Tis the season to pack your suitcases, get your sandals and bikinis in order and have your boarding passes at the ready, as summer is upon us!

But is it really the case anymore?

While going on vacation is still very much the vibe when it comes to having a relaxing time exploring on your own or with friends, we’ve been seeing an uproar in people around the world taking staycations in the comfort of their own town, city or country. To be honest, it’s a move and a MEWD I can get with as a lot of the time, we don’t have ‘abroad’ money!

Why are staycations so popular?

Apparently, searches and bookings for the UK have increased by almost a quarter compared to 2016, according to data analysis undertaken by travel marketing group Sojern in 2017. For some people, Brexit may be the reason why we are deciding to chill out in the UK. Since the announcement of Brexit, I’ve noticed that the pound is considerably weaker against the Euro than it was since before the announcement which is a bit rubbish, really.

For me personally, even though I am a born and bred Londoner, there are still some places in London I have never seen. Cases in point: Buckingham Palace (I see it on TV all the time so….) and Tower Bridge. As I’m getting older, I’m wanting to do a lot more exploring in my own backyard, and that includes staying in places that isn’t home.

Sometimes it’s just NICE to sleep in a room that isn’t yours, you know? We all need a change of pace every now and again, and studies have shown that having a change of scenery can have a profound effect on our mental health. There’s also an element of fun booking a couple of days away at a hotel that may probably be no more than 6 miles from where you live; it’s almost as if you’re doing something naughty and wasting your money, but I’m always up for a good old hotel stay!

I was very kindly gifted a one night stay at the Nadler Soho, located right in the heart of Soho for a bit of a staycation and review and the Nadler definitely didn’t disappoint. Due to its proximity to Soho, there is absolutely LOADS to do right on the hotel’s doorstep with restaurants, bars and theatres, which I think is amazing not only for Staycationers, but for tourists and visitors too! The Nadler also have hotels in Victoria, Kensington, Covent Garden and Liverpool too.

I was kindly invited to stay in the best room in the house: The Carlisle suite. I’ve absolutely never stayed in a room so beautiful in all my life TBH. I mean…it’s a breathtaking suite! Let’s list the features and amenities:

• Room service
• Free wifi and phone calls
• Chromecast connection from your phone to the TV
• Air conditioning
• A Kitchenette
• Fridge with a BRITA filter tap (WHICH IS AMAZING FOR ME AS I CAN’T DRINK TAP WATER)
• Free tea and coffee
• 24-hour reception & concierge service
• A work desk with built in power points

Accessibility-wise, the Nadler have that covered too, including:

• Easy wheelchair access
• Induction loop in reception
• 24-hour assistance
• A portable hearing loop
• Vibrating pillow alert
• A water proof shower chair
• Emergency bathroom pull chord and accessible showers

We love to see it!

I also love the fact that the hotel gives you offers to the local restaurants and clubs. I’m not sure how many other hotels offer this service but I think it’s a pretty awesome touch if I’m being honest. As the hotel is situated smack bang in the middle of Soho, they do not have a restaurant on site, which meant that I placed a Deliveroo order on my phone, which they kindly brought up to my room.

The Carlisle Suite as I stated earlier is absolutely INCREDIBLE and I kinda didn’t want to leave.

While the bathroom featured your usual amenities like shampoo, shower gel and soap, things such as a toothbrush and toothpaste had to be requested at the front desk. The room also comes with complimentary tea and coffee, a kettle, a microwave and a little sink, which adds a lovely homely touch to the suite.

All in all, I had such a lovely stay at the Nadler and I would definitely stay again. The staff were extremely friendly, the room was spacious and felt like home, and its proximity to Soho and Oxford Street is second to none. Long live staycations!

To find out more about the Nadler Soho, click here!

 

 

*this was a gifted stay with Nadler hotel – all opinions are my own!