Guide
The 10 Best Festive London Hotels During Christmastime
From Mayfair to Hampstead. Here is our hit list in the capital.
There’s nowhere quite like London during the festive season — it’s all towering Christmas trees and glittering baubles, twinkling lights and roaring fires. And you can always rely on the capital’s finest hotels and restaurants to put on the best Christmas shows, here are our favourites to book into come December
The Twenty Two, Mayfair
New to the London hotel scene earlier this year, The Twenty Two has quickly established itself as one of the most stylish addresses in Mayfair — and the capital as a whole. Set in a characterful Edwardian manor on Grosvenor Square, its sumptuous and maximalist decor will come into its own at Christmas. We love its suites with four poster beds and elegant cabochon marble bathrooms, which are perfect for relaxing after a day’s shopping on nearby Burlington Arcade, before cocktails and dinner in its neighbourhood restaurant.
Claridge’s, Mayfair
An Art Deco icon in Mayfair, Claridge’s has been a timeless classic since it opened in the 1850s and has become the London hotel most synonymous with Christmas. Its tree is always a grand affair with an even grander unveiling — and this year’s, ‘The Diamond’, will be designed by Jimmy Choo’s Sandra Choi. Drop in for the festive afternoon tea, sip cocktails in its hidden new bar, The Painter’s Room, or pop into the Christmas Shop for hampers and homeware. Plus, if you stay at Claridge’s over Christmas itself, there are always carols, storytelling for the kids and stockings for all its lucky guests.
The Connaught, Mayfair
Sitting proudly on Carlos Place, The Connaught is another of London’s grand dame hotels and a fellow Mayfair stalwart. With its distinctly British sensibility, Hélène Darroze’s double Michelin-starred restaurant and an Aman spa, this is luxury at its best. And at Christmas time, you can always count on the Connaught to be decorated with supreme elegance, with intricate garlands and wreaths adorning every corner and, this year, a tree designed by British artist and sculptor Suzy Murphy. Inside, cosy up in the Coburg Bar by the fire, or, outside, the Connaught’s much loved Hütte will be back for the season, serving up crêpes.
Zetter Townhouse, Marylebone
For a wonderfully eccentric experience, the Zetter Townhouse in Marylebone is hard to beat. Like staying with one’s charmingly wicked old aunt or uncle in their extravagant Georgian townhouse, the Zetter is handsome, riotously colourful and packed with character. Stop in for afternoon tea or cocktails at Seymour’s Parlour, before making the most of your room — we love the Lear Loft, a spectacular penthouse apartment with its own roof terrace and alfresco bath tub.
Beaverbrook Townhouse, Chelsea
Sitting prettily across two Georgian townhouses on Sloane Street, overlooking Cadogan Gardens, Beaverbrook Townhouse is even more magical come Christmas. With its lavish interiors and suites that nod to Lord Beaverbrook’s legendary tastes and the Roaring Twenties, the hotel is a study in opulent cosiness. The Fuji Grill will be serving up festive Japanese dishes and Christmas cocktails, while you can take over The Butterfly Room for a gathering. What’s more, its location makes it the perfect jumping off point for festive activities in London such as ice skating at the Natural History Museum and the Royal Albert Hall.
The Goring, Belgravia
A family-owned, five-star hotel in the heart of Belgravia, The Goring is always a winner for those wanting to experience traditional, British luxury. A favourite of the royals, staying at the Goring is like being transported back to an old-school style of splendour that is rarely found these days. There is a particularly good festive afternoon tea with classic sandwiches and scones infused with moreish Christmas spices, and a majestic ‘Tiara Tree’ to admire, inspired by the late Queen Elizabeth’s historic Garrard tiaras.
Charlotte Street Hotel, Fitzrovia
North of Soho, nestled among Fitzrovia’s neighbourhood bars and restaurants, you’ll find the Charlotte Street Hotel. Designer Kit Kemp’s signature bold use of colour and pattern are evident in all its rooms and spaces, inspiring its ‘Bloomsbury Group’ theme as a nod to the area. Stop in for afternoon tea or a cocktail in Oscar’s Bar, before bedding down in one of its whimsical bedrooms.
Number Sixteen, South Kensington
Another from the Firmdale family, Number Sixteen is a vivacious townhouse hotel near Hyde Park and the Victoria & Albert Museum in South Kensington. On the ground floor, guests can make themselves at home in two characterful drawing rooms, as well as a picturesque Orangery and Garden room.
The Portobello Hotel, Notting Hill
A boutique gem in the heart of bohemian Notting Hill, The Portobello Hotel is eclectic and ever so romantic. Ask for Room 16, where Kate Moss and Johnny Depp famously filled its freestanding Victorian tub with champagne. We love the Cloud Twelve Spa and the honesty bar in the Lounge, a nice little touch for drinks ahead of dinner in the neighbourhood.
The Bull & Last, Hampstead
Last year, north London’s most loved pub The Bull & Last reopened after an extensive facelift and with seven new guest rooms to roll upstairs to after long dinners, and even longer lunches. Britain’s pubs blossom in all seasons, but especially during the Christmas season — what’s better than a long walk on Hampstead Heath followed by hearty pub food in front of the fire? Not much. The Bull’s Christmas menu includes delights such as salmon gravalax, fillet of beef and dark chocolate mousse for pudding.
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