'I stayed in hotel with magical views to rival the Mediterranean just 2 hours from Manchester'

With the busiest month of the British holiday season finally here, many of us will be jetting off to exotic locations.

But, as Liverpool Echo reporter Ellen Kirwin discovered, you don't have to travel far and wide on a plane to be treated to breathtaking seaside views.

Just last week, Ellen had the pleasure of enjoying a staycation at the picturesque Quay Hotel and Spa in North Wales. Promising to deliver breathtaking views over the Conwy Estuary and historic Conwy Castle, the coastal hotel certainly lived up to expectations.

After a mere hour and 20-minute drive from her base in Liverpool city centre, Ellen was astounded by the beauty practically on her doorstep. She said: "In the past, I've travelled far and wide only to be met with mediocre beaches, but these enchanting views were right under my nose."

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Ellen's delight continued as she entered The Quay Hotel, greeted by an incredibly friendly staff member who checked Ellen and her partner in and confirmed details. This included a dinner reservation at the hotel's Ebb and Flow Restaurant, which they were very much looking forward to.

Once the couple reached their room, they were astounded by the views which delivered the ultimate 'wow-factor.' She said: "Our bed overlooked room-length sliding doors which overlooked a small dock with three boats tied up.

"These doors opened out to a private balcony which allowed us to really take in the views across the marina and towards Conwy Castle. Even the window in the bathroom overlooked the water, making it the most opulent bathroom I'd ever had the luxury of using."

The couple were were staying in the executive