London, UK – 7th February 2011: TripAdvisor is getting Britain loved up. The world’s largest travel site today reveals the ten most romantic hotels in the UK, as decided by TripAdvisor travellers.
Despite the fact that a recent TripAdvisor poll revealed that (49%)* of Brits do not even plan to celebrate Valentine’s this year, it doesn’t mean Brits are devoid of romance.
“Perhaps Brits are just too savvy or Valentine’s Day is too busy or too expensive for many to justify a lavish celebration, but the hotels in this list offer Britain’s best romantic escapes whenever the urge may strike,” comments Emma O’Boyle TripAdvisor spokesperson.
Whether booking before, on or after Valentine’s Day, these hotels are romantic 365 days a year.
1. Yorebridge House, Bainbridge, North Yorkshire, England
Yorebridge House is picturesquely situated on the riverside at the edge of beautiful Bainbridge. The hotel, perfect for a romantic rendez-vous, is set amidst the breathtaking scenery of the North Yorkshire Dales with rooms featuring private gardens and outdoor hot tubs. One TripAdvisor traveller said ‘‘We fell totally in love with the Yorebridge, so booked to go back for our wedding anniversary later in the year.”
2. Dormy House Hotel, Broadway, Worcestershire, England
Dormy House is a uniquely converted farmhouse dating back to the 17th century. Situated high above the village of Broadway, the hotels grounds are in a rural setting overlooking the beautiful Cotswold countryside. As one TripAdvisor traveller explains, ‘‘Back from one night with my boyfriend at the Dormy House in Broadway. One word to describe our weekend - FANTASTIC.’’
Hassop Hall Hotel is located in the picturesque village of Hassop, near Bakewell. Set in beautiful gardens and rolling parkland, the hotel is a relaxing retreat. According to one TripAdvisor traveller, ‘‘This is country house living of the highest order and I recommend Hassop Hall to anyone who enjoys a luxury break.’’
4. Velvet, Manchester, England
Located in Manchester city centre, Velvet is set in a vibrant and lively area. The hotel boasts 19 individually designed bedrooms and three luxurious suites, decked out in four poster beds, sumptuous fabrics and chandeliers. As one TripAdvisor traveller explains, ‘‘We arrived at the hotel for our engagement celebrations and we were thoroughly impressed with the hotel.’’
5. Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons by Orient-Express, Great Milton, Oxfordshire, England
Le Manoir, nestled in the picturesque Oxfordshire village of Great Milton is surrounded by lawns, flower borders and orchards. Created by celebrated chef Raymond Blanc, Le Manoir has been delighting guests since 1984. One TripAdvisor traveller comments, ‘‘We spent the weekend at Le Manoir to celebrate a significant wedding anniversary. Everything was perfect.’’
Built in 1795, Oakley Hall has a distinguished past. Formerly owned by the Bramston family, it is mentioned fondly in Jane Austen's letters to her sister Cassandra at the turn of the 19th Century. Oakley Hall is a fine venue for a country retreat. A TripAdvisor traveller comments, ‘‘A perfect romantic stay, shame we couldn’t stay longer.’’
Arden is located in the heart of historic Stratford-upon-Avon, directly opposite the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company Theatres. The luxuriously renovated Arden boasts chic new spacious suites with beautiful views over the River Avon. One TripAdvisor traveller recalls, ‘‘The whole experience was a pleasure for my wife and I on our wedding anniversary.’’
8. Merchant Hotel, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Situated in the heart of Belfast city centre's historic Cathedral Quarter, the Merchant Hotel is a harmonious blend of Victorian grandeur and Art Deco inspired sleek modernity. The Merchant is a short distance from a host of visitor attractions including Victoria Square Shopping Centre, and the Odyssey Arena. One TripAdvisor traveller explains, ‘‘All in all we had a fantastic weekend away and would highly recommend The Merchant for a special couples getaway.’’
The Marine Hotel was opened in May 2008 on Whitby’s Habourside and features opulent rooms with sea views and private balconies. According to a TripAdvisor traveller, ‘‘We have just returned from having a fantastic weekend that I booked for my fiancée for Valentines. Perfect in every way.’’
Built in the 19th Century, Holbeck Ghyll Country House Hotel is one of the Lake District’s finest luxury hotels, boasting breathtaking views overLake Windermere. A TripAdvisor traveller comments, ‘‘We stayed here for our honeymoon, and would love to go back. It was the best place I have ever stayed.’’
“This list recognises Britain’s most romantic hotels as decided by TripAdvisor travellers,” said Emma O’Boyle, TripAdvisor spokesperson. “They’re perfect for a loved-up weekend not just on Valentine’s Day, but whenever couples crave a cosy few days away.”
Britain’s most romantic hotels were determined by a combination of TripAdvisor’s Popularity Index and traveller ratings of specific property attributes.
*Poll taken 1,500 TripAdvisor.co.uk users between 27th January and 2nd February 2011
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For further information please contact:
Laurel Greatrix, TripAdvisor
0777 8013639 / lgreatrix@tripadvisor.com
Notes to Editors
Britain’s most romantic hotels were determined by a combination of TripAdvisor’s Popularity Index and traveller ratings of specific property attributes. TripAdvisor’s Popularity Index is a proprietary algorithm that determines traveller satisfaction based on a variety of sources, including TripAdvisor hotel reviews. The hotel review process on TripAdvisor also allows travellers to “grade” hotels based on a variety of attributes, including cleanliness, value and suitability for specific types of travellers.
