The Swan at Hay, Hay-on-Wye: hotel review

The chintzy restaurant is awaiting a refurb (and the bedrooms are a little fussy) but no one is looking at the wallpaper when the food is this good. Shame the hotel itself isn’t as creative as the brilliant menu

Serifos, Greece: great interiors, even better outdoors

For beauty, Serifos is up there with the Cyclades’ more famous islands – but it surpasses them for easygoing charm, which is why Athenians come here. That and the stylish places to stay

Concrete thinking’s in fashion at Brussels’ brutalist Jam Hotel

Budget hotels always offer basic, boxy rooms, but not many are as creative as this alternative gem in the Belgian capital

Wright’s Food Emporium, Llanarthney, Carmarthenshire: review

This pub/cafe/deli on the edge of the Brecon Beacons made a name for itself with its excellent food and laid-back charm. Now it’s added stylish accommodation ‘over the shop’ so diners can crash out after dinner

Discovering Portugal’s wild side

For unspoilt countryside, top camping, hiking, wild swimming, plus great local food and wine – and all doable in a weekend from the three main airports – try one of these itineraries from Edwina Pitcher’s Wild Guide Portugal

Mimi’s, Soho, London: hotel review

An affordable hotel in the heart of Soho is bound to be a winner but, despite all the cafes and bars on the doorstep, our writer would still like a cuppa in her room

Greece on a budget: locals’ tips on where to stay and eat

Still in the midst of its debt crisis, the notion of UK travellers on a budget in Greece might induce some black humour from locals, but tourists can help the economy – and save a few euros themselves

France on a budget: an expert guide to holidaying like the French

A few weeks’ vacances in countryside, coast or mountains are regarded as a universal right in France, and the French are expert at it. Here are some tips on copying them

Italy on a budget: live la dolce vita at affordable restaurants, hotels and spas

Italy is a nation that loves a bargain, so follow the locals’ example and explore great-value food options, low-cost hotels and cheap – or free – beaches and spas

Spain on a budget: expert tips on holidaying like the Spanish

Rural stays, funky hostels, out of season deals and smart sharing apps – do as the locals do and seek out affordable experiences in priceless locations

Budget hotels in Europe: readers’ tips

Our readers’ selection offers great locations – from the heart of Venice to a Pyrenean valley – for beguiling prices

Artist Residence, Brighton: hotel review

For an ‘accidental hotelier’ the owner of this Regency townhouse hotel is doing a pretty impressive job, offering a sophisticated seaside stay in artist-designed rooms plus high-end dining

Barbados holiday guide: the best beaches, restaurants, bars and places to stay

You don’t need a pop star’s budget to enjoy the palm trees and ‘sunny Caribbean sea’ of this popular island. Genie Austin reveals her homeland’s best beaches, cheap eats, rum shops and typically tropical activities

The Vicarage, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire: hotel review

This new pub with rooms is a welcome addition to conservative Cheshire’s food and accommodation scene – even though it’s not quite as offbeat and designery as it tries to make out

Mash Inn, Radnage, Buckinghamshire: hotel review

This pub with rooms is surrounded by Michellin-starred restaurants, but the food here is good enough to rival the famous names – and at a fraction of the price