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A London Christmas 2008: 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 2008: Related Articles Sugar and Spice | Hotel Hideaways | Food and Flower Markets | Traditional Toys | Ice Skating | Festive Fairs | Shows and Pantos | Christmas Lights | Tinsel and Trimmings | Christmas Day and Boxing Day | Carols and Services | Butchers and Fishmongers | Greengrocers and Delicatessens   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. And, 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 at Christmas. 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 eating at The Cadogan you can enjoy an intimate meal at the hotel's famous Langtry's restaurant where the special Christmas menu includes a glass of bubbly on arrival - a perfectly civilised way to spend Christmas. Address: 75 Sloane Street, SW1W 9SG Phone: 020 7437 4370 Nearest Station: Sloane Square Tube Book The Cadogan Hotel  Cannizaro House Hotel
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 for good shopping 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 and you'll also get to see the famous Centre Court. Address: West Side, Wimbledon Common, Wimbledon SW19 4UE Phone: 020 7437 4370 Nearest Station: Wimbledon Tube / Rail Book Cannizaro House Hotel  Durrants
George Street, W1H 5BJ Durrants is our 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 has taken pity and is 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 Phone: 020 7437 4370 Nearest Station: Marble Arch / Bond Street Tube Book Durrants Hotel  The Goring Hotel
Beeston Place, Grosvenor Gardens, SW1W 0JW The Goring, near to Buckingham Palace, was built by the current owner's great grandfather 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, a 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 followed by breakfast in the dining room. The high point 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 on 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 Phone: 020 7437 4370 Nearest Station: Victoria Tube / Rail Book The Goring Hotel  Langham Hotel
1c Portland Place, Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, W1B 1JA When the Langham first opened in 1865 it was Europe's first grand hotel - and the largest building in London. Now, in the throes of a multi-million pound refurbishment with stage one already complete, the grand old dame is reliving her glory days. Designer David Collins has taken his scalpel to the old gal and the post-op improvements are already evident. Just look at the Artesian bar, surely one of the most glamorous places to sip on a super chilled cocktail in the city. And the stylish Landau restaurant - named after the carriage that The Prince of Wales rode in to open this hotel back in 1865. The final phase of the renovation will bring a new lobby, afternoon tea area and additional new bedrooms by June next year. For this Christmas, though, the hotel is still fully operational and a treat to stay in with the reduced number of 162 rooms well away from any construction noise. Its proximity to Oxford Circus also makes this landmark hotel an excellent place to stay if you want to do some serious Christmas shopping. Address: 1c Portland Place, Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, W1B 1JA
Phone: 020 7437 4370 Nearest Station: Oxford Circus Tube Book Langham Hotel  London 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 Southbank 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 Bankside Winter Festival. If you choose to 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 Phone: 020 7437 4370 Nearest Station: Waterloo Tube / Rail Book London Marriott County Hall  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. Also just a few minutes' walk from the hotel are many of London's leading theatres and Covent Garden with its Christmas lights. 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 Wednesday 24th (Christmas Eve) - Saturday 27th December 2008 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. 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 Smiths for the Sunday papers and 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. 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 2008 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 for guests under 12 are among the treats in store. Located on Westbourne Terrace, the Georgian townhouse 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 Paddington Basin development which boasts Pearl Liang and Yakitoria, two eateries worth investigating. The hotel itself is beautifully decorated with black and white tiled floors and antique furniture with cosy comforts like hand-woven woollen blankets and goose feather pillows. Address: 3 Westbourne Terrace, Lancaster Gate, Hyde Park, W2 3UL Phone: 020 7437 4370 Nearest Station: Paddington Tube / Rail Book The Royal Park Hotel  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 is a good place for a party. The Philippe Starck designed hotel includes the vibe-y Long Bar which begs for a cocktail to be drunk while perched up at the pristine white onyx bar. Meanwhile festive lanterns light up the outside Courtyard Garden. 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 jostle for position 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 going out 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 Sanderson
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