Travel

The Beautiful Iconic Queens Hotel Leeds.

Before I shared our Queens experience I wanted to write a little about the History of the Queens, as the building is just stunning.  The Queens hotel has stood over City Square in Leeds since 1937. It was designed by architects W.Curtis Green and W.H.Hamlyn for the London, Midland and Scottish Railway; The Queens was built as the flagship, modern hotel for the recently redesigned Leeds Railway Station.

According to my research it was the first Hotel in Britain to have en- suite facilities. And when it opened in 1937 is cost 10 shillings and 6 pence a night to stay. Which was just under £18.00 in today’s money. It must have been a fortune then. Especially when you think the average house price was £540 at that time.

The Queens Way Back When Although the Queens is beautifully restored, they have take care to retain lots of original features, including the original lifts and windows, which are listed. I am such an old romantic and can just imagine the glamour of the 1930s, the grand opening ceremony. Can you believe this stunning building like many other historical buildings has lived through a war? If walls could talk I bet it would have tales to tell.

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Center Parcs, Winter Wonderland at Whinfell Forest.

On Friday we all descended upon Center Parcs, Whinfell Forest for our 10th annual Winter Wonderland. We first visited when Joe was 11 weeks old and have been every year since. It just wouldn’t be Christmas without Center Parcs. 5 Years ago our good friends Ruth and Darren joined us with their family, a year later Jacks friend Harry.

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Its great; between our families our children range between 8 right up to 18. Despite the huge age gap they still all want to come every year. I am not sure there are many locations where we could persuade them all to come along. Center Parcs is the perfect place for families and friends to get together, spend quality time and chill.

It works so well, as although we book lodges next door to each other, we still get to spend family time alone with our own families. Because we are next door Joe and Finn are able to explore and build dens together behind the lodge whilst we are able to enjoy a mulled wine sat by the open fire whilst watching the boys play in the woods. I love the fact that as the lodges have lots of space around them, the boys have the freedom to play out, yet never go out of view.

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The Mighty Midland Q

Last Saturday as part of our Q Hotel ambassadorship duties we were lucky enough to stay at The Midland Hotel Manchester.  This was our first visit to Q so we were excited but nervous about the task ahead. Now I would imagine the Midland is one of the most grown up hotels of the Q family, It first opened its doors in September 1903 and is every bit as grand now as it was back then.

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On first impressions the atmosphere in the reception area was just amazing. It was very grand with a huge tree and with a pianist playing festive tunes, It felt very special.Check-in was easy, there was plenty of reception staff available and although it was busy, we did not feel we had to wait or were at all rushed during the checking in process. Alex, the Lady that checked us into our room was efficient and very helpful.

We then met Thomas the guest services manager of the hotel, who showed us to our room. Thomas told us about the Midland and a little about its history, and kindly arranged a pre theatre dinner for us. This allowed us to chill for a while, rather than rushing around trying to find somewhere to eat. He made us feel so at ease and welcome and even arranged our pre dinner drinks when we visited the bar later in the afternoon.

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