Starwood Preferred Guest - Help with Scotland/Ireland Vacation

Hi-

We're considering a trip to Ireland and Scotland this summer and, as usual, want to do it with points to the extent possible. Are any of the major cities worth 5 nights? Anything to do in Turnberry except golf (fine for me but the wife might complain after a few days!)? My brother-in-law went a few years ago and they spent a few days in many cities. Doing so would probably not allow us to use points in most places. If I want to minimize cash and maximize points, should I pick another destination?

As always, thanks for the advice. :)

Sometimes it works to have a "base" and do day drives but I don't know if I would recommend the Dublin Westin. We stayed for a few days 2 weeks ago and although the drive to Waterford wasn't that far, it took 2 1/2 hours to get there. Driving in Ireland is a challenge. But someone else might have a different idea.

Try using the search. Part of this question was on this thread only a few days ago.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=626560

Hi-

We're considering a trip to Ireland and Scotland this summer and, as usual, want to do it with points to the extent possible. Are any of the major cities worth 5 nights? Anything to do in Turnberry except golf (fine for me but the wife might complain after a few days!)? My brother-in-law went a few years ago and they spent a few days in many cities. Doing so would probably not allow us to use points in most places. If I want to minimize cash and maximize points, should I pick another destination?

As always, thanks for the advice. :)

Having worked in Turnberry, Westin Dublin and the new Sheraton in Fota Islan, Cork, I would say that you would be better spreading your time a bit more thin than 5 nights in one place.

Turnberry is a beautiful location, with Golf (obviously), and a lovely Spa, however after 3 days, it is likely that you would have seen the best that the area has to offer.

Edinburgh is a great city, with plenty to offer - the Sheraton Grand is in a superb central location, again with a fantastic spa, but I always found 3 days sufficient.

On the Irish side, for Dublin you could apply the same as Edinburgh, fantastic hotel (minus the spa), great location, but 3 days could be enough.

And then Fota Island, stunning location, best Spa of the lot (in my unbiased view), with plenty of stunning drives to occupy yourself, as well as the golf here. By next spring we will have opened our brand new 9 hole course in addition to our existing championship 18 holes.

I hope this helps, if I can help any further PM me, or contact me directly at the hotel.

>>James Doherty
Assistant Front Office Manager
The Sheraton Fota Island Golf Resort and Spa<<

Gotta love Flyertalk. Nowhere else do you get ownership like this. Plus we got the Lurker!

bear in mind that if you did go for edinburgh the festival is on in august. of course rooms may not be available in this peak season but if they are it is a great time to visit - apart from all the events in the main festival and fringe there is a great atmosphere. also many good day trips from edinburgh - st andrews, stirling, perth

Thanks for all the generous help.

Change of plans - we booked flights to the Pacific Northwest. But I'll print the advice to save for next year!

Again, thanks.

Steve