Who doesn’t want to experience luxury on a budget? At Pennies to Pounds, we’re all about helping you to understand your finances and get the most out of your money. We’re big fans of treating yourself without breaking the bank, but what about when it comes to a little getaway? 

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Is it still possible to book a luxurious summer break or staycation without the hefty price tag?

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We were lucky enough to spend the night at the Leonardo Royal London Hotel, courtesy of Secret Escapes. This brand prides itself on unbeatable value and going above and beyond expectations to offer affordable yet luxurious breaks.

Here’s how it went:

After a quick train journey, we made our way into London to find our exclusive location for the night - a 4* hotel in the heart of the city with a spa and 24-hour room service (my kind of place). Upon check-in, we were immediately offered champagne (that’s how you know you’ve upgraded from the Travelodge) and made our way up to our Executive room, where our complimentary robes and slippers awaited us. 

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We spent the afternoon making full use of the spa facilities (pool, sauna, jacuzzi and steam room). As we were staying in an Executive room, we had access to the Executive Lounge (fancy, I know) throughout our stay. This is where we felt spoiled! Free drinks and food are available throughout the day. Fancy a little cake before lunch or an afternoon snack? They had it all. Not to mention, the alcohol available in the evening - no charge, of course. 

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As the hotel was in such a central location, we were able to take a short stroll to find somewhere for dinner before making our way back to our King-sized bed. A girl can only dream that she will have a king-sized bed of her own one day, so this was a luxury. 

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Now, here comes my personal highlight:

‍Breakfast. A first-class buffet that spanned from warm pancakes to omelettes made in front of you and scrambled eggs to smoothies. Everything tasted fresh, and most importantly, you could have as much as you wanted. 

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After exploring the rest of the hotel, it was sadly time to check out. We took ourselves up to the rooftop bar for a final drink to round off the weekend (which is an absolute must for the best view of St Paul’s alongside some tasty cocktails) and headed home.  

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So, was it worth it?

Secret Escapes values luxury experiences, and I must admit, we were not disappointed. The champagne on arrival and chic architecture set the tone for a comfortable stay with a luxurious, exclusive feel. We felt fancy!

Additionally, breakfast, access to the spa, and the Executive Lounge were all included in the room price, so we were well-equipped for the weekend without incurring any extra expenses, which can easily add up, especially in London.

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Secret Escapes has kindly provided us with a code ‘PENNIES25’ to give you £25 off bookings of £150 or more. Hurry, because it’s only valid for the first 500 users!