Where to Stay in the UK and Who to Fly Away With
The cream of the crop from Conde Nast readers…
Every year the excellent Conde Nast Traveller magazine publishes its readers poll of best business and leisure hotels and destinations. This is a worthwhile study and something which I have used in the past prior to booking a hotel our chosing a country to visit.
As the magazine is at the top end of the glossy market the hotels tend to be top end too but the destinations not always so. Here’s the what and where in Britain that scored the most brownie points with the magazine’s readers:
Best Leisure Hotel: Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons (Oxfordshire)
Best Business Hotel: The Berkeley (London)
Best City: 1.Durham 2. Edinburgh 3. London 4. Glasgow 5. Manchester
Best Spa: Calcot Spa, Calcot Manor (Gloucestershire)
Best Tour Operator: 1. ITC Classics 2. Kuoni 3. Seasons in Style 4. Carrier
Short-Haul Flights: 1. BA 2. BMI Midlands 3. KLM 4.Lufthansa 5. Swiss
Long-Haul Flights: 1. Virgin Atlantic 2. Air NZ 3. Emirates 4. Singapore Airlines
Low Cost Flights: 1. Easy Jet 2. Flybe 3. Jet2 4. BMI baby
Airports:1. Hong Kong 2. Singapore 3. Dubai 4. Schipol 5. Madrid
Another good poll, there are a number of other categories for overseas visits but it is interesting to see the breakdown of marks for each category. Durham has the highest score for ‘user friendly’ whilst Oxford is no.1 for ‘culture’ and Manchester is top of the league for ‘friendly’.
Le Manoir is a beautiful hotel with wonderful kitchen gardens and the famous two star restaurant of Raymond Blanc. You’ll need a second mortgage though, think £400 for a room or how about a vegetable soup for £28?
Singapore Airlines always score highly and rightly so, I’ve used them a number of times and they are superb particularly if you use them for internal flights throughout S.E Asia. Changi Airport Singapore is brilliant, nothing like drab and boring Heathrow or, God forbid, Gatwick. Changi is one airport I could happily cope with a delay at.
As for tour operators, Carrier is high brow but quality as are ITC Classics, they do, however tend to concentrate on the same top five star hotels. This I understand but, there is a growing market for first class boutique hotels, revamped colonial houses etc which meet the top end list of requirements without the skyscraper status.
Finally, India has knocked New Zealand off top spot as favourite destination, it scored over 89% in all ten categories which is quite staggering. India has, in recent years developed some excellent hotels and resorts. If you fancy a trip to India then check out the revamped former palaces from the days of colonial Britain. There are some amazing places which have been transformed into deluxe hotels with huge bedrooms, bathrooms and lounges with subtle, modern designer touches very much in keeping with the feel of Indian culture.
Do you agree with the readers choices? What’s your favourite destination?
Switzerland is by far and away the best place I have ever visited.
Swiss Air also the best airline I have used.
They were one of the first countries to actually promote and work to tourism. It shows in how they do things - that said I suspect the rest of the owrld has caught up somewhat - especially far eastern destinations.
Still a beautiful place though - I’d like to go again one day
Happy Trails
DC
September 13, 2007 @ 9:15 am
DC,
I loved working in Switzerland and still wish I could have stayed longer. A beautiful country.
Miles
September 13, 2007 @ 10:43 am
Miles,
I’d like to see Barcelona again, apparently the market there is well worth a visit if you can take your eyes off the other architectural masterpieces. Japan with it’s fabulous art and dream-like gardens. I like Sydney too and just about everywhere in France.
A recent sailing trip up the Elbe to Hamburg reminded me that it’s a great place to shop and walk around the lakes.
Cid
p.s. admit it … how many glossy mags do you get every month? Between us we must be keeping Conde Nast in business!
September 13, 2007 @ 2:11 pm
Cid,
Barcelona is high on the foodie map, the cuisine there is the latest hot ticket in the chef world.
As for glossy mags, I subscribe to Conde Nast Traveller and Australian Gourmet Traveller. That’s it! Apart from the odd digital SLR camera mag of course! Oh, and Caterer and Hotelkeeper and Restaurant magazine.
Miles
September 13, 2007 @ 3:58 pm
Miles,
I have often thought about visiting India, especially the south. Kerela in particular looks wonderful. Have you been? I do like Durham but prefer Bath to Edinburgh. There are some fabulous places to visit in Britain, perhaps we are too quick to venture further afield?
Christine
September 13, 2007 @ 7:32 pm
Christine,
I have often considered going to Kerela, I think Goa has become to commercialised now. The food of Southern India is fabulous, lots of fish, coconut milk and great breads.
I must agree about Bath, I think it’s a lovely place to visit. As for Edinburgh, well I only went for a day visit so probably didn’t do it enough justice, That said I don’t think it would rank on my ‘must see’ list of places-no disrespect.
Miles
September 13, 2007 @ 10:11 pm
Miles,
I agree with Christine that we don,t always have to travel so far. The Continent offers such a vast variety of culture, foods and nature that we can spend a lifetime exploring it. With english spoken in most places now it makes it easier for the more nervous type of traveller.
Generally speaking, travel does broaden ones mind and enriches our lives. I love it.
September 14, 2007 @ 12:51 pm
Elsie,
As amazing as the internet, books, tv and magazines are they are no match for experiencing other places and cultures first hand. I shall never forget the times I have had on my travels, I truly believe they have played a part in shaping me into who and what I am today. I shall let others judge if that is a good thing or not!
Miles
September 14, 2007 @ 9:54 pm