Many of London’s most idiosyncratic hotels benefit from a historic tradition of opulent living. With hundreds of years of experience in the trade, they combine old world style with all the modern luxuries you would expect. So here are the top picks for London and why they are so special. I also recommend the Red Carnation Hotel Collection and the Marriott County Hall.
Antiques and Tapestries...
Steep yourself in the Victorian splendour of The Gore. One of London's oldest and most idiosyncratic hotels, this spacious mansion house dates back to the 19th century and has been a hotel for over a century. A truly decadent retreat it exudes the genteel grandeur of a private house with every inch of space decorated with rich oil paintings, tapestries and antique furniture. The effect is of spending the night in the house of an eccentric Victorian explorer.
Candles and Four-Poster Beds...
Emanating traditional sophistication, Hazlitt's strikes a strong English tone. Furnished with fine Georgian and Victorian furniture, every bedroom has been decorated individually, with meticulous attention to historical detail. Grand four-poster beds, scented candles and cosmetic treats add to the ambience. Located amid the literary haunts of Bloomsbury, the hotel is proud of its erudite roots. Named after the 19th century writer William Hazlitt who once lived there, many leading literary figures graced the premises as his guests and the 23 bedrooms bear their names. Jonathan Swift and Lady Frances Hewitt are the namesakes of two particularly delightful rooms. These days with Bloomsbury Publishing just down the road, contemporary writers often stay in the hotel. JK Rowling, authoress of Harry Potter, has a great affection for the place.
Royal Neighbours... This is one of my favorite hotels in London and Great Service!
With Buckingham Palace on your doorstep, surrounded by the Royal Parks, and the Houses of Parliament only a short walk away - 41 is right at the heart of historic London. Inside it's a model of sophisticated 21st century living - high technology, innovative interior design and pure luxury mingle together in harmony. A marble-floored, wood-panelled reception area - more like the entrance to a private apartment block than a corporate hotel - leads onto 16 deluxe rooms, 4 opulent, split-level suites, a cosy but classy lounge (complete with roaring fire) and an executive meeting room.
Gardens and Terraces...
One-time winner of the 'Best Floral Hotel in London' award, The Montague on the Gardens' secluded, semi-rural setting belies its central, city location. An elegant townhouse overlooking a beautifully landscaped private garden, the British Museum is directly opposite. A private terrace, a wood deck and two conservatories allow guests ample opportunity to appreciate the unique setting, while a sizzling sauna provides an indoor treat.
Canals and Presidents...
Why not snooze in a bed where JFK once slept? The Colonnade, a beautifully preserved Victorian townhouse with a charming flower garden and a series of individually designed rooms dotted with antiques and rich fabrics, is a few seconds walk from the charms of Little Venice. With its narrow canals, houseboats and delicate bridges this is one of the most unique destinations in London. Add to this the hotel’s prestigious customer history this hotel promises both luxury and real inimitability.
Wooden Beams and Wonky Ceilings...
A wonderfully quirky little hotbed of history, the timber beams and slanting ceilings of The Rookery make for a very cosy stay. Created from two Georgian houses, this hotel occupies a uniquely peaceful, historical location in the city, especially at weekends when it waves goodbye to its nine to fivers. Just near Smithfield Market, The Rookery is quiet, unpretentious, flag-stoned and furnished with real antiques. The whole place has the feel of an antiquated country house located in the heart of the city. If you want to catch a show the dazzling lights and sounds of The West End are just a short Tube journey away. Otherwise you're free to step out of the door and stroll to St Paul's Cathedral or down to the Thames.
Reading Rooms and Wood-Pannels...
There are many other corners of London where you can find peace and quiet to unwind within easy travelling distance of The City and The West End. Four-poster beds and a wood-panelled Reading Room where complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits are served throughout the day make the Claverley Hotel a quaint and unique accommodation choice. Hidden away on a tree-lined street in one of London’s most exclusive areas the Claverley combines intimacy with elegance.
Cream Teas and Watercolours...
Sample the calm and charm of the Beaufort, a small townhouse hotel that is big on comfort. Complimentary cream teas are served in their luxurious salon every afternoon, handing over to a complimentary residents’ bar in the evenings. Fresh flowers and original English watercolours add to the unique charm of this boutique Knightsbridge hotel. Hidden away in a quiet cul-de-sac, guests are only a short walk away from Harrods and Hyde Park.
Whirlpool Baths and Riverside Terraces...
A heated, covered, candlelit balcony restaurant offering stunning views over the river at Richmond, make The Bingham a real one-off when it comes to city accommodation. Perched above the Thames, this out-of-town Georgian residence offers whirlpool baths, antique four-poster beds, iPod docks in rooms and unrivalled views of the river. With its rolling parkland, narrow winding streets, village pubs, cricketing green and rural feel Richmond is still only a short train ride from central London.
Bright Lights and Sleek Looks...
For a modern contrast, the Caesar's, sleek interior complete with clean lines, vibrant colours, tall windows and contemporary art hangings, is hard to beat . Flooded with light the hotel lobby sets the tone for the equally bright in-house bar and restaurant. With 148 rooms in total, a large, purpose-built room offers space and accessibility for guests in wheelchairs. Perfect for those with a penchant for the compact and post-modern. Set in a Georgian townhouse on a quiet residential square near Hyde Park and the shopping areas of Oxford, Regent and Bond streets, this modern hotel is an ideal base from which to explore London.
