Ye Olde Bell*

I have paid lots of money to stay in 'design hotels' recently, and it got me thinking - we pay hundreds of euros, and get rooms designed as 'concepts' - they look ok, cost loads, have a toilet behind a half height frosted screen in the bedroom [Hi Hotel, Nice - don't go there!] but where is the comfy quilt, the open fire, the cosiness? It almost makes me hanker after some old school chintz...kinda. That way, you feel spoiled, comfy, at home [while being away and without all the laundry...]. I have seen photos of Isle Crawford's new design for Ye Olde Bell and it's top of my wishlist of stay places. It seems like the perfect autumnal or winter place to stay. The style is British - cosy - cool - country - bolthole. You can have a bath in a rolltop and then jump into bed with grey wool and Melin Tregwynt throws. Then spend the night reading from the Penguin Classics library at an open fire. If you don't see me one weekend, it's because I've got lost in this place.

Grand Hotel, Stockholm*

I was at Tent at the London Design Festival a few weeks back eyeing up lovely stuff and had to restrain myself from running off with some Isle Crawford chairs at the De La Espada stand. It reminded me of the chairs she uses in her recent interiors redesign of the Grand Hotel Sweden. I love how the high backed chairs let in the light beautifully but also make the seated feel so snug. She calls it 'seating for eating'. The light fittings at the Grand are just stunning - they include an artichoke light by Danish designer Poulsen and some delicate ceiling hung low pendants designed by Michael Anastassiades. I need to get me some Stockholm holiday time.

Missoni interiors - new Edinburgh hotel*

Seeing photos of the new Missoni hotel in Edinburgh has reminded me that my lovely boyfriend should treat me to two nights of luxury when we are next in Scotland. It looks like the room interiors have been designed in Missoni's trademark stripes, geometrics, and abstract florals in blacks, whites and silvers, so not in their usual kaleidoscope of colours. Maybe it is to reflect the Scottish weather! Missoni are also known for their inventive use of fabrics such as wool, cotton, linen, rayon and silk, but I won't know if they've pushed the interiors envelope on this unless I pay them a visit.