May 18, 2011

The 10 Best Places for a Hen or Stag do on LoveThis.

Most of us only have one Hen or Stag Do, so it's important to find the right place to enjoy the last vestiges of freedom. I've been on a fair few stag weekends and so I feel I'm in a good position to comment on most of the Top 10 most recommended locations for Stag Do's on LoveThis...

Antwerp – I would personally recommend this as I went there last year. It’s really easy to get to via Eurostar. Full of bars, karaoke and decent restaurants. Incredibly cheap hotel rooms. Not so popular that stag or hen nights are banned or unwelcome. I stayed at the IBIS hotel, which is central and went to many bars, the names of which elude me but there was one where the barman was incredibly tall (well over 7ft). Try Petrol if you really want to party or Den Hopsack if you want to see local artists of all backgrounds perform on a quieter night.

Edinburgh – Not great if you are very posh and very English but great for everyone else. (Why? Listen to the words to ‘Flower of Scotland’). The downside ( or it could be an upside) is that there will be lots of other stags and hens happening at the same time and that you are unlikely to get turned away from anywhere (have you ever heard of a Scot turning away money?). The piano bar in Hanover St is a must as is a trip to one of the many fish and chip shops (Haggis in batter is incredibly tasty). The Good Pub Guide recommend a few pubs on LoveThis, including The Bennets.

Bournemouth – if your impression of Bournemouth is lots of old ladies huddled in blankets overlooking the sea, then you probably won’t know that Bournemouth is the clubbing capital of Britain. And what better way to sober up than a dip in the sea? Try The Dean Park for a good, hangover curing Sunday roast.

Newcastle – Aside from having to dress up to get into clubs, Newcastle is one of the friendliest cities in the world and a place to have a laugh. The Bigg market is where it all happens and everyone takes going out very seriously ( hence the strict dress code).

At a music festival – One friend went to the V Festival 6 years in a row without seeing a single band. As an environment to be around your nearest and dearest friends, it takes some beating. Other benefits are that you’ll walk a lot and you’ll be outside the whole time, so it’s a healthy option.

Paris – The Parisians are known for their aloof attitude/ rudeness, but on a stag or hen do, this really doesn’t matter because the chances are that you will be rather more obnoxious than they are. Plus great food almost everywhere, a McDonalds that sells beer and hotels to suit every budget. Hens wanting a (somewhat) civilised cocktail should visit The Hemingway Bar.

Prague – the stag and hen capital of Europe, due to cheap beer and cheap clubs. Although there are nice places to eat, you have to know where to go. Mecca is a popular ‘superclub’ amongst LoveThis members and Studio 54 is open late (or rather, early..) for those who plan to have an all-nighter.

Las Vegas – If you haven’t seen the movie, The Hangover, do. It’s all the inspiration you need for a trip to Vegas…

Krackow – Some say it’s the new Prague. Avoid if you fear going underground as most of the bars seem to require descending some stairs, but otherwise it’s a great (and cheap) place to visit.

Cabo San Lucas – A fair few celebrities have chosen to party here before tying the knot, including Christina Aguilera and Zoe Ball. Americans will be ware of Los Cabos, but many Europeans haven’t heard of it. Think an American version of Amsterdam with sun, sea and sand. Try the One&Only Palmilla if you want a quiet bit of luxury for your hangovers (maybe not if you intend to go too crazy..). And you have to visit the Happy Ending Cantina, one of Cabo’s most famous bars

Enjoy!

James

P.S. See what Alexis, founder of LoveThis, has to say on his blog...