Hampton by Hilton is, as you’d guess, an offshoot of the Hilton hotel chain. A global monster, Hampton aims itself at the mid priced market of travel which is another great addition to the tourism sector of Newcastle. I do think we are missing more luxe hotels but there’s clearly a call for budget style hotels.
Whilst planning our trip to New York, we knew we had to stay in a Marriott as I good old loyal Marriott Rewards member. After much debating, we chose the Midtown East Courtyard Hotel.
Arriving by cab from the Airport, the unassuming Courtyard entrance nestles between a 24hr Duane Reade and a bank. Perfect place for a make up shopping fanatic? Yes!
On a bright Monday morning, I found myself port side at the DFDS Ferry Terminal in North Shields after being promised a day of culinary delight. Sounds good right? Not if you are as scared of boats as I am! Nevertheless, I was wearing my big girl pants and sucked it up, donned my hi vis and set foot aboard the King Seaways.
Running to a daily schedule from Newcastle to Amsterdam, the weekend cruises are infamous in the North East as we are proud to call the route our own. I had reservations before I went as I thought it would be all burgers, chips, lager and pre packed food for the drunken masses.
I was wrong. So very wrong.
In 2012, we visited Rome in Italy in the mid August high season for Paul’s 30th birthday. We love the Italian way of life, from chic fashion to informal dining and good coffee.
Visiting in the hottest point of the year made sightseeing hard work. Dusty streets and the sheer volume of people had us hunting out quiet bars and piazzas to rest in the shade.
Something a little bit different for Food Friday this week as it’s alcohol not food!
I have always wanted to stay at The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh but as we visit regularly for weekend trips by car, it has never been the best place to choose for convenience. We have never got round to having afternoon tea in the Palm Court or drinks – it’s a crying shame.
A couple of weeks ago we snapped up some bargain East Coast train tickets and took ourselves off to Edinburgh for the day with my sole purpose of having drinks in The Balmoral Bar. I was a lady on a mission and as long as there was alcohol involved, it was easy to convince Paul.