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Three Irish hotels named among Europe's best in Travel + Leisure awards
Three Irish hotels named among Europe's best in Travel + Leisure awards

Irish Independent

time15-07-2025

  • Irish Independent

Three Irish hotels named among Europe's best in Travel + Leisure awards

Dublin's The Westbury ranked 12th and The Merrion 14th on a list of Europe's best city hotels based on reader surveys, while Sheen Falls Lodge in Co Kerry placed at No. 14 on its readers' list of Europe's best resorts. Travel + Leisure is a hugely influential US-based magazine and website, and it says almost 180,000 readers weighed in on its latest rankings. Last year, Ballyfin in Co Laois was named its readers' top resort in the UK and Ireland. The World's Best Awards do not include an Irish ranking, but picked out Dublin's top three hotels as The Westbury, The Merrion and The Shelbourne. 'This is a home away from home,' one reader said of The Westbury. Readers were also impressed by the five-star's 'elegant interiors and museum-quality artwork legends such as Sir John Lavery and Louis le Brocquy', as well as 'small' details such as 'beds that you melt into,' and 'stunning cocktails'. 'The Westbury team are very proud to create meaningful and memorable experiences for each guest, and this is a wonderful recognition of that dedication,' said Vincent O'Gorman, the Doyle Collection hotel's general manager. Gleneagles in Scotland was named the UK & Ireland's top resort for 2025, followed by Sheen Falls lodge, Dromoland Castle in Co Clare and Adare Manor in Co Limerick. 'This year, readers showed an appreciation for spots that married storied heritage and modern indulgence, especially in rural settings far from the bustle of city life,' Travel + Leisure said. The World's Best Awards are one of multiple international awards and recognitions for hotels each year, ranging from Forbes and AA stars to editorial selections like Conde Nast Traveller's Gold List (which this year included Adare Manor) to the World's 50 Best and Michelin's new 'keys' - a take on its stars for restaurants. ADVERTISEMENT Condé Nast's Readers' Choice Awards are probably the closest direct comparison – last year, they saw Adare Manor named Europe's best resort. Each list and awards reflect their own particular methodologies and audience tastes, and hotels will often use marketing and other criteria to assess which to target, encouraging guests to vote for them in email and other campaigns. Travel + Leisure readers' top European city hotel was named as Raffles Istanbul this year, while its top resort was Grace Hotel by Auberge Resorts in Santorini. 'Istanbul and Paris dominated this year's city hotel rankings, proving that travellers continue to crave the mix of history, culinary sophistication and polished hospitality that these famed cities deliver," it said. The World's Best Awards achieved some 657,000 votes across categories like hotels, cities, islands, cruise ships and more, with hotels rated on rooms and facilities, location, service, food and value. The world's best hotel was named as andBeyond Bateleur Camp - a 19-tent stay in Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve.

Expert picks the top campsites to pitch a tent in across Europe this summer
Expert picks the top campsites to pitch a tent in across Europe this summer

Yahoo

time07-04-2025

  • Yahoo

Expert picks the top campsites to pitch a tent in across Europe this summer

Camping holidays across Europe are booming, promising adventure without breaking the bank. As the trend gains popularity, the options become endless, with campsites offering mountain views, riverside scenes, and landscapes that defy imagination. To navigate the vast array of choices, cross-referencing consumer reviews is one way to narrow down the options. Analysing user ratings from 1,500 sites, a search and booking platform, has compiled a Gold List of Europe's top camping sites. France leads the list, followed by Italy and Portugal Below are a few of the sites to check out. Embrace nature in the French Vendee Boating, birdwatching and butterfly spotting can fill sunny days on a trip to the Marais Poitevin nature reserve. Set halfway between Niort and La Rochelle, close to the Atlantic Ocean, the protected wetland is second only in size to the Carmargue and is woven with canals first constructed by 13th monks. Tents, caravans and motorhomes are all welcome at Le Marais Sauvage, a peaceful campsite with on-site cafe bar, small shop and laundry. Pick up fresh croissants and baguettes in nearby Le From £14 per night for a grass pitch with electric hookup. Refresh the senses in northern Portugal Promising peace and quiet in a river valley shaded by eucalyptus forest, family-owned Quinta Viana only accepts a maximum of nine bookings at a time. Relax in flower-filled gardens, cool off in a saltwater pool and cuddle up to two resident German Shepherd dogs. The coast is easily accessible for beach swims, while entry point Porto is a 45-minute drive away. Hike through sand dunes, horse-ride in the countryside or play a round of golf on the banks of the Cávado From £18 per night for a grass pitch with electric hookup. Marvel at mountain scenery in Spain Holidays aren't all about sea and sand in Malaga – although a heavy dose of sunshine is near guaranteed. Far from the crowds of Torremolinos and Fuengirola, Camping El Sur is surrounded by mountains and olive trees a short distance from historic town Ronda. Laze by the pool, play miniature golf or pull up a bar stool to nibble on tapas. Nearby natural wonders include the caves and gorges of Sierra de From £20 per night for a grass pitch with electric hookup. Breathe fresh air in the Italian Alps Wake up with royalty at Marmolada Malga Ciapela, a mountain campsite in the shadow of Marmolada mountain – nicknamed the 'Queen of the Dolomites'. Accommodation options range from traditional pitch-up spots to more luxurious glamping set ups; stay in barrel-shaped cabins or tents suspended between trees and dine in a chalet-style restaurant. Use the site as a base to explore Alpine hiking trails or simply sit back and enjoy the regal From £30.97 per night for a grass pitch with electric hookup. Fins the full list of Gold sites at

Expert picks the top campsites to pitch a tent in across Europe this summer
Expert picks the top campsites to pitch a tent in across Europe this summer

The Independent

time07-04-2025

  • The Independent

Expert picks the top campsites to pitch a tent in across Europe this summer

Camping holidays across Europe are booming, promising adventure without breaking the bank. As the trend gains popularity, the options become endless, with campsites offering mountain views, riverside scenes, and landscapes that defy imagination. To navigate the vast array of choices, cross-referencing consumer reviews is one way to narrow down the options. Analysing user ratings from 1,500 sites, a search and booking platform, has compiled a Gold List of Europe's top camping sites. France leads the list, followed by Italy and Portugal Below are a few of the sites to check out. Embrace nature in the French Vendee Boating, birdwatching and butterfly spotting can fill sunny days on a trip to the Marais Poitevin nature reserve. Set halfway between Niort and La Rochelle, close to the Atlantic Ocean, the protected wetland is second only in size to the Carmargue and is woven with canals first constructed by 13th monks. Tents, caravans and motorhomes are all welcome at Le Marais Sauvage, a peaceful campsite with on-site cafe bar, small shop and laundry. Pick up fresh croissants and baguettes in nearby Le Mazeau. Price: From £14 per night for a grass pitch with electric hookup. Refresh the senses in northern Portugal Promising peace and quiet in a river valley shaded by eucalyptus forest, family-owned Quinta Viana only accepts a maximum of nine bookings at a time. Relax in flower-filled gardens, cool off in a saltwater pool and cuddle up to two resident German Shepherd dogs. The coast is easily accessible for beach swims, while entry point Porto is a 45-minute drive away. Hike through sand dunes, horse-ride in the countryside or play a round of golf on the banks of the Cávado river. Price: From £18 per night for a grass pitch with electric hookup. Marvel at mountain scenery in Spain Holidays aren't all about sea and sand in Malaga – although a heavy dose of sunshine is near guaranteed. Far from the crowds of Torremolinos and Fuengirola, Camping El Sur is surrounded by mountains and olive trees a short distance from historic town Ronda. Laze by the pool, play miniature golf or pull up a bar stool to nibble on tapas. Nearby natural wonders include the caves and gorges of Sierra de Grazalema. Price: From £20 per night for a grass pitch with electric hookup. Wake up with royalty at Marmolada Malga Ciapela, a mountain campsite in the shadow of Marmolada mountain – nicknamed the 'Queen of the Dolomites'. Accommodation options range from traditional pitch-up spots to more luxurious glamping set ups; stay in barrel-shaped cabins or tents suspended between trees and dine in a chalet-style restaurant. Use the site as a base to explore Alpine hiking trails or simply sit back and enjoy the regal view. Price: From £30.97 per night for a grass pitch with electric hookup.

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