Last Minute stays

Here are ten 'rooms at the inn' for those of you who just haven't got organised in time!

A Merry Christmas in Madeira

madeira Celebrate the festive season in style - and a more clement climate - by heading to Madeira for the Christmas holidays or a New Year break.  Funchal twinkles with thousands of lights strung between its trees, while food stalls line the streets selling traditional fruit liqueurs and spicy molasses cake.  Concerts and festive events add to the magical atmosphere and on the night of 23rd December, Funchal's market becomes the focal point for a joyful all-night street party.  Stay for New Year and join the crowds who return year after year to witness the spectacular - and record-breaking - firework display that lights up the island sky as the clock strikes midnight.

 

london A 'Don't lift a finger' Family Christmas in London:

Stockings and Gingerbread at 51 Buckingham Gate, Taj Suites and Residences

Help keep Christmas magical this year with the Family Christmas at 51 package at London's 51 Buckingham Gate. Staying in one of the hotel's luxurious two bedroom apartments, children will delight in their Christmas stockings, gingerbread house making kits, hamper full of goodies and festive DVDs, while parents can enjoy an evening cocktail and canapés reception, followed by dinner for two at the Michelin starred Quilon (babysitting is included in the package). The whole family can also enjoy a spot of Christmas shopping with their complimentary Harrods Reward Card entitling them to £100 off purchases in store. Starting from £875 excluding VAT, valid 1st - 31st December.

 

zurich A Festive feast in Zurich - Michelin starred merriment at The Dolder Grand

With its views of a wintery Zurich and snow-covered Alps, The Dolder Grand makes the perfect seasonal setting for your Christmas feast this year. Gastronomes will love the Christmas Deluxe package at the Dolder Grand, which offers one night in a Junior Suite Superior, Christmas brunch, a 7 course dinner in Zurich's only two Michelin starred restaurant, The Restaurant, and a 90 minute massage therapy or facial treatment, to make you feel really at ease.  Running from 24th - 26th December, prices start from CHF 1,960 (approximately 1,356 GBP) based on two people sharing.  And for some festive fun, head to The Dolder open-air ice-skating rink.  Just a five-minute walk away from the Dolder Grand, it covers an area of 6,000 square metres and is one of the largest in Europe.

 

countryxmas An English Country Christmas close to home -  London Syon Park, West London

An English country Christmas awaits just seven miles from central London at London Syon Park. Guests can indulge in the all-inclusive 3 night Christmas package with fun for all the family including carol singing and mice pies, champagne breakfast, a treasure hunt in the historic grounds, laser clay-pigeon shooting and family portraits taken in front of the magnificently-decked Christmas tree.  Anyone dreaming of a white Christmas this year will not be disappointed; London Syon Park's snow machine can guarantee it, even if the weatherman can't.

 

italy An Italian-style Christmas

For a little variety this Christmas, Starhotels' exclusive Collezione boutique hotels are offering Christmas packages in five very different cities. Stay at the Rosa Grand and buy a Christmas panettone in its hometown of Milan, celebrate with the Venetians at their Natale di Vetro (Christmas of Glass) from the Splendid Venice, or experience the traditional Trieste markets of Fiera di San Nicolo at the Savoia Excelsior Palace . For Italian hospitality outside Italy, try Christmas in Paris, City of Lights, at Collezione's Castille, Paris, or explore a wintery New York and enjoy Italian American hospitality at the Michelangelo.

 

surrey A Seasonal Surrey Spa

With traditional Christmas dinner, champagne receptions and evening entertainment, guests at Grayshott Spa, Surrey, will be well looked after this Christmas. Join the morning walks in the 47 acres of grounds, surrounded by National Trust land preserved for its outstanding natural beauty, to compensate for the extra mince pies, while evenings can be spent in Grayshott's own cinema. Prices start at £520pp. Book early to receive a complimentary £100 voucher to spend on spa treatments during your stay.

 

houseparty An Elite Christmas House Party

Over Christmas all Elite Hotels will welcome guests for Christmas House Parties with entertainment for all the family. During their three, four or five day stay guests can enjoy champagne receptions on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, as well as afternoon teas, wine tastings, roaring fires, musicians, walks around the hotels' extensive private grounds or along the coast near Eastbourne.

 

flemings  A very London Christmas

From a seasonal December grill menu, to a Group Gastronomy experience for those Christmas get-togethers, Flemings Hotel, Mayfair are embracing the festive spirit. Those staying in London can celebrate Christmas Day with family and friends and enjoy a decadent 5 course Christmas lunch, created by Head Chef Braden Charlesworth, complete with champagne reception and Flemings Christmas Gift.

 

cheltenham A Christmas without the mark-up

Standard rates apply at The Montpellier Chapter, Cheltenham this Christmas, from £140 per night between 22nd and 30th December. For a Christmas Day walk in the countryside the Cotswolds is a 20 minute drive away, while Christmas Day mass is held at All Saints Church. Upon return, guests are welcomed back with a glass of champagne and a traditional five-course Christmas feast. Christmas lunch is £75 for adults and £35 for children under 12. On Boxing Day a three course lunch is put on in the hotel so guests won't have to lift a finger.

 

hk A gastronomic Hong Kong Christmas with Gray Kunz's

Christmas is a foodie's great indulgence. Chef Gray Kunz is presenting the festive season at Café Gray Deluxe, the award winning 21st Century Grand Café, at The Upper House. A five-course Christmas Day lunch priced at HK$850 per person starts with truffled corn and chervil gnocchi, beef wellington for main course, and dessert options of Christmas pudding or bitter chocolate and citrus fruit gratin. In the evening a traditional a la carte menu is served including, grilled Hamachi, king crab and lobster stew and crisped barbarie duck breast for main course. The menu is completed with salted caramels, Christmas cookies and chocolate chunks.

 

What's the best holiday deal you've ever got at the last minute at Christmas?

 

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