Last year, I took my occupational pension. Not much, but one new thing I do is stay in pleasant hotels every couple of months. The hotel stays are excellent for a three- or four-night writing boost. I go on my own, with my laptop under my arm. There’s an overwhelming sense of bliss that I won’t have to cook, shop, clean, do the washing, or garden for a few days. I can have a wonderful breakfast and then a great evening meal with a glass of wine. This really seems luxurious to me, although some people can’t understand why I don’t get bored.
As I near my destination, my mood lifts, with sea and mountain views, the sun often shining, and the prospect of a break. I often choose hotels located by the sea. Then, I can take a walk to clear my head when I need to.
Many writers’ retreats cost a fortune. They contain workshops and provide the opportunity to meet like-minded people. But my self-made retreat works perfectly for me.
One issue is the single room supplement. But if I book well in advance for a Sunday night (which is nearly always cheap) and/or midweek, the prices are good.
The hotel stays keep me ‘pinned’ to the desk. I could do other things, but I usually know the area around the hotel well and am not tempted to venture far.
If I can afford it, I travel first class on the train. Sometimes it’s £30 or so extra, and it’s more comfortable. A single seat, drinks and snacks brought along the aisle, most people are quiet. I like to travel in style when alone.
After three or four nights, I start to miss my husband and home and am glad to see them again. While I’m away, he works on his various projects (without nagging), goes out with his mates (again, without nagging), and is pleased to see me when I return.
Over Christmas and New Year, we took a cruise to New Zealand from Sydney. We enjoyed seeing New Zealand, but the route meant several days at sea. We spent much time in our cabin, writing: my husband also writes. I was surprised by how much I got done. Perhaps, in the future, I could take a short cruise, and spend the ‘on boat’ times writing.
Part of the fun of hotel stays is selecting the hotels. I need to feel relaxed when staying; otherwise, I won’t be able to write. Many hotels look perfect in their descriptions but turn out not to be quite right: noisy, with rude staff and average food.
I’m aiming to have a catalogue of hotels around the country that I can reach easily by train. So far, I have two, both beside the sea. There’s a long way to go, but I’m enjoying the search!