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The portion of central London that takes in Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey is familiar to millions of people across the world, even if they’ve not set foot in the British capital. As the centre of pageantry and ceremony in the country, it’s an area shown countless times in live footage whenever there’s an official event involving parliament or the royal family.
With Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral procession due to take place between the palace and the abbey, the spotlight will once again shine on its streets. Hotels here tend towards the traditional, with an emphasis on formal service and high thread counts; but there is more modern accommodation to unearth too. Read on for the pick of the best.
Main photo: the Lanesborough, Knightsbridge
Best for food and drink Many Londoners will be familiar with the Stafford London through the American Bar, a cosy cocoon of a place with ceilings covered in old ties and hats. The menu at in-house restaurant The Game Bird is overseen by renowned chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen. Once you’ve finished eating, retire to one of the rooms and suites spread across three historic buildings — all rich fabrics, thick mattresses and bespoke furniture. The final clincher: the lovely cobbled courtyard, overlooked by the former mews and stables.
Spa N Pool N Price ££
Best for a sense of tradition Just behind Buckingham Palace and a short stroll from Hyde Park, the family-owned Goring has the royal seal of approval — it’s one of only a handful in the capital to have a royal warrant. Unusually for a luxury hotel in this part of town, it has a decent-sized garden that’s a lovely place to have afternoon tea on a sunny day. Styling inside is grand, with marble fireplaces, frescoed walls and handmade furniture aplenty. The swish cocktail bar and Michelin-starred restaurant, the Dining Room, help seal the deal.
Spa N Pool N Price £££
Best for boutique on a budget With a more intimate feel than many of the grand old hotels in the area, a stay at the Lime Tree is like returning to an old friend’s home after a day tramping about London. Its small lounge and garden are fine spots to take the weight off. There are 26 contemporary rooms here, with relaxed, modern styling. Roberts radios, rotary phones and patterned wallpaper add a playful touch — the “generous rooms”, with tall Georgian windows, are especially lovely. Breakfast in the charming café-restaurant is terrific and includes vegan options. The hotel is located close to Victoria Coach Station, 15 minutes’ walk from Buckingham Palace.
Spa N Pool N Price £
Best for out-and-out luxury London’s most exclusive hotel is found just a short hop from Buckingham Palace. Indeed, it’s so grand, it might be mistaken for a palace itself. Following a top-to-tail renovation in 2015, the Lanesborough is a wonder of sumptuous interior styling, from the plush regency-style rooms to the hand-painted trompe-l’oeil in the Withdrawing Room. As you might expect at this price bracket, service is second to none, with butler service as standard and no whim that can’t be taken care of by the welcoming staff. There’s a spa and pool, too — facilities that are often lacking in luxury hotels in this part of town.
Spa Y Pool Y Price £££
Best for a classic stay Just south of St James’s Park, the Ermin offers a good price point for this part of town. The entrance lobby will likely stop you in your tracks, with a sweeping staircase, grand chandelier and blindingly white plasterwork. Things get a little more pedestrian beyond this point. Rooms are unlikely to win any style awards, but they are eminently comfortable and you’ll appreciate the mountains of space on offer. It’s well worth booking a table at the relaxed restaurant, the Caxton Grill, which sources some of its ingredients from the hotel’s rooftop kitchen garden and beehives.
Spa N Pool N Price ££
Best for a playful renovation Rather more appealing than a night in the cells is a stay in the hotel that has taken over the old HQ of the Metropolitan Police. The Hyatt-owned Great Scotland Yard makes plenty of nods to its former life, with batons, uniforms and the like making an appearance as interior details throughout. There’s plenty else to catch the eye, including 600 contemporary artworks. Eating here is a highlight — don’t miss a wood-fired meal at Ekstedt at The Yard or a cocktail in The 40 Elephants bar. You’re a short trundle down Parliament Street to the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.
Spa N Pool N Price ££
hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/england-united-kingdom/great-scotland-yard/lhrub
Best for river views You might spend quite some time gawping out from the London Marriott County Hall — you’ve commanding views of the River Thames, the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament from here. Turn your attention inside the grade II listed building and you’ll find just as much to intrigue, from the beautiful wood-panelled lobby to the stunning Library restaurant. Rooms are smart and modern, their monochrome colour schemes brightened with splashes of red. Westminster Abbey is within easy walking distance, just across Westminster Bridge.
Spa Y Pool Y Price ££
marriott.com/en-us/hotels/lonch-london-marriott-hotel-county-hall/overview
Best for location The Conrad St James has an excellent location if you’re in town to hit central London’s big sites, with Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, St James’s Park and Trafalgar Square all within reach. The 256 rooms at the Hilton-owned hotel are functional and comfortable rather than exciting, each designed to deliver a good night’s sleep above all else. Social spaces have a little more flair, with a cosy pub, bright cocktail bar, tea room and restaurant at your disposal. The latter serves a British menu, created by a top chef.
Spa N Pool N Price ££
hilton.com/en/hotels/loncoci-conrad-london-st-james
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