Which city in the uk is the most exciting to book a hotel in?

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Latte

Karin. Maybe England is what automatically comes to mind for some Americans when someone mentions the UK but how can you say that Scotland would never cross our minds? Plenty of Americans (even those who don't travel) do associate Scotland with the UK. And those who don't would highly benefit from considering Scotland as a holiday destination. It's an amazing place!

To the asker: It may help us to know in what capacity you are traveling. Solo? Budget? Backpacking? With children? Senior citizen? Are you more into historical sightseeing or pub crawls? I'm a 26-year-old female who usually travels on a budget. My first trip to the UK was a backpacking trip but I have since visited in other capacities. I do enjoy historical sights but I do quite often squeeze in at least one night of absolute-raging hangover inducing drunkenness in the cities I visit. I'm an early riser and a total sucker for beautiful scenery and good live entertainment. I'm also not much of a shopper but I do pay attention to the scene. If you're anything like me these tips may be of particular interest, and if you're not like me I hope they help a little bit either way :)

Aaaaanyway. I've lived/traveled in and out of the UK for several years and here is my personal review for some cities:

London: Big and 'exciting', but it can be a bit clunky (and expensive) to really "enjoy" the place unless you're reeeally into big cities. However, if your purpose is to see famous sites or to go shopping then London does not disappoint. Also a given for live entertainment of every kind! Despite the number of times I have visited London I still can't help but feel more "uninvited" here than in other places in the UK. Accommodation is more expensive here than in most UK cities but there are sooo many hotel options and deals that pop up on the internet all the time. Booking is relatively hassle free.

York: I absolutely love York! To me it is the perfect size for a city. It's not so large (I'm from NYC) that it takes work to enjoy it and it's not so small that you'll end up seeing everything in one day. It's also a good place to base yourself if you wish to travel to other areas in the north (Leeds, Newcastle, Whitby, etc.) It's also an excellent base to explore the tiny towns in the Yorkshire Dales (Kettlewell has a delightfully quirky annual scarecrow festival in the summer). Having a picnic by the river is a great way to spend a sunny afternoon. Wave hello to the tourists on the York boat as it goes by! It's also a great place to learn about the history of the vikings in the UK. If you're into cycling then York is absolutely a place you should consider visiting (also check out the UK's cycle network) as it can connect you to other cities via the trans-pennine trail. Loads of pubs/restaurants/clubs all within walking distance of each other, loads of history, and like any proper medieval town it still has it's lovely city wall! There are loads of B&B's along the river and throughout town. There are also large hotel chains and smaller hotel/hostel options.

Edinburgh: A great way to get a taste of Scotland (to really see Scotland you should to head north or out to the islands!). It's a big city that will surround you with an immediate sense of history. It's easily accessible by train or budget airlines. There's a haunting sense of mystery there (I'm convinced this city was built with twilight in mind!). The major sites are within walking distance of each other. Although if you go during the Edinburgh Festival (which is really a bunch of festivals rolled into one-- highly recommended) then booking a hotel there would certainly be an exciting, if not frustrating, experience. Book well in advance! It can be quite chilly at times but there are plenty of places to buy super cozy wool items! Edinburgh also hosts one of the best New Years festivals in the world (again, book WELL in advance!). I also love that the streets around the Royal Mile shine like glass after it rains! You also must indulge in one of the many ghost tours, if you're into that sort of thing. If you plan to stay in a hostel I particularly recommend Castle Rock Hostel or Brodie's Hostel (the one next to the world's end pub, not the one across the street). If you want to splash out on a great hotel check out Witchery by the Castle (also a great restaurant!).

Brighton: An easy day/weekend trip from London or a destination unto itself! I'm not making any assumptions about the asker but one should know that Brighton has a world famous gay scene. Unfortunately I can't really gage the quality of that scene but everyone seems to be having fun! But there is plenty to enjoy for us non-gays as well! The beach (fyi-it's all pebbles) and the Brighton pier are popular attractions. There is also a lively arts/music scene. Good for shopping too.

I hope my totally biased opinions help you. I have traveled to many regions of the world and I still think the UK can be a lot more exciting than a lot of people care to admit.

Sasha

glasgow

sweetness

Newcastle- Upon -Tyne- mint.

Polo

London....

Source..... I live there.

KangoTraveler

Without question, the answer is London. I've been to the U.K. more times than I can count; and if I don't get my London "fix," I really feel I've missed something.

I can be even more specific: In London, try to stay near Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden. You'll be right in the thick of things, and within walking distance of 90% of the attractions you'll want to see.

Still not good enough? I'll take it one step further, and recommend two hotels in that very area:

If you have lots of money to spend, its the Savoy. The Queen herself has been known to pop in for tea, so if it's good enough for her . . . .

If you're on a budget, go directly across the street to the Strand Palace. It's a tourist class hotel, but I've stayed there a number of times and always found it to be functional, pleasant and comfortable.

Enjoy your trip!

Kango Traveler

London has everything to offer. When a man is tired of London he is tired from his life. It is a bit crowded but worth it.

Other places

Manchester
Newcastle
Edinburgh

d ast

If you've never been to the UK, go visit and stay in London first as it's got a lot to offer from shops, theatres, museums to a fun drunken night out :)

But if this is not going to be your first visit, go to other places:
- Cambridge
- Central England: Stratford upon Avon (Shakespeare's birth place) - if you want to see a big city while staying in Stratford, you can nip in to Birmingham easily by train
- North England: Leeds, York, Newcastle upon Tyne
- Scotland: Edinburgh

Simon R

Sorry to all else who answered, but its London. Imagine a UK resident going to the US and asking the same question. If you are from Boise, Idaho, or Sacramento, California, you are going to say the same thing. NYC and LA.

London is our capital, it is a thriving place. You will love it.

Second choice? York
Third choice: Oxford.

(I'm from none of those places)

biscuit

Oxford....it's geared up for bright young students from all over the world.

Karin

I'm from the US and I'd guess London.

For the person who said Glasgow, you gave an American too much credit...When we say "the UK" we mean England...Scotland would never cross our minds lol.

You really made me smile, and despite that I'll take a ton of thumbs' down for it, I'm pretty sure it was worth it! ;-)

PS...LA is a crap hole. The east coast has more culture and experience. Don't bother with the superficial west coast morons if you don't have to...Did I mention I know how to make friends? hehe...

Clint

Inverness

August M

bradford

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