CHRISTMAS and Hogmanay hotel prices can be high, but it’s possible to grab a bargain during Twixmas to experience the glorious sparkle and festive vibes of hotels over the festive season (we’re talking huge Christmas trees, log fires, dark nights and lights twinkling) but at reasonable prices.
If you haven’t heard of Twixmas, it’s the magical period between Christmas and Hogmanay –December 27-30. It’s not only a good time to travel because it’s cheaper, but several attractions and restaurants are actually open to enjoy, so there’s more to do.
This period can also be a bit of a limbo, especially for those who celebrate a quieter Christmas and New Year. It could prove an ideal time for a bit of a diversion.
The opposite is equally true; if you’re the busy festive organiser in a bustling Christmas household overrun with visitors, Twixmas packages let you put yourself first, get waited on hand and foot, and relax!
Here are some of the best deals out there.
Dumfries Deal
The family run Cairndale Hotel in Dumfries has pulled together a bumper package at very reasonable prices that includes festive four-course dining, a full Scottish breakfast and live entertainment each evening.
Guests can also chill out in The Barracuda Leisure Club with a pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. Loungers pepper the poolside so it’s a space for relaxing and reading.
With the Forum Bar and Cafe situated next to the pool, sipping prosecco in the hot tub is perfectly acceptable! The offer is available from December 27-29, with one night costing £85pp, two nights coming in at £150pp and three nights are £210pp based on two adults sharing. Visit here.
Inverness Idyll
With the pressures of preparing for Christmas over, the five-star Ness Walk in Inverness has curated an indulgent two-day escape. Available from December 26, this riverside hotel’s Twixmas break includes two nights in one of their Laurel Rooms, à la carte breakfast each morning, a seasonal dinner in the Torrish restaurant and a Festive Afternoon Tea on the second day.
The Christmas inspired tea is beautifully wintery, combining festive flavours and aesthetics reminiscent of white, fluffy snow. The elegant savouries include a comté and walnut palmier and turkey pastilla, plus dainty finger sandwiches.
The sweet treats feature spiced orange meringue pie, Ness Walk Christmas cake, eggnog sable, and an apricot sachertorte. Upgrade with a glass of Guy De Chassey Grand Cru Champagne. Two nights cost £249.50 per guest, based on two adults sharing. Visit here.
A Highland Foodie Escape
Kilcamb Lodge in Strontian promises Christmas decorations, twinkling lights, festive garlands and roaring log fires, but it also boasts a 3 AA rosette chef. Kilcamb’s three-night Twixmas package is all about the food. It includes tea and cakes each day, a 3 AA Rosette dinner each evening in its Restaurant or Driftwood Brasserie, plus a full Scottish breakfast in the morning.
For those who fancy an intimate boutique hotel, with eleven smart but homely rooms, Kilcamb’s deals starts at £518 per person, for a three-night stay in a Mountain View room for two guests sharing. Visit here.
Browse Around
Alternatively, if you’re bargain hunting it’s not always necessary to book a Twixmas Break to grab a great deal. The Knipoch Hotel in Oban’s two-night “Spirit of Friendship” package runs till March 16, 2024.
Book it for Twixmas to receive a bottle of bubbles on arrival, a two-course meal on the first evening, and a gin and cream tea on the second afternoon, all from £99 per person per night. Visit here.
Bargain hunters can also find great deals without signing up to particular packages. The smart Apex hotels have notably reasonable prices for a Glasgow city break across the Christmas period.
Accommodation currently starts at £39.50 per person in a double room for four-star accommodation, situated right in the heart of the city centre on Bath Street. These prices will free up more of your budget for hitting the sales, dining out or visiting the sights. Visit here.
More options
Lastly, a few more deals worth browsing include Twixmas at Murrayshall Country Estate. Prices start at £159 for an Estate Room, including full Scottish breakfast in the Eolas Restaurant. Discover more here.
Alternatively consider a Peebles Hydro stay that includes breakfast plus full access to the pool, sauna, steam room and gym. Prices currently start at £470 for a two-night Twixmas break, based on two adults sharing. Find out more here.
Merry Twixmas!
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