Tips and tidbits for travel and for fun

PENNY WISE


Change Your Lodging Expectations

Yes, the lovely three-and four-star city center or country house hotels are truly a joy. Alas, with the present economic environment and exchange rate, they are often prohibitively expensive. Far better to travel with changed expectations than to stay home. In recent years, the phenomenon of inexpensive chain lodgings has swept across the island.
Premier Inns are located virtually everywhere visitors are apt to find themselves. They offer consistent, clean, functional accommodation generally at £55-£65 per room per night (www.premierinn.com). Travelodge has 347 properties across Britain, likewise affording reliable, modern lodging. Rates vary according to location from £50-£80 per night in rooms that will accommodate a family (www.travelodge.co.uk). Comfort Inn, too, has a growing family of British properties, somewhat more expensive at generally £70-£95 per room per night (www.comfortinn.com).
While such cookie-cutter lodgings hardly fit our idea of British style and we might justly grumble that they lack “character,” they are well-equipped with the amenities American travelers expect and are quite as reliable as they are predictable. They are also generally located conveniently for travelers. Besides, how much time do you spend in your room?

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COURTESY OF TRAVELODGE
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COURTESY OF TRAVELODGE

Premier Inns and Travelodge offer comfortable, low-cost accommodation at hundreds of properties across Britain—including Travelodge’ flagship hotle on London City Road.[/caption]

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BRITAINONVIEW
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BRITAINONVIEW

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The British Heritage

PUZZLER

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Last issue’s Puzzler We posed: Among Britain’s most popular castles with visitors, what medieval fortress and home of the Kingmaker bears the same name as its town and county?
Oh, this was too easy. Warwick castle is often regarded as the most complete medieval castle in the land. A steady stream of coach parties through the season bears witness. The town of Warwick is the county town of Warwickshire. The Kingmaker was Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick, who died at the Battle of Barnet in 1471.
And now, ponder a puzzle. I am a market town and former spa known for having some of the worst weather in England. I am also known for lovely gardens, well dressing and a Gilbert & Sullivan festival run in my Victorian Opera house. Where am I?
Do be a Puzzler player. Post an e-mail to [email protected]. We would love to hear from you.

SITES FOR THE SAVVY

Related: September 2008