Many of us like to scour around online before committing to booking a hotel for our trips away. According to TripAdvisor’s Path to Purchase report in 2017:

• 33% of people around the world visit travel sites
• 74% of hotel purchasers check TripAdvisor

With so many of us readng and checking online reviews, the question must be asked: just how important are star ratings in the modern world of hospitality? Do people still value them, or are they deemed less important than the words of a (purportedly) real guest experience?

In this article, we’ll explore the star standard for the hotel industry to find out if guests can still glean worthwhile information from it.

WHAT:          IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group) announces its Global Sale, which gives guests the opportunity to save 20% on the Best Flexible Rate at participating hotel stays this season (eligible for stays beginning May 24 through Sept. 15, 2019).

WHEN:           The Global Sale promotion begins today, May 16, for IHG^® Rewards Club members—May 21 for all guests—and runs through July 31, 2019, and is valid for stays across the globe. Members can begin to take advantage of this offer and start earning bonus points for stays from May 14 through Sept. 15, 2019.           

HOW:             Guests will automatically receive the discount when booking from ihg.com/globalsale.  Guests must book 3 days in advance.

On the market for €3.8 million, the award winning Kau Manor hotel has an illustrious history dating back to the Middle Ages

The Estonian Manor, currently operating as an award-winning boutique hotel, is listed for sale with Christie’s International Real Estate for €3.8 million.

Just 50 kilometres from Tallinn, Estonia’s medieval capital on the Baltic Sea, the historic estate comprises a 20-bedroom residence set on more than 37 acres of land. Constructed in the 13^th Century, this is one of Estonia’s oldest properties having been owned by several noble families including 19^th Century Russian navigator Otto von Kotzebue. The estate has most recently served as a beautiful hotel, Kau Manor, following a period when it was used as a school between 1941 and 1975. Kau Manor won the award for ‘Most Inspired Design Hotel’ at the 2016 Boutique Hotel Awards.

Marie-Paule Nowlis has been appointed General Manager of Sofitel London St James.

Nowlis, who brings with her 30 years’ experience with the Sofitel brand, and a career shaped by international roles, joins at the start of a new chapter for the hotel and will be integral to its transformation.

The menu will roll-out across 19 UK locations, with each bistro offering a unique selection of locally procured and produced dishes

Luxury boutique hotel chain, Hotel du Vin, is now taking a local-first approach to its ingredients with the launch of its newest prix-fixe menu. With a commitment to the sourcing of local produce and homegrown ingredients, Hotel du Vin will offer curated selections of delicious recipes, exclusively and locally sourced, in each of its townhouse and city centre locations. 

AUTHENTIC & SOCIAL GREEK DINING RESTAURANT GROUP BRINGS UNIQUE GRAPE VARIETIES GROWN EXCLUSIVELY IN GREECE TO THE UK.

The Real Greek (www.therealgreek.com), the UK’s only group of truly authentic Greek restaurants, is bringing unique Greek grape varieties to the UK with the launch of its  dedicated Greek wine menu, featuring an intrepid selection of 19 wines from Greece’s finest artisan winemakers.

Sourced from across the country, from the hills of Mount Olympus to the Peloponnese and Halkidiki  in the North of Greece, the menu will make the most exclusive vintages of Greece accessible to all. The Real Greek will allow Brits to experience the taste and aroma of the country’s unique vintages, showcasing a variety of indigenous wines, each with their own distinctive style and tasting notes, that are produced in the region.

Jurys Inn and Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland is excited to announce the launch of its new Central London offering, with four hotels now open for business in the capital.

The four properties, formerly Grange Hotels, are superbly located in central London and add 1,300 rooms to the growing Jurys Inn and Leonardo group. The new owners will maintain the highest standards at each property, ensuring guests can expect the same excellent offering and service from highly-trained local staff.

One of Edinburgh’s best-loved boutique hotels, The Bonham Hotel, has been refurbished from head-to-toe, courtesy of a multi-million pound investment.

Following the refurbishment of all 49 bedrooms last year, the public areas of the hotel have also had a makeover with a new bar and the launch of a brand new restaurant – No. 35 at The Bonham.

As well as the lobby and library, the snug – which is perfect for private dining and small events – has been fully refurbished to showcase many of its original features including wood panelling and stained glass windows as well as a stunning hand-painted ceiling.

When we are buying a new car, there are many aspects which we look at; fuel consumption and engine size to name but two. However, do you ever consider how they can transport your animals? After all, while the stereotypical average family has 2.4 children, almost half of UK households also include a pet. And yes, you’ve guessed it, the most popular animal in our home is a dog. Twenty-six per cent of us have a canine companion, meaning that we must pick our cars wisely, taking our furry friends into consideration.

So, what are the best cars on the market if you have a dog? Here, alongside Cliverton, who are expert providers of insurance for dog walkers, we run through some of the top models available.

voco™ Kirkton Park Hunter Valley has today opened its doors as Australia’s second voco™ hotel following the completion of a refresh and rebrand to IHG’s newest upscale brand, voco. Renowned as one of the Hunter Valley’s most prestigious estates, the 70-room property now embodies the bold characteristics of voco, with exclusive features from its bright yellow accents to onsite beehives and distinctive hallmarks, setting it apart for a memorable stay.