Rabbits Play In The Meadows Behind This Lovely Motorway Lodge. (Days Inn Abington)

Member Name: Machair1

Product:	Days Inn Abington
Date:	17/08/09 (37 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap, comfortable and very much better than anything Travelodge offer.

Disadvantages: None

I suggested this hotel to Dooyoo a few weeks ago because I have stayed here many times, and really feel it offers something more than just a Travelodge level of accommodation for the driver on route between the North of England and Scotland.

I have made this journey on average 10 times each year, as until recently both my daughters were in Scotland, and I often used to travel there to see them. I also make the run to reach a ferry terminal point which serves the Outer Isles, where I am increasingly spending more and more time.

I will and do book Travelodges, if I can secure a cheap deal, but I don't like them, and if I have my little dog with me I am afraid they are out of the question now they have added a £20 dog charge payable on arrival.

No I will always opt for the Days Inn at Abington if it is available, as it has a lovely position overlooking open fields about 45 minutes drive from Glasgow on the M74.

Now it isn't in isolation as the main motorway service area is adjacent, but it quietens down at night, and the result is a view speckled with rabbits that play for hours in the meadows behind the hotel.

If you are thinking of booking this then have a look at www.daysinn.co.uk or you can also phone them on 0800 0280 400.The hotel is part of the Wyndham chain of hotels and you can find their loyalty scheme details at www.wyndhamrewards.com/uk/. It is worth collecting points each time you stay as they soon mount up giving you free nights.

Cost per room if you book ahead is always under £40 for a good size family room which sleeps 2 adults and 2 children, and for a few pounds more you can opt for an executive suite which is decked out with a few extras including coffee maker, fridge and iron, handy one would imagine for sales staff making regular business visits in the week in the locality.

What I adore about the Days Inn at Abington are the beds. They are really comfortable, and each one I have slept in has been as good as the last. This is in contrast to many Travelodge beds which have appalling mattresses, which are quite simply dreadful.

The rooms at Abington are simply furnished but spotlessly clean, and they have more than the stark minimalism of their rival lodges.

The rooms have working areas and plenty of wardrobe space, and the views out of the window are simply gorgeous. Being dog friendly this is a great bonus for me, and the bathrooms are always lovely with plenty of hot water and a shower over the bath.

Now visitors to this area have a choice of lodges within striking distance including Gretna, Carlisle, and of course nearby at Annandale Water The Premier Inn also has a rather nice hotel with a lake to the rear. This means that Abington has to remain competitive if it is to secure good occupancy and repeat custom, and I would say that it is working well to achieve this.

Staying here is a real pleasure to me and one I look forward to. There is the option of a continental breakfast delivered to the room, but with the nearby service area having a good coffee shop this is by no means mandatory. We usually wander down to the service area and enjoy some real Italian coffee in pleasant surroundings. You can get more substantial meals there too.

This is a picturesque spot for the weary traveller, and it is sometimes hard to remember you are only a stones throw from the motorway. It's an oasis of peace and a cheap retreat for the night for sure.

As this hotel is only 45 minutes from Glasgow and Edinburgh you can easily stay here and use it as a base for visiting these cities, and as the drive is simply motorway all the way it makes a peaceful stop with an easy drive, and offers a good saving on inner city room rates.

Waking up is lovely, rabbits playing all over the horizon and the feeling of space. Good value accommodation in a peaceful and tranquil setting.

This review also appears on Ciao under my use name there Violet1278.

Summary: An oasis of peace off the main route to Scotland.