A FAMILY FRIENDLY STAY AT THE LUXURY MAGDALEN CHAPTER HOTEL

A few weeks ago we were thrilled to be invited to stay at the Luxury Magdalen Chapter Hotel in Exeter – cue me whooping at a night off parenting, exploring a new city, dinner, drinks and mostly a lie in. However as it got closer to 4pm our childcare arrangements changed last minute, a trunki was packed and an excited kiddo was bundled into the car ready for our night away. Not quite what I had in mind but thankfully the Hotel reception were super helpful and didn't bat an eyelid as we changed dinner reservations and asked for our small person to be added to our nights stay.

On arriving at the entrance and beautiful red brick facade, F was beyond excited as we made our way through the glittering crowds enjoying prosecco up to feature room 211, while taking in the array of artwork and design features that adorn the hotel blending old and new.

Our room was the perfect mix of contemporary design with lavish linens, stylish grey felt sofas, my favourite Eames chairs and advanced booking technology with our own iPad providing room service and reservations. Even the multiple lighting options where perfect for creating a relaxing bolthole for the night. Once settled room service turned down F's sofa bed while we busied ourselves getting ready before heading downstairs and enjoying the buzz of the hotel's many rooms; the bars, nooks and cosy library perfectly tucked away for a stylish stay.

Instead of our original 8.30pm reservation, reception kindly changed our table without any fuss to 7.30pm which is late by F's standards, but thankfully the excitement of staying in a hotel had kept him wide eyed and perky and I decided to make use of the extra adrenalin, enjoy a meal together and supress the mama guilt.

The menu was delicious and extensive with a varied list of Gluten free options for Paul, and fab children's menu – win win all round! The best thing was the in depth wine list on the iPad, allowing us to view the interactive list and provide great recommendations to accompany the meal. I tucked into a scrumptious plate of charred red mullet, heritage carrots, ginger beer and scallops while F opted for his trusty pasta option and it wasn't long before we were stuck into desserts with a sleepy boy on our arms.


Thankfully the hotel offered us the choice to download a baby listening app to our room iPad which we could link to our phone, acting as a baby monitor through the thick brick walls of the former iconic Eye Infirmary. Eager to get F down and give this a whirl, I hastily jumped into bed to cuddle my little one to sleep only to wake at 1am realising we had all taken a nap! So after jumping into pj's and turning out the lights I settled down and prepared myself for the early wake up call that is the boy.

Just like clockwork little hands grappled at my face and I blinked awake to see a big cheesy grin peering into my face and a bouncy five year old ready to start the day. After a quick wash with the complimentary REN products, we popped downstairs for breakfast. Bowls filled high with fruit, nuts, seeds and yoghurt, turkish baked eggs and coco pops we were ready to take explore the hotel before wandering into the city for a bit of retail therapy.

I love the collected art work, thoughtful design and commissioned pieces that gives the Magdalen Chapter Hotel its distinct style and creates a pocket of contemporary flair while retaining the countryside at its heart. Paul enjoyed a coffee under the arc of the large palm copper wall painting that adorns the walls by artist Hugo Dalton, while I decided to take a peek at the spa and perfectly formed outdoor heated pool. The blazing log burner and twinkling lights keep the pool cosy and reminded me off the rooftop pools in Reykjavik. I was left kicking myself for forgetting my swimming costume – a perfect excuse to come back though right? That and the cocktails!

The hotel even has a cute vegetable garden for the restuarant and uses the original morgue, which has been transformed into a luxury private dining room for guests and businesses to hire. I love how each of the spaces embodies a different style, dark and moody, light and fresh, each creating a unique atmosphere. I could have stayed curled up in the cosy library by the fire sipping hot chocolate all day *sigh*.

Finally we said goodbye to the wonderful staff who made our stay seamless, packed up our bags ready to head home to Bristol. Not surprising F is still talking about his fun adventure!

*We'd like to thank The Magdalen Chapter Hotel for providing us with a stay as part of this review and being so flexible with our extra guest. All words and opinions are 100% my own.

A ROOM WITH A VIEW AT THE PULLMAN LONDON ST PANCRAS HOTEL

 

So I've been keeping a little secret, last week I officially entered my mid-thirties *eek* and to celebrate in style I took my mum and F down to London for a nights stay at the stylish Pullman London St Pancras Hotel. Located in the heart of the city, within a minutes walk from St Pancras International, this four star upscale hotel boasts some of the finest views of the city skyline all from the comfort of your hotel room.

On arrival we were entered the grand reception area with its dark modern interior and luxury style and were welcomed by the friendly staff who had our bags taken up to the 14th floor. F was super excited to check out the view and was glued to the window as the we took the central lift to the viewing platform located on each floor, and wow what a view!

Windows located on the corner of the building give the optimum panoramic view of London with iconic landmarks such as the Shard and the Gherkin punctuating the city skyline. The design is spot on with clean lines and luxury details using modern furniture, with designers such as Mathieu Lehanneur, putting their stamp on the hotel. Not to mention the Business Playgound, meeting rooms with unusual touches such as faceted canopies illuminated with projections, fancy stuff ay.

We decided to grab a quick bite to eat that evening at the Golden Arrow bar located on the ground floor in the open plan space. Decorated with huge modern light fittings, LED signing, see through drinks cabinet and lit up bar, it feels like you're hanging out it an ultra hip London bar aimed at cosmopolitan, mobile, hyper-connected stylish travellers.

After a much needed glass of rose and pizza to end the day, we headed back to room 1402 where our a Superior King room with sofa bed awaited and although I had been planning to share the spacious King with my mum and let F have the sofa bed, in the end F took over the sleeping arrangements – in a way that only a four year old can – and I ended up in on the sofa bed, thankfully they all live up to the hotel's four stars and I slept as soundly as the boy. 

The bedroom interior matches the hotel lobby with a modern dark grey design and attention to detail, such as fluffy white robes, tranquil rain shower, gorgeous toiletries, a second TV in the seating area, high speed wifi and coffee and tea making facilities. Not to mention the gym a few floors below which has 24 hour access in case you feel the need to work out. 

In the morning we started the day to a wake up call and headed down for breakfast. Once shown to our seats in the Golden Arrow restaurant, we gave our drinks orders and decided to indulge in the wonderful array of food that was on offer. The breakfast buffet had a great selection of pastries, cereals, meats, fruit, juices and hot breakfast choices, and although there was quite a wait for my morning coffee to arrive which was a shame, I couldn't praise the food enough especially the cranberry yogurt smoothie to start the day. 

On departing you have the option of checking out at reception as usual or you can use the speedy checkout option: simply handing over your key card to a member of staff and receiving your checkout confirmation via email which is perfect if you're in a rush.

All in all this was definitely a stylish stay and perfect for those wanting to have a luxurious stop over before heading on the Eurostar, and I would certainly return to use the bar alone as I really liked the lighting and evening vibe. 

*We received a complimentary stay at the Pullman St Pancras for the purpose of this review. All words and opinions are my own as always. 

A STAY AT THE LUXURIOUS PORTIXOL HOTEL IN PALMA

A few weeks back we woke bleary eyed in Bristol and rolled out of bed at 3am to catch a flight to the sunny island of Mallorca nestled in the Mediterranean sea and check into the luxurious Portixol Hotel, with i-escape with Kids. As a child I used to holiday on the north-western coats of this Balearic Isle, and have fond memories exploring cobbled stone pathways shaded with beautiful palms with my parents so I was excited to return. 

Apart from the mad last minute dash for the gate I was quite impressed at how smooth it all went and how good F was during the flight considering how early it was. We arrived at Palma Airport and immediately felt our shoulders relax as the balmy 28 degrees washed over us and we managed to grab a taxi outside the airport – most of which have child booster seats in the boot – and made our way to the beautiful Portixol Hotel.

Click to read more.

HOTEL LINNEN // BERLIN

You might have read about my weekend work trip to Berlin with Fritha last week, and as part of our visit we stayed at the wonderful Hotel Linnen with i-escape and it couldn't have been a better place to rest our heads. Whenever I travel I love to find stylish stays where thoughtful design meets quirky interiors, and the Linnen Hotel and Apartments didn't disappoint.

Pefectly situated a few minutes from the Eberswalder Strasse U-Bhan (U2) in Prenzlauer Berg in former East Berlin, this hotel is like a tardis. On passing through the small streetside entrance, you're welcomed by a beautifully formed cafe and warm welcoming smiles from the staff. All of the fixtures and fittings are thoughtfully curated by local artists using recycled kitchen cupboards to handpicked retro pieces, and if the line of fresh pastries and menu isn't enough to stop you in your tracks, then you can simply climb a few steps through to the back desk and pick up your keys.

Click to read more

AT THE CHAPEL // BRUTON

After months weeks of trying to sort out a last minute family getaway and failing spectacularly, we decided to take a one night mini break in the pretty village of Bruton, which is apparently the place to be according to Vogue. So we packed our overnight bags drove to the beautiful At The Chapel, a hotel that had been on my radar for some time.

My first impressions of this sleepy village could not have been more wrong as nestled amongst its houses is a gem of a hotel. As I wound my way down the spiral staircase I found myself transported from the rural english countryside to ranch club house chic, where cow hides adorn the floor and chairs, tones of grey marble and stacked stone columns guard the room, while light pours in from discreet doors leading to an outdoor terrace where the chapel towers overhead and blooms caress the boundary walls.

Click here to read more

THE ATHENAEUM HOTEL // LONDON

Nestled in the heart of Mayfair lies a luxurious home away from home, where design meets elegance, the staff welcome you like a long lost friend and the cocktails are delightful. A few weeks ago I had the absolute pleasure of staying at The Athenaeum Hotel with Fritha while attending the MAD Blog Awards in London, and oh boy what a treat. On arrival the legendary doorman Jim, made us feel at home and led us to the desk where we checked in and congratulated us on our nominations – I told you they were a friendly bunch – and we were shown out of the side door and walked a few feet to our apartment, sitting grandly amongst the street. I can see why Kim Kardashian and Kanye West chose the Athenaeum as a place to crash while in London, the apartment was beautiful with everything you might need for a stay in Mayfair. 

Click to read more

A CITY BREAK IN LIVERPOOL

Image via here.

Moving around the country a lot, there have been so many cities in the UK that I've visited, whether it be Newcastle, London, Bournemouth, Cambridge, Leeds, Brighton and of course Bristol, I have had fun exploring cities, visiting friends and enjoying mini breaks. But as much as I love to travel abroad, I always love the novelty of feeling like a tourist in the UK.  

One place still on my list to visit is Liverpool, not only am I a bit of a Beatles fan but my love for art and architecture has secured my want for a weekend away in this cosmopolitan city. 

My top three places to visit are:

Click to read more