Get Your Bearings The best family-friendly hotels are typically found in South London, which has abundant green spaces and green grocers and is close to tourist attractions. Central London is pricier, but also close to attractions. North London is slim pickings. Here are our parent- and kid-approved favorites. South London The Berkeley 32a Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RL; It has a rooftop pool. Enough said. And its near Hyde Park, Harrods, and Yo Sushi! at the top of Harvey Nichols. Knightsbridge Hotel 10 Beaufort Gardens, Knightsbridge, SW3 1PT; One of the Firmdale hotels on a quiet square steps from Brompton Road, Hyde Park, and Beauchamp Place. Bonus points for the life-saving Pizza Express nearby. MyHotel Chelsea 35 Ixworth Place, Chelsea, SW3 3QX; Slightly mod, low-key, and absolutely well-placed near Chelsea Green. A delicious breakfast spread, proximity to great restaurants for kids (conveyor belt sushi at Itsu, perfect steak frites at La Brasserie), and St. Lukes playground are all pluses. The Sloane Square Hotel 7-12 Sloane Square, Chelsea, SW1W 8EG; This one has family rooms — a rarity in the UK and Europe — where four can fit semi-comfortably. Well-situated to Peter Jones (department store where youll inevitably end up after having forgotten some key piece of equipment) and the Kings Road. Proximity to the Duke of Yorks Square add to the appeal. Central London The Arch Great Cumberland Place, Marylebone, W1H 7FD; An 82-room boutique hotel perfect for exploring the shops of Bond and Regent Streets as well as the London Zoo in beautiful Regents Park. Even better, its very affordable, especially considering the neighborhood. Kids will love burgers in the lobby Brasserie or afternoon tea in the library at this modern, somewhat hidden gem (which youd call a bolthole if you were trying to be British about it). The Athanaeum 116 Piccadilly, W1J 7BJ; A family-owned hotel sandwiched between Hyde Park and Green Park and known for its family-friendliness, down to the special kids concierge and nannies on staff. The hotel will stock your room or apartment with kids favorite drinks. Age-appropriate diversions range from kites, bikes, and frisbees to movies and PlayStations. For infants, organic baby food, Baby Einstein DVDs, and disposable diapers are all available. Four Seasons London at Park Lane Hamilton Place, Mayfair, W1J 7DR; When it comes to kids, few do it better than the Four Seasons, and this newly refurbished hotel is no exception. Perfectly located near Hyde Park, kids will love the ease of access to playgrounds, ponds, and paddle boats in warmer months. Winter Wonderland, a cheesy and terrific London highlight filled with games, rides, and general holiday cheer, runs from November to January and is literally across the street. The top-notch concierges can arrange everything from horseback rides to proper high tea complete with cucumber sandwiches and sweet scones with clotted cream. The Corinthia Whitehall Place, Charing Cross, SW1A 2BD; Well located near Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden, this grand (almost ridiculously so) new hotel is great for exploring The Crown Jewels at Tower of London, The London Eye, and a truly terrific Aquarium. River suites offer separate spacious sitting rooms as well as sweeping views of the Thames. With more than four restaurants to choose from, kids and their discerning parents can feast on everything from Cumbrian beef burgers and crisp chips at The Northall to fresh shellfish at Massimo Oyster Bar. North London London Marriot Hotel Maida Vale Plaza Parade, Maida Vale, NW6 5RP; Location, location, location. This one isnt full of charm, but it is perfectly placed for exploring the charming shops and restaurants of this North London area. Dont miss nearby Little Venice, an area full of houseboats and local color. If youre looking for more true Brit, Lords Cricket Ground is just down the street. St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London Euston Road, Kings Cross, NW1 2AR; After a decade-long renovation, this massive Victorian gem has great family accommodations. High ceilings and ornate moldings recall the past; free WiFi and spacious rooms are modern comforts. Bonus points for the subterranean swimming pool and the fact that youre literally seconds from the Eurostar which departs from St. Pancras Station. Its a Marriott, which means you can use your miles on the rates. Just know that rooms in the older building are superior to those in the new wing.
Posted on: Wed, 31 Dec 2014 17:10:00 +0000
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