CHIC AND CHEERFUL

 

DON’T LET THE CREDIT CRUNCH BITE INTO YOUR SUMMER HOLIDAY. CHECK OUT THESE BOUTIQUE SEASIDE HOTELS FOR UNDER £100 A NIGHT

 

MORGAN'S TOWNHOUSE, SWANSEA

 

Where? A Regency town house set in the convenient Maritime Quarter.
Why go? It’s the closest boutique hotel to the Gower Peninsula’s gorgeous beaches.
Don’t miss Morgan’s Champagne Bar and the nautically-themed decking area, perfect for sunbathing.
Budget tip Book online and save £5!
Room rate Doubles from £80 per night, B&B. Call 0800 988 3001 or visit Morganshotel.co.uk.

 

PASKINS TOWN HOUSE, BRIGHTON

 

Where? Two Victorian town houses turned into a small hotel just off the seafront.
Why go? It’s one of the city’s greenest hotels, with cruelty-free cosmetics, Fairtrade tea, organic and local food, and even eco-friendly loo roll.
Don’t miss The stylish ’20s art deco interior design, especially the breakfast room.
Budget tip Have an afternoon of seaside fun for a handful of pennies on Brighton Pier. Then head to the beach and watch the sun go down.
Room rate Doubles from £90 per night. Call 01273 601203 or visit Paskins.co.uk.

 

THE OLD SHIP, PADSTOW

 

Where? A Grade II-listed hotel in the centre of town.
Why go? Padstow’s a great base for exploring Cornwall, from the Eden Project and King Arthur’s castle at Tintagel, to numerous beaches and smugglers’ coves. The hotel is nautical and nice – rooms are decorated with seafaring memorabilia.
Don’t miss Learning to surf from just £25 at Watergate Bay’s Extreme Academy (01637 860543, Watergatebay.co.uk).
Budget tip For a cheap-as-chips taste of Rick Stein, head to Stein’s Fish & Chips on South Quay. You’ll get fresh battered haddock and fries for just £5.95.
Room rate Doubles from £98 per night, B&B. Call 01841 532357 or visit Oldshiphotel-padstow.co.uk.

 

THE RELISH, FOLKESTONE

 

Where? A restored Georgian town house hotel backing on to four acres of parkland.
Why go? Folkestone’s old town is newly hip. Check out the free public art Triennial from June to September featuring artists such as Tracey Emin. Visit Folkestonetriennial.org.uk for information.
Don’t miss The hotel’s rainforest-style showers and Aveda products.
Budget tip Price includes a glass of wine or beer each night, and unlimited tea, coffee and cakes!
Room rate Doubles from £90 per night, B&B. Call 01303 850952 or visit Hotelrelish.co.uk.

 

SPORTSMAN INN, EMBLETON, NORTHUMBERLAND

 

Where? On the wild, romantic north-east coast of England.
Why go? The views alone make it magical – silver sand and ruined castles – and the beach is just a 10-minute walk away.
Don’t miss Nearby Holy Island which you can reach when the tide’s out. Visit the ruins of the monastery, or climb up to the castle for the best views. And the fresh seafood at the Sportsman is pretty good too. Dishes include local langoustines flash-fried with chilli, garlic and ginger.
Budget tip Walk along the beach to the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, only reachable from the shore.
Room rate Doubles from £90 per night, B&B. Call 01665 576588 or visit Sportsmanhotel.co.uk.

 

Words: Laura Dixon. Photography: Getty Images, Alamy, Lancton. Prices correct at time of going to press

 

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