While visiting family in Hampshire, I decided to make a weekend of it and accept an invitation to make our base the newly rebranded voco® Winchester Hotel & Spa. Previously part of the Holiday Inn group of hotels, we were lucky enough to be among the first to have the voco® experience as the wraps came off a £2m refurbishment. The contemporary hotel, which was first built in 2010, is located on the edge of the beautiful South Downs … [Read more...]
About Amanda Chalmers
http://www.chalmersnewspr.co.uk/
A journalist of 30 years - and former newspaper editor - now running Chalmers News PR agency, based in Warwick.
I also pursue my combined passions of travel and writing through travel reviews on this site!
How to live like a king – or Queen – at Thornbury Castle
On the approach to Thornbury Castle its already apparent that we’re in for a memorable experience in this little corner near the Cotswolds and Welsh borders. Believed to be the UK’s only Tudor Castle where you can stay the night, this Relais & Chateaux Hotel is one of the finest examples of the way Tudor housing trends transformed from fortress to palace. Once owned by Henry VIII – acquired in the bloodiest of fashions from the Edward … [Read more...]
Hotel Football scores highly with this fan
It’s been more than 30 years since I last cheered on my football team at their home ground. After growing up as a regular visitor to Old Trafford in Salford, life then just got in the way and I now support them from afar (as many a Manchester United fan is besmirched for doing!) Unless you’re in possession of a season ticket – or a very large bank account(!) - having the opportunity to see them once again play on the hallowed turf of the … [Read more...]
Review: Hotel Indigo Bath and city highlights
After a busy few hours of retail therapy and sightseeing in the beautiful and bustling city of Bath, it is important to have somewhere comfortable to rest up and reflect on the joys of the day. Set in a handsome honey-coloured Georgian Terrace, Hotel Indigo Bath is the perfect base from which to explore the city. The Grade 1 listed boutique hotel soaks up the history, romance and literature, which can all be enjoyed just a few steps … [Read more...]
Secret Oasis in Centre of Historic Market Town
As a guest of The Bush Hotel in Farnham you enjoy the best of all worlds. Steeped in history but embracing contemporary design and offering a personal touch in the way that only an independent family-run hotel can. Surrounded by the Surrey hills and nestled in its own private gardens in the heart of this attractive historic town, the hotel still feels like it’s away from the hustle and bustle of the high street, with its quiet and relaxed … [Read more...]
Living it up in Sin City
The lights and allure of Las Vegas has long held curiosity for me. It’s a dazzling playground for all. From mind-blowing entertainment, dancing fountains, world-class cuisine and 24-hour casinos – and all on one street! There’s no denying that Las Vegas is a relentless assault on the senses and earns its high-octane reputation as the Entertainment Capital of the World. But is there actually more to Sin City than sensory overload? I was … [Read more...]
Get better connected with ‘game-changing’ luggage set
A few weeks ago I was invited to test ‘drive’ a new luggage set which was sold to me as being a ‘game-changer’ for families and frequent fliers! I wasn’t in any real need for new suitcases – and had very little space for any more bulky items in my home. I would be lying as well if I said I wasn’t a tad sceptical by the use of their description – was this to be a case of overpromising and under delivering? But by the time I returned from … [Read more...]
The CUBE Live, Manchester – Lots of fun and not just for squares!
We’ve all seen it on TV and now it’s our chance to take on The CUBE! I was excited to learn how the award-winning show had left the studio and landed at its first venue in Manchester. I was even more excited to be invited, along with my family, to be put through our paces. For the uninitiated, this high-octane gameshow invites contestants to step into the confines of a Perspex box to take on a series of mental and physical tasks. At The … [Read more...]
Functional and sophisticated base from which to enjoy Chester
Moxy Hotels, as a brand of Marriott, are designed to stand out from the crowd and Moxy Chester is no different. Just a five-minute walk from the city centre and train station, first impressions upon arriving at the hotel are positive. Themed throughout with stylish nods to its locality near the racecourse, a stunning steel horse installation and series of murals themed on racing set the vibe for our stay. A unique artist’s interpretation of … [Read more...]
The perfect Cotswolds retreat in which to relax, unwind and be pampered
In the ‘chocolate box’ town of Chipping Campden, The Cotswold House Hotel and Spa is certainly no strawberry cream! Grand, yet beautiful, it cannot fail to be to everyone’s taste, whether you’re after a romantic weekend away with your partner, gastronomic adventure or rejuvenating spa experience with your besties. It’s easy to appreciate why this Grade II listed regency townhouse hotel is so popular - and boasts awards to its name. While it … [Read more...]