Fancy a few nights away but don't want to break the bank? You may be surprised at how far your pound can go with these summer deals.
Whatever has happened to summer this year? It's August and I can count the number of hot sunny days we've had so far on one hand! No wonder so many of us are trying to snap up last minute deals for holidays abroad.
But for those without the time, money or resources to head off overseas the option of a weekend away in the UK may be an attractive one. The trouble is it can often work out to be extremely expensive.
Luckily, it appears that a good number of our hotels may be struggling to fill their rooms, as there are an awful lot of deals and offers available at the moment -- from free nights to free meals! And as a number of the bigger chains allow kids to stay (and eat) for free, you can find that a weekend in a hotel can be far less expensive per person than you may think. What's more, as you typically get access to all of the bigger hotels' facilities (gym, pool, sauna etc) there will often be plenty to keep you occupied, too. Check out these current offers:
Ramada Jarvis
The Ramada Jarvis chain has a fantastic deal on at the moment, offering three nights for the price of one at participating hotels, which includes a full breakfast each day. Plus, if you book a family room children can stay for free, making the price per head very reasonable. Prices start at £130. Alternatively, the chain offers leisure breaks from £59 per night, including full breakfast.
Best Western Hotels
Best Western has a summer promotion on until 28 September; book two nights at any participating hotel and you'll get breakfast, plus dinner on the first evening included. Prices start at £109.
Hilton Hotels
Hilton hotels have a mini-break promotion on until 31 August. Two people can currently stay at the Hilton Edinburgh Grosvenor for £70 per night, which includes breakfast plus dinner on the first night (min stay 2 nights) and kids can stay and eat for free.
Expedia
Expedia is giving away extra night's accommodation for free in selected hotels if you book before 10 August. For example, if you fancy going away this weekend you could book four nights at the three-star Stanton House Hotel in the Cotswolds, and pay for just three. Alternatively, for those in the mood for a little more luxury you could book three nights at the five-star Hempel Hotel in London and get your fourth night free.
Airline Network
And for those wishing to travel further afield, Airline Network is offering up to 60% its worldwide hotels in its sale.
Budget Accommodation
Travelodge
For those that don't have as much cash to spend but still fancy a great weekend away, check out good old Travelodge. By booking at least 21 days in advance you can take advantage of its fantastic £15 Supersaver room deals (family rooms cost a little more and can sleep two adults and two children under 16).
If you need something a little sooner, search for a Saver room, which cost just £26 and must be booked 7 days in advance. It's worth noting that both of these room bookings must be paid in full in advance and are non-refundable, so consider the flexible room rate (which start at £46) if you need some flexibility. And don't forget to check out the Travelodge Hotspot hotels, which offer all rooms on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays for £15 during their chosen month (which is a flexible rate, too).
Book any room online before 15 August and you'll get a free 30 day trial of LoveFilm and two free Odeon/Vue cinema tickets when you sign up. And if you're planning to order breakfast, too, book this online in advance and you'll save 10%.
Tesco Clubcard Deals
If you'd like a weekend away for next to nothing, count up those Tesco Clubcard vouchers. Every £2.50 can be converted to £10 in Deals vouchers, which can be used to pay for hotel stays around the country.
Hostels and Universities
Finally, if you simply need a bed for the night, don't forget good old hostels; they're often in great central locations and cost a fraction of the price of other types of accommodation. And if you have visions of sleeping in a bunk room you may be pleasantly surprised -- you can now often book double rooms (or rooms that sleep four for a family). Check out Hostelbookers and the YHA for more details.
And another great tip for those travelling to University towns is to ask about staying in a hall of residence/college -- they are usually empty during the summer and rooms can be hired for just a few pounds per night.
So there you have it, a number of ideas of how to go away for the weekend in the UK, no matter what your budget. And these are just the deals that I've heard about -- there are bound to be plenty more out there (if you know of any others, don't forget to post the on our Money Saving Tips discussion board).
And one great final tip that I would add for anyone considering booking a hotel deal is to firstly check out the hotel's website, and see if you can join its loyalty scheme for free. Most big chains allow you to sign up very easily, meaning that not only can you earn loyalty points with your stay, but you can often find that by flashing your card upon check-in that you may be entitled to a free room upgrade, or breakfast (if it's not already included). Not bad for nothing!
More: How To Avoid Holiday Money Horrors | The Fool's Weekend Money Saver No.4