Blog Layout
Critics Choice Vacations
United Kingdom
With Paris and Rome, London forms the trifecta of must-visit cities for those first taking the dive into European culture. A hub of history, politics, architecture (both very old and very new), and the arts, London has a little bit to offer everyone. This November, Susan had the opportunity to tour over a dozen of the city’s best boutique hotels so you know where to stay during your visit. In addition, Susan also toured some of the charming villages that surround London that are perfect for a day trip, or quick weekend, to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. She hopes her exploration of this British metropolis will help you know where to start when planning your first (or next) European getaway.
Hotels:
The Dorchester
Located in the neighborhood of Mayfair, The Dorchester
is just steps from London’s iconic Hyde Park. Decorated in a classic British style, a stay
at this luxury property feels like taking a step back in time, but without any of the inconveniences or a stuffy atmosphere. A unifying color scheme highlights the elegant decor, whether you stay in a standard room, or one of the hotel’s many expansive suites. An army of friendly staff are always on hand whether you’re looking for a restaurant recommendation, relaxing in the hotel spa, popping into the bar for a cocktail, or enjoying the experience of high tea. The Dorchester even offers a fleet of classic British cars to guests for private events, transfers, and sightseeing tours around the city.
45 Park Lane
Situated near The Dorchester, 45 Park Lane
is a luxury hotel with an inspired contemporary twist. Nicknamed the “hutch on the park,” this property was once a fashionable hangout for the who’s who of London in the 1960s. Today, 45 Park Lane strives to offer guests
a relaxing and intimate atmosphere in the heart of London. With just 45 rooms, a stay here truly feels like you’re a member of an exclusive club. The modern decor is dominated by clean lines, a rich color palette, and sweeping views of Hyde Park. Also be sure not to miss the rotating art exhibitions on display in the lobby and restaurant. Get a taste of 45 Park Lane’s storied past with a visit to Bar 45. Sip on one of the hotel’s famous Negronis, sit back, and take it all in.
Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard
Housed in one of London’s most iconic skyscrapers, The Shard, the Shangri-La Hotel
is the first location of the renowned international franchise to open in the UK. The property occupies the 34th to 52nd floors of The Shard, and as the exterior of the building suggests, is a stunning example of clean and modern design. After enjoying a refreshing cup of Chinese tea at TĪNG on the 35th floor, head up to your room
to enjoy the sweeping views of Central London through the floor-to-ceiling windows, as expected when you’re staying in Europe’s tallest building. Located near London Bridge, the famous Borough Market, and a mere 15-minute taxi ride from Canary Wharf, there’s no shortage of things to do without going very far. Still, don’t forget to relax with a cocktail at GŎNG bar or take a dip in the Shangri-La’s indoor infinity pool, the highest in the entire city.
Corinthia Hotel
Sandwiched between Trafalgar Square and the Thames, the Corinthia Hotel
is ideal for any traveler who desires to be centrally located during their time in London. While one of the larger hotels on Susan’s list, nothing about the Corinthia lacks in charm or attention to detail. The Espa Spa is a must-visit during any stay, but the real draw here is a plethora of dining options all housed on the property. Kerridge’s Bar & Grill offers guests traditional English dishes all with Chef Kerridge’s unique twists on the classics, along with a bar of the same name. The Northall features modern European cuisine from Chef André Garrett, with the Northall bar offering a selection of craft cocktails. Guests can also grab drinks at the Bassoon, or The Garden Lounge, an alfresco drinking destination that includes a cigar humidor. If high tea is the experience you’re after, don’t miss a visit to the Crystal Moon Lounge, where you can sip London’s finest under a Baccarat chandelier.
Ham Yard Hotel
Susan rounded out her exploration of the London hotel scene bu joining a familiarization travel agent site tour trip vistiing all JH Hotels properties in the city center under the guidance of owner Joanna Heathcote. All transfers and tours were coordinated by Sincerely Paul, and team who never missed a beat and could not have been more accomodating, helpful, professionaly and uber prompt. The first stop in the tour was the Ham Yard Hotel, situated a mere 10-minute walk from Trafalgar Square. Owners Tim and Kit Kemp designed Ham Yard to have unique “urban village” atmosphere, balancing its central location with a large green space where you can relax and simply watch the world go by. In addition, guests can enjoy an on-site spa, 19-seat theater, and even a 1950s bowling alley imported from Texas. The decor of the 91 rooms and 24 apartments are modern with nods to a more classic British style in the choices of fabrics and accents. This property is all about the views, with many of the apartments offering rooftop terraces, as well as communal rooftop dining space exclusively offered to guests of the hotel. It’s no surprise Ham Yard has won more than a few awards
for the owners’ commitment to providing guests with a luxurious London experience.
Charlotte Street Hotel
Located just a fifteen minute walk from Ham Yard, the Charlotte Street Hotel
is another classically British JH Hotel property with a unique artistic twist. A few steps from Soho Square, the British Museum, and the theater district, there’s never a shortage of interesting places for guests to explore without traveling very far. The decor of the hotel’s 52 rooms and suites are individually designed around a “Bloomsbury Group” theme chosen by designer Kit Kemp, and features art from the time period, as well as a colorfully inspired mural in the hotel’s brasserie. On the weekends, be sure not to miss Charlotte Street’s “Film Club.” After a three-course lunch, afternoon tea, or dinner, kick back in the on-site theater to catch some of the latest flicks on the big screen.
The Soho Hotel
One of JH Hotels largest properties, the Soho Hotel
boasts 96 rooms, suites, and apartments to accommodate the needs of every guest. Although within walking distance from the busiest corners of the neighborhood, the hotel itself is nestled in a quiet stretch of mews away from the action. Floor-to-ceiling warehouse style windows in each room create give this property an airy and modern atmosphere, with bold pops of color to anchor the overall design. With an on-site bar, restaurant, and two screening rooms, the Soho definitely appeals to those who love film and food. If afternoon tea isn’t exactly your style, instead check out the Soho Gin & Tonic Trolley Experience. A bartender prepares each specialty cocktail tableside to enhance the natural flavors present in each of the six varieties of gin on the menu.
The Haymarket Hotel
Housed in a former American Express building, the Haymarket Hotel
is an artsy, modern property with a distinct historical facade. Situated in the heart of London’s theater district, and right next door to the iconic Haymarket Theater Royal, the opportunities for entertainment are endless. The Haymarket has 50 rooms and suites, in addition to a fully-serviced townhouse for families on extended stays in the city. Other amenities include a restaurant, a library, and a 60-foot swimming pool. For the art enthusiasts out there, consider participating in one of the Haymarket’s art walks
put on in January and March. Guests are walked through Creative Director Kit Kemp’s personal art collection before touring some of the famous galleries in the surrounding neighborhood, and finishing up with a three-course lunch or afternoon tea in the hotel’s Brumus Bar & Restaurant.
The Stafford Hotel
The next hotel on Susan’s list was the Stafford Hotel. Centrally located on St. James Place, this JH Hotel property is a mere ten minute walk from Buckingham Palace and offers guests easy access to the green space that surrounds it. Rooms and suites are spread across three buildings; the Main House, the Carriage House, and the Mews Suites. The Main House, a former royal residence, retains the elegant atmosphere of Victorian England in its decoration, with each room styled around its own color scheme. The 300-year-old Carriage House blends modern amenities with the charm of architectural details, like original beams set into the ceilings. The Mews Suites are fully contemporary in style, with the penthouse offering sweeping views of the London skyline. Don’t miss an opportunity to dine at the Stafford’s new restaurant, the Game Bird, which specializes in modern British cuisine, or enjoy a cocktail at the American Bar, the longest surviving of its kind in the city.
The Knightsbridge Hotel
The Knightsbridge Hotel
is one of JH Hotels’ most popular properties for a reason. Situated just steps from the iconic Harrods department store, and a ten minute walk from Hyde Park, guests don’t have to compromise on any aspect of London they’re interested in exploring. Despite its central location, the atmosphere of the Knightsbridge is markedly tranquil. Each of the 44 rooms are individually designed in a timeless style that isn’t afraid to play with bold pops of color. Connections between some of the rooms also make the property ideal for families. It’s one of those hotels that truly feels like home. Once you’re finished with your shopping spree, there might be few things better than cozying up with a book in the Knightbridge’s library.
Number Sixteen
Housed in a charming townhouse in London’s South Kensington neighborhood, Number Sixteen
might just be one of the city’s best-kept secrets. With all the charm and contemporary touches as other JH Hotels, there are several details that truly make it stand out from the crowd. While just minutes from Harrods and the shopping areas of Walton Street and Brompton Cross, there’s nothing about the atmosphere of this property that feels anything other than tranquil. In the warmer months, don’t miss a chance to spend time in Number Sixteen’s private garden. Whether you enjoy lunch, afternoon tea, or a cocktail, you might just forget you’re in the heart of a bustling city.
Dorset Square Hotel
This was the one that started it all. Purchased by Tim and Kit Kemp in 1985, Dorset Square
was one of London’s first boutique hotels. After selling in 2002 and reacquiring in 2011, the hotel was completely refurbished to its present day design, which features all of Kit Kemp’s contemporary and colorful accents. Many of the 38 individually designed rooms also overlook the property’s private garden, which was originally a cricket pitch for Thomas Lord. Some smaller rooms also make this hotel ideal for single travelers, Dorset Square is located close to Regent’s Park, as well as art galleries and the shopping district of Marylebone. After a long day of exploring, grab drinks or dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, The Potting Shed. There’s live music every Tuesday night.
Covent Garden Hotel
Situated between Covent Garden and Soho, and within walking distance of 29 theaters, the Covent Garden Hotel
is right in the heart of London’s fashion and entertainment district. Each of the 58 spacious rooms are decorated with bold pops of color and accents that seamlessly blend the classic with the contemporary. A must-visit during your stay is the on-site restaurant, Brasserie Max. With a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and a diverse menu, it’s a huge hit with the locals as well as guests. Musical theater enthusiasts can enjoy a Mary Poppins themed afternoon tea. The experience comes complete with specialty cakes and cocktails, such as “The Perfect Nanny,” a dark chocolate, hazelnut, and caramel cheesecake. A huge thank you from Susan also goes out to Blue Badge guide Lia Lali for her lovely walking tour of Covent Garden.
The Capital & The Capital Townhouse Apartments
Another property nestled in the heart of Knightsbridge is The Capital. This decor of this townhouse hotel focuses greatly on comfort and simplicity. Rooms are styled classically around a unifying color scheme, and enhanced by patterned fabric and paintings from the owner’s own collection. Located next door, The Capital Apartments
are also available for guests staying on a weekly basis, which include full access to all hotel amenities, in addition to the convenience of having your own kitchen. After enjoying lunch at the aptly named, The Restaurant, hit the streets around The Capital. Within walking distance to Kensington Palace, Hyde Park, Victoria & Albert Museum, and much more, there’s never a shortage of interesting places to explore.
The Capital Townhouse, the Capital’s sister property is a sophisticated boutique hotel perfectly placed between Harrods and The Capital. The 12 bedrooms are spacious and beautifully appointed with brand new bathrooms. Room service and full concierge services are available from The Capital. Guests may sign for services at The Capital.
Situated between The Capital Hotel and The Capital Townhouse are The Capital Apartments. These apartments are contemporary in style with plenty of light and benefit from all the services at the Capital Hotel next door. There are studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments available that require a 3-night minimum stay. The longer you stay, the better the daily rate. The apartments have onsite facilities and kitchens. All services can be used from The Capital, including room service and concierge. Occasionally apartments can be available for shorter periods. Rates are very good value and vary depending on times of year and are on request.
The London Edition
Located near the University of London, The London Edition
is a hotel that easily fits the needs of any traveler. Rooms are decorated with warm color palettes and lots of wood detailing, giving them a distinct cozy atmosphere. The lobby also boldly combines the classic and the contemporary. Ionic columns, intricate moulding, and classical paintings coexist with neon lights and metallic fixtures. However, the real must-see at The London Edition is the Lobby Bar. It's the perfect place to unwind after a long day of work or play. Kick back with with one of hotel's signature Clearer Coladas, their twist on the original. For a more exclusive experience, be sure to check out The Punch Room, a reservations-only bar that pays homage to the private clubs of 19th century London with over 30 specialty punches on the menu.
The Goring
Situated just minutes from Buckingham Palace, The Goring
is London's last remaining family-owned luxury hotel. It's also the only one with the Queen's Seal of Approval, and where Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, stayed the night before her wedding. A legacy over a century in the making, highlights of the property include The Dining Room, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and suites individually decorated by some of Britain's most renowned designers. Each space uniquely and effortlessly combines modern amenities with classic English decor and inviting color palettes. Susan also toured The Goring's newly renovated public spaces. However, what impressed her the most was the level of service, which she describes as "the best [she's] ever experienced."
The Whatley Manor
Located two hours outside of London in Cotswold, The Whatley Manor is an ideal place to spend the weekend, or if you ask Susan, really any time at all. This restored 19th century manor offers guests a private slice of the English countryside to unwind away from the crowds of London. With only 15 standard rooms and eight suites, the atmosphere is intimate, yet welcoming, with an experienced staff that keep everything running smoothly. General Manager Sue Williams won Hotelier of the Year in 2017, while Chef Niall Keating quickly earned The Whatley’s restaurant, The Dining Room, two Michelin stars. The hotel’s location provides guests with easy access to charming nearby villages and several well-known gardens. However, with an award-winning restaurant, enchanting grounds, and a luxury spa on site, you might not want to leave. The Whatley also prides itself on finding the perfect balance between luxury and sustainability. Their efforts include educating staff on sustainable practices, supporting local suppliers, and minimizing waste.
Tours:
Crown Jewels Tour with Dream Escapes
Seeing the British royal family’s Crown Jewels at the Tower of London is a must when visiting the city for the first time. Make the most of the experience with a private tour hosted by Dream Escape UK. Susan’s tour
was helmed by experienced guide Sally Strange. For four hours, she delved into the intimate details of the Crown Jewels, the Tower of London, and all the history that surrounds them. It’s because of experiences like this one that Susan recommends splurging on at least one professional guided tour during your travels. It’s an opportunity to learn exciting new things about the city you’re visiting and cover more ground than you ever could on your own.
Oxford Tour with Dream Escapes
Dream Escape UK’s tour repertoire extends far beyond the reach of the London city limits. On her way to Cotswold, Susan went on a tour
of the college town of Oxford. Lead by guide Felicity Tholstrup, they explored the complex of historic buildings that make up the town, and saw the bustle of university life in action. With records of teaching extending all the way to 1096, Oxford is the second-oldest university in the world behind the University of Bologna. From charming period architecture, a rich history of academic research, and lively atmosphere thanks to the large population of students, this college town is more than worth a visit on any exploration of the English countryside.
Lacock Self-Guided Tour
On one of her free days, Susan took a self-guided tour
of Lacock. Located in the county of Wiltshire, this small village is known for its unspoiled atmosphere. A visit to Lacock truly feels like a step back in time. The period architecture is nothing but visually interesting with its uneven roof lines and a range of colors and textures that is never quite consistent. The imperfection is all apart of the charm! Notable sites include Lacock Abbey, the country houses at Bewley Court, and Bowden Park, all dating from the 14th century. Located less than an hour from Stonehenge, it’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon of wandering. Some corners of this village might even look a bit familiar. Lacock has been a filming location for several of the Harry Potter films and the Downton Abbey television series, among others.
Bond In Motion
The other tour Susan took while in London was an exploration of the Bond in Motion exhibit at the London Film Museum.
Located in Covent Garden, the museum is steps away from many of the city's theaters, as well as the Royal Opera House. The exhibition takes a special focus on vehicles used in the iconic franchise. Spanning 24 films and over 100 original artifacts, it's the largest collection of its kind in the world. In addition to storyboards and scripts, props on display include miniature models, to full-size cars and boats. New and previously unseen artifacts are added on a regular basis, so there's always something interesting to see. Must-see highlights include an Aston Martin DB5 from GoldenEye, an Aston Martin DB10 from Spectre, and a Rolls-Royce Phantom III from Goldfinger.
Bath Self-Guided Tour
While touring the London countryside, Susan also had the chance to visit
Bath, the largest city in the county of Somerset. Known for its natural hot springs and 18th century Georgian architecture dominated by the use of distinctive honey-colored local stone, this ancient city is an ideal destination to take a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of London. Some must-visit sites include Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge, which was inspired by Italy’s Ponte Vecchio. Also not to miss are the ruins of the Roman baths that first made the city famous. The well-curated exhibits at the museum educate visitors on the history and technology behind this center of community that was in use until the end of Roman rule in the 5th century.
Dining Experience:
High Tea at the Four Seasons
A quintessential British experience is having high tea
during the afternoon. It’s a time to relax, socialize, have some light bites, and in general, let yourself enjoy an extra dose of sophistication on vacation, especially when taken at the Four Seasons Hotel London. Situated between Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park, this hotel is easily one of London’s most exclusive addresses. Sip tea (or champagne) in the Amaranto Lounge accompanied with miniature sandwiches and bite-size pastries. It’s almost too beautiful to eat. Almost… Afterwards, check into one of the hotel’s spacious and comfortable rooms. Be sure not to miss the gym, the views of the London skyline are unbeatable!
In Conclusion…
Susan hopes that at the end of this list of recommendations, you have a solid foundation to craft the ultimate UK experience, whether you stay in London, the countryside, or a little of both. A hotel is your home away from home during your travels, so finding the perfect fit can easily take a vacation from good to great. A huge thank you also goes out to all the guides that showed off what makes each of these properties unique, and what interesting corners of London and its countryside there is to explore!
Like so many other parents this Fall, my husband and I became “Empty Nesters”. Our baby girl, and youngest of three was heading off to college and we were faced with the reality of being alone for the first time in 26 years. We decided that this was a life milestone that we should observe, rather than dread. We had spent years devoting endless time and energy to our children and now they were all out in the world as healthy, happy, productive members of society. We had much to celebrate. So, after dropping our daughter off at college we traveled to Montana’s Paradise Valley and spent a few days at Sage Lodge to mark this special occasion. Montana’s Paradise Valley starts near Livingston, which sits on I-90, and stretches south along highway 89 towards Yellowstone National Park. It is the major river valley of the Yellowstone River and is flanked by the Gallatin and Absaroka Ranges. Highway 89 was the original entrance into Yellowstone National Park, although there are now two additional entrances, one each in Montana and Wyoming. Along with its unmatched beauty and world-class fly fishing on the river, the valley also offers other natural wonders such as several natural hot springs.
Ernest Hemingway once described Switzerland as “a small, steep country, much more up and down than sideways, and stuck all over with large brown hotels built on the cuckoo clock style of architecture.” Susan’s recent travels between Geneva and Zurich proves that a lot has changed in the Swiss hotel scene since Hemingway’s observation. While she has lots of experience setting up pre- and post-river cruise activities and private trips in the area, this “self-imposed” familiarization was to acquaint herself with Virtuoso’s Swiss properties. Susan’s excited to share her thoughts on this diverse list of hotels, as well as the historic cities they call home.
This past fall, Susan was invited to sit on the Advisory Board for the German National Tourism Offices out of New York City. In partnership to boost tourism to Germany, she toured two of the country’s most iconic cities. From the eclectic coffee and artistic scenes of Hamburg, to an exploration of the tumultuous history of Berlin, there was a lot to take in. Susan hopes her journey will shed light on why Germany should be the destination of your next European vacation. Below you’ll find some incredible places to stay, cuisine to sample, and experiences that will put the discovery of German culture at the forefront of your travels.
Good day World Travelers, Exciting news! Critics Choice Vacations has partnered with Vincent’s on Camelback , a James Beard award winning chef in Phoenix for another amazing sailing on Regent’s Seven Seas Voyager Ship for an outstanding agenda to include the following ports of call shown below or in the PDF attached. Regent a luxury small, all-inclusive line will WOW you and bring to life all travel dreams and wishes! You will come away more than refreshed and rejuvenated and in awe of what you have seen and experienced onboard in a luxury all-inclusive fashion. Reservations are being made now and specials for additional $$$ off run through 18OCT. The amount off varies by cabin category. Regent the all-inclusive cruise line: 2-For-1 All-Inclusive Fares FREE Business Class Air* on Intercontinental Flights FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions FREE 1-Night Pre-Cruise Hotel Package† FREE Unlimited Beverages Including Fine Wines and Premium Spirits FREE Open Bars and Lounges PLUS In-Suite Mini-Bar Replenished Daily FREE Pre-Paid Gratuities FREE Specialty Restaurants FREE Transfers Between Airport and Ship FREE Unlimited Wi-Fi *See below for Terms & Conditions. †Applies to Concierge Suites & higher For more details, please click THIS PDF or call any of your friendly Critics Choice Vacations expert advisors for more details. It’s going to be an outstanding sailing with great friends of like mind and passion. Call for more details! Cabin space is filling quickly.
Sign up for our free travel vlog and newsletter!
Sign up for our newsletter and receive monthly travel inspiration and insider information!
Travel Log Popup
