Bedding Down
London has it all when it comes to hotel rooms: check into Presidential Suites running to thousands of pounds a night or share a room in a backpacker’s dorm for little more than the price of a sandwich. With internationally-renowned icons such as The Dorchester or The Ritz — where you can rub shoulders with tycoons and film stars — to affordable mid-range hotels thanks to an increase in the number of three-star hotels, the options are endless. Here are some of our favourites.
Flemmings Hotel
Where? A couple of minute’s walk from Green Park tube station and close enough to the park itself making it ideal for a morning or afternoon stroll.
Why? Mixing it up in Mayfair, this luxury boutique bolthole keeps you on your toes with its eclectic design scheme. The lobby is as traditional as it gets, all liveried staff, effortless manners and period decor. The rooms, however, yank you into the 21st century, from the chic colour schemes of the standard guestrooms to the state-of-the-art apartments, where televisions spring up in the bathrooms.
What else? Treat yourself to afternoon tea in the Front Room; it feels incredibly indulgent and after the first martini, you fit right in. In the evening, grab an aperitif before heading out. The Cocktail and Tea Rooms are decorated with a designer’s eye, all oversized chairs and plump cushions.
Rate: Doubles from £165 per night.
www.flemings-mayfair.co.uk
Alternative: The Hempel. Sliding into the lobby of this hotel is like checking into an international space station — a feeling that only increases as you explore your futuristic room.
www.the-hempel.co.uk
Hoxton Hotel
Where? This affordable young upstart of a property sprung up in that hotbed of bohemian chic, Shoreditch. Thread your way through some of London’s most fashion conscious to get to its doors.
Why? Claims to be ‘redefining the urban hotel experience’ — though if you want to be more straightforward, the hotel offers well-appointed rooms with style-conscious decor for less money than you might expect. Open fires, exposed concrete and brick and leather sofas propping up international bright young things greet you in the lobby.
What else? The hotel has taken on a budget airline structure to minimise costs, so don’t expect suites or minibars, but the lobby does have wine and snacks for sale. Eating options include the Hoxton Grill, a trendy bistro-style joint. There’s also a healthy, continental-style breakfast thrown in free of charge. Keep an eye out for the regular £1 room sales, held throughout the year.
Rate: Doubles from £50 per night.
www.hoxtonhotels.com
Alternative: Piccadilly Backpackers Hostel.
If you want to be truly central and spend the least amount of money on somewhere not too shabby, this new-generation hostel is friendly and funky.
www.piccadillyhotel.net
London Lodge Hotel
Where? One of central London’s quieter spots, hidden away on a tree-lined avenue in Kensington. Invaluable for parents looking for a relaxing time.
Why? This refurbished townhouse has spacious family rooms with more than enough space for parents, children and the inventory of accessories that come with the territory. Stephanie’s Restaurant has childfriendly dishes, though you’re not far from a host of other places to eat. The hotel’s elegant decor, meanwhile, means you don’t have to give up a sense of style just because you’re travelling with brood in tow.
What else? One of the main selling points of the London Lodge Hotel is that it’s within walking distance of many of the capital’s best museums, including the Natural History Museum and Science Museum, negating the need to negotiate the Tube with baby paraphernalia, buggies and the rest. Rate: Doubles from £155 per night.
www.londonlodgehotel.com
Alternative: The Rushmore Hotel. A home from home in Earl’s Court, this bijou, 22-room hotel has triple and quad-suites plus cots and luggage storage, so you can spread out a little.
www.rushmore-hotel.co.uk
Renaissance Chancery Court
Where? Set in a historic landmark building in central London’s High Holborn, just a short walk from the hustle and bustle of Covent Garden.
Why? Urban oases don’t come much more tranquil than this. Limestone walls and low-lit corridors lead you into The Spa. What it lacks in unimaginative names it makes up for in atmosphere with a distinctly Asian theme; the smell of fragrant orchids and exotically scented oils fill the air. The treatment spaces include a VIP couple’s room, where you and your loved one can relax with all the fluffy towels you could ever want and healthy berry-based concoctions delivered to your massage table.
What else? The ultimate massage awaits you with an eight-handed (four people; not one octopus) treatment. There’s a well-equipped fitness room, or indulge yourself further at the hotel’s gourmet French restaurant Pearl or chic cocktail bar CC .
Rate: Doubles from £289 per night.
wwwspachancerycourt.com
Alternative: The Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge. Join the well-heeled set in the Zen-like surroundings of this upscale retreat, where you start your healing journey in a crystal steam room. Check out the new restaurant, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal.
www.mandarinoriental.com
St Pancras Renaissance Hotel
Where? At the iconic St Pancras station. The original Midland Grand Hotel, opened in 1873, has been lovingly restored to its former glory.
Why? One of the UK’s best examples of Victorian Gothic architecture, this magnificent structure was saved in the 1960s. The refurbishment has taken time but looks set to be one of London’s landmark hotels.
What else? The 245-room hotel boasts not only some of the best brickwork in town, but also contemporary design that the original builders could only have dreamed of. Guests can relive the Victorian era at The Booking Office Bar & Restaurant, recreated in the original ticket office. The hotel features The Gilbert Scott Restaurant, run by one of Britain’s most celebrated chefs, Marcus Wareing. There’s also a barber and luxury spa.
Rate: Doubles from £275 per night.
www.stpancrasrenaissance.com
Alternative: Hyatt Regency London — The Churchill. This place brims with English tradition, from the refined air of the Montagu restaurant to the Churchill Bar’s wood panelling.
www.london.churchill.hyatt.com
W London Hotel
Where? A plum spot in Leicester Square, the W Hotel brand makes its UK debut in the most high-profile way possible.
Why? In many ways, the brand set the template for big boutique hotels, so although it may look like an imitation, it’s actually a forerunner that arrived fashionably late.
What else? If you fancy an evening at the movies, you’re surrounded by the mega-malls of Leicester Square’s picture houses. On-site restaurant XYZ promises to be a foodie’s dream and there’s also the less formal W Cafe. The W Hotel also has a deceptively casual customer service policy that really does go above and beyond.
Rate: Doubles from £269 per night.
www.wlondon.co.uk
Alternative: Park Plaza Westminster Bridge. A rare new addition to the South Bank, this hotel has replaced one of London’s ugliest spots with a gleaming glass and steel property offering fine dining and a spa.
www.parkplaza.com
The Royal Horseguards
Where? A glorious spot on the banks of the Thames, next to Westminster and looking out to the South Bank.
Why? If you wanted to be more central, you’d have to sit on top of Nelson’s Column; you’d have great views, but just try ordering room service! Peaking out regally from the north bank of the river, The Royal Horseguards is a revelation: if the phrase ‘London’s best-kept secret’ weren’t such a cliche, it would be perfectly suited. Classically elegant and with views across the river that must have other hotels crying into their penthouse suites, this place simply exudes Victorian splendour.
What else? The Terrace does spectacular afternoon tea, the hotel’s elaborate architecture a suitably sophisticated backdrop. Many of the city’s top sights are literally on the doorstep.
Rate: Doubles from £160 per night.
www.guoman.com
Alternative: London Marriott Hotel County Hall. Facing The Royal Horseguards, this is an equally well-positioned hotel and also just minutes from the best that London has to offer.
www.marriott.co.uk
The Connaught
Where? Carlos Place, close to the more fashionable outposts of the West End.
Why? It’s historic and stately yet somehow also cutting-edge. Save up for one of their unbelievably posh suites and have a hotel experience you’ll remember for a lifetime. Service is of the highest standard and you’ll feel distinctly A-list as you saunter through the lobby.
What else? The hotel has an intimate, boutique feel, but on further exploration opens out into a number of impressive spaces, from the Helene Darroze Michelin starred restaurant to the Aman Spa. In the Connaught Bar, globally-revered bartender Agostino Perrone works mixology miracles.
Rate: Doubles from £339 per night.
www.the-connaught.co.uk
Alternative: 41. A luxury annexe to the excellent Rubens Hotel in Victoria, entering 41 feels like being guided into a private club, all panelled wood interiors and hushed library rooms.
www.41hotel.com
Although Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square is one of London's most famous landmarks, few people know of Nelson's "Spare Nose". This pink nose can be found just off the square under one of the road arches of Admiralty Arch, but you have to look hard to find it.
