Aachen House's advantages are just as attractive if you are coming from closer to home than most of this boutique hotel's guests, writes John Gardner.

Heading uphill for the night is exciting whether you're staying in a mountain refuge or a luxury lodge, but now a handful of Swiss resorts offer a more unusual place to kip: an igloo.

Tongariro Holiday Park is a good base for summer or winter holidays, just make sure you fill up your petrol first, writes Rod Emmerson.