Unique luxury hotels, fashionable travel and much more

There are many reasons for visiting the Capital and staying in one of the the top luxury hotels in London – the world-class shows, theatre, opera and ballet; the unrivalled opportunities to truly shop ‘till you drop, even at London prices; the museums and art galleries, many of which are now free to enter, and the legendary gourmet dining. There are at least 5570 restaurants in London, according to the Yellow Pages, and many more pubs and coffee houses, snack bars and take-aways so you should be able to dine somewhere different every night for the next 27 years without having to repeat yourself.

However, in reality, we are creatures of habit, and having found somewhere good to dine out, we would rather return there than risk disappointment elsewhere. Many of London’s finest restaurants are an integral part of the luxury hotels in London which are found in Capital’s most prestigious areas. With expensive taxi fares and impossible parking, it makes sense to dine where you are staying. Here are some of London’s very best restaurants, complete with adjoining luxury hotel accommodation.

One of the city’s best restaurants is tucked inside the five star Connaught Hotel in Mayfair. Although you may feel out of place without a jacket and tie, Hélène Darroze, one of France’s most distinguished chefs has brought her Michelin-star cuisine to London for a gastronomic experience to savor. The more informal Espelette restaurant also offers signature dishes by Hélène, along with delectable afternoon teas.

Equally Michelin star-studded is the Foliage restaurant in the Mandarin Oriental. Nestled in one of the top luxury hotels in London, the restaurant enjoys a Royal Park on either side hotel and al fresco dining on the terrace in the warm summer evenings is an unrivalled experience. Attention to detail includes the waiting staff collecting leaves from Hyde Park and placing them beneath the bespoke glass plates to truly set the scene for an amazing experience.

The five star luxury Berkeley Hotel in London boasts possibly the finest dining with not one but two award-winning restaurants. Gordon Ramsay takes on New York’s café scene with his Boxwood Café whilst Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley presents a total food euphoria.

Finally, be prepared to be dazzled by an exciting international restaurant set in one of the premier luxury hotels in London. Nobu offers a delectable Peruvian-Japanese menu in the Metropolitan Hotel. Founded by world-renowned chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa and presided over by Executive Chef Mark Edwards, this specialty cuisine cannot fail to impress. Coupled with the legendary service and contemporary interior design, this luxury hotel in London’s Park Lane makes a truly refreshing place to dine and to stay.

by Luxique - A Unique Collection of Luxury Hotels in London

London is a fabulous place to visit for a weekend, a week or a month. There is so much to see and do, and the key to a great London experience is to stay right in the heart of the action. Ideally you want everything to be just a stone’s throw from your door. Here are a few suggestions for luxury hotels in London which are perfectly located to enhance your visit, whatever you want to do.

Durley House, Knightsbridge
This chic boutique hotel is the perfect pick for Shopaholics. Smack-bang in the middle of Knightsbridge, it is just steps from Sloane Square, the mecca for all fashionistas. Harvey Nich’s and Harrod’s are just along the road, so you don’t have to carry those bags too far.

Covent Garden Hotel, Soho
Interior designer types will adore any of Kit Kemp’s stylish makeovers. Covent Garden Hotel is just one of her superb creations in London. The rooms all have the trademarks of this designer legend; English country fabrics and four-poster beds enhance the richly decorated rooms. Antiques mix with contemporary artwork and look wonderful whilst breaking all the rules. Request one of the rooms with oversized windows and views over the rooftops – a great sight to wake up to.

One Aldwych, Covent Garden
Perfectly located for West End theatres, entertainment and nightlife, this Condé Nast Gold List star is within easy staggering distance of all the major theatres, the Royal Opera House and the National Gallery. One of the most exciting contemporary luxury hotels in London, One Aldwych is more than just a bed for the night.

Dukes, Westminster
This fine boutique hotel makes you a close neighbour of HRH at Buckingham Palace, which is just around the corner. Whitehall, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye are all nearby making this a great choice for sightseeing guests. This ‘Leading Small Hotels of the World’ member is a thoroughly British institution from the clubby bar to the garden conservatory.

Threadneedles Hotel, City
Appropriately located in a former bank building, Threadneedles Hotel is right on the edge of the City, mixing business beautifully with pleasure. This unique luxury hotel is considered by Condé Nast to be one of the top 50 luxury hotels in the world, with its the refined atmosphere and fabulous stained glass dome in the former banking hall. The Penthouse has fabulous views of the City and St Paul’s Cathedral from the fifty-foot long terrace.

by Luxique Luxury Travel

The up-market area of St John’s Wood in north-west London has been a magnet for many tourists because of its association with The Beatles.

The band recorded many of their songs at the Abbey Road studios there and the cover of the 1969 album Abbey Road features them walking across a zebra crossing close to the studios (although many tourists have photographs of themselves at the wrong one!)

There’s been speculation over the past week that the studios – a former 19 century townhouse – might be put up for sale by their struggling owners, EMI.

One of the two surviving Beatles, Sir Paul McCartney, said he had so many memories of the place and he’d heard of plans to try to rescue the building. “There are a few people who have been associated with the studio for a long time who were talking about mounting some bid to save it,” said Sir Paul. “I sympathise with them. I hope they can do something, it would be great.”

EMI clarified its position this week by saying that it wasn’t intending to sell the loss-making studios, but was looking for investors to help it finance what it called a ‘revitalisation’.

One of those who might put his hand in his pocket is the composer and theatrical impresario Lord (Andrew) Lloyd Webber, who has used the studios on a regular basis.

by Andy Moreton

If you’re visiting the UK in 2010, be sure to take a look at Luxique’s selection of 52 luxury hotels in London and our Top Destination guide to getting around.

A hotel with rooms as small as 50 sq ft. (15 sq m) is to be built as part of the redevelopment of a famous London tourist spot.

Plans have been approved for the 495–room hotel at the Trocadero in Piccadilly Circus. It will take its inspiration from Japanese ‘pod’ hotels, which have capsules for rooms to make use of space in crowded cities.

The Trocadero, originally built as a restaurant, is an entertainment space with shops and a cinema. The hotel will be located over seven floors behind its Grade II listed facade. Corridors will run round the building and rooms grouped around internal courtyards. Rates are expected to be £20–40 ($32–65) a night.

Wan Yau, director of architects Dexter Moren Associates, said:

“The lighting, temperature and even TV channels can be pre-programmed, enabling every guest to have a personalised ‘pod’ experience. We wanted to create an oasis away from the bustling activity [of London].”

When work starts on the site later this year, two neighbouring theatres – the Apollo and the Lyric – have asked for extra soundproofing so their productions aren’t ruined. It’s hoped to have the Trocadero Hotel ready in time for the London 2012 Olympics.

by Andy Moreton

Luxique has a hand-picked selection of the finest luxury London hotels – some large and traditional, some small and chic (but not that small!)

The route of the annual New Year’s Day parade through London is being reversed to satisfy American TV broadcasters.

The organisers are anxious that American audiences (i.e. potential tourists) wake up to see such iconic landmarks as Nelson’s Column and Big Ben in all their glory.

So, after a goodwill message from the Queen has been read out, the parade will now start at noon London time at the Ritz Hotel in Park Lane and make its way to Parliament Square.

The annual event is apparently already hugely popular in the United States. Last year, nearly 4,000 Americans from 24 different marching bands took part and even more are expected to be involved this year.

With an estimated US television audience of up to 100 million viewers, organisers say the parade is a fantastic shop window for the capital’s tourism and they want London looking its best. The parade’s executive director, Bob Bone, said:

“The Christmas and New Year period is vital for tourism, when millions decide where they will visit in the summer. This year, of all years, it is vital that we attract every last one of them.”

by Andy Moreton

It’s a great city to explore at any time of the year, so take a look at Luxique’s comprehensive selection of luxury hotels in London.

Picture the scene: you’re travelling on London Underground’s Piccadilly line (the dark blue one) towards Heathrow Airport and the driver’s public address system crackles into action.

You’re expecting no more than the standard ‘mind the gap between the train and the platform’, or ‘change here for the Northern line,’ but what you hear is: ‘without music, life would be a mistake’.
Alternatively, it could be ‘to live is to dream’, or ‘beauty will save the world’.

It’s the latest idea to ease the strain of travelling on London’s crowded ‘tube’ system – the thoughts of history’s great philosophers.

Jeremy Deller, who’s compiled the selection of quotes given to drivers, said: “I often wish announcements were more personal and reflected the realities and absurdities of living and working in a big city. I think the travelling public will enjoy some humour and unexpected insight during their journey.”

The quotes above came from Nietzsche, Schiller and Dostoevsky. Another suggestion on a message board is a line from Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night: ‘In delay there lies no plenty.’

by Andy Moreton

The tube is just one of the delights awaiting you in London. Luxique’s Top Destination guide will help you get the best from your visit and we have a hand- picked selection of the finest luxury London hotels.

Michael Jackson has turned up in the beautiful area of west-central England known as the Cotswolds – although he apparently didn’t see much apart from the view from the window of his luxurious country house hotel.

Jackson has spent several weeks in the UK in preparation for his series of concerts at the O2 Arena in London next month, and enjoyed a secret break with his children (and small entourage) at Buckland Manor.

He took seven rooms at the Manor, which dates back to the thirteenth century and is set in glorious grounds with immaculate gardens, running stream, small waterfalls, croquet lawns and tennis courts.

The few staff who knew the identity of the celebrity behind the closed curtains were sworn to secrecy, but some details of the visit leaked out. If you believe the press reports, here are some highlights:

• The party arrived disguised in Arab veils and clothing
• Jackson used a dodgy Irish accent to order jelly and ice cream from room service
• Bodyguards were dispatched to go on shopping missions

That all seems to tie in with the singer’s reputation for erratic behaviour, but a hotel source insisted the singer had been ultra-friendly. “We had a nice chat,” he said. “Jackson was quite normal really. You read these things, but he was nice and very polite. His children were perfectly polite too.”

by Andy Moreton

Buckland Manor bills itself as ‘the best leisure hotel in the British Isles’, and Luxique has negotiated the best rates for your stay.

It’s not been confirmed which luxury London hotel Jackson will take over in the summer, but in the past he’s favoured The Lanesborough. Pop divas Beyoncé and Britney Spears recently took suites at the Mandarin Oriental overlooking Hyde Park.

A recent survey on a TV consumer programme concluded that the standard of service here in the UK had become much worse over the past few years.

It was refreshing, therefore, to read the thoughts of hotelier Gordon Campbell Gray in the June edition of the magazine Condé Nast Traveller. “We are in the kindness industry,” said Campbell Gray. “I think it’s an insult to charge for the internet or a piece of fruit.”

Campbell Gray runs One Aldwych in London (where, reportedly, three pieces of fresh fruit are delivered to every room, every day). Also in his stable is the chic Carlisle Bay in Antigua with its barefoot luxury.

He tends to hand pick everything that goes into his hotels and says that when his staff members say “it’s my pleasure”, they mean it. His maxim is said to be: “Show me the doorman and I’ll tell you how the hotel is run.”

Now Campbell Gray has a fresh challenge – he’s opening a new hotel, Le Gray, next month … in the centre of the Lebanese capital, Beirut. “I think Beirut’s time has come again,” he said. “It’s a marvellous location – you have the sea and the mountains – and I think the people are the most glamorous on earth.”

by Andy Moreton (with thanks to Reggie Nadelson)

Luxique can find you the best rates at Carlisle Bay, One Aldwych and at Duke’s Hotel in London, which is also managed by Gordon Campbell Gray’s company.

I’m writing to you from a group of islands close to continental Europe – an area slightly smaller than Oregon.

That’s the UK in a nutshell, as described by the White House in a briefing booklet for the journalists accompanying President Obama to the G20 summit in London last week.

It was a relief to know that we Brits weren’t being singled out for this size-ism – Germany is ‘about the size of Montana,’ while for the Czech Republic, think Virginia. Even France, the largest country in western Europe, is only ‘four-fifths the size of Texas.’

One person who was happy to leave capacious California for little London is the Oscar-winning actress, Gwyneth Paltrow. Married to Chris Martin, the lead singer of Coldplay, she lives during the school year in Belsize Park - a cool quarter of the city frequented by celebs, media types and fashionistas.

On her lifestyle website, Paltrow has been sharing her advice on ‘my London.’ This includes her favourite hotels, which she has named as the Berkeley, the Hempel and Blakes. We at Luxique know how fabulous these three luxury hotels in London are, but let’s hear it from the lady herself:

“For a while, Blake’s was my home-away-from-home in London before I got a flat. It’s a super-chic design hotel, but comfortable and sexy. It’s perfect for a romantic trip.”

“I’ve been to The Hempel a few times and really responded to its clean, modern feeling. It’s in a cool part of London, a bit off the beaten track and it faces a lovely garden. It’s contemporary and minimal - perfect if that’s your vibe.”

“The Berkeley is my favourite proper grown-up hotel in London. It’s done beautifully and has brilliant services. There’s a pool on the roof that opens on sunny days. Right in the centre of London (and on my old street), this is perfect for the discerning business traveller.”

Well said, Gwyneth – there’s a job for you as a Luxique reviewer any time you fancy it. And, readers, if you want more from Planet Paltrow, go to www.goop.com (but be prepared to ‘nourish the inner aspect’).

by Andy Moreton

London has a new visitor attraction dedicated to the history of popular music in Britain.

The British Music Experience at the O2 Arena combines high-tech displays with memorabilia loaned by stars like The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Oasis and Amy Winehouse.

Seven musical eras, from 1945 to the present day, are represented with their own zones. Exhibits include David Bowie’s Ashes To Ashes clown suit, a Union Jack guitar owned by Oasis front man Noel Gallagher and a pair of glasses belonging to Pulp singer Jarvis Cocker.

The exhibition’s chairman, music promoter Harvey Goldsmith, said that up to now the UK had lacked a venue reflecting the history of what he called ‘the fantastic British musical talent that had conquered the world.’

The £9.5 million ($13 million) attraction covers 22,000 square feet and it’s hoped it will pull in 350,000 visitors a year. Tickets cost £15.

The O2, at Greenwich in south-east London, is also the home of one of the UK’s leading music venues, which has played host to the likes of Led Zeppelin, Prince and Tina Turner.

Michael Jackson is arriving this summer for a series of fifty come-back concerts for which all tickets were sold in a few hours. Eccentric as ever, Jackson wants to arrive at the venue by boat (the O2 is by the Thames) and ride an elephant on to the stage as part of a jungle theme.

by Andy Moreton

Luxique has the pick of the luxury hotels in London, as well as a London city guide.