The idea behind Gluten Free Stays really began with our first family holiday after our daughter Ella was diagnosed with coeliac disease.

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We booked our holiday and chose a hotel we liked, assuming that once we arrived there would be plenty of restaurants nearby where we could all eat. It wasn't until we were there that we realised just how limited the choice actually was — and by then, of course, there was nothing we could do about the location.

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It really affected the holiday. When everyone else has restaurant after restaurant to choose from and you don't, it can leave you feeling left out and as though you're missing part of the holiday experience. That holiday completely changed the way we plan where we stay.

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Now, before we even look at hotels, we search for areas with a good concentration of gluten-free restaurants within easy walking distance. Once we've found somewhere that gives us plenty of choice, then we look at the hotels and apartments around it.

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It means we can go away knowing there are plenty of places to choose from, rather than spending the holiday travelling across town, relying on taxis or constantly wondering where we're going to eat next.

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That's also how we build every guide on Gluten Free Stays — we find the restaurants first, then choose the best places to stay around them.