Airport delays, security queues, baggage strikes –not all winter sunshine getaways bring bliss and happiness for Brits. And for those leading busy lives, the ideal destination is something far simpler and closer to home – London.
MailOnline Travel has ascended the heights of this historic city to offer you the ultimate views, most stylish surroundings, impeccable service and gorgeous getaways in every sense of the word.
From family packages that will delight the fussiest of little ones, a perfect place for parents to unpack and the sexiest little hotel in South Kensington – here is the quintessential guide to London’s best overnights.
Dukes – best for traditionalists
Dukes is steeped in history and a fair dose of glamour. A refined, luxury boutique hotel hidden away in a quiet cul-de-sac, but close to the action of Piccadilly and West End
Previously named ‘England’s Leading Classic Hotel’ at the World Travel Awards, you will be immediately impressed by the elegance and character
Mum and dad will swoon. Set in the heart of London’s ‘royal village’ of St James’s in upmarket Mayfair – everything about this place feels steeped in history and a fair dose of glamour.
A refined, luxury boutique hotel hidden away in a quiet cul-de-sac, but close to the action of Piccadilly and West End and a mere hop skip and a jump from Buckingham Palace. Previously named ‘England’s Leading Classic Hotel’ at the World Travel Awards, you will be immediately impressed by the elegance and character. Junior suites are large with inviting sitting areas dressed in classic furnishings, crisp linens and dark wood antiques. The interactive flat screen TV, large wooden writing desk and marble en-suite bathrooms are a luxurious touch. And like a true English tradition – the service was utterly impeccable.
Overall verdict: Tucked away from the main road but at the heart of everything. Tradition meets elegance. Oozes charm.
Address: 35 St James’s Pl, London SW1A 1NY.
Website: www.dukeshotel.com.
Royal Garden Hotel – best for families
Opt for a Park Suite or an Executive Room and staff will happily put a wigwam tent inside for little ones along with London Explorer rucksacks
A third of the 400 bedrooms in this five star hotel offer incredible views of Hyde Park – overlooking Kensington Palace where Prince George and Princess Charlotte play
I would be hard pressed to think of a better hotel for experiencing London with small children.
A third of the 400 bedrooms in this five star hotel offer incredible views of Hyde Park – overlooking Kensington Palace where Prince George and Princess Charlotte play.
Opt for a Park Suite or an Executive Room and staff will happily put a wigwam tent inside for little ones along with London Explorer rucksacks – complete with a water bottle, drawing kit, mini torch and a map of Kensington’s family-friendly attractions. The hotel also provides discounts to top family attractions including the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, and the Tower of London – including a family trip on London’s Big Bus Tour (which has a stop just across from the hotel).
Eating out with small children is challenging at the best of times so the hotel provides all the trappings for a perfect family night in.
Free in-room movies, a selection of pizza wheels, chicken wings, fish fingers and chunky chips was followed by fruit kebabs with a Toblerone chocolate fondu and coke floats.
The Royal Garden Hotel is currently partnered with Cirque du Soleil’s OVO and are offering a room package from £280, which includes tickets to the show, a programme and full English breakfast. Additionally it has created a pre-show OVO themed Afternoon Tea. Treats include a pineapple and chilli macaroon, blondie, salted caramel popcorn dome, mango and raspberry opera and a vanilla cheesecake, available from £31 per person.
Overall Verdict: Ideal for kids, wonderfully located and enjoyable for all.
Address: 2-24 Kensington High St, Kensington, London W8 4PT.
Website: www.royalgardenhotel.co.uk.
11 Cadogan Gardens – best for Sloane Rangers
If you love James Bond you will love this hotel. A boutique hotel brimming with British charm and refinement
Once upon a time this exact site was Buckingham Palace’s cricket grounds – but it was turned into four townhouses by Lord Chelsea in the 19th century
If you love James Bond you will love this hotel. A boutique hotel brimming with British charm and refinement – 11 Cadogan Gardens is Chelsea’s best-kept secret. It blends so well into its affluent residential surroundings, you have very likely walked past it and missed it. A long time celebrity fave, it was here that Julia Roberts is said to have stayed while filming Notting Hill.
And here history abounds.
Once upon a time this exact site was Buckingham Palace’s cricket grounds – but it was turned into four townhouses by Lord Chelsea in the 19th century. Just moments from Sloane Square, and fresh faced following a yearlong swish renovation, this luxury hotel is a delightful stay for those seeking British refinement and elegance.
Overall Verdict: Feels exclusive and private. From breakfasts in the cheery conservatory to the sexy and dark bar, to an inviting library – it feels like you are in a home away from home.
Address: 11 Cadogan Gardens, Chelsea, London, England, United Kingdom SW3 2RJ.
Website: www.11cadogangardens.com.
Best for celeb watching – Nobu Shoreditch
Nobu hotels and restaurants attract some of the world’s most famous movie stars, actors, and designers
The hotel offers 148 guest rooms and suites, and is home to the third Nobu restaurant in London – and the only Nobu that serves breakfast
Nobu hotels and restaurants attract some of the world’s most famous movie stars, actors, and designers.
The brand’s first and only London hotel, Nobu Shoreditch is where Japanese refinement meets East London magnetism and everybody wins.
Enigmatic and seductive, think low-slung seating, black marble and Japanese screens expertly mingled with concrete walls and globe lighting – it’s Tokyo though an East London Insta-filter.
The hotel offers 148 guest rooms and suites, and is home to the third Nobu restaurant in London – and the only Nobu that serves breakfast. Dinner at the Nobu Shoreditch restaurant was spectacular. And in the morning, we recommend the eggs ‘Matsuhisa’ Benedict (with tofu and snow crab), or American brunch-style hybrids such as fried chicken with matcha waffles.
Overall verdict: The world class dining and dynamism that Nobu is famous for along with chic minimalist style make this one a no brainer
Address: 10-50 Willow St, London EC2A 4BH.
Website: www.nobuhotelshoreditch.com.
Best for romance – Blakes Hotel
One of London’s sexiest hotels, Blakes is ideal for a romantic break – think black panelling, four poster beds and curved gold mirrors, dim lighting and deep, plush fabrics
The intimate 57-seat Blakes Restaurant was inspired by Anouska Hempel’s vision of a beautiful old-fashioned steamer sailing up the Bosphorus
Following a recent revamp the rich, theatrical, stage-like atmosphere here really sets it apart.
One of London’s sexiest hotels, Blakes is ideal for a romantic break – think black panelling, four poster beds and curved gold mirrors, dim lighting and deep, plush fabrics – all combining to offer a strong sense of something rather exotic for South Kensington.
Each room has its own design and offers a kind of modern decadence.
All are inspired by various far-off lands: Russia, India, or Turkey.
And do book for dinner.
The intimate 57-seat Blakes Restaurant was inspired by Anouska Hempel’s vision of a beautiful old-fashioned steamer sailing up the Bosphorus – bold and daring, you will be transported.
If the weather is decent make sure to visit the hotel’s stunning courtyard – which has also been given a fresh look by British designer Matthew Williamson. Converted from a set of Victorian townhouses, Blakes Hotel truly sets the stage for something extraordinary – with an unassuming Victorian façade that just faintly hints at the mystery and magic within.
Overall verdict: It doesn’t get sexier than this. Perfect for a romantic weekend with a loved one.
Address: 33 Roland Gardens, SW7 3PF.
Website: www.blakeshotel.com.
Best for style seekers – The Bloomsbury Hotel
Set inside a Grade II-listed Georgian building designed in 1928 by Sir Edwin Lutyens, this classic hotel is part of the luxury group, the Doyle Collection – and has just had a full-throttle renovation. The showstopper is the new Coral Room lounge and bar
This is London’s most Instagrammable hotel, where divine design meets sheer luxe
Instagram Paradise.
Set inside a Grade II-listed Georgian building designed in 1928 by Sir Edwin Lutyens, this classic hotel is part of the luxury group, the Doyle Collection – and has just had a full-throttle renovation. Bold fabrics, striking colours and vivid wallpapers combine with luxury details such as duck down pillows and duvets, under-floor bathroom heating, Nespresso machines and free WiFi to make this one not to be missed.
The showstopper is the new Coral Room lounge and bar, which is finished in a vivid coral paint on original panelled walls and boasts five enormous and breath-taking Murano glass chandeliers.
The hotel’s Dalloway Terrace is said to be the most Instagrammed restaurant in London.
Named after the eponymous character created by Virginia Woolf, it is an indoor/outdoor restaurant, fully heated in winter, offering the charm of a secluded garden. It serves comfort food meets sophistication (we loved the lobster mac and cheese).
Overall verdict: London’s most Instagrammable hotel where divine design meets sheer luxe.
Address: 16-22 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3NN.
Website: www.doylecollection.com/bloomsbury.
Best for: A room with a view
Nothing can beat the Shangri-La hotel at The Shard for a room with a view. Perched up on levels 34 to 52 of The Shard, this hotel is without doubt one of London’s most exciting check-ins
The hotel’s show-stoppers include London’s highest infinity pool and highest champagne bar
Nothing can beat the Shangri-La hotel at The Shard for a room with a view. Perched up on levels 34 to 52 of The Shard, this hotel is without doubt one of London’s most exciting check-ins.
The view will take your breath away – like a glass box suspended in the sky with the best of London glittering around you. With binoculars provided in every room, it is heaven for those seeking a look at London: The Gherkin, Alexandra Palace, Tower Bridge, The London Eye, Primrose Hill, Canary Wharf all with a glistening Thames elegantly snaking its way through.
The beds are enormous as are the marble baths, both of which sit proudly in front of a glass walled view. The marble-clad bathrooms have heated floors (and warm loo seats) and, when the sun gets too much, automatic shields are activated to protect against the glare.
The hotel’s show-stoppers include London’s highest infinity pool and highest champagne bar. Both nicely set the stage for a rather decadent and utterly lovely escape. There are 202 rooms, including 17 suites. Rooms cost from £450 a night and each of them will feature a unique layout and design thanks to The Shard’s shape.
Overall Verdict: A perch to pine for – this one should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Address: 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU.
Website: www.shangri-la.com/london/shangrila.