Romance need not break the bank this Valentine's
The perfect way to spend precious time with your partner, such as on an indulgent short break need not break the bank.
With this in mind, Preferred Hotel Group members have taken careful pains to make sure a romantic stay at their intimate hotels, located in some of the world’s most romantic destinations, come complete with savvy money saving tips while indulging in their luxury accommodations.
So go ahead, escape with your loved one and be crazy in love, just be sure you’re in either in Dublin, Edinburgh, London, Marrakech, Paris or Venice while you’re doing it.
Dublin, Dylan: preferredboutique.com/dylan
With its intimate and welcoming feel your romantic break in Dublin is bound to be filled with bundles of Irish ‘craic’.
Where to save – instead of queuing for breakfast at Bewley’s Oriental Cafe head to Temple Bar farmer’s market on Saturday morning and tuck into an organic Irish bacon sandwich and hot mug of tea - the perfect tonic after a Guinness or two.
Where to stay – the Dylan in the heart of the city is a lovers’ paradise. Candlelit in the evening, the hotel has just 44 contemporary-styled rooms with exclusively-designed Seventh Heaven beds.
Prices – from €199 for a luxury double room.
Edinburgh, Glasshouse: preferredboutique.com/glasshouse
With its centre a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Edinburgh makes for a picturesque short break.
Where to save – steer clear of the designer boutiques around Princes Street, instead take a bus ride south of the city to Rosslyn and explore the town’s historic Gothic church which is featured in hit film The Da Vinci Code.
Where to stay – set behind the facade of an 19th century church, the recently-refurbished Glasshouse is an enchanting hotel with a stunning rooftop garden and only a short stroll from the city’s main attractions.
Prices – from £210 including champagne, chocolates and rose petals on the bed on arrival as well as breakfast in bed.
London, 41: preferredboutique.com/41
London’s concentration of theatres, museums and galleries – alongside some of the world’s most romantic green spaces – make the city the perfect destination for a loving couple.
Where to save – rather than paying for an open top bus ride, for less than a fiver you can sail down the Thames taking in London’s key tourist attractions such as Big Ben, Millennium Wheel, Tower Bridge and the O2 Dome.
Where to stay – regularly voted as one of the most-loved hotels in the UK, 41 sits next to Buckingham Palace making it perfect for visitors. For the ultimate indulgence stay in the hotel’s Master Conservatory suite which has a glass roof over the king-size bed for late-night romantic star-gazing.
Prices – from £209 for an executive double room - £699 for the Master Conservatory suite.
Marrakech, Jnane Tamsna: preferredboutique.com/jnanetamsna
With its exotic souk and captivating cuisine, Marrakech makes for an alternative to the usual romantic getaways.
Where to save – while you debate over how much to haggle for that perfect Moroccan rug tuck into a local treat chabakia and dunk it into your bean soup in the foodmarket at Djeema el Fina.
Where to stay – retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city and stay in a secluded nine acre estate on the outskirts of the city. Complete with five swimming pools, a tennis court, spa facilities, the Jnane Tamsna has no more than 24 bedrooms including private villas spread across its three properties.
Prices – from €300 for a standard room.
Paris, Hotel Balzac: preferredhotels.com/hotelbalzac
Every year more than 45 million tourists flock to the French capital – many of whom are drawn by its reputation as the ‘City of Love’.
Where to save – instead of paying to ascend the Eiffel Tower take a gentle stroll up Montmartre to the city’s highest point and sip champagne while admiring the view.
Where to stay – A 19th century former private mansion, Balzac is in the heart of the city’s shopping district, steps away from the Champs-Elysees and next door to Pierre Gagnaire’s acclaimed three Michelin-starred eponymous restaurant.
Prices – from €300 for a superior room.
Venice, Metropole Hotel: summithotels.com/metropolehotel
A lover’s paradise, Venice has seduced visitors for centuries with its network of canals and historic buildings that seem to survive against the odds.
Where to save – if you want to enjoy Venice’s famous gondola rides then why not take the traghetto across the city’s lagoon for 50 cents. If you’re feeling brave you can even remain standing as the locals do.
Where to stay – with stunning views across the lagoon to St Mark’s Square, the Metropole Hotel combines period furniture and antiques to create a luxurious step in back time. Its private canal entrance and Michelin-starred restaurant are additional indulgent touches to make the perfect break.
Prices – from €105 for a superior room including breakfast.