Travellers can get up to 30% off a ‘lavish’ hotel stay this spring

With spring in the air, it’s the ideal time to take a pause, breathe in the fresh air and embark on a new adventure. Whether planning an impromptu family outing or a serene countryside escape, the UK is teeming with beautiful spots to explore – all without the hassle of passports and airport queues.

From a city break in scenic Bath to a rejuvenating retreat in Scotland, a weekend away is a brilliant way to unwind. With up to 30% off stays and a host of other perks for Preferred members, Macdonald Hotels and Resorts is a good choice for a luxurious break away from it all. Joining the Macdonald Preferred loyalty programme is free, and once travellers have completed the straightforward sign-up form on the website, they can enjoy numerous benefits and offers – including significant savings on hotel stays.

For those keen to discover a new location, there are plenty of Macdonald venues to choose from.

In the picturesque city of Edinburgh, the Macdonald Houstoun House is a prime choice for travellers, with prices commencing at £156.87 per night for members. Set within 22 acres of verdant woodland, this hotel provides a serene retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle while still being conveniently close to its museums, festivals and family-friendly attractions, reports the Mirror.

Other must-visit attractions include the grand Edinburgh Castle, the iconic Royal Mile, and for those seeking adventure, a hike up to Arthur’s Seat promises awe-inspiring panoramic views over the city. For those venturing further afield in Scotland, a road trip to the Scottish Highlands is a must, showcasing some of the most breathtaking natural scenery the British Isles have to offer.

Meanwhile, in the north-west of England, Cheshire is home to several Macdonald hotels. Near Chester – a city renowned for its beautiful Chester Cathedral, exotic Chester Zoo and the ruins of Britain’s largest Roman amphitheatre – you’ll find the Craxton Wood Hotel and Spa.

With double rooms starting at £99.90 per night for members, it provides spa facilities and treatments in a serene setting just 15 minutes from the city centre. Alternatively, the Portal Golf and Spa Resort is a four-star rural hideaway boasting three golf courses, a luxury spa and stunning views of the surrounding Cheshire countryside – and it’s dog-friendly to boot. Rooms at the Portal can be reserved from £81 per night for members.

If the historic city of Bath is more your cup of tea, the Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel offers a peaceful haven, featuring Georgian architecture that echoes the city’s aesthetic, lavish spa facilities worthy of the spa town, and exceptional 2AA Rosette cuisine.

Bath is an excellent city for walking, with its historic streets, gardens and museums waiting to be explored. Visitors can meander through Georgian streets, gaze at the impressive Royal Crescent and marvel at the beautiful architecture of Bath Abbey – or even hunt for filming locations from Netflix hit Bridgerton.

A short drive from Bath in the West Midlands, Shropshire is another picturesque spot.

Situated on the edge of Wales, this location offers breathtaking natural landscapes featuring waterfalls and hiking trails, as well as a variety of quaint towns to explore, such as the medieval market town of Shrewsbury. Macdonald’s Hill Valley Hotel offers members rooms from £110.70 per night and this stunning hotel comes with two golf courses, spa facilities, a cocktail bar and an onsite restaurant.

Providing the perfect mix of relaxation and outdoor activities, families, couples or even solo travellers can enjoy a leisurely stroll around Alderford Lake or simply relax by the hotel’s pool. If you’re looking for a break surrounded by centuries of history, the Macdonald Windsor Hotel is the ideal choice. Located opposite Windsor Castle, it offers access to fantastic parks and walks nearby.

The Theatre Royal, which has hosted performances from big names like Sir Ian McKellen and Hollywood and Grease star Stockard Channing, is also close by for those wanting to soak up some culture. For a hotel right in the heart of history, look no further than the Macdonald Windsor Hotel from £143 per night.

An added bonus is that it’s dog-friendly too, so you can bring your furry friend along for an extra £30 per night. If these options don’t appeal to you, there are plenty of other luxurious getaways available across the UK.

Those heading to Bath could check out the Bathen House Boutique Hotel, which is £313.67 per night on Booking.com for the Junior Suite and offers free parking, WiFi, a bar, and each room reportedly has a city view. Those after a spa retreat could consider the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa in Edinburgh, which offers a thermal spa experience including a rooftop hydropool, and will set you back around £300 per night in April.

Guests at Macdonald Hotels have been raving about their stays on Trustpilot, with one visitor saying: “What makes the Frimley Park hotel is its staff who are friendly and helpful. We did a one night spa break and found it to be good value for money. The rooms are comfortable and our meal in the restaurant was very nice. We really appreciated the staff storing our daughter’s birthday cake in the fridge. Many thanks.”

However, not every review was glowing, as one dissatisfied guest said: “The lobby/reception was nice and fancy, but to us that’s not really that important. We got to our room, which was okay and had a nice view of the sea, although somewhat underwhelmed by the large golf course between the hotel and the sea, which I suppose would be nice exclusively for people who play golf.”

However, another said: “Myself and my friend were at the Crutherland House and Spa for an indulgence day and overnight stay and I would like to say a special thanks to Victoria in the spa who was very knowledgeable on all the treatments and help me pick the perfect treatment for me, and also to Clare in the bar who went over and above to make our visit to the bar a lovely experience even although we were the only people in the bar.”