Planning your first destination for January 2017? Help is at hand! Using data from our Travel Advice Calendar – which crunches five years of exclusive trivago hotel pricing information – we’ve put together a list of the best-value destinations to visit in the New Year!
Always dreamed of seeing the canals of Venice in person? Fancy spending a weekend seeing the sights of London? Then make it your resolution to travel in January, when these cities boast the lowest hotel price of the whole year!
UK
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is consistently one of the most visited destinations in the UK, thanks to its abundance of classic Georgian architecture, thriving nightlife and vibrant selection of wining and dining options to suit all budgets. And there’s no better time to visit the lively Scottish capital than January, with less tourists and an average hotel price of just £85/€105, the cheapest room price all year! Why not plan a budget trip to Edinburgh for Burn’s Night and stay in our top hotel pick?
Top hotel pick: Brooks B&B
Occupying an 1840 stone building, this refined 3-star B&B is situated in the Haymarket area of Edinburgh, the city’s charming and bustling financial quarter. An eco-friendly boutique hotel, Brooks is located a five-minute walk from Haymarket Rail Station and under a mile from the iconic Edinburgh Castle. The hotel is the perfect spot to experience all the city has to offer, with Greyfriars Kirk, King’s Theatre, the Royal Lyceum Theatre and St. Giles’ Cathedral all close by, with other local attractions of interest including Murrayfield Stadium and Edinburgh Zoo.
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The 46 individually-decorated ensuite guestrooms have been beautifully renovated, with original features – such as the delicate Victorian bathroom tiles – thoughtfully preserved throughout the house. The sumptuous atmosphere is enhanced by the vintage pieces that decorate each room, handpicked from local antique collectors, and paired with up-to-date essentials such as free Wi-Fi, iPod docks and DVD players. Guests can relax in the intimate lounge with leather sofas and a fireplace, the chic dining room, the fully-stocked bar or the private, summer-suntrap courtyard garden.
Manchester
It’s hard to mimic the electric buzz of Manchester, a city that’s full to the brim of personality and character. There’s always something to do or experience, whether you’re a sports fanatic, die-hard shopaholic or preparing for night out in the atmospheric Northern Quarter. An ideal destination for a quick weekend away, it’s even better visiting in January, with hotel prices at their year-round lowest (average £86/€106), leaving plenty of cash for a day at the Museum of Science & Industry or a cosy evening in one of city’s bohemian bars.
Top hotel pick: Townhouse Hotel
In a glamorously refurbished Victorian cotton warehouse, Macdonald Townhouse Manchester is a 10-minute walk from Manchester Picadilly and Oxford Road, right in the midst of all the city-centre must-sees, including theatre venues, famous football clubs, first-rate nightlife and world-class shopping. Neighbouring attractions can be easily reached including Whalley Abbey, Turton Tower and Martin Mere Wetland Centre, the Manchester Central convention complex.
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A recently refurbished Grade II-listed building, the Townhouse Hotel Manchester exudes Victorian splendour. The 85 spacious rooms feature uniquely lavish accessories, from Egyptian cotton bed linens, Nespresso machines, chocolate plates, Bose bluetooth speakers and an indulgent turndown service, so you’ll be well-rested before exploring Manchester’s vibrant centre. Dining options include contemporary British cuisine in a stylish, split-level restaurant – 101 Brasserie – or light but tasty bites from the casual 101 Bar.
London
London is loved all year round, thanks to its never-ending list of museums, exhibitions, galleries, shops, bars, restaurants, markets and sight-seeing. But a trip to the capital city doesn’t have to be as expensive as you might think – just check-in in January! Hotel prices at the beginning of the year are their lowest (average £119/€147), plus you’ll get to escape some of the typical tourist crowds.
Top hotel pick: CitizenM
citizenM London Bankside is an award-winning contemporary hotel on a commercial street in central London’s South Bank, just 2 minutes from the Tate Modern, and close to the Millennium Bridge, Borough Market, Southwark tube station, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Jublee Line Underground trains and London Bridge. A unique blend of technology and design, this hip budget hotel is the perfect place to station yourself in England’s vibrant capital city.
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All 192 hi-tech rooms are identical, boasting sleek surroundings complete with wall-to-wall windows, a power rain shower and chic transparent pod, while the innovative MoodPad tablet lets you control everything from the TV, ambient coloured lighting, music, blackout blinds and air conditioning. canteenM offers its citizens a full breakfast as well as hot meals, sushi and quick snacks, while in the evening, the bar offers draught beers, spirits, champagne and exotic cocktails.
Ireland
Cork
Take a trip to Ireland’s ‘real’ capital and Rebel county, Cork! Ireland’s second largest city, it boasts plenty of creativity and energy, yet with a laidback, leisurely atmosphere. Avoid the summer rush (and price hike!) and visit in the New Year, with an average hotel price of only £69/€85. And better yet, place yourself at the centre of it all in our top hotel pick!
Top hotel pick: Metropole Cork
The Gresham Metropole hotel is a 3-star property located at Maccurtain Street in the city centre of Cork. The hotel is ideally situated near an abundance of shops, restaurants and bars, but is also close to the city’s thriving business district. Overlooking the picturesque River Lee, this five-storey Victorian hotel is nine minutes’ walk from the world-renowned English Market, 10 minutes’ walk to the 18th-century Church of St Anne and 11 km from the famous Blarney Stone.
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112 modern guestrooms come with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, with some offering spectacular water vistas or generous sitting areas. The onsite Riverview restaurant provides guests with a complimentary full Irish breakfast, while at the Met Café Bar guests can enjoy a cup of coffee before their day of exploring, or a glass of wine to unwind in the evening. Guests can also avail of free access to the first-rate leisure club, which includes high-quality facilities such as the 20 metre indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and fitness area.
Galway
Nightlife, culture, festivals and events: Galway has everything for a perfect weekend break! Ireland’s fifth largest city and vibrant cultural hub, it guides you to the wild natural beauty of the West of Ireland as well as the thriving local foodie scene. Follow the Galway Whiskey Trail in January, and stay in our top hotel pick for only £68/€84.
Top hotel pick: Flannery’s
Just two kilometres from Eyre Square and an easy one-hour drive from Shannon Airport, Flannery’s in Galway boats a unique city-centre location. The hotel is an exceptionally popular choice for guests visiting Galway, thanks to its proximity to the city centre and cultural attractions, as well as Galway’s largest corporate business parks and industrial estates. Flannery’s has the great advantage of extensive free parking and a regular bus route, with some notable points of interest including the National University of Ireland, Galway Cathedral, Shop Street, Lynch’s Castle, and the Spanish Arch.
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Contemporary, intimate and with a family feel, the 3-star hotel is home to some of Galway city’s finest dining experience, be it the first-rate culinary skills and the freshest of local Irish produce in the Galwegian’s Restaurant, or the more relaxed Irish pub atmosphere in Frankie’s Bar & Bistro. The 134 ensuite guest rooms comprise of deluxe rooms, superior rooms, suites and family rooms, all stylishly and elegantly furnished to offer guests a peaceful and relaying stay in Ireland’s beautiful west.
Dublin
With a one-of-a-kind personality and never-ending list of things to see and do, the capital city of Dublin is the perfect spot to treat yourself. And why not do in style (and for less?). Hotel prices in January fall far below the average, with a typical night’s stay costing you just £72/€89.
Top hotel pick: IMI Residence
Ideally situated in the manicured landscaped grounds of the Irish Management Institute, the 3-star IMI Residence offers stylish executive hotel bedrooms in a peaceful south Dublin location. Right on the edge of vibrant Dundrum, the hotel’s superb spot means that guests can enjoy easy access to the M50 motorway and frequent direct bus and tram services to the capital.
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Decorated in cool, calm tones, each of the bright and airy guestrooms boast large windows with expansive views of either the gorgeous Dublin Mountains or the sprawling 12 acres of lawns. Sit back and relax in the contemporary and spacious Mezzanine Lounge, where guests can read the complimentary newspapers, use the free high-speed Wi-Fi or watch movies on the plasma-screen TV with a choice of soft drinks and snacks, as well as tea and coffee. While the hotel does not have an onsite restaurant, guests are welcome to order from local restaurants, and a microwave, ice-machine and cutlery are provided in the lounge.
Europe
Venice
Discover the real (yet-dreamlike) Venice in January; no crowds, but plenty of atmosphere, it’s the perfect time to explore the Ghetto, Venice’s former Jewish area, or enjoy the sights from a Vaporetto along Venice’s Grande Canal. While Venice has the reputation of being super-pricey, a visit in January certainly won’t break the bank – on average, you’ll only be £100/€123 out of pocket per night. (Compared to £229/€282 in May!).
Top hotel pick: Ca’ d’Oro
The perfect point for exploring the magic of Venice, the 3-star Ca’ d’Oro hotel overlooks a picturesque Venetian courtyard in the residential area of Cannaregio. Set beside the Rio di Ca’ Dolce canal in a charming 17th-century building, this polished hotel is a 15 minute walk to St Mark’s Basilica and Square, with the Venice Santa Lucia train station just 12 minutes by vaporetto or foot. During your stay, you’ll find the city’s best attractions all within easy reach, including the Rialto Bridge, the Rialto Markets, the Ca’ D’Oro vaporetto station on the grand canal, and the Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca’ d’Oro Gallery.
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The elegantly decorated rooms boast parquet flooring, sophisticated furnishings, free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning, while all suites include whirlpool tubs. Some rooms enjoy canal views, while some upgraded rooms include exposed beams. A complimentary buffet breakfast is on offer at Ca’ d’Oro in the refined dining room, and there’s also a magnificent roof terrace where afternoon tea is served, and a communal sitting room.
Barcelona
Take a winter break in the Catalan capital – just before peak season hits, you’ll have the time (and money!) to explore the labyrinthine streets of the Gothic Quarter and the fascinating exhibits of the Museu d’Historia de Barcelona, thanks to the cheapest hotel prices of the year (£76/€93).
Top hotel pick: Laumon
The hotel Laumon is excellently located in a quiet area in Barcelona, close to the Avenida Meridiana, one of the city’s main entrance and exit avenues. Barcelona’s Laumon is only 650 feet away from Sangrera Metro Station, while the Sagrada Familia is less than two miles away and the Casa Batllo within just three. Well-connected in the centre of Barcelona and all the most popular tourist landmarks, the hotel’s prime location means you’ll find easy access to the AP-7 motorway that connects with Montserrat, the Maresme coast, the Costa Brava and Andorra.
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All of the 26 guestrooms in Laumon come complete with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and an LCD TV, or if you’re seeking vista-inspiration you can enjoy unparalleled panoramic views of Barcelona from the hotel’s private terrace. Every morning, a generous breakfast spread is set out for guests to fuel the day’s adventures in the city. The hotel restaurant also specialises in light and healthy Mediterranean cuisine, or if you prefer to dine in the city, their chic bar/lounge serves delicious and sophisticated cocktails. As a central Barcelonian hub, the hotel Laumon prides itself on its superb onsite car and bicycle rental system, while the tour desk offers insider information so that guests can make the most of this incredible city.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a to-do destination on everyone’s list, and for good reason – it’s classic but cool, relaxed yet energetic, charming and still overflowing with character. Whether you’re visiting because of the art, the museums, or the great local beer, just make sure you visit in January – at an average of just £93/€115 per night, you’ll be saving yourself almost half the price of a high-season stay!
Top hotel pick: Amrath Grand Frans Hals
Amrâth Grand Frans Hals is a 4-star hotel set in Haarlem city centre, one of the best Dutch cities for shopping. Set in a former shipping house overlooking a canal, this century-old, art nouveau-style hotel is close to the city’s best attractions, with the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, Haarlemmerhout public park, the Frans Hals Museum and Saint Bavo Church all within 3 km.
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Each warmly-decorated room in the hotel features high ceilings and antiques, while for a more sophisticated stay, upgraded guestrooms include four-poster beds and suites feature living areas, Nespresso machines and Jacuzzi tubs, with some even boasting two living areas or roof terraces. Continental breakfast is served buffet-style at the hotel in a contemporary dining room, while the airy onsite bar/lounge is open until 11:00 pm. Treat yourself to fine dining at the stylish French restaurant or a trip to the chic spa with a heated indoor pool, fitness room, sauna and hot tub.
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