Move over Ritz-Carlton.   City Inn is a new, independent brand of modern, stylish, city centre hotels - & it's taking the UK by storm.   Founded in 1995 by Sandy Orr, Donald MacDonald & David Orr, the City Inn brand & company was created from scratch.   The first hotel opened in Bristol in 1999, & since then City Inn's added London, Birmingham & Glasgow to its portfolio.   Each hotel features the City CafŽ restaurant, which offers modern European cuisine & al fresco terraces in the summer - ooh lˆ lˆ.

City Inn's best known for its commitment to business travellers, & it won the top award for business hotel brands at this year's Business Travel World Awards.   It also picked up the Group Hotel of the Year prize at the 2005 Caterer & Hotelkeeper Awards, & was counted among the top five UK hotels in the Guardian/Observer Travel Awards in 2004.

Thursday through Sunday tend to be the quietest days of the week, & this is when groups can really benefit.   Large parties can receive 30 to 40% off the regular price of a superior double room; however, prices depend on the hotel, the season & the number of rooms available.

Delivering beyond your expectation is central to City Inn's philosophy: you can expect queen-sized beds in twin or double rooms, a walk-in power shower & mist-free mirrors, a flat-screen television, & a DVD/CD player with complimentary music & movie library.   Staff are also happy to arrange taxis, restaurant reservations, & tickets for theatre, shows & local attractions.   Now that's service.   Take a look at www.cityinn.com to find out more about each of their four locations & for specific bookings information.

Away from the hustle & bustle of the city, Grand UK Hotels offer group organisers good service & hospitality near sites of outstanding natural beauty.   Locations include Bridlington, Skegness, Newquay, Blackpool, Kendal, Llandrindod Wells, Llandudno & Blair Atholl, & all of the properties are well-placed for visiting different tourist attractions.

Whether you're planning a weekend break or a longer stay, Grand UK can arrange special rates for bed & breakfast stays or complete group packages, which include coach travel, excursions, insurance, & an experienced tour guide.   The Welsh Experience Weekend at the Glen Usk Hotel in Llandrindod Wells is a good example of the sort of holidays Grand UK organise: accommodation, coach travel & an evening choir performance cost from £139 per person.   Give Harold Burke a ring on 01603 886740 if you'd like further details; alternatively, email harold.burke@ theukholidaygroup.com

Sometimes all you're looking for in a hotel is a comfortable home from home.   Elizabeth Hotels pride themselves on high standards of comfort, fine food, & good, old-fashioned service.   The group consists of 13 hotels & 4 inns, which range from a 12-bedroom coaching inn to larger properties in coastal resorts & countryside locations.   Group stays include three-course dinners every day, & the choice between continental or full-English breakfasts.

You'll find Elizabeth Hotels in Norfolk, Suffolk, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire & Lancashire.   If you're looking to sort accommodation in any of these areas you should try their dedicated groups department on 0870 116 2701 or take a look at some of their hotels on www.elizabethhotels.co.uk.         Q marks the spot

It's nice to visit historic buildings on a day trip, but what about staying in one overnight?   QHotels offer an elegant & traditional atmosphere - & among their 8 hotels you'll even find a historic landmark or two!  

QHotels are conveniently situated across the UK so it's worth visiting their website for special offers & group rates.   Go to www.qhotels.co.uk.