LONDON CALLING
Spring has arrived in London! I just enjoyed a wonderful long weekend in the British capital and am so pleased to share that the city was abuzz with life. The sun was shining, the flowers were blooming, theater was in demand, and the pubs, cafes, and restaurants were hopping with life. London is an easy flight from many US airports yet feels worlds away with historic sites at every turn and a population that hails from the far reaches of the globe.
Where to stay
The primary purpose of my trip was hotel research with a focus on the Firmdale boutique collection. Some are classic properties that have been loved for years while others are new to the portfolio or recent builds. If you are planning a visit to London and would like to experience a smaller property with a keen sense of local style, I have the connections to make your stay shine!
Covent Garden Hotel is in the heart of London’s theater district and a short walk to the Royal Opera House and Soho. The hotel offers 58 individually decorated rooms and suites, a busy brasserie and bar, gym, and screening room. Brasserie Max is a relaxed, casual bar and restaurant serving modern British cuisine that is ideal for pre or post-theater drinks and dinner. I enjoyed a light lunch and traditional afternoon tea that were quintessentially English!
Charlotte Street Hotel is in Fitzrovia and includes 52 rooms and suites plus a library, drawing room, restaurant/bar, gym, and screening room. The interior design was inspired by the Bloomsbury Set, a group of artists and intellectuals that lived in the area in the 1920s. My first night in London was spent at the colorful Oscar Bar and Restaurant where modern English food is prepared in an open plan kitchen.
Haymarket Hotel is in the heart of the theater district adjacent to the Haymarket Theatre Royal. The hotel building was designed in the 1800s by John Nash, the legendary architect who designed Buckingham Palace and much of Regency London. There are 53 rooms and suites, a 5 bedroom townhouse, a restaurant and bar, conservatory, library, gym, and indoor swimming pool. I was treated to a fabulous set course dinner in The Shooting Gallery, a beautiful private event space that was formerly used for…shooting practice!
The Soho Hotel comprises 96 rooms and suites, a drawing room, library, gym, 2 screening rooms, and a buzzy brasserie and bar. The top floor rooms have a furnished terrace with spectacular views of the London skyline.
Number Sixteen is in the heart of South Kensington and is part of a Mid-Victorian terrace with a beautiful private garden. There are 41 bedrooms, many looking over the garden, two drawing rooms, and a sunny conservatory for guests to relax or entertain.
Knightsbridge Hotel is on a quiet, tree-lined street, close to Harrods, the stylish shops of Sloane Street and Brompton Cross, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. There are 44 rooms and suites.
Dorset Square Hotel is in Marylebone, one of London’s most central residential areas. It is within easy reach of the theater and financial districts and surrounded by fashionable shops, cafes, restaurants, and galleries. The beautiful Regency townhouse has 38 bedrooms, many looking onto the leafy private garden square that was the site of the first cricket ground. The hotel also offers guests a private drawing room with fireplace and a restaurant/bar open to the public.
Ham Yard Hotel is centered on a leafy courtyard in the heart of bustling Soho. There are 91 bedrooms, an airy restaurant serving small sharing plates, a bar with outdoor seating, drawing room, library (pictured), spa, gym, screening room, fun event spaces including a 1950s bowling alley, and a rooftop garden with views of the Soho skyline. This was home for my weekend visit and I could not have been more pleased. My room was huge by London standards and so was the marble bathroom with powerful walk-in shower and separate soaking tub. Everything was impeccably maintained right down to the crisp white, well-lit closets!
The Stafford Hotel is one of London’s most prestigious addresses in the heart of historic St. James’s, minutes from the royal parks and palaces. The building dates to the 17th century and the hotel served as a club for American and Canadian officers during WWII. I enjoyed drinks in the storied American Bar (pictured) and a wonderful dinner in the award-winning restaurant Game Bird which serves upscale British comfort food in a sophisticated atmosphere. This hotel is not part of the Firmdale Collection.
Where to Go
To make the most of your time on the ground, hire a private guide and spend a morning, afternoon, or more soaking in the history and stories. With a guide, you keep your head up to see the sights rather than down in a book or map. And you tour at your own pace, following your own interests, rather than shuffling around with a group of strangers to the busiest attractions. A few hours with a good private guide will leave you with a true sense of place and extra time to shop, relax, or indulge at the spa! Better yet, work with a travel advisor who can access busy sites after hours leaving you to make the very most of your visit without the maddening crowd. Private touring is a gift; treat yourself!
On this visit I had an outstanding guide with over 20 years of experience. We began with a behind-the-scenes Director’s tour of the Cavalry museum learning about the regiment’s rich traditions dating back to 1660 and watching the soldiers in action. We spent the remainder of the morning walking through The Mall to Buckingham Palace and around the less touristy areas of St. James and Mayfair. My guide was incredibly engaging and shared compelling stories that brought to life every building, garden, and shop we passed. In four hours, I had a rich historical perspective of London. When your time is limited, make it count with your own private guide!