Everyone deserves a cushy break from the bustling city. However, luxury and child-friendly don’t often go hand-in-hand. With the fragile sophistication of upscale hotels, finding a high-end retreat for a family can be a frantic venture at best.
Fortunately, some of London’s most extravagant hotels have risen to the challenge of catering to a large menage. From interactive entertainment to snazzy playrooms and Michelin-starred meals, these retreats have it all. Read on to uncover London’s best family-friendly retreats.
1. St. Ermin's Hotel, Autograph Collection
St. Ermin’s Hotel is a tree-lined majestic beauty, with an incredible legacy. The hotel has witnessed double-agents on their job and served as the main headquarters for Winston Churchill’s meetings during World War II. He also indulged in his favourite champagne at the hotel’s Caxton Bar. With historical monuments and tourist attractions a stone’s throw away, St. Ermins is the ideal getaway for a family exploring London for the first time. With delectable afternoon teas and breakfast-in-bed, guests can let loose with their feet up. Moreover, adults are assured a well-deserved break, as the children will be sufficiently occupied.
The hotel offers an exclusive “Kids Concierge” service. Trained hotel staff will dedicate their time to keeping children safe and occupied. Children are offered utterly unique experiences – they can head to the Buzz and Bee Hotel to watch staff make honey or become a spy for the day and be rewarded with a mocktail upon successful completion of a mission. Moreover, they are dog-friendly – in fact, they also have a “Canine Concierge” service! Family rooms are equipped with all the essentials, from high chairs to baby food. The hotel also has access to relevant emergency services for children, such as paediatric contact details. Any and every family request will be catered to – nothing is off the table.
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2. The Lanesborough
The Lanesborough is famed for its sheer opulence. With its Regency-era atmosphere and team of devoted concierges, they leave no stone unturned in offering stellar service. Located at the foot of Hyde Park, Lanesborough’s deluxe suites offer stunning views of the capital’s posh neighbourhood. They have a dedicated family package which includes luxury Junior Suites. Adults can indulge in at least two days of hand-off parenting, as the Lanesborough concierge team commits to keeping the children productive.
Children are welcomed with a little leather VIP pass, which entitles them to free ice cream and snacks at the hotel's many eateries. In partnership with Notorious Kids, an event planning company, children’s rooms can be personalised to feel homely – from adding a simple teddy bear to completely revamping the space with innovative decor, children are assured a one-of-a-kind magical den. Furthermore, they are spoilt for choice as far as activities are concerned – mocktail lessons, mini manicures, butler lessons, horseback riding sessions, and spy games are on the table. The Lanesborough’s friendly resident cat Lilibet is the icing on the cake.
3. The Landmark
A forested paradise in a buzzing locale, the Landmark stands out for its aristocratic appeal. From classic decor to gilded furniture, Landmark knows how to do royalty. The hotel is famous for its afternoon tea, which includes a fascinating medley of jams and pastries. They are equipped with state-of-the-art spa and salon services – their exclusive spa sessions are designed to help you recuperate from the strains of daily life
The hotel has excellent family suites and studios, complete with multiple large double beds, a lounge, and Italian-tiled bathrooms. Their Presidential Suite, in particular, sets a new threshold for glamour, with its stately dining room, kitchenette, and living room. Children are in for a marvellous time. Teddy bears and fun indoor tents are included in the family package. Kids are also treated to a treasure hunt experience that takes them on a little adventure through the maze of the hotel.
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4. The Montcalm Hotels
The Montcalm Hotel range prides itself on its regal elegance. They flawlessly curate indulgent experiences for every guest. From haute cuisine to indoor swimming pools, Montcalm Hotels have everything you need to unwind after a difficult week. Their innovative family package includes a Junior Suite, a kids’ goody bag, a colouring book, board games, and kids’ television channels. For at least two days, families are pampered with premium English breakfasts and unlimited access to wellness services.
Unwind with English pints at the Long Arm Pub followed by a hot massage at the Bokeh Spa while the children are immersed in amusing activities personalised for them.
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5. Hilton London Syon Park
Hilton’s London Syon Park offers a slice of tranquil nature. Majestic architecture, a serene atmosphere, and exemplary services can be expected at this establishment. Deluxe rooms have stunning views of the hotel’s lush courtyard, a quiet oasis away from the buzzing city. One can connect with nature while walking in the manicured Pleasure Gardens, reading a book by the babbling brook at Kew Gardens (which is a UNESCO World Heritage site), and gazing upon the grand Syon House, a palace that belongs to the Duke of Northumberland.
The Syon terrace is perfect for sipping cocktails in London’s romantic summers, and the lounge offers glamorous dining experiences. Children can engage in fun outdoor activities. There are climbing frames, tunnels, and ropes, where children can unleash their energy in a safe environment. They also have soft play areas for toddlers.
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6. Royal Lancaster, Hyde Park
Located by the picturesque Hyde Park, Royal Lancaster offers noble treatment at an establishment with breathtaking views of London’s skyline. With over 400 luxury rooms, Royal Lancaster prides itself on its elegance, authentic culinary fare, and sustainable practices. With the Science Museum and Hamleys Toy Store around the corner, the location is perfect for families with children. Young ones are welcomed with a package that includes a “Little Bees Activity Passport” (which entitles them to complimentary ice cream), a bathrobe, and a plushy to take home. Upon request, the hotel can also provide a pushchair, baby bathtub, high chair, changing mat, baby monitor, bottle warmer, and car seat.
The hotel also has a playroom for children, who are also given a complimentary frisbee if they want to enjoy the sun at Hyde Park.
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7. The Ritz, Mayfair
The Ritz oozes timeless charm and is unapologetically lavish. It is the paragon of London sophistication. Furthermore, its restaurant is Michelin-starred. Thus, families receive nothing short of royal treatment during their stay at the Ritz. Chandeliers adorn the establishment that overlooks Green Park, while hotel suites have an understated sophistication with 24-carat-gold leafed decor and vivacious coloured furnishing. The hotel is famous for its exquisite afternoon tea at the glitzy Palm Court salon.
Children get a taste of luxury and freedom at the Ritz. They are welcomed with gifts and are pampered with in-gaming consoles at the Junior Suites. They receive VIK (Very Important Kids) treatment – this includes an array of DVDs, books, complimentary ice cream and teas, and inexpensive Michelin-starred meals. Adults can also request an external babysitting service.
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8. The Montague on The Gardens
With afternoon tea at the conservatory, live jazz at Leopard Bar, and high-end al fresco dining, the Montague on The Gardens offers guests a lap of luxury in an old Georgian townhouse. Children under 12 are entitled to a complimentary stay and dining. They receive free books, toiletries, and mocktail masterclasses. They are also entertained with street art workshops or even a treasure hunt at the British Museum.
Kids receive a tour of Leake Street arches, courtesy of a local street artist, and get to unleash their creativity through graffiti art. In partnership with the British Museum, kids can go on a treasure hunt around the premises, glean a wealth of information while exploring the museum, and ultimately find the treasure. Guests also avail of the premium nanny service.
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9. Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane
The pioneer of luxury hoteliering, Four Seasons in London affords guests the ultimate royal retreat. With lavish decor, Michelin-starred fare, and exclusive wellness experiences, Four Seasons has set a tremendously high benchmark for luxury getaways. Guests can unwind with personalised gym training sessions, sound baths, and a five-star English breakfast. Kids are treated with grandeur – they are welcomed with handcrafted sweet treats and games. Moments and activities are inventively crafted according to every child’s taste – A superhero movie? A princess-themed activity? A teddy plushy? Whatever the child likes, the child gets.
They also receive Four Seasons Movie Night vouchers and get to pick a family-friendly movie while the hotel provides complimentary desserts and popcorn. What’s more – children younger than the age of five are entitled to free Michelin-starred meals.
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10. Hotel Café Royal
Cafe Royal certainly lives up to its name – situated at the cusp of St. James , Mayfair , and Soho , the hotel is at the crossroads of affluence. Moreover, Hotel Cafe Royal has been frequented by the likes of Winston Churchill and Princess Diana. A private chauffeur, access to a luxury car, and 24-hour butler service will certainly take the edge off of guests. Kids also receive royal treatment, with welcome gifts, in-room gaming consoles, unlimited movies with popcorn, and swimming pool access. Kids under the age of five receive free meals and older children receive a 50% discount.
The hotel is famous for its Tiny Traveller Programme, designed by elite nanny Louenna Hood, who has taken care of over 100 children in her career, including those of three different royal families. She has designed toddler-safe beds, and fun teepees and has even curated a nutritionally balanced menu for children. The programme also includes “Royal Nanny Approved Trunks”, which comprises a bath thermometer, white noise machine, organic bath products, a plushy, and a baby book. For older children, trunks have toys, books, and puzzles. Guests can avail babysitting services, which are overseen by Hood herself.
A spoiling getaway is a privilege worth indulging in, and finding a luxury family-friendly retreat needn’t be a frenzied scenario. Discover your utopian staycation spot in London.
