London, England
Inspirato offers four spacious flats and an array of luxury rooms and suites at seven hotels across London. Choose from two-bedroom flats, Piccadilly and Paddington, both sleek and modern units with full kitchens or nearby, Mayfair Flat and Middleton Flat at the Metropolitan by COMO, London hotel are situated across from Hyde Park within easy walking distance to Buckingham Palace.
Around the corner, Baglioni Hotel London overlooks Kensington Gardens, a short walk from Harrods. Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites & Residences is close to Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and Big Ben, while Rosewood London in the West End is a fantastic option for business travelers. Shangri-La Hotel, at The Shard, London, is the tallest five-star hotel in the city, offering sweeping skyline views of London’s most famous attractions from its perch in London Bridge.
European Elegance and Chic Fun
In many cities, the juxtaposition of tradition and ceremony with the fast pace of a global financial center might strike an uneasy balance. In London, it's just part of the fun. On the one hand, you can witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, cross the River Thames on the iconic Tower Bridge, and sample strawberries and cream at Wimbledon. On the other, you can also find the latest fashions, hip nightclubs, and authentic cuisine from virtually any corner of the Earth. The famous theater scene, the British Museum and National Gallery, and Westminster Abbey are several reasons to vacation or do business in London.
Quick Facts
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SUGGESTED AIRPORT
LHR Heathrow or LGW Gatwick -
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE
60°F - 75°F (Summer), 35°F - 45°F (Winter) -
MOST FAMOUS LANDMARK
Buckingham Palace -
CURRENCY
British Pound (GBP)
Fresh Things To Do
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Eye on London
The world's largest observation tower opened in 2000 and offers views for some 25 miles; you may be able to see Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. Passengers are carried in pods that make a full circle around "the eye" every 30 minutes.
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Live Like Royalty
The official residence of the Queen, the palace is surrounded by a 40-acre garden and guarded by Scotland Yard 24 hours a day. A tourist favorite is the changing of the guard, at 11:30 a.m. every day (or every other day in some months).
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Tea Time
A historic hotel like The Ritz London is a must-visit for afternoon teas, but check out one of the capital's more unusual services too. From empanadas to cotton candy, this trend will set Earl Grey spinning in his grave.
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Rowing on the Serpentine
In the middle of Hyde Park is winding Serpentine Lake; rent a boat and soak up the bucolic atmosphere of a warm afternoon. This idyllic location is the backdrop and inspiration for one of Renoir's most famous paintings, "Woman in a Boat."
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An English Garden
London is famous for its beautiful gardens. Many that have been preserved and maintained are former private estates. Visit the 120+ acres of Royal Botantical Gardens, Kew Gardens or take a leisurely walk through Holland Park.
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Double-down
The red double-decker buses of London are famous worldwide and a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour onboard one of these iconic vehicles is the perfect way to introduce yourself to the layout of the city and its many attractions.
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Featured Activity
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Way Off Broadway
Only New York City could rival the theater and performance scene available in London, which hosts everything from traditional productions to "Off West End" plays to popular musicals. Whether it's one of Shakespeare's influential tragedies at The Globe or next season's Broadway hit, the London theater scene has something for everyone. Any one of these entertaining options can make for the perfect date night. Add a private dinner at one of the city's fantastic restaurants and you have yourself a night to remember. Just be sure to reserve tickets early.
West End. The history of London's West End has been linked to the theater since the opening of its first venue in Drury Lane in 1663. Since then, Londoners and visitors have found their way to the West End to be entertained by a variety of musicals, plays, comedies and dramas. The area stakes its claim as "the largest theater district in the world," with international stars appearing regularly in the hundreds of shows running each night. Some well-known names include Angela Lansbury, John Lloyd Young, Kevin Spacey, Nigel Havers and many more. Once an area of palaces and expensive homes, the grand buildings of the West End now house museums, art galleries and an array of hotels, restaurants, shopping and of course, theaters.
National Theatre. The National Theatre on London's South Bank, was opened by the Queen in 1976 and includes three theaters, The Olivier, The Lyttelton and the small Cottesloe. Shows at the National are usually in repertoire, meaning they rotate in and out every few days so you can see a selection of various shows at each week. The National also hosts several "Platform" performances, featuring discussions with a variety of people in the industry, from producers to performers, directors and more. The theater complex includes several cafes/bars, a restaurant and a bookshop. Free live acts are performed in the Olivier foyer before each show, and there are also several free exhibits to take in. Back-stage tours are also available. Workshops and youth programs
Shakespeare's Globe. Founded by American actor and director Sam Wanamaker, Shakespeare's Globe opened for performances in 1997, and since then has hosted visitors from throughout the world. A reconstruction of the original Elizabethan playhouse, Shakespeare's Globe stands just 750 feet from the site of the original and hosts workshops, lectures and staged readings, along with performances. Visitors can tour the Globe and watch production and practices.
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Travel Tips
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A Storied Past
Visit a fascinating collection of historical sights and museums like The Tower of London, Churchill War Rooms or Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. In many cases, fast track tickets may be obtained from your concierge.
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Walk This Way
London Walks offers a variety of routes, utter reliability and superb guides. Meet on the pavement outside the designated Tube Stop at the time stated. Guides hold up copies of the famous white London Walks leaflet.
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A Garden of Earthly Delights
Covent Garden London is famous for its shops, street performers, bars, restaurants, theaters and the Royal Opera House. Covent Garden is an Italian-style piazza packed with restaurants, bars and fashionable boutiques.
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Spa-ahh
The Spa at 51 has teamed up with Anne Sémonin to create a luxury where a trained therapist first consults the guest on specific skin needs. The treatments are 'made to measure' in the famous Anne Sémonin tradition.
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Hit the Links
Wentworth Club, about 45 minutes away, boasts three 18-hole courses and one 9-hole course. It's the only club in the world that hosts three prominent professional tournaments every year. Reservations needed at least a month in advance.
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Ancient Ceremonial Stones
One of the most famous sites in the world, Stonehenge is the remains of a ring of standing stones set within earthworks. Archaeologists believe it was built anywhere from 3000 BC to 2000 BC. A must-see!
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Weather
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Forecasting Your London Vacation
Don't think of London encapsulated constantly by fog and a dreary ongoing drizzle. While that can be the weather forecast from time to time, London enjoys a temperate environment that experiences all four seasons (and plenty of sunny days to enjoy as well). Think of London as an urban paradise that features a bounty of historic landmarks, stately gardens and royal parks.
