial playground. Hyde Park and the Serpentine are right there too. Knightsbridge is very close. The big museums which, apart from certain guest exhibitions, are free entry are also an easy walk away (eg the V&A, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum)

The hotel is also very accessible by public transport - five minutes (or less) from the tube and a bus stop outside so you can easily get to many other London sights within a very short space of time. Children under 10 go free on buses and tubes.

The hotel regularly does special offers too - for example they are offering 50% off connecting rooms in the Easter holidays - so it's worth keeping an eye out. We had a great time and found the staff incredibly friendly and helpful and have definitely got over our little-children-and-smart-hotels-don't-mix ideas once and for all.

10/10 (from CariGransnet)

THE SALTY MONK, SIDMOUTH, DEVON

(2012) This is a very grown up experience and although you may take your dog (designated rooms only) I wouldn't take young children. In a word this is luxurious accommodation. Most rooms have a spa bath or hydro massage shower and there is also a mini-spa and a hot tub which can be booked in advance. The food is exceptionally good and sourced locally. The area is beautiful, situated just outside Sidmouth on the Jurassic Coast, with plenty of walks nearby and the river just a two minute stroll away.

10/10 (from grannyactivist)

YSGUBOR PENTRALLT, Y FELINHELI, GWYNNEDD

(June 14) This was a fabulous self-catering cottage for just two people, booked through Skye Cottages. I won a holiday with HomeAway on Gransnet and we picked this cottage because I had lived in North Wales when I was a child and I was keen to revisit.

Although I was disappointed to revisit my childhood home (how do they shrink so?) we could not have chosen a better cottage. It was bright, well appointed and clean. The views over the Menai Straits were phenomenal.

The village of Y Felinheli was not beautiful and it had only one decent place to eat, but Waitrose in nearby Menai Bridge was handy for picking up ready meals.

We loved it!

10/10 (from kittylester)

WARNERS 'FOR ADULTS' LEISURE HOTELS, VARIOUS LOCATIONS

(2012) They are in various locations throughout UK varying from coastal hotels (with chalet accommodation) to Historic Houses.

Child free which is a bonus; we all (well nearly all) love our grandchildren but it is nice to get away from them on holiday sometimes! Rooms range from luxurious to standard, excellent food, customer service, leisure facilities and entertainment. you can do as much or as little as you want.

The only downside is that they are rather expensive but have found if you phone and book with head office you can usually get a reduction.

9.8/10 (from Woody)

Jingl I totally agree and there is no end.

HAVEN BLUE DOLPHIN HOLIDAY PARK, FILEY, YORKSHIRE

(Sep 11) We have been before with our touring caravan, but just got back from a 4 night stay in a static on the site. Myself, my husband, our daughter and our grandson had a really good time at this site. Would recommend it for an out of season break as they have some greatly reduced deals both at the beginning and end of the season. My grandson who is only 16 months old loved it as there's lots going on during the day and early evening for even the very young. It's a nice, clean and tidy site and our static caravan was very comfortable and clean. Thoroughly recommend.

9.8/10 (from upsydaisy)

Who would trawl through all these random places to stay?

I can recommend Trip Advisor or Booking.com.

MERCURE HOTEL, SHEFFIELD

(2015) The room was lovely and airy and the bed was amazing! Huge and comfortable, it was the biggest I've ever sept in. My partner is 6'4" and I am 5'8" and both like to 'star' out...and both had maximum space needed! Bathroom was fine too.

9.8/10 (from BristolWoW)

DEGANWY GUEST HOUSE, LOOE, CORNWALL

(2014) Good bed and breakfast accommodation near to amenities and coastal path. Not suitable for wheelchairs.

9.7/10 (from freyasGR1)

FALCONS NEST APARTMENTS, ISLE OF MAN

(2013) Fabulous location, Excellent accommodation for six, immaculate conditions, superb kitchen and equipment. Lovely relaxing environment. Couldn't wish better to switch off. Narrow gauge railway close by to travel to other locations.

9.5/10 (from dragonflysteve)

LAURA ASHLEY, THE MANOR, ELSTREE

(2013) This is a gorgeous old manor house that has been turned into a luxurious hotel. The interior is completely Laura-Ashley-ed up but manages not to go over the top. In fact there were a few light fittings and doorknobs which are now on my Christmas wishlist. The rooms are beautiful but the futuristic toilet (with seatwarmer) is what will really stay in our memories!

We explored the grounds before dinner. It's amazing to realise that despite thinking you are tucked away in dense woodland, London is only a few miles away. If you stand on the balcony you get a stunning view over the city. Apparently this is a very popular venue for weddings and I can see why. The only thing I would have recommended is for there to be a bit more information on things to do in the local area - something in the room perhaps for you to browse? I'm sure the front desk would have been more than ready with suggestions though - everyone was very helpful.

The bar was cosy and well-stocked but the real winner for us was the restaurant. Although a little lacking in ambience (there weren't many diners that night), the food was incredible. Every course we had was exquisite with good portion sizes that left you feeling full but not overstuffed. Similarly impressive was breakfast the next morning. Despite a three course dinner we managed more than adequately to polish off a cold breakfast buffet of fruit, cold meats and cheese as well as a cooked breakfast made to order.

I would highly recommend this hotel - both as a special occasion night out but also as an ideal wedding venue.

9.5/10 (from LaraGransnet)

HQ becoming spammers?

OLD OAKS CARAVAN PARK, GLASTONBURY

(2011) The Old Oaks Touring Park is an 'Adults Only' camping and touring caravan park. By 'liking' their Facebook page we were looking forward to the visit weeks in advance, having seen numerous photos and message updates. We felt we deserved an Adults Only site for once, but like many others on site we took our current 'baby' - the dog! He was well catered for:

- waste bins at appropriate spots

- dog exercise area

- doggy shower

- hand cleanser

- secure hooks for leads

- sign welcoming dogs around the fishing lake

The site was beautiful, peaceful, well tended and all 5 star facilities including onsite wi-fi, a well stocked shop and yummy cakes. The information leaflet given on arrival gave all the info we were to need and the fishing lake was well stocked.

We would definitely recommend this site to friends and family, just a pity it's a long way for us to visit for a short weekend or we'd be down on a more regular basis.

9.5/10 (from pamedav)

I agree, jingl. It's a pity these reviews couldn't have been listed according to area.

PINEWOOD HOUSE B&B, WHITBY

(2011) Stopped here for two nights. Found it excellent value. Pleasant room with en-suite. Nice furnishings, lovely comfy, clean bed and linen. Room fully serviced next day. Breakfast was very good with plenty of fresh fruit, yogurts, full English etc. Accommodation handy for harbour and shops (steep climb back up though).

9.5/10 (from lyntwin)

HONEYSUCKLE COTTAGE, OSWALDKIRK, N YORKSHIRE

(2011) Tiny terraced cottage in hamlet of Oswaldkirk, near Helmsley. We've stayed here 3 times now and it's the perfect base for visiting the Moors, the North Yorkshire Coast, York itself and the lovely towns on Thirsk, Northallerton, Yarm etc.

Cottage has one double bedroom, bathroom with claw foot tub (only criticism is the shower is an attachment on the bath taps rather than set up on the wall.

There is a lovely open fire and always plenty of fuel (we always stay in winter so this is usually necessary), and the living/dining room is very cosy. Fully equipped kitchen.

Just a lovely place to stay.

9.5/10 (from dweezle)

HAVEN CARAVAN PARK, DEVON

(2015) We had a family break with Haven in Devon and had an amazing time. The accommodation was roomy, and clean with great facilities. Fantastic! Really well priced and soo much to do in Devon. Can't wait to go back

8.9/10 (from jogove)

GLEBE FARMHOUSE COTTAGE, LITTLE TORRINGTON, DEVON

(2011)

Lovely accommodation, friendly hosts. Five minutes drive from RHS Rosemoor for a great day out. On site pottery where you can throw a pot on the wheel or do some pottery painting studio - very relaxing.

8.7/10 (from betejaid)