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London Micro-Break: The Best Hotels For Christmas In The City
Have a micro (or a mini) break this festive season – it will do you the world of good
By | 7 months ago
Tired of planning your festive menu? Stressed by the prospect of an imperfect tablescape? Tempted by the prospect of leaving it all behind and hiding away for a while? It’s easier than you might think – and you don’t have to travel very far to feel the magic of Christmas again. Room service, fine linens, Christmas cocktails on tap: hunker down in one of London’s best hotels this festive season – whether for the big day or to cut through the stress in the run-up with a micro-break. These festive hotels are waiting for you with open arms this Christmas in London.
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Superstar Hotels for Christmas in London
Avoid the travel chaos and hole up at home in style instead, says Mary Lussiana. Check out these four London hotels to base yourself at for Christmas shopping or a sales blitz, to take children on an outing to Winter Wonderland, to avoid the rail strikes or… simply to treat yourself to a well-earned break.
The Hari, Belgravia
It is a little gem, this one, sitting on the corner of Chesham Place and next to the Anya Village and the lure of Sloane St. It feels smaller than its 85 rooms, managing to convey a sense of intimacy and personalised service. Décor comes courtesy of Tara Bernerd & Partners – think silver grey wooden floors, a palette of greys and aubergine with smoked glass and marble bathrooms. Impressive bathrooms in the suites have large windows onto the street below, allowing plenty of natural light in. The whole is warm and cosy with hidden corners to work in, and there is a mezzanine with sofas which houses the bar and spills out onto a lovely terrace in the summer.
Food at Il Pampero is sublime. Under the helm of Tuscan-born Head Chef, Calogero Carlino, the menu offers dishes such as Veal Milanese with a parmesan crust, pistachio crème brûlée or red prawns and an artichoke salad, celery ribbons and Sardinian bottarga to start with, but don’t miss the signature dish of Roman-style Cacio I Pepe served by the table in a giant wheel of pecorino.
BOOK IT: Doubles from £400. thehari.com
The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
This Grand Dame of Knightsbridge has been setting the bar since its opening in 1902, with its last few decades under the elegant umbrella of Mandarin Oriental imbuing it with renewed glamour. Behind its red-brick Edwardian façade, rooms and suites are decorated by designer Joyce Wang, drawing on the leafy park it overlooks for inspiration. The outside is brought in: lights come in the form of acorns and colours echo the tones of the trees. Bathrooms are clad in marble with huge stand alone tubs, generous rain showers and Diptyque lotions and potions. There is one of the city’s best spas to start the day in – a morning dip in the swimming pool – or finish it in with a relaxing treatment with British brand OSKIA, whose revitalising facelift has been described as a non-surgical facelift.
You are perfectly positioned for the shops; right opposite Harvey Nicholls and Sloane St, a few minutes from Harrods, and a quick taxi ride to Bond Street. Even better, you are close enough that you can come back for lunch at Heston Blumenthal’s acclaimed Dinner (don’t miss his trademark Meat Fruit, a mandarin of chicken liver parfait) and leave your bags to be sent to your room before sallying forth again. Finish your day at the new Japanese Izayka, The Aubrey, with a series of questions. Oysters or caviar? Sushi or sashimi? Maki or Tempura? Rice or noodles? And lastly, when can I come and stay again?
BOOK IT: Doubles from £720. mandarinoriental.com
The Franklin, Knightsbridge
A few minutes’ walk from Harrods, yet overlooking peaceful gardens, it would be easy to miss The Franklin it is so seamlessly integrated in the red-brick terrace that dates back to the 1840s. Step inside, though, and the Victorian townhouse becomes an Italian Palazzo. Patterned grey limestone and Carrara marble, chalk stencils on the slate grey walls, floor to ceiling Venetian screens and Italian grey velvets by Rubelli. This is Anouska Hempel at her best, as is the mirror-filled Bar with nods to Art Deco and La Belle Epoque, Venetian terrazzo floors and a mix of Italian velvets and silks in nuances of grey. Explore their new Grand Tour Cocktail list – the Perugia, with Mezcal, gin and truffle oil is a must – before a deliciously Italian dinner of Piedmontese specialities of fassona beef fillet with truffle mashed potatoes and truffle or homemade oxtail tortelli with parmesan fondue. Then to a wrought iron four poster bed, clad in Italian linen from Frette, mirrored furniture on natural oak flooring and views out through the high Victorian windows to leafy Egerton Gardens.
BOOK IT: Doubles from £350. collezione.starhotels.com
The Gore, Kensington
Round the corner from Kensington Palace, the Natural History Museum and the shops of both Kensington and Knightsbridge, The Gore brims with Victorian detail, from its intricate cornicing to antique tapestries, chandeliers and oil paintings. Many of the 50 bedrooms have oak-carved four poster beds, antique furniture, stone fireplaces and even stained glass windows. Suites are named after prominent past guests. The Judy Garland suite has the film star’s own bed, reportedly shipped from Hollywood and the Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz while downstairs in Bar 190, homage is paid to the Rolling Stones, who launched their 1968 album Beggars Banquet there. There is afternoon tea, of course, with scones and Cornish clotted cream, sandwiches and The Gore’s own house blend of tea which combines apricot with marigold and rose, or their Lady Blessington blend which mixes Earl Grey with bergamot and sweet orange. The Gore is a little taste in all senses of an England of yesteryear.
BOOK IT: Doubles from £290. collezione.starhotels.com
More Lovely Hotels For Christmas In London 2022
- The Lanesborough, Mayfair
- The Goring, Belgravia
- Beaverbrook Town House, Chelsea
- The Londoner, Leicester Square
- The Mayfair Townhouse, Green Park
- The Twenty Two, Mayfair
- 11 Cadogan Gardens, Chelsea
- The Ritz, Green Park
- Four Seasons Hotel London Park Lane
- Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, Marylebone
The Lanesborough
The Lanesborough, Mayfair
Settle in for some serious spoiling in London’s most exclusive district over the Christmas period with The Lanesborough’s Christmas in Residence package. Everything has been considered, from a Christmas tree in your room or suite, to an on-hand Butler to assist with last minute shopping and wrapping, to a five-course feast on the big day, to personalised Christmas stockings for youngsters and champagne galore.
BOOK: Rooms from £955 per night B&B. The Christmas in Residence Package is valid for stays of three nights arriving on 24th December 2022, from £1,550 per room per night. oetkercollection.com
(c) The Goring
The Goring, Belgravia
Fancy a crisp walk through the Royal Parks on Christmas day? Book The Goring’s Christmas package to make the most of beautiful Belgravia’s hug private garden and proximity to the Royal Parks, theatres, Christmas markets and world-class shops – or stay inside and make the most of the roaring fire, delicious cocktails, and bountiful food with all the trimmings. You’ll also get to see The Goring’s beautiful tiara-themed Christmas tree, created in collaboration with Garrard.
BOOK: Rooms from £656 per night. The Christmas package is valid for stays of three nights arriving on 24th December 2022, from £1,270 per room per night. thegoring.com
Beaverbrook Town House, Chelsea
Ideally located on Sloane Street to make the most of London’s luxurious shopping opportunities, Beaverbrook Town House is a chic base to settle into this December. With a stunning festive façade and thoughtful touches throughout the property, guests will be treated to traditional festive amenities (think mulled wine) alongside more unique ideas (i.e. The Fuji Grill’s festive menu of authentic Japanese dishes paired with sake and wine by the in-house sommelier).
BOOK: Discover more at beaverbrooktownhouse.co.uk
The Londoner’s Corner Suite (c) Andrew Beasley
The Londoner, Leicester Square
Enjoy a magical, three-day Christmas extravaganza at The Londoner this year, with a meticulous itinerary taking all the weight off your shoulders. Perfect for fans of midnight mass and choir song, there’s services at St Paul’s Cathedral and St Martin-in-the Fields to enjoy, as well as a delicious, five-course French Christmas dinner at Whitcomb’s, a festive lock-in, live music at The Stage, and plenty of scheduled recovery time.
BOOK: Three nights from 24–27 December 2022. thelondoner.com
The Mayfair Townhouse
The Mayfair Townhouse, Green Park
This neighbourhood hotel – with its 172 rooms and suites, stunning décor and striking artwork – is located in Green Park, ideally located to explore London’s upmarket shopping, most acclaimed restaurants, and Hyde Park’s famous for Winter Wonderland. To top it off, The Mayfair Townhouse’s Dandy Christmas one-night stay includes breakfast for two, Fortnum & Mason biscuits upon arrival, and a cocktail in The Dandy Lounge.
BOOK: The Dandy Christmas offer is valid for stays from 25 November–26 November 2022. Rooms from £396 per night. themayfairtownhouse.com
The Twenty Two, Mayfair
Mayfair’s private members club and hotel on Grosvenor Square is a stylish city property with 31 bedrooms and suites, centrally (and ideally) located between East and West to make the most of all of London’s shopping destinations. Flop into your giant bed after a long day exploring the city festivities, welcomed into the hotel by a huge Christmas tree.
BOOK: Rooms from £670 per night. the22.london
11 Cadogan Gardens
11 Cadogan Gardens, Chelsea
Head to the beautiful Victorian town houses at 11 Cadogan Gardens in the heart of Chelsea for an unforgettable stay filled with festive cheer and Chelsea opulence. Located on Pavilion Road, visit ahead of the big day to make the most of Christmas in London by exploring a treasure trove of boutiques, artisanal eateries and more near to the Duke of York Square and its annual Christmas market. Inside, 56 guest rooms await, including 25 suites designed to be completely unique.
BOOK: The Christmas package starts at £620 per night based on two adults sharing a room for a two-night stay, including breakfast, one festive cocktail per guest at the Chelsea Bar, a surprise Christmas Treat/gift on arrival, a small bottle of champagne on arrival, Christmas Afternoon Tea for two to enjoy during the stay. 11cadogangardens.com
The Ritz Restaurant
The Ritz, Green Park
Christmas at The Ritz is set to be an opulent affair, bedecked with festive decorations with ‘Live At The Ritz’ dance and dinners occurring every evening Wednesday to Saturday in the run up to the big day, and the famous festive afternoon tea. There’s a show-stopping Christmas Eve Dinner, but the four-course Christmas Day dinner is the real winner, hosted in the Michelin star The Ritz Restaurant, with a live singer and five-piece band, and a dancefloor to boot.
BOOK: Discover more and book ahead at theritzlondon.com.
Four Seasons Hotel London Park Lane
Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane
Back in Mayfair, Four Seasons’ magical Christmas staycation is personalised to suit your Christmas wishes. Enjoy a festive afternoon tea, and head to the Amaranto Restaurant for a delicious Christmas dinner. There are also special festive seasonal treatments at The Spa, including a Heat Experience followed by a full body salt scrub, cocoon clay wrap and full body massage. Delightful.
BOOK: Discover more at fourseasons.com
Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, Marylebone
Luxuriate in Hyatt Regency London’s uber luxe The Churchill Residential Suite this Christmas, boasting a 10-seater dining table ready for festive feasts, a fully-equipped kitchen, a playroom for little ones, and walk-in wardrobes for the day’s many outfit changes. Whether you prefer to snuggle up on the sofa with a cheesy film, sing along by the grand piano, or gaze from the balcony at the twinkling Marylebone lights below, you can expect to savour your memories here.
BOOK: hyatt.com
Featured Image: The Goring in the snow.
