hotel reviews MERCURE CARDIFF HOLLAND HOUSE HOTEL AND SPA


This four-star property is suitable for business travellers and tourists alike. The 165-room hotel has the biggest conference facility in Cardiff and lies within walking distance of the Millennium Stadium, as well as all the main attractions of Cardiff Bay and Cardiff Castle. Our comfortable suite has plenty of room; even with the huge king-size bed and the extra single bed set up for my daughter, plus a table and chairs, there’s still lots of space. The view is pleasingly spectacular, with panoramic windows on two sides of the corner room so we can see all over the city and down to the bay. Contemporary cuisine in the first-floor Urban Bar and Kitchen is excellent, though service is a little slow. Fitness fanatics will appreciate the well-stocked gym, and we enjoyed the pristine 16m swimming pool. Jo Fletcher-Cross


RADISSON BLU OSLO AIRPORT


A covered walkway from the terminal entrance leads straight to the stylish and welcoming reception. When I head to my room (one of 500 rooms and suites), I’m struck by the bright chrome and charcoal tones splashed with citrus green. I love the sleek, modern desk and contemporary lamps. The bathroom is fresh and clean, and before I nod off, the speedy wi-fi helps me check in for my flight the next morning. Toot’s restaurant serves a mixture of dishes for dinner, with Scandinavian classics and international fare, and the bar is a classy spot for a pre- or post-dinner tipple. Breakfast is a continental spread, ranging from plenty of fruit and nuts to Norwegian cold meats and cheeses. For travellers needing to be close to the airport, the Radisson is a safe — and comfortable — bet. Connor McGovern


BURJ AL ARAB, DUBAI


This iconic hotel soars in the shape of a sail. Covered with gold leaf and marble, all the suites span two levels, with sweeping staircases and spacious ensuites. To escape the odd Disney-esque feel, we take sanctuary in the spacious spa, the fusion restaurant Scape and a new Californian-style beach club with sandy beaches, infinity pools and 32 air-conditioned cabanas (entry to overnight guests only). We feast on fish from Devon from a menu by Michelin-starred British chef Nathan Outlaw and enjoy caviar spa treatments from French brand La Prairie — the spa menu includes gold and platinum ‘tattoos’. Our suite gives sweeping views of man- made islands and our butler knows what we want before we’ve even asked. Aſter just one night, nothing seems real; including the eyewatering bill. Sam Lewis


68 ABTA Magazine | June 2017


24-26 Newport Road, Cardiff, Wales, CF24 0DD


Rooms start from £69 mercure.com


Radisson Blu Airport Hotel Oslo Gardermoen, Hotelvegen, PO Box 163, N-2061 Gardermoen, Norway


Standard double from £154


radissonblu.com


PO Box 74147, Dubai


Suites are priced from £1,000 jumeirah.com


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