How to plan the best surprise romantic break
Thinking of a romantic getaway with your partner? Here’s Staying Cool’s guide to planning a romantic break. A romantic break should in theory be all about spontaneity and fun, but we promise that planning will pay dividends.
We’ve had hundreds of couples stay with us for a romantic break over the past decade in Birmingham and here’s what we’ve learned:
WHERE TO GO?
Keep it simple
You don’t want stress on a short romantic break. Keep things as straightforward as you can. Rio is better kept for a fortnight’s holiday. Being stuck at an airport because your flight has been cancelled? Not romantic. Security checks and scanners? Not romantic. Spend more time on romance and less time (and money) on travel by staying closer to home. There are some brilliant places to explore in Britain, so you really won’t be missing out.
Throw practicality out of the window
You need to stay somewhere that makes your partner feel appreciated. An anonymous hotel chain might be great for a conference stay, but not so great if you are on a romantic break. Look for somewhere that has great lighting and some character. The same bland décor across 100+ hotel rooms does not say, “I love and appreciate you.” Obviously, we’re all unique and gorgeous, but our unique gorgeousness can be reduced by harsh lighting in a serious way.
Make it about them
Do your research and try to find somewhere that is their style. Can you picture them raving about the interiors? If you book that place, then you’ll be earning brownie points from the minute they check out the website. Find somewhere that will make them say “Ooh!” rather than “Oh..” while doing THAT face.
We always find that searching for ‘boutique’, ‘independent’, ‘cool’ or ‘stylish’ pays dividends. The term ‘luxury’ is often over-used and can make for a disappointing stay, so do double-check! Check out other guest reviews on sites such as Google and TripAdvisor. Both allow you to search specifically for “romance” related reviews.
If you want privacy, and are planning to spend the whole time inside, then a city apartment could be a better option than a hotel for your romantic getaway as it is more spacious. Apartment hotels can offer the best of both worlds with both more space and services on tap. You won’t need to come out for days if you don’t want to!
Phone a friend
If you’re not sure what kind of city break or hotel your partner will love then there’s no shame in asking their best friend or a close relative to give you advice. Why not draw up a shortlist for your romantic-break accommodation and ask them to pick the one that they think will go down best? They will love to be involved in your plans.
GIVE THE WEEKEND A FOCUS (OTHER THAN THE OBVIOUS!)
If it feels a bit pressured to make the weekend all about ‘us time’ then plan things around an event. What is your partner passionate about? Serious muso? Get tickets for their favourite band. Foodie? Book the best restaurant for a type of cuisine they love. Here in Birmingham we would suggest spoiling them with a Michelin-star place, the theatrical and romantic Wilderness or somewhere funky such as Brum’s Digbeth Dining Club.
It could be good to think outside the romantic box! Dog lover? Get booking for Crufts at the NEC. Theatre mad? Catch a show at Birmingham Hippodrome. In need of a thrill? What about indoor skydiving at The Bear Gryll’s Adventure?
MAKE YOURSELF GORGEOUS
Feeling good
This one does not apply to new relationships as we just know you’ll put loads of effort in! But if you have been together for ages it’s easy to take each other for granted. What would you do if this was the first time you and your partner were going away for a weekend break? We’d suggest investing in some new undies and that all-important bit of personal grooming (all genders!).
Something as simple as a new outfit will also make your partner see you in a new light and remind them why they fell for you in the first place. Don’t spend too much though – that new shirt could end up being torn off you 😉
Zero slobbing allowed
Okay, so you may not spend much time in nightwear, but we’re hereby banning you from taking any slobby gear away with you. Old tracksuit bottoms and baggy t-shirts do not make for an excellent romantic break. Being comfortable without being at all slobby will pay off.
ALWAYS BE PREPARED
Romantic extras
There are a few important bits and bobs you may want to chuck into your luggage to enhance the romance factor. If your hotel room or apartment has a bathtub, pack a small bottle of your partner’s favourite bubble bath so you can have a soak together. A portable Bluetooth speaker is also a great idea for setting the mood or enjoying some tunes together while relaxing. Why not spend a few minutes putting together a playlist of tracks that are special to the pair of you in advance of your trip? Mega brownie points!
Spoil them rotten
Why not make your partner feel really appreciated by giving them a card when you arrive? If that doesn’t appeal a lot of hotels and serviced apartments offer the option of pre-booked treats to enjoy on arrival. If you want to splash out then why not order some flowers or a bottle of champagne for your room? It’s a simple, if traditional, way to show that you have put thought into making your romantic break a great experience. Or if you are on a budget you can bring a bottle of something with you in your suitcase. An ice cooler should keep anything white chilled enough. You can always ask your hotel for a bucket of ice to be waiting in your room.
If you’re looking for something a little different then how about ordering a gift to be delivered to the hotel and liaise with the Guest Relations team so it is waiting in the room when you walk in? Popular choices at our place have included books, tickets for the theatre, gigs and sporting events and…a pet!
Our Guest Relations and Housekeeping teams love nothing more than getting involved in planning surprise treats for your partner’s romantic break here in Birmingham, so do make the most of your hotel’s services. We will arrange rose petals on your bed and a welcome card too.
ABOVE ALL REMEMBER THAT…
You’ll get points simply for organising a romantic break for the two of you. Even if you don’t get to do all the above planning, you are going to have a fantastic time together.
Why not enjoy a romantic break in Birmingham with us?
Now that you have a better idea of how to prepare and what to pack for a romantic break, let us help you find the perfect accommodation. Staying Cool offers chic, modern serviced apartments perfect for a romantic weekend away. If Birmingham is your destination of choice, check out our Rotunda property for more information on apartment types which range from two-bed penthouses (ideal if you want a romantic break with little ones in tow!) to funky studio apartments. One of our Mini apartments was featured by The Independent in its piece ‘Birmingham’s A Great Place For Romance’.
Create the Ultimate Lovers Night In with Laurent Perrier Rosé champagne, Charbonnel et Walker sea salt caramel milk chocolate truffles, four fresh bagels with organic smoked salmon and cream cheese, plus a seasonal bouquet of flowers and rose petals sprinkled on your bed for just £95. Simply add this package to your booking in the Personalise Your Stay section of checkout when you book direct.
