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Book it: Four hotels to base yourself for a Christmas shopping spree

Cambridge is a paradise for vintage shopping - and there's not better base for combing the markets than The Varsity Hotel & Spa.
Cambridge is a paradise for vintage shopping - and there's not better base for combing the markets than The Varsity Hotel & Spa.

Sort your Christmas presents by day, gift yourself a stylish stay by night. Well, ’tis the season…

Dukes London

Shop... designer buys

The low-down: Following a multi-million pound refurb, this five-star gem of a British hotel, tucked away in a quiet side-street away from the Mayfair bustle, is in fine fettle. You can now choose a room decked with Liberty fabrics, dine out at its smart new all-day restaurant GBR, invite your dog as a VIP and or take a stroll to Bond Street in one direction or Knightsbridge in the other. Rest assured however that one thing remains refreshing unchanged - the legendery Dukes Bar, that serves arguably the best martinis in the world. And all with a smile.

Out and about: Get your walking shoes on and ask about the secret passageway that will take you straight into Green Park. Buckingham Palace Garden and St James Park are also minutes away.

Stella loves: ​The new mindful room service, The Beditation Butler, who will arm you with teas, tips and podcasts to help you sleep.

Words by Marianne Jones

From £422, room only; slh.com

• Read the full review: Dukes, London

dukes hotel, london
The emphasis on tradition at Dukes London is one of the Mayfair hotel's biggest draws.

The best things to do in London - and where to stay

The Varsity Hotel & Spa, Cambridge

Shop... open-air markets

The low-down: Tucked away on a sleepy side road by the banks of the River Cam, The Varsity's contemporary dash makes it the most desirable boutique hotel in town. Cosy to a fault, even the 'Undergraduate' rooms come with plush velvet furnishings, monsoon showers and Elemis goodies as standard. Its smart rotisserie and grill restaurant, with its floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the dreaming spires, and a rooftop terrace - heated in winter to host whisky sampling and gin tasting - really ramps up the wow factor. Impressive buffet breakfast, too.

Out and about: You can't beat an autumn walk through the city's leaf-strewn parks or along its punt-free waterways. For a stroll that comes with the promise of a "cup or mug" (your choice) of tea, there's the splendid Botanic Garden, with its super-flash terrace cafe that also serves great homecooked meals. Cambridge is also paradise for vintage shopping, not just regular antiques and books. For handmade jewellery, leather- and glassware in a bucolic setting, head to the buzzy open-air art and craft market at All Saints Garden. There are several good second-hand vinyl stalls at the historic outdoor market, where near-mint original pressings of Fleetwood Mac's Rumours start at £30. If the weather is inclement, riffle the racks at Lost In Vinyl, a trove of new releases as well as classic jazz, reggae and soundtracks. Dating back to the 17th century, The Eagle is the snug brown boozer where, in 1953, Watson and Crick announced they had cracked the secrets of the double helix; pay homage and raise a pint of Eagle's DNA.

Stella loves: The Sampled Lives exhibition at the Fitzwilliam Museum, which documents the lives of girls and women through embroidered and stitched samplers created by mid-17th century English Quakers and onwards. Available until May 2018.

Words by Paul Clements

Rooms from £145, b&b; thevarsityhotel.co.uk

• Read the full review: The Varsity Hotel & Spa, Cambridge

the varsity hotel, cambridge
The Varsity's contemporary dash makes it the most desirable boutique hotel in Cambridge.

The best hotels in Cambridge

No.15 Great Pulteney, Bath

Shop... independent boutiques

The low-down:This whimsical hotel has only been open for a year and has fast gained a reputation as a fun place for a weekend visit and is right in the middle of Bath’s shopping action. Perfect for couples or a small group of friends, each room is beautifully designed in its own quirky style. Maximalists will love the hoardes of knick-knack collections displayed on every surface. The cocktails are imaginative and excellent. For Austen-esque reveries book one of the big-windowed rooms at the front overlooking the grand Great Pulteney Street. Metres away from the Holburne Museum it’s a great location for making the most of the city.

Out and about: Don’t miss the wood-fired pizza at the lively, award-wining Oven Pizzeria. You think you know the Roman Baths but this well-executed museum is always a treat and worth the £15.50 adult entry price. The holographic recreations of Roman life around the baths are spookily atmospheric. Magalleria is one of the best magazine shops in the UK - with drool-worthy tomes for dog lovers, plant lovers and kids. Then head to Topping and Company around the corner, a beautiful bookshop you will want to linger in.

Stella loves:​The Larder. A help-yourself tuck room filled with snacks. Warning - sneaking down in the middle of the night will lead to disappointment. It’s locked.

Words by Kate Finnigan

From £149, b&b; no15greatpulteney.co.uk

• Read the full review: No.15 Great Pulteney, Bath

no 15 great pulteney, bath
For Austen-esque reveries at book one of No.15's big-windowed rooms at the front overlooking the grand Great Pulteney Street.

The best hotels in Bath city centre

Hope Street Hotel, Liverpool

Shop... vintage finds

The low-down:The dictionary defines 'boutique hotel' as 'a small stylish hotel, situated in a fashionable urban location' - but it may as well have just printed a picture of Hope Street. With its wooden beams, luxe neutral palette and cosy reception area it has the small and stylish part nailed, while its location is on the doorstep of Liverpool's independent quarter, with all its excellent vintage shopping and hip bars (hello fashionable urban location). It’s also a 10-minute walk from the centre of town... if you can tear yourself away from your gorgeous room, that is. With its Bang & Olufsen TV and sound system, huge Egyptian-cotton-sheeted bed, and bathrooms accessorised with fluffy white towels and REN products that's easier said than done.

Out and about: You don't have to venture far to come across one of Liverpool's most fashionable restaurants - The London Carriage Works is right downstairs. All elegant glass shards and exposed brickwork, it serves up a modern-international menu made with local, seasonal produce, and a glass of English fizz at the bar is a must.

A five-minute stroll takes you to Bold Street at the heart of Liverpool's independent quarter. This is ground zero for cool vintage stores - don't miss Pop Boutique for 60s and mod-inspired buys, COW Vintage for retro leather jackets and 69a on neighbouring Renshaw Street for vinyl and one-of-a-kind homeware. Want to stay on the trendy train? Head to Botanical Garden for gin cocktails, craft beer and DJs with a secret-garden vibe.   

Stella loves: Relaxing post-shop with a glass of English fizz at the bar.

Words by Charlotte Cox

From £89, room only; hopestreethotel.co.uk

• Read the full review: Hope Street Hotel, Liverpool

hope street, liverpool, england
Hope Street Hotel sits on the doorstep of Liverpool's independent quarter, with all its excellent vintage shopping and hip bars.