Hotels with Windows That Open: A Breath of Fresh Air September 12, 2024 Many of us enjoy sleeping with an open window, letting in fresh air. According to Dr. Lederle from drkatsleep.com, “Research shows that people sleeping in well-ventilated rooms feel less sleepy and are better able to focus the next day.” Since the COVID-19 […] RightRooms | Hotels with Windows That Open: A Breath of Fresh Air

Hotels with Windows That Open: A Breath of Fresh Air

September 12, 2024

Many of us enjoy sleeping with an open window, letting in fresh air. According to Dr. Lederle from drkatsleep.com, “Research shows that people sleeping in well-ventilated rooms feel less sleepy and are better able to focus the next day.”

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for hotel rooms with openable windows has increased.

Guests are becoming more concerned about cross-contamination through public ventilation systems, driving interest in rooms where they can control the airflow themselves.

However, it’s common for hotels to seal their windows due to safety, energy efficiency, and sustainability concerns. Hotels worry about the risk of guests falling out, especially in higher floors, and sealing windows helps maintain energy savings. Opening windows can interfere with heating or cooling systems, which impacts sustainability goals.

Taking these concerns into account, some hotels manage to offer windows that open while working within these constraints. One effective solution is to install systems that automatically switch off air conditioning or heating when the window is opened. This helps balance guest preferences with the hotel’s energy and sustainability objectives. Additional safety measures, such as window restrictors, can be installed to prevent windows from opening too wide, ensuring safety without sacrificing fresh air.

In London, the prestigious Great Scotland Yard Hotel stands out for offering windows that open— a rare feature in city hotels. In Paris, guests at the stylish Zoku Hotel are free to open their windows. Meanwhile, in Japan, the Hyatt Regency Hakoneprovides this same option, offering a welcome escape from fully sealed rooms.

For travelers seeking hotels that cater to their desire for fresh air while addressing safety and environmental concerns, we’ve compiled a list of hotels where you can open the window. These properties strike a balance between guest comfort and hotel responsibilities.

Useful links Find up-to-date guidance on travel, safety, Covid-19 research and more.

RightRooms believes all information to be correct at time of going to press. As guidance, research and facts around Covid-19 are changing constantly, the information provided here is for general information only and does not constitute professional advice. Please check with venues, locations and attractions before travelling.

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How to Find Accessible Accommodation in Paris for the Games

July 29, 2024

With the Olympics underway and the Paralympics approaching, finding suitable accessible accommodation in Paris can be challenging. To help you navigate the process and ensure a stay that works for you, here are some practical tips and resources.

Look out for these terms:

“Tourisme & Handicap”: Certification indicating a hotel meets specific accessibility criteria.
“Accessible aux personnes à mobilité réduite”: Accessible to people with reduced mobility.
“Chambre PMR”: Accessible room.
“Accès handicapé”: Disabled access.
“Adapté aux fauteuils roulants”: Wheelchair accessible.

General travel websites:

MyParisjetaime Handicap: the official Paris Tourist Office website with a section on hotels, filtering by different accessibility needs.
Booking.com and Expedia: allow filtering by key accessibility features.
TripAdvisor: user reviews offer valuable insights into hotel accessibility.

Suggested dedicated accessibility websites

Access libre: government-funded initiative providing accessibility information for public places, including hotels.
Wheelchair Travel: lists accessible hotels with reviews and links to hotel websites.
Wheel The World Offers hotels in Paris sorted by wheelchair-friendly filters, including measurements and photos. Travel experts are available for assistance.
Accessible GO Lists hotels in Paris with accessibility filters and free customer service to ensure your access needs are met.
RightRooms Provides detailed accessibility information and photographs of hotels in Clichy, as part of the Bienvenue à Clichy project. Offers a free concierge service to find hotels in Paris.

Contact the hotel directly

The most reliable way to get up-to-date and accurate information should be to contact hotels directly. From our experience it is best to:

Request a named contact for email and avoid general info@ addresses. Send a check-list of requirements. Hotels should be able to provide: Photos of accessible rooms, including the bedroom and bathroom. Measurements of doorways, spaces within the room, and bathroom facilities. Information on accessibility features such as grab rails, steps, lighting, signage, and reachability from a wheelchair.

Explore Additional Resources:

Blogs by Travelers: Personal experiences and tips on accessible travel.
Online Forums: Platforms like Lonely Planet’s Thorntree Forum and dedicated accessible travel forums for advice.
Social Media: Follow accessible travel hashtags and accounts for practical insights and recommendations. Our experience tells us that finding accessible accommodation in Paris for the Paralympics takes time and patience. We encourage hotels to share detailed information and photographs. When hotels ask for feedback and act on it, it makes a significant difference. We hope this post has helped and welcome additional thoughts and corrections.
Check out our Accessible Travel in Paris post. Check out our Clichy Collection.

Useful links Find up-to-date guidance on travel, safety, Covid-19 research and more.

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News

Travelling around Paris for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games as a disabled person

June 13, 2024

Jas Adams and Nick Nomi

Travelling around Paris for the 2024 Olympic/Paralympic Games

As Paris prepares for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the city is expecting around 350,000 disabled visitors. While several initiatives have been announced to improve accessibility, the reality remains that navigating Paris will still be challenging for those with disabilities.

Île-de-France Mobilités Shuttle Service

Within Paris, the Île-de-France Mobilités shuttle bus service specifically caters to wheelchair users and their companions. It appears you can only book this service if you’re a wheelchair user and have a “PFR ticket” (wheelchair user ticket) to the Games. You need to check the PFR box when you book a ticket to an event.

This temporary measure aims to address the city’s traditionally challenging wheelchair-friendly transport options. The scheme primarily focuses on helping wheelchair users access the competition venues from any of the 8 rail stations. However, the service may face limitations in coverage and frequency. Importantly, according to the official Olympics website, bookings for this service will not be accepted if made less than 48 hours before the competition you plan to attend.

Find out more about the temporary shuttle bus network.

Tram Network Enhancements

All eight Parisian tram lines now feature level boarding and adaptable interiors, making them accessible for people with reduced mobility. Despite these improvements, overcrowding may cause these features to be blocked. It’s recommended to allow more time to board the trams as intended when traveling for the games.

Paris Metro Challenges

The city’s Metro, first constructed around 1900, is the second oldest in the world; and as one can imagine, this has led to accessibility being retrofitted in the modern age, rather than designed for. The Paris Metro has long been challenging for people with disabilities, with only one fully accessible line: the No. 14. This line is expected to extend to seven new stations, including a direct link to Aéroport d’Orly, by June 2024. Other Metro lines have incorporated tactile paving and audio-visual announcements, but overall accessibility remains limited, making navigation difficult for many disabled travelers.

Find out more about accessible routes on the RATP (Paris Public Transport) Website.

Increased Fleet of Accessible Taxis

The city announced that its own fleet of wheelchair-accessible taxis was to be increased from 250 to 1,000 vehicles, and Uber is adding 170 accessible vehicles by the start of the Games. However, finding accessible taxis during high demand periods, when games are starting and ending, will undoubtedly be subject to relative supply /demand issues that come with large events finishing at the same time. The official Paris 2024 website suggests that pre-booking or updating a provider about taxi needs is still not yet finalised, as there is no information on this section of the website. The priority and messaging has been placed on the shuttle bus fleet, as outlined above.

Driving

It should be noted that the UK Blue Badge Scheme may not be recognised in France since Brexit. You’ll need a valid European Parking card.

Getting there

Eurostar

Eurostar offers assistance in and around stations if pre-booked in advance. Eurostar Assist is based in the UK and so they do offer a “turn-up-and-go-assistance” option when departing from London if you’ve been unable to book in advance. Eurostar publishes unusually detailed accessibility information including for neurodiverse people on their website with guides available also in braille

Paris Aéroport’s Mobility Assistance Service

Paris Aéroport offers a Mobility Assistance service that must be booked in advance. This service aims to support travelers with disabilities at both departure and arrival points. However, travelers may experience varying levels of efficiency and availability.

Find out more about Paris Aéroport assistance.

Train Station Assistance

The SNCF is the national rail service of France. Free assistance is available at railway train stations for both departure and arrival, intended to aid disabled travelers. It’s crucial to book this service in advance, as its availability can be inconsistent, particularly during peak times.

Find out more about SNCF assistance.

Travel Planning Tools

To navigate Paris during the Games, it’s recommended to download the Île-de-France Mobilités app, which offers advanced mobility filters and travel planning tools. Despite these tools, visitors should anticipate potential challenges with public transport accessibility, book in advance, and leave lots of time for traveling between venues.

Apple App store

Google Play store

Stay updated

As the Games approach, staying informed about the latest developments in transport accessibility is crucial. Here are some recommended sources for updates: If any webpages open default to French language, you can usually ‘right click’ in a browser and the option to translate the page will appear.

Paris 2024 Official Website: The Olympics official information pages on transport and accessibility around the games.

Parisjetaime.com: The official tourism office has a comprehensive centre for Accessibility questions and options around the city, a section specifically for travel, and an Olympic Games FAQs published in June 2024.

The WebApp “My Paris je t’aime handicap” geolocates users and suggests activities and transport options to suit their disability.

The office has also set up a hotline with tourist information for people with disabilities: 0/(+33) 1 49 52 53 00 Remember to ensure international calls are allowed by your phone carrier.

Île-de-France Mobilités: Most up to date resource for public transport authority updates, and recommended that you download the app. Click here for the Olympic Games Accessibility FAQs website section.

RATP: Detailed information on Metro, bus, and tram accessibility, and how to prepare for travel depending on the accessibility types. Most FAQ articles have been translated to English.

WheelchairTravel.org: A blogger who reviews the accessibility of different tourist destinations, John Morris gives an overview of all aspects of accessible travel in Paris. His guide includes airport accessibility, activities, transport, and more (last updated 2018).

These sources are the best place to keep consistently informed and ensure a smoother experience navigating Paris during the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Where to stay in Paris

Explore our Clichy Collection, which offers detailed information about each hotel’s accessibility.

Useful links Find up-to-date guidance on travel, safety, Covid-19 research and more.

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Visit wild and wonderful Northumberland

March 14, 2022
Nick Nomi and Naomi MacKay

Northumberland is at its best when explored from its breathtaking coast, dotted with wild islands, sandy beaches and grand Norman castles. From here, the countryside with its charming country houses, forests and undulating moorlands brushing against the Scottish border, is just a hike – or a short car ride – away.

What to see In Northumberland

Northumberland’s untamed coastline stretches up from Newcastle to the border of Scotland and is, without doubt, the county’s most beautiful asset. Here a softly undulating terrain of verdant fields and farmlands blends into sandy beaches watched over by an enchanting collection of centuries-old castles. There aren’t many seaside towns like the ones you might find a little further south, but rather, quaint English villages linked by coastal paths and the occasional country house form Northumbria’s major hubs.

The fortress-like Bamburgh Castle (just east of the village of Bamburgh) on the coastal walk is a highlight, sitting as an ancient icon atop a rough outcrop overlooking the sea. Walkers, history lovers and aesthetes alike should mark this as a must-see, as the castle is fascinating and beautiful, and from here it’s possible to find countless stretches of beach to call your own for the day. But nature lovers should jump on a boat to Farne Islands, particularly in the summer when the islands are full of puffins on their annual migration. Another island worth a visit is the tidal Holy Island, where the tremendously pretty Lindisfarne Castle rises from the terrain like some weather-sculpted rock. Its 15 acres of land (and car park) with its sweeping seaside vistas are open and idyllic. The mysterious ruins of Lindisfarne Priory are open too.

Families should take a day to explore the huge Alnwick Castle and its elegant, landscaped gardens, and hike to the ruins of the Housesteads Roman Fort to see the ruins along with a portion of Hadrian’s Wall. For beautiful countryside views, a promenade into the *Cheviot Hills and The Cheviot — their highest point and last major peak of the Pennine Way — is a must, while beach lovers should try the sandy shores of Cocklawburn Beach.

Barrier-free Northumberland

The Alnwick Garden with its fabulous cascading water features sits in the grounds of Alnwick Castle (or Hogwarts if you are a Harry Potter fan!).Unusually, the Treehouse’s ropebridges and walkways, which overlook the gardens, are fully accessible by wheelchair. If you are worried about being able to walk around the garden, the good news is that there is free wheelchair and mobility scooter hire if booked in advance.

Sustainable Northumberland

Did you know that the New York Times listed Northumberland as one of the most sustainable travel destinations in the world? It was listed at number four in the its New York Times ’52 places for a changed world’…’where visitors can be part of the solution to problems like overtourism and climate change’.

The newspaper highlighted the North East section of England’s 2,800 mile coastal path, the county’s wild beaches, the International Dark Sky Park and the Hadrian’s Wall 1900 Festival. The Vindolanda Roman Fort, which will play a big part in the festival, has been awarded a silver Green Tourism Award.

Escape the crowds in Northumberland

There are so many under-loved and off-the-beaten-path spots along the Northumberland Coast, that the best way to discover them is to simply walk or drive along until you find one. But a good option, if you’re looking for an alternative to Bamburgh, is the large sandy beach at Cheswick just a little further north.

But for something even more secluded try the breathtaking cove at Rumbling Kern, where a rocky beach awaits, sheltered behind some small mossy cliffs, making it perfect for a picnic. Inland ramblers in the vicinity of Kielder should walk the woodland path to the attractive *waterfall at Hindhope Linn, while the hike between Old Bewick and Bewick Moor in Blawearie offers a good mix of seclusion, open moorland and sweeping views over some of Northumberland’s wildest countryside.

Local comment

Tourism organisation Visit Northumberland recommends that visitors follow them on Twitter to keep up with the latest information on what’s open, Covid-19 updates, places to go and things to do. They also ask that visitors support local businesses by buying local produce such as Craster kippers and Lindisfarne oysters. Look out for the red and yellow ‘Produced in Northumberland’ logo in shops and restaurants.

Useful links Find up-to-date guidance on travel, safety, Covid-19 research and more.

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Saving the Earth – one hotel at a time

February 15, 2022

Kathryn Manning

Health and sustainability journalist and blogger Kathryn Manning (@sustainablekaty) discusses what she looks for in a sustainable hotel.

Many of us who love to travel understand that the beauty and biodiversity of the world is at risk from environmental damage. So how do we make sure that our holidays don’t add to the price the planet has to pay? After all, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, (UNWTO) tourism is responsible for 5 per cent of global CO2 emissions. And of this, 20 per cent is down to hotels.

At home, sustainability has become part of our daily routines – recycling, renewable power and electric vehicles are now common, and many hotels have caught up. Finding a hotel that is not only a pleasure to stay in but also has good sustainable credentials is getting easier at every budget level, whether you want a private, luxurious resort or a solar-powered eco hostel. However, it’s always good to know what to look for to avoid any accommodation where the claims are more ‘greenwash’ than green. The good news is that RightRooms provides the detail so that guests can go beyond this potential smokescreen.

Here are some things I consider when booking a hotel or B&B for my family.

An ethical plan

The first is whether they have a clear environmental ethos. Realising the selling potential of sustainability, many venues even include this as part of the name of their accommodation. In fact, the last two places where my family and I stayed actually had ‘eco’ in the title! The statistics bear out the sense in this, with a recent report showing that 70 per cent of global travellers would be more likely to book a hotel if they knew it was eco-friendly, and they are also likely to stay for three days longer.*

However, if sustainability is important to you, you need to look beyond the words and ensure that a hotel that calls itself ‘eco’ is actually walking the walk, not just talking the talk.

Of course, checking the green credentials through RightRooms, which asks hotels as many as 60 questions about their sustainable status, is a simple way to do this.

Waste and single-use plastic

A great bugbear of mine is waste and single-use plastic. I visited a spa hotel recently and was sad to see their once very elegant surroundings to the spa area, covered with plastic cups and water coolers, due to concerns over Covid, where they once would have had glass jugs of cucumber water ready for guests. I thought this was a shame, considering that with a little effort, the usual glasses of water could have been used with no extra risk of infection.

On the other hand, one of my favourite things is the use of eco-friendly beauty products in rooms. There’s simply no excuse for those tiny plastic bottles of shampoo any longer. It’s even better if toiletries, towels and bedlinen are organic and locally made. Giving guests the option of refillable water bottles and the use of recycling bins is also good practice.

A low impact on its surroundings

When it comes to water and energy-saving technology sometimes the simplest ideas can be so effective. It’s great to be given the option to forego having your linen and towels cleaned every day to save energy and water, and if there are incentives not to do so, such as vouchers for a free drink at the bar – all the better. This very simple policy has been implemented at a recently-opened London hotel and I think it makes perfect sense.

The Tower Hamlets hotel also has bedrooms with power and water-saving rain showers and fully-sustainable, hypoallergenic super king mattresses, certified organic, natural and chemical-free.

I have to admit a particular weakness for hot tubs – especially when on a UK break where one often needs warming up – so in our last holiday in Wales, we really enjoyed the eco hot tub fed by a natural spring rather than the usual energy-draining variety. To me this is a switch that makes economic as well as environmental sense.

Locally sourced and home-grown food

An on-site garden, or even farm, that supplies the hotel restaurant is also a great sustainable benefit. Reducing transport to the site and the ensuing carbon emissions, not to mention ensuring the creation of seasonal and ethical menus. A recent hostel retreat our family enjoyed had its own farm, vegetable garden and orchard and guests were welcome to visit and even help out. At the other end of the scale, the elegant 5-star resort The Grove hotel in Hertfordshire features an amazing kitchen garden producing fresh ingredients for its renowned restaurants such as The Glasshouse and The Stables and creating menus perfectly attuned to the seasons. At The Grove, the kitchen garden also provides a haven for birds, bees for honey and a great balance of biodiversity.

Community efforts

Some hotels allow guests to get involved in their eco-effects, helping with environmental projects, beach clean-ups or biodiversity protection. Providing free or hired bicycles and shared transport is a good way to reduce emissions. Also pointing patrons towards other local eco-friendly businesses, restaurants and experiences can be a good way to benefit the local area.

Sustainable hotels empower their local communities in this way, and they also employ local staff, pay them fairly, and use local businesses in their supply chain. Eco-hotels are guardians of their land, taking care of waste treatment so that their environmental impact is as low as possible.

The UNWTO defines sustainable tourism as a model that “has a full awareness of the current and future impact of tourism in economic, social and environmental terms in order to satisfy the needs of visitors, industries, nature and host communities”.

My hope is that, in the future, it will be more noteworthy to come across a hotel without environmentally conscious attributes than with them.

*booking.com sustainable report 2019

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A family affair

February 15, 2022

Naomi MacKay

RightRooms finds out what one mum looks for when booking holiday accommodation with her young family.

Anna has a very young family, so when she’s booking a hotel she has to consider both the baby and toddler when deciding on a destination. Catering for different ages can be tricky when booking into a hotel.

She explains: “The main problem I find is that in a family room they put in a child’s bed – and then there’s no space for the travel cot. And the beds are often heavy, so are hard to move – especially if I’m travelling on my own. It would be so much easier if they left space for the cot, or actually provided the cot.’’

Many hotels now are beautifully decorated and styled, but this can also be a hazard for parents of little ones. Anna says that knowing that the room has been child-proofed before you arrive takes a lot of the stress out of the situation. After all, no one wants to get a bill for a broken vase after a holiday stay.

Safety is crucial – especially with younger children. Knowing how low the windows are in your room is a must – especially if your little monkey is a bit of a climber. Even knowing how the pool is set up can make a difference. Anna has had to carry a baby, and supervise a small child, so having to negotiate a ladder into the pool is tricky. A walk-in pool is far easier on the nerves of the travelling parent. And knowing if there is extra equipment such as floats and armbands on hand, if necessary, can be a great help too.

Other safety issues that Anna has highlighted include the presence of child-height locks and handles on doors. They should she says, either be above a child’s reach, or include a child lock. There is such stress in imagining your toddler could leave your hotel room in the middle of the night.

Flooring can also be an issue. Ceramic tiling is easy to clean, but is very unfriendly for a nearly-toddler. Not only is it easy to slip on, and cold to little feet that are bare or in socks, but falls on such a hard surface can be dangerous. Anna explains that knowing what you’re going to be dealing with in a room or bathroom is helpful when you already have to have eyes in the back of your head with little ones.

Making the difference

So what can really make the difference when travelling? “It’s lovely when people are sympathetic,’’ said Anna. “ I was travelling in August and it was so hot. The person on the desk said they would move us to a downstairs floor. Sometimes, just having a bit of empathy can make all the difference. I travel on my own with the children quite often, and having someone recognise that I already have my hands full with children, buggies, bags etc, can really make or break the situation when we check in. A friendly extra pair of hands from someone who understands what parenting is like can make or break a hotel stay.’’

Anna would especially like to see a member of staff assigned to parents, especially if you are travelling alone with very small children. Hotels will sometimes assign a staff member to someone with additional needs or disabilities and she thinks a similar offering for parents would make a positive difference to a stay. They should be “someone who has some experience, and can appreciate that trying to hold a newborn and deal with check-in and bags is going to be hard’’.

And in general, staff who are kind and friendly to the children can transform a good stay into a great one. A warm smile, a joke with the kids, maybe a little offer of a treat on check in – an activity pack, small stuffed toy or similar – can make both children and parents feel welcome.

In fact, feeling as if you are really welcome is really important, Anna points out. “Some places say they are child-friendly, but when you get there they make you feel like you are a nuisance. They may offer some child-friendly features – such as high chairs, or cots – but actually welcoming children is a very different thing. In fact, if they don’t really want children in the hotel, I’d rather they make that clear. We would simply choose another option.’’

While parents with young children may like a quiet room away from a hotel bar, or disco, or karaoke night, they also hope for quiet rooms for another reason. “I remember staying somewhere and the room felt quite soundproof . That was a relief because I was so worried about the children waking others up in the night,’’ Anna recalls.

Out of hours

The odd waking hours of parents is another thing that should be considered. If your children slept through every night until 7.30am that is lucky for you but it’s different for the parents of early risers who are awake at 5.30am. That’s fine when you’re at home, but when you’re in an unfamiliar place, knowing that there is breakfast laid out in the dining area – and access to food or milk warming facilities at random times of the night or early morning, can help the travelling parent feel less alone in those odd hours before the rest of the world awakes.

The same is true at bedtime – for some children, the absence of a warm bottle of milk can mean that there will be sleep for no one. Knowing that it is possible to get that set up is going to make a huge difference to how a parent enjoys their stay.

Before you even get to the hotel, booking online can be a hurdle – Anna has found that she’s added in the search that she is bringing a child and then gets right to the end of the booking before it says the room is not suitable for children – the good news, though is that RightRooms has asked hotels a multitude of questions about their family-friendly offering, so booking through the site should be far more straightforward, with no nasty surprises.

You are what you eat

Food is another important consideration. If you’re lucky there will be toddler and child menus, so that the size and price of meals is suitable for the age of your children. But you may have other considerations – Anna says she would be looking for low-salt options for her one-year-old; wondering if there are options for an early dinner time for the children; and how she will manage a buffet breakfast on her own with two small children?

Larger family friendly?

We’ve spoken quite a lot about support for parents travelling alone, but what happens when you have three, four, or five children? For several parents we spoke to, travelling to hotels with anything over the average number of two children was a real headache. Having to pay for another room – and then not being guaranteed that the rooms will be adjoining, means that parents end up each sleeping in a different room with various siblings – not really much of a holiday. Hotels that can provide family rooms for larger families (or adjoining rooms at a family discount) will definitely get a big tick from these families.

And when it comes to space, parents of young children are likely to spend more time in their hotel room, rather than out on the tiles. A little extra room for kids to set up some toys to play, or for parents to sit with a glass of wine once the little ones have gone to sleep is always welcome.

Childcare considerations

Talking of child-free time, anyone with preschool aged children will be happy to hear that some child care is included in the price of their room. A number of hotels include around 90 minutes of childcare in the price of a night’s accommodation – just enough time to enjoy a relaxed lunch, a romantic stroll, a drink in a bar or just a snooze without fear of being interrupted.

For those with older children, ensuring they are entertained is important. If that entertainment keeps them away from screens all the better. The Grove in Hertfordshire not only has a kids club, but offers activities from horse riding to archery, bush craft and tree climbing. There are even football camps run by former Premier League footballers. Leaving parents time to enjoy a treatment in the spa, stroll in the grounds or enjoy a round of golf.

Are you looking for a half-term or summer getaway? Search our family friendly hotels

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Explore Edinburgh on a Scottish break

February 9, 2022

Nick Nomi and Naomi MacKay

Edinburgh is at its best when explored as a local would: walking between the antique streets of the Old Town and the Georgian grandeur of the New Town.

But when it comes to sights, it’s difficult to beat the views atop Edinburgh’s seven iconic hills, if only for an excuse to refuel on a plate of haggis or venison in any number of the city’s fabulous restaurants — and a seat shouldn’t be a problem as Edinburgh has more restaurants per head than any other UK city.

Covid in Edinburgh

Face coverings in Edinburgh are mandatory in shops, restaurants/bars and clubs (only until you’re seated or if you are dancing) as well as onboard public transport. Under 12s are exempt.

What To See In Edinburgh

Begin in the heart of Edinburgh, with a walk along the historic streets of the Royal Mile, viewing the collections of stately tenements, the striking St. Giles’ Cathedral and its charming cobbled passageways, and then wander up Arthur’s Seat to see the regal Palace of Holyroodhouse and the views of Edinburgh’s rooftops.

From almost any of central Edinburgh’s pretty streets, Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock hill is visible, its brooding façade an indifferent voyeur to all that takes place in the city. Visit early in the morning, among swirls of fog creeping along the streets, to see the glorious Great Hall, Portcullis Gate and the Lang Stairs, and find a good spot from the town in the evening to admire the amber glow that emanates from the castle each night.

The Georgian New Town is a glorious feat of architecture and town planning, an elegant cousin to the medieval street plans of the Old Town, and a mixture of grand squares, manicured gardens and classical architecture. Highlights include Charlotte Square and the Georgian House, George Street and the Assembly Rooms, and the Princes Street Gardens that form an idyllic verdant link between the Old and New Towns.

Escape the crowds in Edinburgh

The seven hills of Edinburgh can be fabulous without the crowds, but be wary on busy summer’s weekends when lots of folk can sprout from nowhere. The most convenient is Arthur’s Seat, while Calton Hill is the easiest to climb and has stunning vistas of the city. The 60 hectares of nature reserve at Blackford Hill is a good spot to mingle with the locals, while the Pentlands, just to the south of Edinburgh provide the most space for long countryside walks with loch views, alongside bonny Scottish sheep.

During the colder months, Edinburgh’s beaches in areas such as Crammond — and the tidal Crammond island —can be surprisingly calm. But walkers intent on seeing every side of the city should follow the Water of Leith walkway from delightful Leith towards Balerno.

Barrier-free Edinburgh

The Hop on Hop Off Buses are wheelchair accessible. They are also perfect for anyone who is not so mobile but still wants to get around and see everything in the city, cutting down on walking between attractions. If you fancy something sweet to eat, head to Pâtissier Maxime in Queensferry St, which has level access, accessible toilet, moveable chairs and tables and even a lowered pay counter.

Family-friendly Edinburgh

Kids will love the Museum of Childhood and the science-based entertainment at Our Dynamic Earth (the Hop Off Hop On Buses stop at both). Older Harry Potter fans will love the Harry Potter Magical Guided walking tour, exploring the city where Harry Potter was written! Earn points for your house and test your Harry Potter trivia and see the real Grave of Tom Riddle in Greyfriars Kirkyard. Want something really special? Book a trip on the Jacobite train – the real-life Hogwarts Express!

Checklist for your trip to Edinburgh

Check your destination just in case you need pre-booked tickets
Pre-book hotels and restaurants to avoid disappointment as many have reduced capacity

Useful links Find up-to-date guidance on travel, safety, Covid-19 research and more.

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Mess about on the water on the Norfolk Broads

February 1, 2022

Nick Nomi

The best way to experience the Norfolk Broads is via its network of rural wetlands that break up dramatic landscapes of open countryside and dense woodlands. Spend a weekend or more in and out of a motorboat and explore centuries-old ruins and miles of scenic walking routes, and drop anchor at the jetties of lively riverside pubs in charming villages that cling to the water’s edge.

Covid-safer in the Norfolk Broads?

Visitors may be asked to wear a face mask when in public places including supermarkets, banks, and shops as well as when using public transport.

Like other local authorities, the Broads are now using the ‘What3Words’ app for emergency services, which can be life-saving when travelling within such isolated areas. Keep up to date with news for boaters at live board.

What to see in the Norfolk Broads

Exploring the Norfolk Broads by car would be missing the point of visiting as everything here is connected by a wild network of wetlands – approximately 150 miles worth of rivers and lakes – all explorable by boats, which are omnipresent and bookable for everything from an hour to a couple of weeks. Arguably, it’s best during an extended stay to opt for the best of both worlds with a hotel or holiday home clinging to one of the Broads’ river banks with easy access to the waterways and a comfortable bed each evening.

Wroxham is as good a base as any to hire a boat and a good option for families, as the BeWILDerwood outdoor adventure destination and the Barton House miniature railway are both close by. It also offers access to Wroxham Broad, which is a popular sailing spot, and from here boats can connect to the tranquil River Bure to explore Hoveton in the north or Salhouse Broad in the south, which is popular with nature lovers thanks to its abundance of wildlife.

There’s a pretty collection of windmills (drainage pumps for the marshes) to be seen on the Broads but our favourites are Thurne Mill, a 45-minute boat ride from Herbert Woods Marina, and the striking red brick Hardley Windmill in the countryside close to Hardley village. It’s possible to dock in the marina in Norwich and, while the town isn’t a highlight, the cathedral, with its 96-metre high spire is stunning, and a good diversion for an hour or two.

Walkers are surprisingly well catered for in the Broads too, with the Weavers’ Way carving a 61-mile stretch of view-laden walking trails through the countryside between Great Yarmouth and surprisingly lively Cromer.

Escape the crowds in the Norfolk Broads

The thousands of hectares of Broads and rivers are a perfect place to lose the crowds, where, if one dares take the waters less travelled, it’s always possible to find an empty Broad to have a waterside picnic or a wild swim. But landlubbers should stray towards Great Yarmouth and head out on the Angles Way walking trail to the ruined walls of the third-century fort at Burgh Castle – one of Britain’s best-preserved Roman monuments – with captivating vistas over the serene Breydon Water.

To see a different side of the Broads take a restorative stroll (or cycle) through the atmospheric Thetford Forest, or take a day to explore the parklands on the pretty Bickland Estate. Alternatively, if you’re craving a beach then head north from Great Yarmouth to the North Denes, where a cinematic landscape of undulating dunes and quiet beaches awaits, or pick Snettisham if you feel like a stroll – and walk the full length from Heacham to Hunstanton via the tidal mudflats.

Barrier-free Norfolk Broads

If you’re looking for less sand and more of Norfolk’s famous Broads, try the Barton Broad Boardwalk in Neatishead. It’s “a wheelchair accessible boardwalk over swampy marshes and through woods”, that has been described by one reviewer as “somewhere really off the beaten track that is accessible.” If you want to get out on the water, the good news was that several boating companies offer single-level boats that are ideal for anyone with more limited mobility.

Family-friendly Norfolk Broads

There’s plenty for children of all ages. Older children will love to get adventurous on the water with fishing, boating, canoeing, sailing and more. There are easy walking and cycling routes for all ages – and who could resist a trip to watch seals?

Checklist for your trip to the Norfolk Broads

Take litter with you when leaving
Only use barbecues in designated areas
Wear life jackets when on the water
Pre-book your accommodation and restaurant visits
Be prepared to change your destination if a particular beach or attraction is very full
Research toilet facilities in advance
Download the What3Words App

Useful links Find up-to-date guidance on travel, safety, Covid-19 research and more.

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Hotel ventilation

November 14, 2021

Lucy Williamson and Daisy Bata

As we start to spend more time indoors over winter once more, there will again be concern over whether the air we breathe while inside plays a part in the spread of Covid. RightRooms looks at the science behind ventilation and the spread of Covid, and how hotels have been addressing this concern.

Routes of transmission

Covid is primarily transmitted via invisible droplets that are generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes laughs, talks or breathes near to someone else. While scientists are still learning about Covid and routes of transmission, one study found that droplets generated when an infected person talks can remain suspended in the air for up to 14 minutes. The researchers concluded that there is a ‘substantial possibility’ of airborne virus transmission in confined spaces. This has lead The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies to emphasise that “Ventilation should be integral to the Covid-19 risk mitigation strategy for all multi-occupant public buildings”.

Fresh air is key

Windows

The guiding principle behind ensuring a fresh air supply in a hotel is that contaminated air will be replaced by clean air from outside. A natural method is to open the window. A recent review of HVAC guidelines recommends that hotels open windows for about 15 minutes before occupation of a room, especially if it was occupied beforehand.

Opening windows may not be possible in hotels where windows are sealed or the weather conditions mean it is not practical to do so.

Ventilation

Industry regulator Refcom refutes the idea that ventilation systems are part of the problem, claiming they are in fact part of the solution. Most hotels will have a central ventilation system designed to extract stale air from the rooms and pipe it to an air handling unit, which is located on the roof. Fresh air is then pulled in from outside and sent back into the building.

A study in The Journal of Fluid Mechanics explains that ventilation systems work in two main ‘modes’. ‘Mixing Ventilation’ is the most common; whereby vents are placed to keep the concentration of air in the space constant and uniform; virus particles are dispersed evenly throughout the space.

‘Displacement’ Ventilation works by placing vents at the bottom and top of a room; creating a cooler lower zone and warmer upper zone. Warm air is extracted through the top part of the room. Given that exhaled breath is warm, it rises, therefore being extracted by the ventilation system rather than breathed in by someone else. The study suggests that displacement ventilation could reduce the risk of cross-contamination of breath, thereby decreasing risk of exposure to Covid.

Refcom recommends that hotels should endeavour to turn off the recirculation function where possible and prioritise a fresh air supply. While this uses significant energy, ‘Health is more important than energy efficiency right now,’ says Graeme Fox, Head of Refcom.

According to Premier Inn, air is not mixed or recirculated in its hotels. Each room acts as an individual isolated space with its own source of supplementary fresh air.

Air conditioning

Most rooms are likely to have a wall-mounted air conditioning system. RightRooms spoke to Air Conditioning Specialists, Airtech who say that hotels should be doing the following:

Regularly cleaning the filters in their AC systems with industry-approved sanitisers (which help to remove particles from the air)
Ensuring adequate replacement of filters
Adhering to a schedule of maintenance of the system every six to eight weeks
Keeping the system running for longer hours
Running the system at maximum outside airflow for two hours before and after spaces are occupied.

Airtech confirms that the specific percentage of fresh air entering a room very much depends on the system and its programmed settings. These settings will automatically change in order to maintain optimal conditions in a room.

Facilities managers may want to reduce the amount of fresh air bought in during winter when trying to heat the building. However, whether the AC is set to heating or cooling mode doesn’t make a significant difference. Some organisations, such as Airtech, are trialling a new technology called Blue Science UV, which is a UV light strip inside the AC machine that kills bacteria as air enters the filter.

Fans

The UK Health and Safety Executive recommends the use of ceiling fans to improve the circulation of outside air and prevent pockets of stagnant air. However, this is only recommended provided there is good ventilation in the room, to prevent re-circulation of potentially contaminated air. The CDC recommends ceiling fans that allow for upward airflow rotation, a sentiment echoed by experts at the Yale School of Public Health who suggest switching off sensor-based ventilation, opening windows and reversing ceiling fan blades to take air away from occupants.

The World Health Organization says table fans are safe in single-occupancy rooms but they should be avoided in spaces where several people are present and hotels should minimise air blowing from one person directly to another.

Booking checklist

With this in mind, these are some questions you can ask when booking your hotel stay:

Is there a window that you can open in your room?
Does the hotel have clear guidelines on its website in relation to Covid-19 measures?
Are there windows or ceiling fans in the restaurant or bar?
If there is air-con or heating, are they using HEPA filters and cleaning them regularly?
Is there an extraction fan in the toilet in your room, and in the rest of the hotel?
Do the staff open the windows in the rooms when they clean them between guests?How to manage less-than-ideal ventilationIf you believe your hotel has less-than-ideal circumstances for ventilation, there are several things you can do:
Request to change rooms to one that has better ventilation
Wear your mask whenever you leave your room and keep it on throughout the hotel
Bring your own portable air filtration system that uses HEPA filters to plug in in your room.

Although it can be hard to find reference to ventilation in hotel guidances, as long as they are following government guidelines, they will be thinking about maintaining as much clean air as possible in their premises. And of course, the more time you can spend in the great outdoors on relaxing strolls or by the sea, the better!

Useful links Find up-to-date guidance on travel, safety, Covid-19 research and more.

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Top 8 places in Central London to avoid the crowds

November 14, 2021

Nick Nomi

London is one of the busiest, most mind-bogglingly bustling places in Europe, but in the wake of the Covid-19 epidemic, things in the capital have had to slow down. There are still fewer tourists in museums and other attractions, so it’s still a better, quieter time to visit London.

Covid safer in London?

Remember that face coverings remain compulsory on all Transport for London (TfL) services. So if you travel on the Tube, bus, tram, Docklands Light Railway, and Overground you must continue to wear a face covering in stations and for the duration of your journey. If you travel on a River Boat, you must wear face coverings at all times on TfL piers, and you are advised to wear them onboard, too.

Hotel availability for the winter is still quite good, though pre-Christmas weekends are getting booked up. Check out our London hotels as well as hotels around London.

St James’s Park

Stroll away from Big Ben/Westminster Abbey and towards Buckingham Palace and you’ll eventually run into the pretty surrounds of St James’s Park. Wander along the banks of the lake to see the local ducks and cross an iron-railed bridge or two for breathtaking views of the London Eye and the rooftops of Whitehall, before stopping at the west end of the park to see the family of pelicans and the delightful Duck Island Cottage. If you want more of London’s sublime green spaces, it’s perfectly possible to stroll from here to Green Park, Hyde Park and the idyllic Kensington Gardens with little more than a road to cross en route.

The museums

London’s biggest museum (the British Museum) and others such as the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum and all the Tates, are open with a booking system in place. While entry is free, a timed ticket helps them to limit numbers – so it’s a great chance to see the exhibits without the usual crowds. Some, such as the British Museum, do hold a number of walk-up tickets for impromptu visitors, but to guarantee entry we’d advise you book ahead. You’ll also find that many venues will request you wear a face covering unless you are exempt.

Neal’s Yard & Seven Dials

## Skip Soho and try art-loving Seven Dials instead (and the wider Covent Garden area if you have the time). Here, pretty village-like enclaves filled with boutiques and indie bookstores mingle with elegant Edwardian townhouses repurposed as fine restaurants and boutique hotels. But venture into the backstreets just off Monmouth Street and you’ll stumble into the colourful little micro-village that is Neal’s Yard. *Essentially nothing more than a bohemian courtyard spiked with a handful of shops and restaurants *(all of which are sustainably minded) inside historic warehouses with colourfully painted facades and external art installations – and all utterly charming.

Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross

Perched right next door to King’s Cross Station, Coal Drops Yard is one of London’s newest dining and shopping destinations – with delightful bars, cafes and restaurants (most already had al fresco options before the lockdown) as well as regular artists in residence, outdoor canopy markets and exhibitions to explore – much of which is covered, and so a perfect option when taking shelter from the inevitable bouts of London rain.

Rotherhithe & The Thames Path

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Zone 2 and easily reachable by foot along the Thames Path from Shad Thames, Rotherhithe is one of South London’s prettiest villages. Perched on the riverside with views of the city, The Shard and Canary Wharf, this leafy little escape is best known for the charming Mayflower Pub (don’t be put off by the small size – there’s a sizeable terrace with amazing views out the back) and the Brunel Museum. But *the area is a delight for riverside walks that morph into shaded woodland strolls in the Russia Docklands and, if you carry on towards Greenland Docks, one of London’s only inner-city farms *with goats, cows and pigs grazing directly across the river from the towering skyscrapers at Canary Wharf.

The Thames Clipper and Victoria Embankment

Take a stroll along the Victoria Embankment for superb views of the London Eye, the various London bridges and the Houses of Parliament and afterwards, if you feel like a trip a little further afield to Greenwich, Canary Wharf or Battersea Park, board the Thames Clipper from Embankment or Blackfriars (pro-tip: book via Uber for a reserved seat aboard a slightly safer, socially distanced boat).

The City via The Design Of The Times Walk

This 90-minute walk designed by the City of London takes architecture lovers and anyone wanting a quick way to see some of the city’s sights on a fascinating walk around the Square Mile – beginning at the glorious St Paul’s Cathedral and ending in the City Centre – having taken in some of London’s most iconic modern architectures including the Gherkin and the Walkie Talkie, and historic pieces such as the Monument to the Great Fire (you don’t have to climb up to the top but the views are phenomenal). To self-guide, simply start at St Paul’s and walk towards the Gherkin along Cannon Street.

St Katherine’s Docks

Sat on the northeast side of Tower Bridge, St Katherine’s Docks offers a beautifully serene slice of London marina life. Here, boats of all shapes and sizes are docked throughout the year and surrounded by restaurants, flower-covered pubs and cafes on the banks. Easily visited after the Tower of London to see a thoroughly different slice of London’s docklands and riverside and a good starting point for a walk into Whitechapel and the city.

Checklist for your trip to London

Take litter with you when visiting parks and other green spaces
Book ahead to guarantee entry into attractions
Explore off the beaten path to find the real London!

Useful links Find up-to-date guidance on travel, safety, Covid-19 research and more.

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