Twixmas – that weird time after Christmas and before New Year when all the presents have been opened, all the drinks have been drunk and the family has remembered why it’s only once a year they see each other for such an extended period. Our favourite solution? Head away for a few days of course. Here we share some of our favourite budget boutique hotels across the UK and Europe that still have rooms going for that funny in between time. Go on, treat yourself – tis’ the season after all.
1. The Crescent Victoria – Margate, UK
Escape to the seaside for blustery coastal walks, cosy pub lunches and a stylish boutique stay at the lovely Crescent Victoria hotel. Set right on the seafront – this stylish spot offers a sleek and contemporary bolthole just 5 minutes’ walk from the Turner Contemporary Gallery and Margate’s Old Town.
Check rates and availability here >
Take your Christmas money for a shopping spree in France with a couple of days in Paris. Fine, you may find yourself continuing the food and drink bonanza with the gourmet delights of this capital but you can work it all off with walks around the Jardins and gallery visits in between before hitting the soldes (sales). Having only opened last year – the COQ Hotel is the new cool place to stay with beautiful design and the friendliest of staff down in the up-and-coming 13th arondissement.
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If you’ve only a few quid to spare after the Christmas excess – Retrome offers unbeatable value in the heart of Barcelona’s bustling Eixample district. Enjoy a more leisurely pace wandering the streets before taking a siesta on the beach after a tapas stop (or two).
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4. Hotel Parlament – Budapest, Hungary
A trip to Budapest may not help with the chill but you’ll soon warm up with a visit to the baths and a drink in a ruin pub. Whilst it may be cold you should enjoy a snowflake or two – making for a picturesque winter cityscape. Opt for a stay at Hotel Parlament for cosy and cotemporary rooms right in the heart of town.
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5. Inspira Santa Marta – Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a great year round destination boasting a mild climate and plenty to see and do – perfect to pick you up from your Christmas fatigue. Inspira Santa Marta is a sleek and central hotel with modern rooms and a good spa on site.
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6. Riad Awa – Marrakech, Morocco
Get some sun on your skin and warmth in your bones with a trip to Morocco. With its intense vibrancy, Marrakech will soon have any post Christmas melancholy well out the way and you can enjoy some serious r & r with a stay at this luxury riad – an oasis in the Medina.
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7. Artist Residence – Penzance, UK
Catch a sleeper train down to the land of the pirates and really get away from it all with a stay in Penzance. With rugged coastal paths and the prettiest old town – this is a British idyll. A stay at Artist Residence will round things off nicely with bright, kooky rooms and an award-winning breakfast.
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8. The Circus Hotel – Berlin, Germany
There’s always something new to do, see or eat in Berlin making it a great place to see out 2016 in style. The Circus Hotel offers good value, modern and minimalist rooms in the popular Mitte district – a perfect base from which to explore.
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9. 1880 Atypical Rooms – Rome, Italy
Swap turkey for pizza and Strictly for Caravaggio with a trip over to Rome. We love it here in December / January when the days are often crisp and clear and there are fewer tourists about. Book at 1880 Atypical Rooms for a sweet, central and charming base for your stay.
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Sat neatly at the end of the Metropolitan line – The Crown is a great retreat for Londoners. With a cool, scandi vibe – this old coaching inn has been beautifully renovated to undeniably cosy effect.
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