The Balmoral’s two award winning restaurants, number one and Hadrian’s have kicked off 2008 on a high, with both restaurants launching brand new exciting menu concepts for the coming year. In addition number one is celebrating after winning the “Fine Dining Experience” Award at last night’s inaugural Scottish Restaurant Awards 2008.

The number one team collected the prestigious award at a glittering ceremony at the EICC last night. The awards, which were launched this year, recognise the creativity, outstanding customer service and top quality dining that is on offer throughout Scotland.

The judging panel agreed that number one restaurant offered its customers the ultimate sophisticated dining experience. All three finalists in the category were considered to be trend-setters as opposed to followers, offering clients the best of inventive gourmet food.

On the back of this great news, Executive Chef Jeff Bland and number one’s Head Chef, Craig Sandle are delighted to introduce a brand new “Chef’s Seasonal Tasting Menu”. This new menu is designed to be a truly affordable way to enjoy Michelin starred cuisine. Priced at only £38.50 per person, the three course menu has been selected by The Chef to represent the best local and seasonal produce available and will be offered on Sunday to Thursday nights throughout March. Highlights of the “Chef’s Seasonal Menu” include Leek and Truffle Ravioli with Potato Confit and Perthshire Pheasant, Lentil and Madeira Jus. Jeff Bland has also unveiled a brand new individually priced À La Carte menu, the highlights of which will feature in the ever popular Chef’s Tasting Menu, £60.00 per person.

The Balmoral’s relaxed and stylish Hadrian’s Brasserie has also launched a brand new Prix Fixe Menu which will change on a monthly basis and showcase the best Scottish produce around. The menu will be offered at lunch and dinner, with lunch prices starting from £12.95 for two courses. Highlights of the menu include Smoked Cullen Haddock Tartlet, Supreme of Scottish Salmon with Peas à la Française and Roast Loin of Scottish Pork.

Jeff Bland, The Balmoral’s Michelin-starred Executive Chef said: “The Balmoral’s restaurants have had one of their most successful years yet, winning eight accolades in 2007. I am delighted that 2008 has got off to such a great start with the “Fine Dining Experience Award”. We are looking forward to another exciting year with a great selection of brand new menus reflecting the passion and enthusiasm our restaurant teams and Chefs have for the fabulous, seasonal produce we have right here on our doorstep in Scotland.

Unlike at its larger Heathrow sibling, the Gatwick airport hotel situation is easily-navigable, diverse in options, and fairly priced (relative to the rest of England). The only types of accommodations missing are at the ultra-high and ultra-low ends of the spectrum. Otherwise, do you want to feel like you are in the English country side? The Langshott Manor is your answer. Want a top business hotel walkable from the airport? The Hilton and Sofitel are there. What to sleep inside the airport itself? Check out the “cabins” at the Yotel. Want a relatively inexpensive and comfortable room with free wireless internet? Read on for our three excellent selections.

Overall Best Gatwick Airport Hotel:

Langshott Manor
It is a special airport hotel that can envelope its guests in the local atmosphere and make the airport seem a world away. And the Langshott Manor is a special airport hotel. Built on the framework of an 1850 Tudor house, the Langshott is the sort of fairy tale mansion that catches the eye when driving by on the road and makes one think “I wish I lived there!” Not that it is easy to see from the road; the Langshott sits on three acres of woods and sculpted gardens framed by herbaceous. Inside, the lobby feels Elizabethan, warmed visually by wood panels and physically by a fireplace. The rooms themselves tend to exert a more modern and sophisticated ambiance. Each of the 22 rooms are individual in design; none disappoint but we are especially partial to the elite Henry VII suite, and the Leeds bedroom (overlooking the croquet lawn). The one complaint that we, and some other guests, have is that the dinning experience feels a little snooty. But then this is an English manor. And there’s no complaint about the price — all of this luxury is yours for less than what you’d pay at one of the international chain hotels. (You’ll likely get a discount over the rack rate when you book through Airport Hotel Guru) . Request your free airport transfer when you book. In short: most highly recomended!

READ MORE ABOUT THE BEST GATWICK AIRPORT HOTELS

The Hotel & Resort Insider just released its list of the most happening London hotels. It is only natural that in a city where at every block old meets new, urban meets green gardens, and people of all nationalities and ethnicities are intertwined, that its hotels would also carry distinctive contradictions that make them both intriguing and a pleasure to stay at.

Of course, this level of sophistication and style comes with a hefty price tag, but a trip to London would not be complete with out either and it certainly pays to have excellent cuisine and posh lounges just down the elevator. Here’s some of the happening London hotels, from the HRI list and a few of our favorites as well…

Threadneedles: Attracting both business and leisure travelers alike, this hotel presents itself with a highly luxurious experience for both work and play, with detailed personal service and attention.

Haymarket Hotel: Décor to die for, this hip yet inviting hotel has specially designed guest areas including a library, conservatory and indoor pool. In London’s Theatre District, it’s close to many vibrant London areas.

Metropolitan: This is apparently the place to see and be seen, if that’s your scene. Home to the well-known Nobu restaurant, the hotel is pure modern luxury and service situated amongst a few of the most well known and high-end areas of London.

The Berkeley: Fancy meets family-friendly in this historic hotel that dates back to the 19th century and offers an array of services to make life traveling with children a luxury breeze.

Sanderson Hotel: This Morgan’s Hotel Group creation radiates hipness with colorful yet modern furniture displays and playful elements such as the giant red lips couch and the gorgeous pool table. 2 bars, a courtyard and more make Sanderson the place to stay and to play, in London.

Find Luxury Hotels in London at Perfect Escapees.

Find other Luxury Hip Hotels at Perfect Escapes.

By Sarah Ziering for Perfect Escapes

London is home to over 70,000 hotel rooms. Which ones do the celebrities choose while in town? Which ones are the most expensive? You are about to find out!

The hotel is located next to some of the most exclusive shopping in the world, including Harrads and the renowned Harvey Nichols. The most exclusive rooms at the Sheraton Park Tower Hotel are the Penthouse Suites, which offer 360° of luxury.

Sleep off your hard day at the newest luxury hotel in Liverpool - The Beatles themed Hard Days Night Hotel. The hotel located in the ‘Beatles Quarter’ of the city, features visually stunning, artwork covering key events in the lives of John, Paul, George and Ringo. The artwork, seen throughout the hotel, features the specially commissioned ‘Shannon Collection’ and a unique statue of John Lennon, which greets guests in the hotel atrium.

The hip, 110 room hotel has two extravagant luxury suites. The hotel keeps a wrap on the details of the suites as to amaze the guests of the suites. However, it is said the Lennon Suite features its own white piano - paying tribute to the white piano Lennon plays on the back cover of the Imagine… Album. John Lennon’s sister, Julia, is quoted saying the $1,300 a night suite is “stunning” and “spectacular”. The other secret suite is the McCartney Suite which is said to pay tribute to his knighthood with the suite’s personal suit of armor.

The hotel isn’t just for Beatles Fans. The four-star hotel, housed within a 19th century mercantile building, also caters to business travelers and tourists with the deluxe rooms which contain en suite bathroom and shower, luxurious double bed, a leather topped desk and panoramic views of the Liverpool skyline.

The Hard Days Night Hotel opened Friday to guests. Reservations can be booked on their website http://www.harddaysnighthotel.com or by calling +44 (0)151 236 1964.