Few cities carry luxury as effortlessly as London. Its momentous history and cultural dynamism have left behind a regal legacy, crowned by stunning architecture and refined sensibilities. London’s entrepreneurs haven’t shied away from tapping into these distinguished bounties – indeed, they have wielded them to build heavenly retreats.
Family Friendly Hotels London
In spite of the delicacy of upscale hotels, hoteliers have risen to the challenge, successfully harmonising essential trans-generational needs with dainty sophistication. Read on to discover the best family hotels in London.
1. The Berkeley
Located in Knightsbridge, the Berkeley Hotel is the paragon of modern luxury. A staycation at Berkeley is nothing short of a bed of roses. Every suite is tended to with minted detail – think Italian-marble laid bathrooms, exclusively curated modern artwork, cushy tapestries, and masterfully crafted cabinetry, all underpinned by contemporary art deco excellence.
The Berkeley is also armed with comely French patisseries and an upscale fine dining restaurant. A rooftop pool with cocktail service is also on offer, assuring guests a fabulous tropical escape. The boujee boutiques of Belgravia are right at the hotel’s doorstep, making a Berkeley holiday quite the indulgent getaway.
Children receive a warm welcome with plushies, special toiletries, and personalised rooms. Exclusive kids’ menus are curated to cater to picky palates, and the rooftop pool has child-friendly access. The hotel also has a special “children’s concierge” dedicated to crafting child-friendly London tours for families.
2. The Chesterfield
Located in the heart of Mayfair, Chesterfield is the torchbearer of Victorian decadence. Hosting 94 deluxe rooms and 14 premium suites, all bejewelled to a fault, Chesterfield whisks guests away to a gilded wonderland. Sumptuous textiles, sparkling chandeliers, and ornate panels adorn the rooms – personalised touches based on the guests’ aesthetic preferences and lifestyle choices are seamlessly embedded into the suites, in a bid to become one’s “home away from home.”
Further, its proximity to Bond Street and Hyde Park, besides other landmarks such as the Royal Academy and Buckingham Palace, makes it the ideal homestead for affluent holidayers. The Chesterfield gives families, especially the little ones, the royal treatment. Children are given special check-in services and are welcomed with a kit, including activity books, a bathrobe, and slippers. They also offer babysitting services as well as an exclusive children's afternoon tea affair.
3. Hilton London Syon Park
Ensconced on the historic 200-acre Syon Estate, Hilton London Syon Park is the embodiment of English tradition and pastoral beauty. The hotel was once the country residence of the Duke of Northumberland. Over the years, private apartments and a conservatory hosting more than 200 species of trees were integrated into the estate. Reposing on a green meadow amidst splendid gardens and placid lakes, the hotel is a serene escape from the clamour of London.
The hotel is viewed as a quintessential neo-classical gem, littered with antiques and artwork of note. The interiors have a dash of modern flair, with sleek chandeliers, clean panel carvings, and understated fabrics. The estate houses significant venues such as the Syon House and Kew Gardens, making for an enriching staycation at the hotel.
In addition to free stay for children under the age of five, the hotel offers youngsters the opportunity to unleash their unbridled playfulness. The utterly unique play area is outfitted with three-tiered climbing frames, slides, ball ponds, tunnels, and rope climbs. With the children endlessly entertained in the enchanting fields, adults can enjoy bespoke treatments at the resident Kalima spa.
4. The Landmark
A five-star icon tucked away in Marylebone, the Landmark Hotel is the poster child for unabashed opulence. The hotel is lavished with true Edwardian grandeur, decked out in buxom furniture, luxuriant tapestries, gilted inscriptions, baroque carvings, and majestic chandeliers. It boasts a silk-stocking legacy, having had its opening ceremony with the royal family in attendance and playing host to the Suffragettes with a "Welcome Back from Prison '' breakfast. The Landmark’s well-heeled celebrity has certainly endured.
The hotel’s famous afternoon tea and avant-garde spa sessions have made it the go-to staycation haunt for London’s elite. With exceptional family studios and suites to boot, large menages in need of spoiling relaxation are in for a memorable treat. Children are pampered to the fullest, as the family package comes with gifts such as teddy bears and indoor tents. They also have the opportunity to embark on an adventure (with supervision, of course) with the Landmark’s “treasure hunt experience.”
5. Shangri-La, The Shard
Perched on the 34th floor of The Shard – which is at an elevation of 125 metres above ground – the illustrious Shangri-La is deceptively affronting. Located in London’s most eminent landmark, with
panoramic visuals of the capital unfolding endlessly, this staycation spot is in a class of its own.
In addition to the exclusive postcode, Shangri-La also boasts the city’s highest hotel infinity pool and over 200 luxury suites with breathtaking views of London. Designer decor galore, Frette linens complete the palatial rooms, and the marble-clad bathrooms feature heated floors and Jo Loves amenities. There are three fine dining restaurants at the establishment, with Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, Borough Market, and St. Paul’s Cathedral within close proximity.
Shangri-La welcomes families with their “Family Getaway in the Clouds'' package. Children receive activity packs and are taken on wild treasure hunts. Guests may also opt for custom-themed rooms that take children on incredible safaris and ocean explorations. Little ones can also lap in the waters of the infinity pool under the supervision of trained in-house nannies.
6. The Ritz
The Ritz has single-handedly redefined the standards for luxury hoteliering. This west-end treasure, beautifully clad in the most elegant upholsteries, priceless artwork, 24-carat-gold leafed decor, and diamond-bright chandeliers, is the mecca of French architectural finesse. With a century-old heritage in luxury hospitality, the Ritz is unrivalled in its refined panache.
In addition to princely, bejewelled rooms, the Ritz has a Michelin-starred restaurant, a bar, and an indulgent afternoon tea experience on its roster. Children are not exempt from the epicurean marvels of the Ritz – they receive VIK (Very Important Kids) treatment, which includes gifts like DVDs, books, complimentary ice cream, and teas. They are also treated to gaming consoles in their Junior Suites. If parents are in dire need of some down time, they can opt for the babysitting service.
7. Ham Yard
Situated in the cosmopolitan mania of Soho, Ham Yard is London’s very own urban paradise. Enveloped by troupes of trees, Ham Yard houses a peppy collection of suites and residences, each ornamented with flamboyant splendour. Bold bohemian prints, vintage embellishments, and abstract art all come together to create a harlequin enclave. The premises also host an award-winning European restaurant, a “Soholistic” spa, and an orangery, which serves as the hotel’s afternoon tea venue.
Ham Yard’s family package is certainly a gratifying gem – a kids’ welcome package, milk and cookies at nighttime, a RIKRAK welcome gift for parents, and a daily English breakfast are on offer. Families are also indulged with a few extra hours at the hotel’s Croc Bowling Alley.
For quality time as well as leisurely lulls, London brims with exquisite family-friendly retreats. There’s no better way to unwind than to nestle in the lap of luxury, every whim tended to with gracious hospitality. It’s time to plan your luxury getaway in London and discover your favourite staycation destination.
