To my Valentine…

lastminute.com’s Valentine’s experiences and offers are guaranteed to make it a time to remember

Whether you’re looking for the perfect romantic getaway or trying to find that special gift this Valentine’s Day, lastminute.com, the UK’s leading online travel, hotel and leisure retailer has compiled the ultimate guide to Valentine’s this year including top deals on hotels, city breaks, restaurants, days out as well as gift ideas for him and her.

Eva Bojtos of lastminute.com comments, ‘For one reason or another, most of us have trouble when it comes to thinking about the perfect gift and something to do with our loved ones on Valentine’s Day. At lastminute.com, we’ve made it easy and have loads of Valentine’s Day inspiration, experiences and ideas from cruising along the Thames with your loved one, to learning how to make chocolate as well as luxury breaks to Paris and top restaurant deals. From the extravagant to the thoughtful and more affordable, there’s something to do to suit everyone.’

Hotel breaks – Top deals

Getaway or keep it local by spending a romantic night or weekend away with some top hotel deals on lastminute.com. From 5* luxury to the more affordable, there’s a range of hotels available in our top Valentine destinations, and we’ve picked out some of our favourites:

Hotels – Top Deals

1. Saint James & Albany Hotel-Spa, Paris In the heart of Paris, facing the romantic Tuileries Gardens, within easy walking distance from the Louvre Museum, Concorde Place and the Opera, the 17^th century Saint James & Albany Hotel-Spa is the perfect place for that romantic getaway. From £110
2. Book a Top Secret® Hotel Why the secret? Well, it’s how we can secure you up to 45% off luxury 4 and 5 star hotels. That’s because they don’t make this exclusive offer available to everyone. Simply choose a date and place, we’ll give you the hotel’s location, star rating and description. We can’t tell you the name of the hotel until you have completed your booking, but it will be a top named hotel which will certainly impress your loved one. Up to 45% off

Experiences – Top Deals

1. Couples collection – Why not buy an experience voucher that lets your lucky recipient choose from a selection of romantic, cultural or downright exciting experiences, including a Banquet Dinner for Two at Coombe Abbey,  Champagne Summer Concert for Two or Helicopter Thrill for Two to name but a few! £99

1. Valentine’s at Tower Bridge – Suspended 42 metres above the timeless tides of the River Thames, London’s most iconic landmark will welcome love struck couples to indulge in pink champagne and chocolates whilst gazing out over the unique views of the city at night. £15

Restaurants – Top deals

1. The Ritz Restaurant Dinner for two – To dine at The Ritz is to experience arguably the very best cuisine available anywhere in the world. With a range of spectacular rooms and a disparate menu, impress your valentine with a memorable occasion dinner at the Ritz. £165
2. Marco, London - Valentine’s Day Menu – Romance your loved one with 4 courses and a free glass of bubbly in this Marco Pierre White restaurant.  The decor is darkly good-looking, with circular leather booths, sultry lighting, gleaming mirrors and crystal-studded pillars – perfect for that indulgent Valentine’s dinner. £55
3. Brumus, London - Valentine’s Day Treat your valentine to a four course menu at the stunning Brumus restaurant, including a glass of Pommery Rose Champagne on arrival. £55

Gifts for her – Top deals

1. Cupcakes & Cocktail - What better way to enjoy learning how to make and decorate delicious cupcakes than to do it whilst sipping a cocktail. This is a hands on class where you will learn how to make cupcakes quickly and easily with the emphasis being on beautiful decoration. 25% off, from £35
2. Chocolate Workshop – If your girlfriend loves eating chocolates, then chances are she will love this. She’ll learn the art of the chocolatier and discover how to make delicious chocolates using the finest of ingredients, cutting, dipping and decorating to make plenty of personalised handmade treats to take home. 20% off, from £84
3. Fashion Afternoon Tea for Two at the Mandeville Hotel – Set in fashionable Marylebone Village, close to London’s most exciting shops and galleries, the Mandeville prides itself on its stylish environment. Your girlfriend will love DeVille’s Afternoon Tea which includes pink meringues and designer cupcakes, beautifully presented on Zandra Rhodes china. £54

Gifts for him – Top deals

1. Supercar Fantastic Four – Your boyfriend’s dream is now a reality with this incredible experience, where he will drive not just one but four different supercars. 25% off, from £129

1. Food & Wine Workshop – Would you like your partner to know which wines go well with lemon, blue cheese, chocolate or smoked salmon? With this experience he will taste eight different style wines and learn the secrets of matching the right wines with food. 50% off, from £25

Spa Days – Top deals

1. The Harbour Spa –Enjoy a day at the luxurious Blue Harbour Spa at five star Wyndham Grand Chelsea Harbour hotel, and what’s more, if you buy a day pass, you receive the second one free! £25 for 2
2. Spa Day at Greenwoods retreat – enjoy a treatment each, light lunch and use of the indulgent spa facilities. At the beautiful 17th Century, Grade II listed manor house, a spa day at Greenwoods is an excellent way to let your loved one relax, refresh and rejuvenate with  a swim in the beautiful 20-metre lap pool, a workout in the gym or some rest and relaxation in the sauna, steam rooms or Jacuzzi. £99 and for 2
3. Tips, Toes and Tea for Two – get your fingers and toes painted, followed by a Champagne afternoon tea at One Aldwych, an award-winning contemporary luxury hotel, located bang in the middle of London in Covent Garden. £110 for 2

About lastminute.com

lastminute.com is the UK’s largest online hotel, travel and leisure specialist, with over 1.65 million visitors per week.  It provides customers with the best ways to make their free time go even further.  Whether planning a great night out, an amazing weekend away or a relaxing two-weeks somewhere far away from home, lastminute.com has it all – and at great prices.

lastminute.com offers customers the opportunity to book hotels, city breaks and flights, , buy tickets and experience packages and make restaurant reservations through its one-stop shop. From adventuring in the mountains to relaxing beach breaks, spa stays, theatre trips and dining, there really is something for everyone.

Get all the latest lastminute.com news at the press room. Visit http://pr.lastminute.com/

UPGRADE BRITAIN

lastminute.com reveals how far holidaymakers go for a free upgrade

12 January – According to research* out today by the UK’s largest online hotel, travel and leisure specialist lastminute.com, many of us could do more to get that hotel suite with a view, first class flight or the best seats in the theatre. A whopping three quarters (76%) of Brits have never enjoyed an upgrade whilst on holiday, suggesting that they are missing out on that extra bit of luxury that they could be privy to. On the other hand, 1 in 10 (9%) of us have rather deceptively lied or flirted their way to a free upgrade whilst out and about.

Upgrades are by far the most likely to occur when holidaymakers check into a hotel room with two thirds (66%) of Brits having achieved this. Londoners are the best upgraders, with more than a quarter (28%) of the city dwellers admitting to bagging a better experience than they originally bargained for when on holiday.

Just under a quarter (23%) of lies told in order to get an upgrade link to being engaged or on honeymoon, whilst more than one in 10 (15%) fibs relate to having an illness which requires more room and  5% of upgrade lies have even included arriving at a check-in  in a wheelchair with a newly sustained fake injury.  UK adults are certainly not afraid of complaining or putting on act as almost two fifths (39%) find that acting cross, nervous, frightened or embarrassed works when trying to get an upgrade, with more than a quarter (28%) lies being a made up complaint. Celebrating a special occasion such as a birthday tops the excuses for two in five (41%) whilst more than a tenth (12%) of upgraders flirt.

Top fibs told to secure an upgrade

1. Special occasion e.g. celebrating a big birthday (41%)
2. Making a fictitious complaint (21%)
3. Having an illness which requires more room (15%)
4. Being on honeymoon (13%)
5. Newly engaged (10%)
6. Arriving at check-in in a wheelchair with a fake injury (5%)
7. Faking a pregnancy (4%)
8. Being recently divorced and celebrating singledom (4%)

Mark Maddock, Managing Director at lastminute.com UK and Ireland comments, “It’s impressive that so many of us make the most of the opportunities that are out there – whether they are bagging top hotel suites or better seats on a flight. However, the vast majority are still missing out – a significant 76%. We want to make sure Brits get the best out of their holidays and with products such as Top Secret® Hotels, the upgrade is incorporated. By offering 5* experiences for 3* prices we are using our knowledge, experience and supplier relationships to bring customers deals that they otherwise wouldn’t get. We are now making the unattainable attainable and you need never cower in fear at the check-in desk again.”

For those looking to get a taste of five star luxury, lastminute.com’s Top Secret^® Collection – a free 10 day pop-up hotel experience – will open in central London on 13^th January and will showcase the very best of lastminute.com’s Top Secret^® products including Top Secret^® Hotel, Top Secret^® Restaurant, Top Secret^® Car and Top Secret^® Theatre, all guaranteed to give customers affordable treats right up until the last minute.

ENDS

About The Top Secret^® Collection

What: A luxury pop-up hotel experience, showcasing the very best that lastminute.com Top Secret^® Hotels have to offer, from food to fitness, cupcakes to cocktails and amazing giveaways.

Beauty therapists will be onsite across the 10 days providing a variety of treatments, including massage, foot reflexology, hand massages and Indian head, neck and shoulders massages.

When: 13 Jan - 22 Jan 2012. 11am – 7pm weekdays, 12 – 5pm weekends.

Where:  The Getty Images Gallery, 46 Eastcastle Street, London, W1W 8DX

For more information, please contact the lastminute.com team at lastminute.com@77pr.co.uk or call 020 7492 0977

Notes to Editors

*Research commissioned by lastminute.com and carried out by Vision Critical between 6-9 January 2012. Total sample size was 2,201 adults (aged 18+) in the UK.

About lastminute.com

lastminute.com is the UK’s largest online hotel, travel and leisure specialist, with over 1.65 million visitors per week.  It provides customers with the best ways to make their free time go even further.  Whether planning a great night out, an amazing weekend away or a relaxing two-weeks somewhere far away from home, lastminute.com has it all – and at great prices.

lastminute.com offers customers the opportunity to book hotels, city breaks and flights, , buy tickets and experience packages and make restaurant reservations through its one-stop shop. From adventuring in the mountains to relaxing beach breaks, spa stays, theatre trips and dining, there really is something for everyone.

Get all the latest lastminute.com news at the press room. Visit http://pr.lastminute.com/

5 STAR ROOMS, 1 STAR MANNERS

From wet towels on the floor to stolen slippers: lastminute.com reveals British hotel guests behaving badly

Wet towels on the floor, unmade beds and dirty laundry lying around – this may sound like a scene from a student flat but it in fact paints a picture of the slovenly behaviour many of us adopt when in a hotel room, behind closed doors. More than two thirds (68%) of Britons don’t bother making the bed and almost half (48%) of British holiday makers have gone so far as to pilfer something from their hotel room. According to research* out today from the UK’s largest online hotel, travel and leisure specialist lastminute.com, it seems that many of us go too far when it comes to making the most of room service and 5* rooms don’t necessarily equate to 5* behaviour from British hotel guests.

Light-fingered holiday-makers

The survey revealed that a significant 86% of those who admit to taking items from hotel rooms take toiletries from the room, whilst over a quarter (27%) walk away with hotel stationary or sewing kits, with over three quarters (79%) of them claiming that it’s excusable to take these items because they are freely available and meant to be used. A more brazen one in ten (14%) of those who have taken things from hotels rooms have admitted to taking bath towels and almost a fifth (18%) have stolen slippers or dressing gowns. Almost all thieving holiday-makers manage to get away with it however, as only 4% of them have ever been charged.

Top ten items taken from hotel rooms by Brits

1. Toiletries (86%)
2. Stationary (27%)
3. Sewing Kit (25%)
4. Bath Towel (14%)
5. Slippers (11%)
6. Bath robe (7%)
7. Nuts (4%)
8. Ashtray (4%)
9. Glassware/ crockery (3%)
10. Bedlinen (2%)

Guests behaving badly

Other slovenly behaviour that British hotel guests admit to includes neglecting to hang up wet towels after use – a quarter (24%) are guilty of this. Almost two thirds (65%) don’t hide dirty laundry and more than a third (37%) don’t bother to put clothes away. Almost a quarter (23%) of Brits leave lights and appliances on when they leave the room and half (49%) neglect to keep the bathroom tidy.

Eva Bojtos  of lastminute.com UK and Ireland comments on the findings, ‘It’s understandable that when we’ve splashed out on a luxury hotel stay we can expect to be waited on – after all, that’s what the room service is for! It seems that some of us take it a bit too far, however, clearly items such as bath robes and slippers belong to the hotels so do expect to be charged for such items if you take them home.’

For those looking to get a taste of five star luxury, lastminute.com’s Top Secret^® Collection – a free 10 day pop-up hotel experience – is now open in central London until 22^nd January  and showcases the very best of lastminute.com’s Top Secret^® products including Top Secret^® Hotel, Top Secret^® Restaurant, Top Secret^® Car and Top Secret^® Theatre, all guaranteed to give customers affordable treats right up until the last minute.

ENDS

About The Top Secret^® Collection

What: A luxury pop-up hotel experience, showcasing the very best that lastminute.com Top Secret^® Hotels have to offer, from food to fitness, cupcakes to cocktails and amazing giveaways.

Beauty therapists will be onsite across the 10 days providing a variety of treatments, including massage, foot reflexology, hand massages and Indian head, neck and shoulders massages.

When: 13 Jan - 22 Jan 2012. 11am – 7pm weekdays, 12 – 5pm weekends.

Where:  The Getty Images Gallery, 46 Eastcastle Street, London, W1W 8DX

For more information, please contact the lastminute.com team at lastminute.com@77pr.co.uk or call 020 7492 0977

Notes to Editors

*Research commissioned by lastminute.com and carried out by Vision Critical between 6-9 January 2012. Total sample size was 2,201 adults (aged 18+) in the UK.

About lastminute.com

lastminute.com is the UK’s largest online hotel, travel and leisure specialist, with over 1.65 million visitors per week.  It provides customers with the best ways to make their free time go even further.  Whether planning a great night out, an amazing weekend away or a relaxing two-weeks somewhere far away from home, lastminute.com has it all – and at great prices.

lastminute.com offers customers the opportunity to book hotels, city breaks and flights, , buy tickets and experience packages and make restaurant reservations through its one-stop shop. From adventuring in the mountains to relaxing beach breaks, spa stays, theatre trips and dining, there really is something for everyone.

Get all the latest lastminute.com news at the press room. Visit http://pr.lastminute.com/

TOP SECRET® COLLECTION UNVEILED

lastminute.com kicks off the year with a showcase event

13 January – lastminute.com, the UK’s largest online hotel, travel and leisure specialist, today opens the doors to the Top Secret® Collection. Based in Central London and open for 10 days, it will showcase the retailer’s Top Secret® products which offer 4* and 5* luxury for 3* prices. The range includes Top Secret^® hotels, Top Secret^® restaurants, Top Secret^® cars and Top Secret^® theatre seats.

For those looking to get a taste of five star luxury, lastminute.com’s Top Secret^® Collection will be open free of charge to members of the public at the Getty Gallery on Great Eastcastle Street, minutes from Oxford Circus. The luxury experience will showcase the very best that lastminute.com Top Secret^® has to offer, from food to fitness, cupcakes to cocktails and amazing competitions and giveaways. Beauty therapists will be onsite across the 10 days providing a variety of treatments, including foot reflexology, hand massages and Indian head, neck and shoulders massages. Customers are also able to book their hotel stays, theatre tickets, car hire and restaurant tables from the pop-up where lastminute.com staff will be on hand to give advice.

Matthew Crummack, President of lastminute.com comments, ‘Top Secret® Hotels embodies what we stand for: making the unattainable, attainable and offering 5* luxury for 3* prices. Through our Top Secret® offering we are using our knowledge, experience and supplier relationships to bring customers deals that they otherwise wouldn’t get. We are delighted to be able to showcase our online offering for the very first time in a physical space and believe it represents what lastminute.com stands for:  added value and affordable treats, especially at a time when we’re looking for those extra special moments.’

The Top Secret® Collection comprises:

TOP SECRET® HOTELS

Why the secret? Well, it’s how we can secure you up to 45% off luxury 4 and 5 star hotels. That’s because they don’t make this exclusive offer available to everyone.

Simply choose a date and place, we’ll give you the hotel’s location, star rating and description. We can’t tell you the name of the hotel until you have completed your booking, that’s the secret, but it will be a top named hotel.

So, upgrade yourself for less this weekend, with an amazing hotel experience.

TOP SECRET® RESTAURANTS

Why the secret? Well, it’s how you can dine at a Michelin star restaurant for less than £30.  That’s because they don’t release these exclusive deals to everyone.

Simply choose a location within central London and we’ll give you the type of cuisine and a sample menu.

The secret is you won’t find out the name of the restaurant until you have booked, but it will be one of our top Michelin starred restaurants.

So, enjoy award-winning restaurants for less, with a mouthwatering dining experience.

TOP SECRET® THEATRE SEATS

Why the secret? It’s how we can secure you a seat with a guaranteed saving in the top three seating bands for £35 at a musical and £27.50 at a West End play.

The secret is you’ll only find out your exact seats once you pick up your tickets on the day of the performance.

So, sit back and enjoy the show for less, from your prime positioned spot.

TOP SECRET® CARS

Why the secret? Well, it’s how we can secure excellent car hire deals all year round.

Deals that guarantee to take a further 10% off the price of the car you book.

That’s because they don’t make this available to everyone.

The secret is you won’t know who is providing your car hire until you have completed your booking, but it will be quality names such as Alamo, Avis, Europcar or Thrifty.

So, enjoy your drive about for less, in your quality set of wheels.

ENDS

For more information, please contact the lastminute.com team at lastminute.com@77pr.co.uk or call 020 7492 0977

Notes to Editors

When: 13 Jan - 22 Jan 2012. 11am – 7pm weekdays, 12 – 5pm weekends.

Where:  The Getty Images Gallery, 46 Eastcastle Street, London, W1W 8DX

Schedule of activity each day

Friday 13 January: Sales Escape

• lastminute.com bag boy available to carry weary shoppers’ bags
• Massages

Saturday 14 January: Sales Escape

• lastminute.com bag boy available to carry weary shoppers’ bags
• Foot reflexology, hand massages

Sunday 15 January:  Sales Escape

• lastminute.com bag boy available to carry weary shoppers’ bags
• Indian head massage, neck and shoulder massage

Monday 16 January: High Tea

• 11am- 3pm: High tea served
• Massages

Tuesday 17 January: High Tea

• 11am- 3pm: High tea served
• Foot reflexology, hand massages

Wednesday 18 January:  Workout Wednesday

• 11am- 4pm: Personal training session and January nutritional advice
• Indian head massage, neck and shoulder massage

Thursday 19 January: Happy Hour

• Pink fizz being served
• Massages

Friday 20 January: Happy Hour

• Pink fizz being served
• Foot reflexology, hand massages

Saturday 21 January: Secret Saturday

• lastminute.com bag boy available to carry weary shoppers’ bags
• Indian head massage, neck and shoulder massage

Sunday 22 January: Secret Sunday

• Massages

About lastminute.com

lastminute.com is the UK’s largest online hotel, travel and leisure specialist, with over 1.65 million visitors per week.  It provides customers with the best ways to make their free time go even further.  Whether planning a great night out, an amazing weekend away or a relaxing two-weeks somewhere far away from home, lastminute.com has it all – and at great prices.

lastminute.com offers customers the opportunity to book hotels, city breaks and flights, , buy tickets and experience packages and make restaurant reservations through its one-stop shop. From adventuring in the mountains to relaxing beach breaks, spa stays, theatre trips and dining, there really is something for everyone.

Get all the latest lastminute.com news at the press room. Visit http://pr.lastminute.com/

Twilight anticipation causes a boom in Rio honeymoon holiday searches

lastminute.com sees prime Twilight location soar

With the much anticipated premiere of Twilight Breaking Dawn hitting cinema screens next Friday 18 November, Twilight mania has seen flight, hotel and holiday searches to the film’s honeymoon destination, Rio de Janeiro, increase by 29% on lastminute.com, compared to the same time last year. The trend emerges as fans try to follow in the footsteps of Edward and Bella on their honeymoon.

Leading online leisure and travel retailer, lastminute.com has seen a boost in searches to Rio since the beginning of the month as well as an increase of 49% for hotel searches to Stratford, compared to this time last year, as Twi-hards prepare to stay close by and grab a piece of the action at the premiere location.

Eva Bojtos from lastminute.com UK and Ireland comments, “Rio de Janiero is a vibrant, exotic and idealistic destination. With the nickname ‘Marvellous city’ and with temperatures currently averaging 25 degrees, it’s no surprise that thousands of Twi-hards may be looking to re-create the Twilight honeymoon.”

To give Twilight fans a treat, lastminute.com reveals its top picks in Brazil’s ‘marvellous city’, Rio de Janeiro:

Rio’s most iconic landmark, Cristo Redento

Located at the peak of the Corcovado Mountain in the Tijuca National Park, this iconic symbol of Christianity and the second largest Art Deco statue in the world overlooks and protects the residents of Rio de Janeiro.

Sleep under the watchful eye of the messiah at Rio Othon Palace, located in at the foot of the Corcovado Mountain with views of one of the world’s most famous shorelines. Rooms start from £161 per night and are based on two adults sharing. To book visit www.lastminute.com

Top up your tan on Copacabana Beach

Famed the world over for its 4km white sandy beaches, clear blue sea and surf reefs, Copacabana Beach is located in the southern zone of Rio de Janeiro and renowned for being the liveliest beach in Brazil. This is a must visit hot spot for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the Brazilian way of life.

Make sure you’re right in the middle of all the action and stay at the five-star Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Copacabana, located on Copacabana beach front. Rooms start from £273 per night and are based on two adults sharing. To book visit www.lastminute.com

Head to Pão de Açucar for a panoramic view of Rio

Sugarloaf Mountain or Pão de Açucar in Portuguese rises 396 metres above Guanabara Bay harbour and is one of the most visited attractions in Rio. Take a ride on Sugar Loaf’s world famous glass cable cars and enjoy the wonderful view of Rio de Janerio and Copacabana beach as you ascend to the mountains peak.

Located just six miles away from Sugar Loaf Mountain, The Premier Copacabana Hotel is the perfect hotel for visitors looking for accommodation that’s within easy reach of Rio’s famous attractions. Rooms start from £134 per night and are based on two adults sharing. To book visit www.lastminute.com

Watch the beautiful game at Rio’s Estádio do Maracanã

Football and Brazil go hand in hand – as the home of the world’s most infamous football team and birthplace of some of the most legendary players the game has ever seen, a trip to the Estadio do Maracaniã is a must for all visitors. Brazilian’s describe a derby match between local Rio teams Flamengo and Fluminense as indelible a Rio experience as carnival.

Return flights from London Heathrow to Rio De Janeiro International Airport with Air France on lastminute.com start from £540, including taxes. To book visit www.lastminute.com

-ENDS-

Contacts

Press office team

lastminute.com@77pr.co.uk I 020 7492 0977

Notes to editors

lastminute.com is the UK’s leading online travel and leisure retailer, with over 1.65 million visitors per week.  It provides customers with the best ways to make their free time go even further.  Whether planning a great night out, an amazing weekend away or a relaxing two-weeks somewhere far away from home, lastminute.com has it all – and at great prices.

lastminute.com offers customers the opportunity to book flights and hotels, buy tickets and experience packages and make restaurant reservations through its one-stop shop. From adventuring in the mountains to relaxing beach breaks, spa stays, theatre trips and dining, there really is something for everyone.

The Reality TV Effect: Viewers shun Chelsea for breaks to TOWIE & Desperate Scousewives locations

lastminute.com sees decrease in searches to Chelsea whilst Essex and Liverpool are on the up

As Merseyside’s finest models and club promoters took to our screens last Wednesday in the debut airing of Desperate Scousewives, lastminute.com saw a surge of 85% in bookings for Liverpool breaks before the weekend hit. In just 72 hours since the show was aired, Brits seemed inspired to take a trip to the show’s location as lastminute.com saw an additional 22% boost of consumers searching for hotel stays in Liverpool.

Similarly, the daily dramas from the array of models and beauticians in TOWIE have caused a boom of visits to the show’s location with searches for Essex hotel stays rising by over a third (36%) compared to this time last year. Made in Chelsea fans however are shying away from the socialite behaviour of Spencer, Millie, Caggie and co as lastminute.com reveals searches for stays in Chelsea are down by a significant 86% compared to this time last year.

Eva Bojtos from lastminute.com UK and Ireland comments, “While these programs hold UK wide fascination, some of our customers are actively visiting these destinations in the hope to spot their favourite cast members in TOWIE and Desperate Scousewives and experience their lifestyles. A night out on the town could certainly be more cost effective in Liverpool than it is in Chelsea.’

The online travel and leisure retailer, lastminute.com has also seen spa breaks in the Essex area increase by 27% compared to this time last year along with an 11% increase for spa breaks in the Merseyside region suggesting consumers may be looking to get the ‘TOWIE tan’ or ‘Scousewives brow’. The website has also seen people searching for ‘vajazzles’ this year, and lastminute.com’s ‘Hollywood Wax and Free Vajazzle’ experience  has proved popular with consumers.

-ENDS-

Contacts

Press office team

lastminute.com@77pr.co.uk I 020 7492 0977

Notes to editors

lastminute.com is the UK’s leading online travel and leisure retailer, with over 1.65 million visitors per week.  It provides customers with the best ways to make their free time go even further.  Whether planning a great night out, an amazing weekend away or a relaxing two-weeks somewhere far away from home, lastminute.com has it all – and at great prices.

lastminute.com offers customers the opportunity to book flights and hotels, buy tickets and experience packages and make restaurant reservations through its one-stop shop. From adventuring in the mountains to relaxing beach breaks, spa stays, theatre trips and dining, there really is something for everyone.

Festive Frivolities full of Social Blunders

Mistletoe moments and mad dad dancing top Christmas party antics

With the Christmas party season in full swing as the majority of office shindigs take place this week, new research¹ out today reveals that over half (55%) of those who attend office Christmas parties admit to being drunk, with a quarter of people who did something they regretted the next day confessing to kissing a colleague and almost a fifth (19%) have gone so far as to sleep with a colleague.

Research conducted by leading online travel and leisure retailer lastminute.com, states that over half (56%) of those who attend office Christmas parties turn up to work with a hangover the following morning- a huge increase of 20% on last year². Almost a quarter of  those who suffered a hangover the next day (24%) sensibly planned a day off work the next day and 12% of us were either late getting in or didn’t make it in at all. As a result, British bosses lose a total of £242million³ in lost productivity the morning after the night before, with almost a fifth (17%) of those who attended Christmas parties working less than a 4 hour day.

On top of a few sore heads the next day, guilty consciences are rife with drunken antics being revealed up and down the country. Social gaffes include embarrassing dancing which was committed by almost a quarter (23%) those who did something they regretted the next day spreading gossip (13%), confessing to feelings for another colleague (17%), arguing with a colleague (16%) and even being kicked out of the venue for being drunk and disorderly (7%).

The survey reveals that almost one in ten (9%) of us who attend Christmas parties have managed to miss their last train home and 11% have had to fork out more than £30 for a taxi as a result.

Eva Bojtos, PR Manager for the UK and Ireland comments, “Everyone loves a work Christmas party but sometimes the outcome can be more than a sore head. To avoid getting yourself into sticky position this year make sure you have your transport or hotel stay booked. You can book a great range of lastminute.com hotels –to save yourself from any embarrassing encounters even if you decide at the last minute.”

The top ten social gaffes committed at Christmas parties

ENDS

For more information, please contact the lastminute.com team at lastminute.com@77pr.co.uk or call 020 7492 0977

Notes to Editors

¹ Research commissioned by lastminute.com and carried out by Vision Critical between 1-2 December 2011. Total sample size was 2,006 adults (aged 18+) in the UK.

² Survey of 3,000 UK workers conducted by OnePoll on behalf of lastminute.com in November 2010

³In 2010 there were an estimated 50.2 million adults over the age of 18 in the UK (Source: ONS). 43% of the population attends Christmas parties = 21.6 million. The average hourly wage was £7.01 (source: ONS).

The average number of hours wasted per day per worker, post office party = 8 (based on a standard 8 hour day) – 6.4 hours (average number of hours worked) = 1.6 hours. Total loss of productivity: 1.6 hours x 7.01 x 21.6 million = £242 million.

About lastminute.com

lastminute.com is the UK’s leading online travel and leisure retailer, with over 1.65 million visitors per week.  It provides customers with the best ways to make their free time go even further.  Whether planning a great night out, an amazing weekend away or a relaxing two-weeks somewhere far away from home, lastminute.com has it all – and at great prices.

lastminute.com offers customers the opportunity to book hotels, city breaks and flights, , buy tickets and experience packages and make restaurant reservations through its one-stop shop. From adventuring in the mountains to relaxing beach breaks, spa stays, theatre trips and dining, there really is something for everyone.

Get all the latest lastminute.com news at the press room. Visit http://pr.lastminute.com/

2012’s must do, must see, must visit…..

lastminute.com reveals the top destinations set to dominate the travel agenda in 2012

If you’re looking for inspiration for your 2012 holiday, for tips on finding the world’s finest eateries, the most indulgent spas, the most entertaining shows and the must-visit cities then look no further. lastminute.com, the UK’s leading online travel and leisure retailer reveals its Top 5 ‘must visit list’ for 2012.

Eva Bojtos of lastminute.com UK and Ireland says, ‘Here at lastminute.com we strive to help customers find the best ways to make their free time go even further. We’ve scoured our bookings data to inspire our customers with top travel tips for 2012 and it’s an exciting must-do list, with some interesting surprises along with a few old classic destinations that never go out of fashion.’

1. What destination…? lastminute.com’s ‘top five’ emerging holiday destinations for 2012

1. Borovets, Bulgaria
2. Hurghada, Egypt
3. Lanzarote
4. Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
5. Marrakech, Morocco

Eva comments, ‘North African holiday resorts prove popular year in, year out with their guaranteed sunshine, so it’s not much of a surprise to see Egypt and Morocco featuring on our list. However, Borovets is a rather unusual choice of destination – it appears that budget ski holidays are set to be popular next year.’

2. Must stay cities…? lastminute.com’s most popular cities for 2012

1. New York
2. Las Vegas
3. Paris
4. Barcelona
5. Rome

Eva says, ‘With US based cities topping the list, it seems that Brits are avoiding the Eurozone in favour of long haul destinations. Interestingly, London is not listed here, suggesting that many of us are planning to escape the city next year.’

3. Where to stay…? lastminute.com’s ‘top five’ emerging hotels for 2011

1. Hotel Wellington, New York
2. Hotel Waldorf Arc de Triomphe and Spa, Paris
3. TRYP Barcelona Apolo Hotel, Barcelona
4. NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, Amsterdam
5. Bellagio, Las Vegas

4. Top West End shows….? lastminute.com’s must see London theatre shows of 2012

1. Sweeney Todd starring Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton at the Adelphi Theatre – from 10^th March
2. Singin’ in the Rain at the Palace Theatre from 4^th February
3. Long Days Journey into Night starring David Suchet at the Apollo Theatre – from 2^nd April
4. The Madness of George III starring David Haig at the Apollo Theatre – from 19^th January
5. Top Hat at the Aldwych Theatre from April 19^th

5. Where to eat….? lastminute.com’s ultimate gastronomes paradise for 2012

1. OXO Tower
2. Gordon Ramsay’s The Savoy Grill
3. Gordon Ramsay’s Maze
4. King’s Road Steakhouse – MPW
5. Rhodes W1

Eva comments, ‘Gordon Ramsey’s popularity shows through here, it comes as no surprise really that two of his restaurants feature in our top five.’

6. Best for detoxing…? lastminute.com’s  top spas for 2012

1. Bannatyne Health Club
2. River Wellbeing Spa at The Hotel Rafayel
3. Donning Valley Hotel, Golf and Spa
4. K Spa at K West Hotel
5. One Aldwych Health Club and Spa

7. Top music festivals….? lastminute.com’s must see music festivals of 2011

1. Optimus Alive, Lisbon –  July 13-15
2. Benicassim, Spain – July 12-15
3. MELT!, Germany – July 13-15
4. Bilbao BBK Live, Spain – July 12-14
5. Isle of Wight Festival, UK – June 22-24

Eva says, ‘From arty to rock, from mainstream to niche, there’s a great mix of events lined up across Europe – the festival season next summer is set to be buzzing.’

-ENDS-

For further information or details of how to get to each of the locations contact the lastminute.com team at 77PR

020 7492 0977 | lastminute.com@77pr.co.uk

About lastminute.com

lastminute.com is the UK’s leading online travel and leisure retailer, with over 1.65 million visitors per week.  It provides customers with the best ways to make their free time go even further.  Whether planning a great night out, an amazing weekend away or a relaxing two-weeks somewhere far away from home, lastminute.com has it all – and at great prices.

lastminute.com offers customers the opportunity to book flights and hotels, buy tickets and experience packages and make restaurant reservations through its one-stop shop. From adventuring in the mountains to relaxing beach breaks, spa stays, theatre trips and dining, there really is something for everyone.

Get all the latest lastminute.com news at the press room. Visit http://pr.lastminute.com/

lastminute.com appoints Adam&Eve as new creative agency

Leading online travel and leisure retailer, lastminute.com, today announces the appointment of Adam&Eve as its new creative agency. The news comes ahead of a strategic re-evaluation which will see a return to the brand heritage of value and ‘last-minute’ booking.

Kathy Maxwell, Head of Brand & PR at lastminute.com said: “After a successful competitive pitch we’re delighted to announce we have selected Adam&Eve as our creative agency to support us on the new vision and direction for the lastminute.com brand.  It was a tough choice, all four agencies who made it through to the final round were of an extremely high calibre, however, Adam&Eve stood out because of their creative and integrated solution to our pitch brief as well as a team fit that is perfect for us, we cannot wait to start working with them in the new year.”

The agency will be responsible for supporting the brand vision and creative direction across UK and Europe from January 2012.

Tammy Einav, Board Director at Adam&Eve, said: “lastminute.com is an iconic brand, we are very proud to have this opportunity to re-assert their unique positioning in the travel market.”

ENDS

Contact

For more information, please contact the lastminute.com team at lastminute.com@77pr.co.uk or call 020 7492 0977

Notes to editors

lastminute.com is the UK’s leading online travel and leisure retailer, with over 1.65 million visitors per week.  It provides customers with the best ways to make their free time go even further.  Whether planning a great night out, an amazing weekend away or a relaxing two-weeks somewhere far away from home, lastminute.com has it all – and at great prices.

lastminute.com offers customers the opportunity to book hotels, city breaks and flights, , buy tickets and experience packages and make restaurant reservations through its one-stop shop. From adventuring in the mountains to relaxing beach breaks, spa stays, theatre trips and dining, there really is something for everyone.

Get all the latest lastminute.com news at the press room. Visit http://pr.lastminute.com/

BRITS PLAN FURTHEST AHEAD & SPEND MORE THAN THE AVERAGE EUROPEAN ON FESTIVE BREAKS

European holiday-makers are spending an average of £373 per person on their Christmas and New Year short breaks according to new figures out today from leading online travel and leisure retailer, lastminute.com. Despite recession hit times, Brits spend the second most in Europe, just behind the French, splurging an average of £460 per 3 or 4 day breaks for flights and hotels per person, whilst the Germans spend around a third less at a more modest £277. What’s more, most Europeans opt to take a trip to a nearby country, whilst the Germans prefer to take their short festive breaks in their own capital city.

It turns out that the Brits are the most organised when it comes to booking their Christmas and New Year breaks, with travellers planning their getaway an average of 71 days in advance of the festive period, whilst the more spontaneous Germans and French leave it until 23 and 28 days beforehand, respectively.

London, Paris, Barcelona, Prague and Amsterdam are the top short break destinations over Christmas and New Year with 4-star hotels the most popular. Only the Brits and the Spanish choose a more conservative 3-star.

The cost of festive short breaks (self combined flights + hotel)

Most popular destinations for festive short breaks

The length of the booking window for festive short breaks

The majority of European holiday-makers spend an average of 4 days away over Christmas and New Year, whilst the Spanish and Italians treat themselves to a slightly longer 5 day break.

Eva Bojtos of lastminute.com UK and Ireland says “Against the backdrop of tough economic times, it’s interesting to see that so many of us refuse to miss out on our holidays and are still treating ourselves to 3* and 4* accommodation over the festive period. And it’s interesting to note the variation across Europe in terms of spontaneity when booking. At lastminute.com we recommend that travellers do their research before booking but it’s great to be able to offer both packages for those who want to plan well ahead and for those who are very spontaneous and go at the drop of a hat.”

ENDS

For more information, please contact the lastminute.com team at lastminute.com@77pr.co.uk or call 020 7492 0977

Notes to Editors

* lastminute.com booking data from six European markets: UK, Ireland, Spain, France, Germany and Italy, October-December 2011.

About lastminute.com

lastminute.com is the UK’s leading online travel and leisure retailer, with over 1.65 million visitors per week.  It provides customers with the best ways to make their free time go even further.  Whether planning a great night out, an amazing weekend away or a relaxing two-weeks somewhere far away from home, lastminute.com has it all – and at great prices.

lastminute.com offers customers the opportunity to book flights and hotels, buy tickets and experience packages and make restaurant reservations through its one-stop shop. From adventuring in the mountains to relaxing beach breaks, spa stays, theatre trips and dining, there really is something for everyone.

Get all the latest lastminute.com news at the *NEW* press room. Visit http://pr.lastminute.com/