Hotels near Harrods

Britain's most famous store and possibly the most famous store in the world, Harrods features on many tourist 'must-see' lists - and with good reason. Its humble beginnings date back to 1849, when Charles Henry Harrod opened a small East End grocer and tea merchant business that emphasised impeccable service over value. Today, it occupies a vast seven floor site in London's fashionable Knightsbridge and boasts a phenomenal range of products from pianos and cooking pans to fashion and perfumery. The luxurious Urban Retreat can be found on the sixth floor while newer departments include Superbrands, with 17 boutiques from top international designers, and Salon du Parfums, housing some of the most exceptional and exclusive perfumes in the world. The Food Hall is ostentatious to the core and mouth-wateringly exotic, and the store as a whole is well served with 27 restaurants. At Christmas time the Brompton Road windows are transformed into a magical winter wonderland and Father Christmas takes up residence at the enchanting Christmas Grotto. The summer and winter sales are calendar events in the shopping year, and although both sales are extremely crowded there are some great bargains on offer.