London’s Calling
For some London in the heat of summer isn’t appealing but with Christmas coming and half term around the corner, October is the perfect month for a theatre, culture or foodie trip to the UK capital.
The Mayfair Townhouse
Date of Stay: August 2021
Half Moon Street is a name you would expect to see jumping from the pages of a Harry Potter book. In fact, this street, moments from Green Park does have something magical about it: The Mayfair Townhouse. Spread across 15 Georgian this new lifestyle hotel is more home, than hotel. Witty and whimsical this London pad is a clever combination of charm and luxury with a friendly and flamboyantly dressed team of staff. Beds are huge, pillows are soft and fluffy and the bathrooms luxurious. There’s a gym if you really need it, but the Dandy Bar is where you’ll want to spend most of your time; watch the mixologists at work at the bar before enjoying one of their enticing creations.
www.themayfairtownhouse.com www.thehotelguru.com
Rates from £320 including breakfast
One Aldwych
Date of Stay: September 2021
One Aldwych is a rarity. Independent and luxurious One Aldwych sits quietly on the edge of London’s theatre land just a hop and a skip from Covent Garden. This unassuming, privately owned hotel has 102 spacious rooms spread across five floors which were all refurbished in 2019: the bar was revamped in 2018 - the perfect spot for pre-theatre drinks. The result is unpretentious elegance, a welcoming home from home in the heart of London. What sets One Aldwych apart from other hotels in London is the team of staff; most have been there 10 years or more and it feels as though they are very much part of the same family, a nod to the owner’s management style. Foodies, families, and culture vultures won’t be able to resist the combination of spa with 3 treatment rooms, gym with indoor pool and location. Indigo Restaurant led by head chef Dominic Teague has gone gluten and dairy free for the lunch and dinner menu which. has gone down a storm. Calm, pampering, spoiling, One Aldwych ticks all the boxes and has everything you could wish for in a 5-star luxury hotel in the heart of London.
Rates from £480
Hazlitt’s
Date of Stay: September 2021
I wouldn’t have felt out of place if I had written this review on parchment paper with a quill pen at the antique desk in my room. Such is the feeling of history that pervades every room of this Georgian townhouse hotel. Wood panelling, creaky floors and wonky stairs are testament to its origins. A handsome building in the heart of Soho, Hazlitt’s was built in 1718 and has retained its Georgian charm and splendour. Rooms are painted in moody colours from the bygone era which are complemented by traditional damask curtains and blinds. For a one-of-a-kind experience book the Mrs Teresa Cornelys suite which is on two floors; the bathroom is upstairs and not only features a magnificent handmade bath with an intricate mechanism but a wooden throne to sit upon. Breakfast is ordered the night before and delivered to your room or if you prefer you can have it in the library downstairs. Freshly made smoothies, warm pretzels, pastries and home-made granola and a frothy cappuccino was the perfect start to the day. If you prefer you can have your breakfast downstairs, just add a note to your order the night before.
www.hazlittshotel.com
Rates from £209 including breakfast
The Lost Poet
The Muse at The Lost Poet
Just what we’ve all been waiting for! You’ll find this four-room guesthouse in Notting Hill in a Victorian townhouse on Portobello Road. You may walk past it the first time as the entrance is unmarked and unassuming and check in is via an app though once you’re in you’ll find a door key in your room. A friendly face is always around between 8am-6pm. If you love a roof terrace (who doesn’t?) book The Muse if you can, it also has a stunning rolltop bath.
www.thelostpoet.co.uk
Rates from £200