In February, I booked a last-minute one-night trip to Gdańsk, Poland, staying at the Radisson Blu. The entire trip, including flights and hotel, cost around £75, which I thought was excellent value.

This was also my first time flying with Ryanair. I'll admit I was a little sceptical beforehand because of some of the negative press they often receive, but overall I found the experience perfectly fine. One thing that stood out was the check-in process. Unless you pay extra, you can't check in more than 24 hours before your flight. As someone used to checking in further in advance, this was a little different. I waited until the day before departure and checked in for free. I didn't pay to choose a seat, so I was allocated a middle seat on the outbound flight and an aisle seat on the return. The legroom was reasonable, even for someone fairly tall like me, and both flights were comfortable enough.

I flew from Manchester and arrived in Gdańsk without any issues. It was my first experience with the new European entry procedures, including having my photo taken at passport control, which made the process slightly longer than expected. Once through the airport, I booked an Uber, which arrived quickly despite the heavy snow and ice. The weather was incredibly wintry, but it made the city look stunning.

The Radisson Blu is a five-star hotel located right in the heart of Gdańsk, close to the river and many of the city's main attractions. Considering the price I paid, I was excited to see what the hotel would be like. I arrived fairly late, around 8 or 9 pm, and checked into my room. I was surprised to discover that it was a single room with a single bed, something I didn't realise the hotel offered. However, the room itself was excellent. It was modern, clean, comfortable, and had everything I needed, including a spacious bathroom, a large shower, plenty of storage space, and a luxurious feel throughout. The single bed was extremely comfortable, so I had no complaints.

After settling in, I wrapped up warm in my thermals and headed out for a walk. This was my first visit to both Gdańsk and Poland, so I didn't know quite what to expect. I made my way down to the river and was amazed to find it completely frozen over. In the days leading up to my trip, I'd seen videos on social media of people skating on the ice, but seeing it in person was something else entirely. Apparently, conditions like that are quite rare, making it even more special.

Despite it being around 9:30 or 10 pm, I felt completely safe walking around the city. There weren't many people out, although there was a noticeable police presence, which only added to the feeling of safety. The historic buildings looked incredible lit up at night, creating a fantastic atmosphere.

Back at the hotel, I ordered a KFC delivery, which arrived quickly, and then relaxed for the evening before planning an early start the next day.

The following morning, I headed out to explore more of the city. One thing I noticed was that many coffee shops didn't seem to open particularly early, with some opening around 9 or 10 am. Eventually, I found somewhere for breakfast and coffee before continuing my sightseeing.

One of the highlights of the trip was visiting St. Mary's Church. I climbed all the way to the top of the tower, and the views across the city were absolutely spectacular. The snowy conditions made the skyline look even more impressive. Inside the church, there was plenty to admire, including historic artwork, statues, and the famous astronomical clock, which is a remarkable piece of history and well worth seeing.

After spending more time exploring the city and grabbing some lunch, I returned to the hotel, collected my belongings, and headed back to the airport. Security was quick and efficient, and before long I was back on the plane to Manchester.

For around £75, I genuinely felt this trip was fantastic value for money. Although it was only a one-night stay, it gave me a great introduction to Poland and left me wanting to return. Next time, I would love to visit Warsaw and explore another side of the country.

As for Gdańsk itself, I was incredibly impressed. The architecture is beautiful, particularly at night when the historic buildings are illuminated. Unlike many places in the UK, the city seems to fully embrace and preserve its history. The grand buildings, historic streets, and riverside setting create a unique atmosphere that makes the city a pleasure to explore.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the Radisson Blu Gdańsk. The hotel offered excellent comfort in a superb location, and when combined with everything the city has to offer, it made for a memorable and affordable getaway. I would happily stay there again.