God, I love London. I’m lucky enough that it’s only 2 hours by either car or train from where I am on the South Coast, which means there’s always room for a quick weekend away!
London without doubt has some of the best hotels in the world and I have a list as long as my arm of hotels which are on my hit list to stay in next.
Here is a list of my favourites so far if you’re on the hunt for a hotel in the capital:
The Sanderson
50 Berners St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3NG
Glamorous, quirky and fashionable sum up The Sanderson. Tucked away on a side street and in a converted office block means you’re in for a completely untraditional experience. The lobby greets you with it’s various modern art sculptures, including a sofa in the shape of a pair of lips and a suspended seat that looks like it’s been taken from the set of Austin Powers!
Rooms here are light, modern and spacious. The bed is HUGE. We were celebrating our recent engagement and the hotel very kindly left a bottle of champagne with a note and a slice of cake in our room. Top marks for generosity!
Top tip: Well worth exploring and taking a few snaps here. Don’t miss the huge room with the pool table and stained glass windows
Regret: Not getting a snap on one of the bar chairs with a cocktail in hand
The May Fair
Stratton St, Mayfair, London W1J 8LT
Chic, perfectly located and with a cult celeb following, the May Fair is perfect for a luxurious weekend. The frankly huge contemporary rooms are adorned in tasteful reds, golds and pinks. We stayed here for my birthday weekend and loved the rather indulgent marble bathroom (with his and hers sinks, always a must), the slick lobby and infamous May Fair Bar. This has the feeling of a boutique hotel with a glamorous past.
Top tip: Always a party on here. Don’t even think about not going to the bar. Request a quiet room though to ensure a decent night’s sleep (should you be able to tear yourself away from the bar)
Regret: Should have undoubtedly spent more time in the bar!
The Langham
1C Portland Place, Marylebone, London W1B 1JA
The big one. An icon of the West End with it’s softly luxurious pink and grey interior that makes it so understated and enchanting . With a world renowned restaurant, amazing spa and a bar that was crowned ‘The Best Bar in the World’ in 2015, it’s easy to see why this is such a favourite with Lady Gaga (who was staying whilst we were there).
Spa access is included in your room cost, so it would be rude not to take advantage! Since we last visited there have been numerous room renovations taking place, which look even more amazing as the hotel looks to continue to offer a contemporary feel in a historical environment. We visited for my partner’s birthday and not only did he receive a personal birthday card from the hotel, but a selection of cakes too!
Top tip: Don’t even think about coming here and not going to the bar. They offer a colour wheel here for you to pick a cocktail based on your taste preferences. Go for the super panda cocktail.
Regret: Not seeing Lady Gaga. Should have checked in for the rest of my life
Baglioni
60 Hyde Park Gate, Kensington, London SW7 5BB
Otherwise known as ‘The glamorous Italian one’. So sleek. We stayed here for two nights over New Years Eve and got upgraded to the most amazing suite EVER! (the perks of being a travel agent back in the day). I’ll never forget this room. It was so perfect that sometimes I even scroll back through the pictures on my phone just to remind me of the Italian richness that was splashed all over the room. Deep purple? Yes. Gold? Yes. Nespresso machine? Yes. Black marble bathroom? Yes.
Top tip: Don’t always assume New Years Eve is a no go and will cost a bomb. Worth shopping around and booking early!
Regret: Should have booked a third night
The Kensington
109 – 113 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5LP
I love how understated this hotel is. Modern, elegant and with cornflower blue bikes (with baskets on the front may I add) available to guests for use at your leisure, this is a winner. We were staying here on my birthday weekend and not only did we get a room upgrade which included a huge four poster bed, but the hotel also took the time to put a birthday card and some sweet treats in the room (serious brownie points here).
Top tip: Do you want breakfast included, Sir? Absolutely you do. The setting is perfect and the full English is delicious
Regret: Should have used the bikes!
The Landmark
222 Marylebone Rd, Marylebone, London NW1 6JQ
Grand, elegant and timeless. The entrance to this hotel is so stunning and the towering palm trees in the jaw-dropping Winter Garden definitely give the ‘wow’ factor. Traditional but luxurious rooms ensure a great night’s sleep complete with huge marble bathrooms and walk in wardrobes.
Top tip: Make sure you use the spa, the swimming pool is huge and often such a rarity in London hotels
Regret: Should have had a Sunday Champagne brunch in the Winter Garden (there’s always next time!)
