Sunderland City guide, including SunderlSunderland City guide, including Sunderland Hotelsand Hotels

As one of England's newest cities, Sunderland is a city with a difference. It combines a modern, bustling centre with a relaxing green environment, stunning coastal scenery and a refreshing attitude to life. In Sunderland, quality of life and quality of environment go hand in hand. The rapidly improving city centre has an enviable location, set right on the mouth of the River Wear, next to an award-winning coastline and surrounded by easily accessible countryside. Add to that a range of outstanding heritage, cultural and sporting attractions and you'll find that Sunderland has everything you need for an ideal short break.
Places of interest:
Sunderland has one of the few national museums based outside London - the National Glass Centre. It has a Winter Garden, a 21st century palm-house in a city-centre park; one of Britain's earliest Christian churches; and a university that is a fashionable destination for young film-makers.

Penshaw Monument is one of the North East's most prominent landmarks; it was built in 1844 in honour of the first Earl of Durham, John George Lambton. Located opposite Herrington Country Park, Penshaw Monument stands magnificently above the city on a limestone hill in the middle of the Great North Forest and affords views as far as Durham Cathedral and the North Pennines.

Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens was awarded second place in the Large Visitor Attraction category, Excellence in England awards, Sunderland's museum is hugely popular with visitors of all ages. A range of fascinating multimedia presentations tell the city's story from its early foundations to the present day. One of the galleries boasts an extensive collection of paintings by LS Lowry, who considered Sunderland his "second home".

The National Glass Centre is based in an innovative new building on the north bank of the River Wear. It is dedicated to promoting glass and all its uses; in design, technology and as a vehicle for artistic expression. Here you can explore the history of glass making in the UK and see examples of the contemporary glass maker's art. It is a fascinating experience for visitors of all ages.

Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art is located on the top floor of the City Library and Arts Centre. It has received critical acclaim for its changing exhibitions programme, featuring the current work of local, national and international artists.

Fullwell Mill is the most complete windmill in the North East and is located just north of Roker. Built in 1821 from the magnesium limestone from nearby quarries, it features a purpose-built visitor centre that offers a glimpse of the workings of a 19th century windmill. The ancient art of corn milling is demonstrated during the guided tour of the mill's five floors.

Things to do:
The award winning beaches and nearby parks play host to a number of Sunderland's annual outdoor events. These include the annual international air show and the Waterfront Weekend featuring world music, art and theatre. There are some spectacular coastal walks to suit all ages and the sands of the city's beaches at Roker and Seaburn are the perfect place for walking and jogging. The cliff-top parks to the north of the city, allow you to walk the Bede's Way or follow the Walney to Wear cycling routes.

Roker & Seaburn Beaches just north of the city centre provide a wonderful seaside playground for adults and children alike.

Washington Wildfowl & Wetland Centre is a great family day out. This recreated wetland provides a 'stop over' and wintering habitat for migratory water birds after their passage over the North Sea. It is a haven for curlew and redshank and a breeding ground for flocks of herons. The Wetland Discovery Centre offers a view of the wide range of wildlife and a programme of art exhibitions.

Marine Activities Centre is Sunderland's main focus for all types of water-based sports and leisure activities, from sailing and canoeing to pleasure fishing or a river cruise. Take a boat trip out along the Wear to enjoy the varied riverscape or try out more water sports and other activities at the centre.

The Sunderland Wall is Europe's premier indoor climbing centre, where the facilities and courses cater for everyone from the novice to the die-hard crag rat.

Sunderland International Air show attracts over a million visitors every year to the seafront at Seaburn to watch the thrilling displays by jet fighters, vintage aircraft, helicopters and aerobatic teams, including the world famous Red Arrows.

Food & Drink:

You will find that Sunderland offers the visitor the choice of world cuisine. From Italian cuisine to the latest Japanese sushi bar, you'll find a huge range of restaurants sure to get your taste buds tingling and your mouth watering.

Marine Activities Centre boasts an Italian restaurant with panoramic sea views.

The Roker Hotel/Restaurant is one of the most popular venues in the area, providing great service and food, along with a private bar for all dinner parties.

Chaplin is a traditional pub in every sense, benefiting from a prime city-centre location and outdoor picnic tables during the summer months.

Vivaldi is near the Winter Gardens. It is a plush, modern venue offering.

Italian dishes from seafood risotto to spinach gnocchi, and more exotic dishes such as Szechuan cured beef with crisp rice noodles and duck on garlic mash.

Throwingstones restaurant serves the needs of visitors to the National Glass Centre. This ground-floor restaurant is where you can relax with a cappuccino or tackle a full three-course meal.

Hotels & Accommodation:
Sunderland offers a range of visitor accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. Available accommodation ranges from three and four star hotels to cosy guest houses and bed & breakfasts.

Quality Hotel Sunderland

The Balmoral & Terrace Guest Houses

Chaise Guest House

Entertainment
In the evening enjoy Sunderland's theatres, bars and clubs.

Chase is a retro-styled bar complete with large leather sofas and a grand spiral staircase. Downstairs there is a large L-shaped bar while upstairs there are two bars and a wood-floored dance floor. DJs play R&B, soul and house every night. The blend of music fits the venue perfectly.

The Point opened September 2005 and is Sunderland's newest entertainment complex, comprising of four venues in one. The building itself was once the City's cinema but lay empty and derelict for many years before its multi-million pound re-development.

The Sunderland Empire is the North East's largest theatre and a splendid example of Edwardian architecture. Recently refurbished, the Empire boasts 21st Century facilities and is the only theatre between Manchester and Edinburgh capable of staging large West End productions.

Sunderland has everything you need for an ideal short break. Whether you are after relaxation, invigoration or both, Sunderland's distinctive mix of city, coast and countryside will definitely be a breath of fresh air.
This Article may be freely copied as long as it is not modified and this resource box accompanies the article, together with working hyperlinks.
Name: Maria Williams
Website: http://www.sleepuk.com Biography: Maria writes for Sleep UK - providers of cheap uk hotels.

Hotels in Central London: History and Luxury

Central London is where everything is: the history, the culture, the center of the UK's government, and the night life. For about a three-mile stretch between the Tower of London and Hyde Park, you'll find most of the London you're looking for: Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben, St. Paul's, London Bridge, Westminster, Trafalgar Square. It only makes sense, therefore, to find a great hotel to stay in that area. You can do this for a reasonably-inexpensive rate, or you can splurge and be treated like the Queen. The most important thing, though, is to reserve your spot as early as you can; rooms, especially the inexpensive rooms, go quickly. If you're arriving by midday, many places will hold your spot without a deposit. Others can be expensive if you're forced to cancel.

Bed and Breakfasts

In the streets behind Victoria Station, you'll find colonies of budget Bed and Breakfasts. It's a nice area, not at all touristy, and you can get a cheap ?50 room (expect what you pay for, of course) or a nicer ?80 room, with atmosphere and a nice British breakfast. You can possibly save a little money by arriving later in the day without a reservation and looking for a bargain. Competition is fierce here, and you can probably strike a deal, particularly in the off-season, and particularly with a multiple night stay. In Warwick Way hotels, request a quiet back room.

Woodville House at 105 Elbury St. offers inexpensive rooms. You'll share a bathroom down the hall and you may end up next to the noisy street, but the atmosphere is great, the proprietor friendly and endlessly informative, and you can save even more money by bunking 3-5 in a room with friends.

Or you can try a more expensive place like Lime Tree Hotel, with thoughtfully decorated public areas and spacious guest rooms; the breakfast room is even attached to a nice traditional garden.

Wherever you stay, a bed and breakfast will give you a traditional taste of London.

Modern Hotels

For the cheapest rates, you can stay at one of the Travel Inn hotels. The rooms are cookie-cutter and dull and the restaurants and bars are ordinary, even somewhat tacky, but if you're planning to stay out in the city most of the time, you can't find a better deal. They have locations near Big Ben, the British Library, and further off at Putney Bridge.

Classy, Trendy Hotels

If you don't need to cut corners and would like to stay in an area so classy they don't allow tacky things like hotel signs on the street, you probably want to stay in South Kensington. The shops are great - Harrods is in walking distance - and you can find budget and nice restaurants of all descriptions lining the streets nearby.

Aster House Hotel has excellent rooms with televisions, phones, and a refrigerator. You can have breakfast in the Orangerie, a Victorian greenhouse and lounge in the back garden; or you can walk a short distance to have your meals in town.

5 Sumner Place Hotel has been voted the best small hotel in London. Chandeliers decorate the Victorian-style conservatory, a greenhouse decorated in blues, where you'll have breakfast. The hotel is in a 150-year-old building, and each room is decorated with period furnishings. It can be expensive, but if you're looking for atmosphere, this is where to find it.

If you don't quite have as much money to spend, you can try 16 Sumner Place up the road, or Kensington Juries Hotel. Either is popular and close to attractions, with excellent furnishings, informative and friendly management, and loads of class and comfort.

Wherever you stay in this neighborhood, you'll be certain of atmosphere, walking-distance attractions, and friendly service.

The Cheapest Place Ever

If you're a young woman or a man with a Norwegian passport, you can get a room at the Norwegian YWCA for half the price you'd spend anywhere else in London; all rooms are smoke free, and, other than singles, have their own showers; if you're willing to share a quad room with strangers, you can get a room for as little as ?18 in the off-season, breakfast included. And believe it or not, it's a really nice place to stay, with atmosphere and comfort.

Smooth Hound http://www.smoothhound.co.uk/london-central.html offers affordable hotel, guest house and bed & breakfast accommodation throughout London and the rest of the world.

The Case for Condo Hotels

Why the condo hotel industry is booming...

1.) Demographics - 78 million US Baby Boomers that will retire in the next 15 years (the largest population turned 50 in 2004-05, with 50th birthdays occurring every 7 seconds). The under told statistic is that there will be 103 million Empty Nesters in Europe by 2009 and Japan will have 32 million boomers by 2010, in a total population of only 127 million people. 213 million Boomers will compete for a uniquely similar lifestyle in retirement. 2.) Boomers Like Debt - Unlike the previous generation, Boomers have proven that they are willing to pay, and borrow for the lifestyle they want. The boomer generation has innovated everything from disposable diapers to SUV's, they will innovate the idea of retirement homes.

3.) The Wealth Transfer - Not everyone is going to get rich. Boomers are estimated to get the biggest slice of the inheritance pie: $17.8 trillion. Distributed evenly, each of the 78 million US boomers get $228,205. But these inheritance dollars will not be distributed evenly. The 73.5% of the boomer cohort will likely join the wealthier classes. Within the next 15 years, 20.7 million boomers will become over $658,000 wealthier, and 57.3 million people will get less than $72,900 to boost their meager net worth/retirement. 20.7 million people may be able to afford luxury retirement residences if they innovate to fractional ownership, condo hotel, and private residence clubs. Whole ownership is going to be bid farther out of reach by the sheer mass of this population competing for prime property, a trend that is already under way. Boomers will need to get creative by purchasing a combination of a primary residence, Condo Hotel and Fractional and PRC ownership options, to more efficiently use their limited nest eggs and to have active and dynamic golden years. www.vacation-finance.com

Bob Waun , CEO

bwaun@vacation-finance.com

As a VP at Paramount Bank, and while at Wells Fargo, Bob innovated lending for Condo Hotel projects. He holds a Master's degree in finance/economics and BBA in finance from Walsh College and a MI Real Estate Broker's License. He has personally lent over $600+ million in residential loans, and over seen operations lending $1+billion. He has been a professional guest speaker and taught numerous courses/se

Superbreak offers new luxurious packages with Niche Hotels

Short break specialist Superbreak http://www.superbreak.com has teamed up with Niche Hotels, a luxurious group of four star hotels with minimalist styling to offer the very best in small and contemporary boutique hotels. These intimate, period hotels are amongst the UKs finest and focus on the overall hotel experience a guest has rather than just the visit! Ideal for those who are passionate about perfect hospitality, hotels include wyckhillhouse in Stow-on-the-Wold, greystreethotel Newcastles first boutique hotel and thequeensgate in Kensington, London. Plus, the new theroyalhotel opens in Cardiff this August.

Short break specialist Superbreak http://www.superbreak.com has teamed up with Niche Hotels, a luxurious group of four star hotels with minimalist styling to offer the very best in small and contemporary boutique hotels. These intimate, period hotels are amongst the UKs finest and focus on the overall hotel experience a guest has rather than just the visit! Ideal for those who are passionate about perfect hospitality, hotels include wyckhillhouse in Stow-on-the-Wold, greystreethotel Newcastles first boutique hotel and thequeensgate in Kensington, London. Plus, the new theroyalhotel opens in Cardiff this August.

For this summer, Superbreak is offering a range of special deals including four nights for the price of three and a free bottle of wine on arrival to make luxury now truly affordable.

4 nights for the price of 3 at the four star wyckhillhouse hotel in Stow-on-the-Wold - 59.50pppn - Feel what its like to have lived in an English Manor House set in 100 acres of rolling Cotswold meadows. wyckhillhouse is a quaint 18th Century Manor with 32 bedrooms, small enough to feel at home, big enough to provide all of the spoiling home doesn't afford. Enjoy a special four nights for the price of three offer for arrivals on a Sunday or Monday between 17 July and 4 September. The price of 59.50 per person, per night (178.50pp for four nights) includes full breakfast and is based on two sharing. A free bottle of wine on arrival is also included.

4 nights for the price of 3 at the four star greystreethotel in Newcastle - 55.50pppn -
This is Newcastles first boutique hotel. Grade II listed, this former old bank oozes period charm. Huge bedrooms are flooded with light from floor-to-ceiling mullioned sash windows. Bedroom interior design incorporates contemporary iconic goods, designer beds, 100% Egyptian cotton by Frette, bespoke toiletries designed in the States, drench rain-showers, flat screens and DVDs. Enjoy a special four nights for the price of three offer for arrivals on a Sunday or Monday between 17 July and 4 September. The price of 55.50 per person, per night (166.50pp for four nights) includes full breakfast and is based on two sharing. A free bottle of wine on arrival is also included.

4 nights for the price of 3 at the four star thequeensgate in Kensington - 59.50pppn -
A contemporary boutique town house thequeensgate has just 26 bedrooms. Relax in luxurious Egyptian white linen, oversized pillows and sash windows that flood the rooms with light. The hotel is set in chic South Kensington in the leafy avenue of Queens Gate and is adjacent to The Natural History and the V & A Museums, whilst at the top of the street is The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. It is an easy walk to Knightsbridge, Harvey Nichols, Harrods and Chelsea. Enjoy a special four nights for the price of three offer for arrivals on a Sunday or Monday between 17 July and 4 September. The price of 59.50 per person, per night (178.50pp for four nights) includes full breakfast and is based on two sharing. A free bottle of wine on arrival is also included.

4 nights for the price of 3 at the four star theroyalhotel in Cardiff - 57.50pppn -
Opening mid August 2005, theroyalhotel is the city's newest and hippest hotel. This beautiful period property has all the trademark contemporary influences whilst the character of the period is celebrated. The original oak-panelled dining room was used by Scott to plan his trip to the Antarctic. The 65 bedrooms have interior design influences from the minimalist period. Enjoy a special four nights for the price of three offer for arrivals on a Sunday or Monday between 13 August and 4 September. The price of 57.50 per person, per night (172.50pp for four nights) includes full breakfast and is based on two sharing. A free bottle of wine on arrival is also included.

Who are Superbreak?

Superbreak.com, incorporating Theatrebreak.com, is the internet division of Superbreak Mini Holidays Limited, the market leader for short breaks throughout the UK. Superbreak is part of Holidaybreak plc, a publicly quoted leisure company whose share price can be found in most major UK newspapers, or at http://www.holidaybreak.com.

Based in York, England, Superbreak specialises in booking 2-5 star hotel accommodation throughout Britain for the leisure traveller. Superbreak hold allocations of rooms at all hotels and we can book up to and including the day of departure.

http://www.superbreak.com