Daydreams of anywhere but home seem to be the only thing on our collective mind these days. But with all international travel temporarily on hold, it’s close-to-home getaways that have caught the imagination of UK travellers – and we’ve found the top five accommodations making it onto their staycation wish lists*.
If a local trip is on your mind too, then create a wish list on the Booking.com app, like at least three of your desired accommodations and you’ll get a reward.
Leonardo Royal Edinburgh Haymarket
Calming colours and traditional patterns give rooms here a homely feel
From the Old Town to Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh’s wealth of historical sites and cultural attractions mean you’ve got some full days of exploring ahead of you. To make sure you’re well-rested and ready for your next adventure, check into the trendy Leonardo Royal Edinburgh Haymarket.
In this hotel, you’ll find a seamless blend of up-to-date style and local tradition. Designer furniture and contemporary food give the place a modern vibe, while touches of tartan and pictures of Scottish landscapes serve as reminders of the region’s rich cultural heritage. The bar plays a part too, serving up time-tested Scotch whiskies in a boldly designed, colourfully lit lounge setting.
Innside by Melia Manchester
The hotel’s modern theme extends to the slickly designed spa and sauna
A striking, burnt-red facade, polished floor-to-ceiling windows and playful decor set the scene for a stay at Innside by Melia Manchester. You’ll get a feel for the hotel’s contemporary design as soon as you arrive in the lobby, furnished with eye-catching flower arrangements, low-lying black leather sofas and smooth wooden panelling. The rooms echo the clean-cut yet comfortable theme with on-trend white, black and purple colour schemes, minimalist furniture and beds you’ll sink right into. Innside is surrounded by the bars, eateries and entertainment venues that make up Manchester’s First Street neighbourhood – but with a Mediterranean restaurant, a Finnish sauna and live DJing inside the hotel, there’s a chance you won’t want to leave.
Park Plaza London Riverbank
Admire famous London landmarks from the Park Plaza’s river view rooms
Enviable views, varied room types and award-winning food make Park Plaza London Riverbank a highly sought-after stay in the capital. With a river view room, you’ll wake up to London landmarks like the Thames, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament – a perfect taster to get you in the mood for sightseeing in the nearby Southbank area, and the rest of the city. Other room choices range from futuristic suites to studios designed with families in mind. You’re covered when it comes to food and drink too – the sleek Chino Latino restaurant crafts plates of sushi, seafood, dim sum and other Pan-Asian cuisines, and serves them alongside expertly mixed Latin-influenced cocktails.
The Edwardian Manchester
Go swimming in style in The Edwardian’s pool
It’s all about contemporary chic and sophisticated style at The Edwardian Manchester. Everything from the penthouse suites to the city view rooms is decorated in an effortlessly smart monochrome colour palette, accented by wooden furnishings and occasional hints of crimson or yellow ochre. The gym, spa and swimming pool areas are a similarly sleek affair, kitted out with state-of-the-art equipment and a modern minimalist design. When you’re suitably rested and refreshed, evenings at The Edwardian call for curated cocktails and France-influenced cuisine in ‘the Library’ lounge.
Burnside Hotel & Spa
Bubbles, bubbly and leafy views in the Lake District
You’ll find Burnside Hotel & Spa nestled in the Lake District, just a few minutes’ walk from Windermere, the largest lake in England. While it’s well worth getting outside to explore the expansive Cumbrian countryside, you can see plenty of it without even leaving your lake view suite – or its private hot tub. If you do venture out on a Lake District hike, the hotel’s sauna, jacuzzi and poolside bar are just the places to unwind and recover when you return. The rustic, log-fire-warmed pub adds an extra welcoming feel to breaks at Burnside.
