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A London Christmas 2007: Hotel Hideaways
 
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Up to your elbows in turkey stuffing, frantically list making, the arrival of the mother in law... Christmas is the perfect time to get away from it all. We’ve chosen some of our favourite places to stay in London from the most romantic to the best for a cosy Christmas and hip New Year. Some even promise to fill up your Christmas stocking. See our selection below or click here to search all hotels on LondonTown.com.
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A London Christmas 2007: Related Articles Traditional London Christmas Map Traditional London Christmas Guide (Printable Version) Sugar & Spice | Hotel Hideaways | Food & Flower Markets | Traditional Toys | Ice Skating | Festive Fairs | Shows & Pantos | Christmas Lights | Tinsel & Trimmings | Christmas Day & Boxing Day | Carols & Services | New Year | Fish & Fowl | Greens, Cheese & Delis   The Cadogan Hotel
75 Sloane Street, SW1W 9SG Steeped in history, The Cadogan was the scene of the arrest of Irish playwright Oscar Wilde, right here in room 118. If booking the Edward VII Suite, you’ll be on the very spot where the future King of England had a liaison with his friend, actress Lillie Langtry. You can bet they weren’t shy of the mistletoe. Today, The Cadogan makes an excellent choice for the serious fashionista with a weakness for designer labels. Sloane Street is famous for its A-list shops with Gucci, Tiffany, Prada and Harvey Nichols among the catwalk names on the street. If spending Christmas at The Cadogan why not do it in style and host your own private dinner party? You can hire the private dining room, Oscar & Lillie, for up to 20 people at a reduced rate of £45 per person which includes a three-course menu. If you’re looking for a more intimate meal, there’s also a limitless wine and Christmas dinner at the hotel’s famous Langtry’s restaurant. Opened just a year ago, and once part of the home of the famous actress, you get three courses and free flowing wine for £29.50, or £35 per person (16th November until 23rd December). Book in for a romantic Christmas getaway and you'll be following in the footsteps of Edward VII and Lillie. Address: 75 Sloane Street, SW1W 9SG Phone: 020 7437 4370 Nearest Station: Sloane Square Tube Book The Cadogan Hotel  Cannizaro House
West Side, Wimbledon Common, Wimbledon SW19 4UE Staying at this historic Georgian house, dating from 1705 and rebuilt in 1900, is as close as you’ll get to being in the country without leaving London. The Italian name may seem a little out of place in this west London neighbourhood; it comes from an earlier resident, the Sicilian Duke of Cannizaro and his Scottish wife who lived here from 1817 until 1841. Set in Cannizaro Park, a Grade II* listed garden on the west side of Wimbledon Common, it's surrounded by gardens and parkland. This tranquil setting just outside Wimbledon means it is quiet but still only a short walk across the common to Wimbledon’s main high street with good shopping but without the stress of Oxford Street. If you do want to go to central London there are regular buses, Tubes and trains providing easy access – you can get to the city centre in around 45 minutes. It may be out of season but no mention of Wimbledon is complete without reference to its annual tennis championship (last week of June to first week of July) and although you won’t see any games being played at this time of year the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum (closed 24th - 26th December and 1st January) is worth a visit. The award-winning museum comes complete with state-of-the-art interactive touch screens and a ‘walk-through’ of the men’s dressing room with John McEnroe showing how was in the 1980s. You’ll also get to see the famous Centre Court. Address: West Side, Wimbledon Common, Wimbledon SW19 4UE Nearest Station: Wimbledon Tube / Rail  Durrants
George Street, W1H 5BJ Durrants is my preferred choice for a Christmas shopping weekend. It’s a few streets from Oxford Street, though you’d never know it from the quiet, cosy atmosphere. Tucked away in Marylebone, this townhouse is perfect for a shopping trip with style. The area is crammed with smart boutiques, great restaurants and, of course, has the mega shops of Oxford Street nearby. Walking from the hotel to Oxford Street will take you past Manchester Square where the wonderful Wallace Collection is found – a must-see if you’re staying here and so romantic. With the woes of the worn-out shopper in mind, not to mention their sore bunions, Durrants have taken pity and are offering retail enthusiasts a special weekend deal (valid until 23rd December). So, after a tough day’s shopping, you can enjoy a bottle of house wine in the bar. And there’s no need to rush off home either; you’ll get a lie-in on Sunday thanks to an extended check-out time until 5pm. Address: George Street, W1H 5BJ Nearest Station: Marble Arch / Bond Street Tube  The Goring
Beeston Place, Grosvenor Gardens, SW1W 0JW Current owner Jeremy Goring’s Great Grandpa built The Goring, near to Buckingham Palace, in 1910 and it has been in the family ever since. This heritage gives the grand old hotel a wonderful family feel which, when you’re having a Christmas away from home, is exactly what’s called for. The five-star Christmas celebrations start with Jeremy Goring’s Champagne Party on Christmas Eve, lavish dinner and then, at 11.30pm, Midnight Mass at St Peter's in Eaton Square, followed by mince pies and hot chocolate back at the hotel. Utter Christmas bliss. You even get Christmas Day Morning tea and coffee served in your room and a Christmas gift from Jeremy Goring followed by breakfast in the dining room. The highpoint is always Christmas Day dinner – under the guidance of executive chef Derek Quelch who came here from Claridges – when you can indulge in roast beef or turkey with all the trimmings and of course the famous Goring Christmas Pudding, served in the hotel’s dining room. And it’s not just for Christmas Day, you can also order from the Christmas menus from Christmas Eve until the end of Boxing Day. Address: Beeston Place, Grosvenor Gardens, SW1W 0JW Nearest Station: Victoria Tube / Rail  Hendon Hall
Ashley Lane, Hendon, NW4 1HF Built for actor David Garrick, the newly refurbished fine, porticoed mansion of Hendon Hall is not exactly what you’d expect to find down a suburban street off the Barnet bypass, tucked away behind a mock-Tudor gatehouse. If arriving by car, make sure you get on the west part of Ashley Lane as the North Circular splits it in two. Once through the graceful entrance, this hotel is both welcoming and cosy with elegant public areas and floor-to-ceiling windows. Excellent breakfast and home-made biscuits in your room are the type of personal touches that make this the best place to stay in the area. The grounds of the hotel offer a small amount of greenery but for that countryside-in-London feel there’s the 791 acres of Hampstead Heath to romp around in. If you’re feeling energetic, go for a brisk walk over the heath to Kenwood House where you’ll find a special Christmas Fair at this time of year. Hampstead has a lovely village-y feel as does nearby Primrose Hill, both are ideal for Christmas shopping. But if it’s culture you’re after, stop off at the Camden Arts Centre or visit the newly opened 176 Gallery, home of the Zabludowicz Collection; visit on 16th December (2pm) and you can see curator and head of the collection, Elizabeth Neilson, in conversation. Address: Ashley Lane, Hendon, NW4 1HF Nearest Station: Hendon Central Tube  Hyatt Regency Churchill
30 Portman Square, W1H 7BH The paint has only just dried following a multi-million pound refurbishment at the Hyatt Regency London. The redesign means that rooms and suites now have a light and airy feel with a contemporary finish and each comes complete with flat-screen LCD TV. The hotel’s corridors have also been tarted up in the refurb, with prints of the local garden squares surrounding the hotel; some of the rooms themselves offer stunning views over Portman Square. Also nearby is Hyde Park which offers a perfect respite from the city’s bustle. Close to Baker Street and Oxford Street, the hotel is very convenient for some credit card-worthy shopping as well as offering a selection of good restaurants on your doorstep; one, Locanda Locatelli, is within the hotel itself, while delicious dim sum is just a short stroll away at the Royal China Club. By afternoon you’ll be in need of a break and traditional English tea at the hotel’s Montagu restaurant is a fun option; served between 3pm and 6pm, there’s a wonderful selection of tea, warm scones with jam and clotted cream, turkey sandwiches, mini-mince pies and delicious treats including some bubbly. If you’re staying on Christmas Eve or having lunch in The Montagu on Christmas Day – which starts with a glass of chilled Billecart-Salmon champagne – you will also receive a visit from Father Christmas and those under twelve will get a free gift – providing they’ve been good, of course. Address: 30 Portman Square, W1H 7BH Nearest Station: Marble Arch Tube  Marriott County Hall
London County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB Overlooking the London Eye and directly across the river from Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, it’s the views from this hotel that really sell it. This privileged position used to belong to the Greater London Council – hence the ‘County Hall’ in the hotel name – and some of the trappings of its former role still remain. Beautiful bronze doors, polished marbled floors and meeting rooms remind you these were once corridors of power while the Debating Chamber has been left untouched and is available to hire. With the Aquarium underneath and Dali Universe exhibition all under the same roof as the Marriott, there’s plenty to do, literally on your doorstep. A gentle walk along this stretch of the river along Belvedere Road and Upper Ground reveals a cultural hot spot with the newly renovated Royal Festival Hall and South Bank Centre putting on a full and varied arts programme. There are also some wonderfully festive events at this time of year to get you geared up for Christmas like the Frost Fair and Slow Food UK Market. Alternatively, save your stay for a post-Christmas trip. There’s no better place to celebrate New Year's Eve in style, watching 1.4 million pounds worth of fireworks reflected in the river Thames (stays are available from a minimum of four nights including 31st December). And, with an extensive gym, spa and pool, you can relax and recover from the effects of festive over-indulgence. Address: London County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB Nearest Station: Waterloo Tube / Rail  Pavilion Hotel
34-36 Sussex Gardens, Hyde Park, W2 1UL You’ve got to take a second look when an establishment unashamedly describes itself as a "groovy", "rock 'n' roll" hotel. With each of the 30 rooms imaginatively styled on a different theme, this is a colourful, flamboyant place where the rooms are the rockstars. How about spending Christmas in the ‘Honky Tonky Afro’ Seventies tribute room or in the Moorish boudoir ‘Casablanca Nights’? There’s enough check in the ‘Highland Fling’ to last you until next Christmas. Created by brother and sister team 29-year-old Danny and 33-year-old Noshi Karne, the Pavilion is not shy of making a statement - which is why it's regularly featured in magazine shoots and music videos. Craig David has posed in 'Cosmic Girl', Jarvis Cocker has taken a ciggie break in the 'Secret Garden' and 'Soul Nights' is Naomi Campbell’s favourite. Owner Danny previously had a modelling career, travelling the world and staying in boring, identikit hotels; this is most certainly the antidote. While the sometimes lurid colours (you're advised to bring shades if you're staying in 'Honky Tonky Afro') and over-the-top decor isn’t to everyone’s taste, it is quirky, fun and undeniably unique. And, considering its central location, close to Paddington Station (handy for the Heathrow Express) with Edgware Road Tube station just two minutes walk away, it’s also great value for money. If you’re looking for something a bit different this Christmas, there’s really no need to look any further. Address: 34-36 Sussex Gardens, Hyde Park, W2 1UL Nearest Station: Edgware Road Tube or Paddington Tube / Rail  Radisson Edwardian Leicester Square
3 St Martin's Street, Leicester Square, WC2H 7HL Despite being part of a large-scale chain, the Radisson Leicester Square manages to feel like an exclusive boutique hotel. The cream colours and leather headboards are punctuated with lime green and deep pink to create a very personalised style. There are two Radissons near Leicester Square, the other, being the more old-fashioned Hampshire, is actually on the square, so don't get them confused. This one, just off Leicester Square on St Martin's Street, is nestled between the square - home to London's film premieres - and the National Portrait Gallery, just moments from Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery. Less well known (and certainly far smaller) but often worth investigating is the Photographers' Gallery, also just a few minutes' walk from the hotel heading towards Covent Garden. Close to Piccadilly Circus, this is a great base for exploring the city centre, in the heart of the action with shops, restaurants and theatres conveniently on your doorstep. Address: 3 St Martin's Street, Leicester Square, WC2H 7HL Phone: 020 7437 4370 Nearest Station: Leicester Square Tube Book the Radisson Edwardian Leicester Square  The Rookery
Peter's Lane, Cowcross Street, EC1M 6DS Closed Saturday 24th (Christmas Eve) - Thursday 27th December 2007 As cosy and wood-panelled as a gentleman’s club but not nearly so stuffy, The Rookery is a perfect romantic getaway – although not for Christmas itself (it's closed for Christmas and Boxing Day). Down a side-street near Smithfield, the hotel’s well-polished wood-panelling, roaring open log fires, four-poster beds, stone-flagged floors and antique furniture give the place a wonderfully warm, homely atmosphere. The preferred location for designers and ad agencies, Clerkenwell has a good selection of trendy bars, gastro pubs and clubs – Turnmills and Fabric, two of London’s finest, are within five minutes' walk. The areas around Smithfield Market, Exmouth Market and St John Street all make good hunting grounds for eating and drinking – which is, after all, an essential part of Christmas. If we had to choose favourites they’d include Smith's for the Sunday papers, St John for meat lovers. For the newly engaged a trip to Hatton Garden, two minutes from the Rookery, is a long-standing tradition and for those looking for something sparkling there are nearly 300 jewellery businesses in the area. But it's not just about indulging, also nearby are some of London’s finest cultural icons: the Barbican and Tate Modern are within walking distance as is St Paul's, to remind us why we're going to all this trouble. Simply wander out and you’ll find something to see and do, whatever your idea of fun. There's no dining room at the Rookery so you'll just have to have your continental breakfast served to you in your room, a small inconvenience we think. Meanwhile, downstairs, big comfortable chairs await by the open fire; sip on a celebratory glass of something strong and leave your money in the honesty jar. Address: Peter's Lane, Cowcross Street, EC1M 6DS Phone: 020 7437 4370 Date: Closed Saturday 24th (Christmas Eve) - 27th December 2007 Nearest Station: Farringdon Tube / Rail Book The Rookery  Royal Park
3 Westbourne Terrace, Lancaster Gate, Hyde Park, W2 3UL You’ll be welcomed with a drink and mince pies on arrival at the Royal Park over Christmas. In the evening, champagne, canapes and a Christmas stocking are among the treats in store (available 15th December 2007 to 8th January 2008). Located on Westbourne Terrace, the hotel is well positioned for taking advantage of seasonal events like the Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, just a few streets away. Also within walking distance is Sheldon Square, a futuristic space in the new Paddington Basin development which boasts two new eateries worth investigating: Pearl Liang and Yakitoria. Just two stops on the Tube and you're in Notting Hill, well worth a visit for its designer boutiques and trendy gastro pubs. The Cow is an institution and a great place for a long, laid-back pub lunch on a Sunday. From there head down Chepstow Road, to Westbourne Grove and you’ll see a huge Space NK. This whole area is great for upmarket boutiques like Heidi Klein, Dinny Hall and Scorah Pattullo as well as interesting places to eat. We like the newly opened Bumpkin, owned by the same people as the South Kensington nightclub Boujis (a favourite with young royals) and offering a taste of the country in town. Head west along Westbourne Grove and you’ll reach the adjacent Ledbury Road, a pretty street lined with shops like J & M Davidson for bags and not one but two branches of Matches for labels like Marc by Marc Jacobs, Gharani Stok, Prada and Marni at No 60-64. Chic, elegant and understated; it's exactly why Notting Hill has made such a name for itself. Address: 3 Westbourne Terrace, Lancaster Gate, Hyde Park, W2 3UL Nearest Station: Paddington Tube / Rail  San Domenico House
29-31 Draycott Place, SW3 2SH The style of the Italian owner is firmly stamped on this beautiful townhouse hotel whose red-brick exterior cannot prepare you for what lies on the other side. Opulent and ornate, the hotel is crammed with heavy fabrics, cherubic angels and furniture touched with gold leaf. It’s as if Italian owner, Mrs Melpignano, has furnished the hotel with things she’s picked up on her regular trips to and from Italy. Dividing her time between here and San Domenico Palace, her other hotel in Puglia, Italy, she has plenty of opportunity to source the one-off quirky and antique pieces that make the hotel unique. Tucked away down a side-street near the Sloane Square end of The King's Road, San Domenico House is a real hidden gem. And it’s perfectly placed for Christmas shopping with the famous King’s Road so nearby. Address: 29-31 Draycott Place, SW3 2SH Nearest Station: Sloane Square Tube  Sanderson 50 Berners Street, W1T 3NG Sanderson isn’t planning anything special for Christmas, instead they’re going all-out for New Year’s Eve. The theme is Burlesque with a star performance by Immodesty Blaize, crowned Miss Exotic World 2007 in Las Vegas this year. Outrageously over-the-top Burlesque dancers will be serving champagne and shots, culminating in Immodesty Blaize’s performance just after midnight. The vibe-y Long Bar really knows how to put on a party so this special night is set to be an unforgettable one with lanterns lighting the Courtyard Garden and champagne fuelling the fun. Centrally positioned, Sanderson is a great choice for theatre lovers and for enjoying the sights of Soho. Berners Street adjoins Oxford Street making this a great place for shopping, and top restaurants are all there for the taking including the hotel’s own Suka Malaysian restaurant. Or try nearby Charlotte Street which has more than its share of classy places to eat including Roka, for sushi on a par with Nobu, and Fino for top class tapas. If all that shopping and partying - not to mention sampling some of London’s finest eateries - has worn you out, the Agua Spa at Sanderson is just the ticket. The white, calming space with specialist treatments like Eve Lom facials is the last word in luxury. Address: 50 Berners Street, W1T 3NG Phone: 020 7437 4370 Nearest Station: Oxford Circus or Tottenham Court Road tubes Book |
