There’s certainly no paucity of luxury hotels in London – archaic baroque structures are tastefully intertwined with contemporary elegance in these establishments. Leveraging the city’s momentous history, stellar architectural acumen, and sheer refinement, London hoteliers have truly created wondrous retreats. While the fragile delicacy of luxury hotels may seem at odds with the spontaneity of a large menage, several luxury hotels have risen to the challenge of curating bespoke world-class hotel experiences for families. Read on to discover the best family-friendly hotels in London.
1. Shangri-La, the Shard
Occupying 18 floors in Western Europe’s tallest building with panoramic views of the cityscape, escaping to the Shard’s Shangri-La is like nestling in London’s very soul. At a phenomenal 125-metre mark, the Shangri-La begins at the 34th level of the Shard. Outfitted with grand 202 suites, each room is manicured with elegant colour palettes, sumptuous fabrics, and shimmering ornaments. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer peerless glimpses of London in all its glory, from the river, the romantic bridge, the historical St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the bohemian Borough Market, all the way to Canary Wharf’s industrial superstructures. At level 51, there’s “the Sky Pool,” which is London’s highest infinity pool. With exclusive restaurants to boot, a staycation at Shangri-La guarantees the finest of pleasures.
Shangri-La’s child-friendly services belie its stupendous height and immensity. With their “Family Getaway in the Clouds” package, children receive activity packs and get to go on treasure hunts. Themed rooms take children on incredible safaris, outer space expeditions, and ocean explorations. Parents can catch a break with a glass of champagne at an infinity pool, feasting on views of the bridge glistening in the evening sun, while their children go on adventures, such as finding treasure or taking over as the CEO of a company. Children are also bestowed with the privilege of lapping in Sky Pool’s waters with their newfound hotel buddies, under the keen supervision of experienced nannies.
2. Corinthia
A breathtaking vision of unapologetic Victorian opulence, Corinthia is draped in hues of classical romance and noble tradition. It is also a time capsule bearing countless secrets and hushed exchanges, having historically hosted politicians, diplomats, and spies – guests today don’t simply walk on plush carpets but on the footsteps of significant geopolitical decisions known to nobody else in the world. Tucked away in the heart of Westminster , Corinthia is immodestly glamorous and a fitting homage to Victorian regality. A chandelier crafted with 1001 Baccarat crystal baubles welcomes visitors, paving the way for its exclusive penthouse suites. From the warm decadence of the "Hamilton penthouse" to the artistic details of the "musician’s penthouse" and the urbane ambience of the "actor’s penthouse," every high-end aesthetic in the playbook is expertly recreated.
Beyond Corinthia’s quaint sophistication, is a spectacularly wholesome family-friendly retreat. Their "Family Escape'' package includes suites with two connecting rooms, bedecked in David Collins’ interior design magic. Furnished with a bottle of Laurent-Perrier Champagne in the adults’ room and a chest of activities and gifts in the children’s room, guests and their loved ones are in for a treat. Everyone can wake up to a scrumptious English breakfast and spend indulgent quality time before heading to the ESPA Life spa to unwind in the bubbling swimming pool. If the sun is out, families can rent bikes from the hotel and behold the wonders of central London. Tuckered out by the spoiling activities, the day can be capped off with a family movie night back at the luxury penthouse. Corinthia ensures that families are pampered to a fault with the ultimate five-star hotel experience.
3. The Rosewood
Located in London’s treasured West End, the Rosewood pulses with London’s refined rhythm, presenting an enchanting staycation experience. A typical Edwardian Belle Époque structure, its ornate inscriptions and floral motifs have been preserved, a remnant of an era when designers and artists endeavoured to create fairytale-esque habitats. From over 263 deluxe rooms to 45 houses and a six-bedroom Grand Manor suite that has its own postcode, the Rosewood loves its ostentatiousness. With exemplary British fare at the Holborn Dining Room, delicious cocktails at the Scarfes Bar, a chic “Art Afternoon Tea” at the Mirror Room, and an award-winning sense spa, the hotel zealously caters to every fanciful whim.
The classical establishment strives to deliver picture-perfect family moments. Children are welcomed with personalised toys and activities, besides being treated to gaming consoles. Moreover, there are plenty of things for families to engage in, such as a handsome morning feast, a quiet afternoon tea, or a cycling expedition around Covent Garden. For a more constructive day out, families can go on a personalised tour of the National Gallery or attend a pie-making masterclass.
4. The Four Seasons at Trinity Place
The Four Seasons is undoubtedly synonymous with luxury. However, London’s Trinity Place branch is a class apart, nestled in the heart of London’s history with stunning views of London Bridge and the Tower of London. With the city’s skyline at the Four Seasons’ doorstep, understated elegance characterises the interiors of the establishment – clean lines, unforgiving symmetry, floor-to-ceiling windows, honey-oak woodwork, and intricate light fixtures typically adorn each room. Private gardens, designer bathrooms, and staggeringly high ceilings embolden the hotel’s captivating allure.
Children are in for a grand time – not only are they welcomed with custom gifts but also sweet treats crafted by an expert pastry team. Additionally, there are a range of board games, gaming consoles, and activities to keep them endlessly entertained. Families can also purchase a tent to fashion a fun hideout in the hotel room. There are a series of activities to choose from, designed to cheer transgenerational groups – informative tours of the Tower of London and the HMS Belfast, as well as riverboat excursions of the city, make for incredible family memories.
5. Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences
A former residence of the Lords and Ladies of the Royal Court, the Taj 51 is a luxury heritage hotel, bejewelled to boot. Equipped with suites housing one to six bedrooms and signature townhouses, the Taj 51 conjures the vision of an antiquated palace – ornate, romantic, and untouched by modern glam. Elizabethan class lurks in every corner of the establishment, with cherub-adorned fountains, embellished pillars, and Shakespearean plays depicted in descriptive detail on the courtyard walls. The rooms are visual extravaganzas, with labyrinthine patterns sprawling over all the walls and furniture, completely unabated.
Children are spoiled well, with a passport, a goodie bag, a sketchbook with crayons, and postcards that the concierge can post on the guest’s behalf. At bedtime, children are indulged with special giant cookies, marshmallows, and hot chocolate. Guided tours courtesy of Taj 51, within or even outside London, are aimed at providing families with a memorable vacation devoid of any responsibilities.
6. The Milestone
Situated in the heart of Kensington , the Milestone is one of the West End’s premiere five-star hotels. A strikingly Victorian structure with its quintessential Kensington red-and-white facade, the Milestone has always been a residence of the wealthy (since the 17th century, to be precise). Much of its original grandeur has been retained, such as the wooden panelling, marble flooring, authentic artwork, and Victorian tiling. Housing 43 deluxe rooms, 13 suites, and six residences, every room bears remnants of London’s history.
From babysitting facilities to children-specific activities such as the kids’ afternoon tea, the Milestone is the ideal hotel to take a break from the drudgery of everyday life. Among the range of exclusive entertainment activities, a particularly popular one is the cupcake decorating affair. Additionally, personalised amenities and tour guides can be arranged for families.
7. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
Perched between Knightsbridge and Hyde Park , the Mandarin Oriental boasts a highly coveted postcode. With its red-and-white facade, intricate inscriptions, loggias, and dramatically arched niches, it embodies the Franco-Flemish architectural panache. What started out as London's most exotic hotel back in 1902 still continues to hold that torch – it is undeniably one of the city’s most magnificent haunts even in the present day. The Mandarin Oriental hosts three reputed restaurants, one of which has two Michelin stars. Moreover, their impeccable afternoon tea at the Rosebery, inventive cocktails at the Mandarin Bar, Chilean gastronomy at the Lucho, and a Japanese izakaya at the Aubrey further evidence Mandarin Oriental as a luxe vacation destination in its own right.
Families may avail of their premium suites with connecting rooms. Children are treated to complimentary meals and customised play amenities, including a game chest and a personalised movie night. Besides offering airport pick-up services, tailor-made London guides are curated per every family’s sensibilities. Mandarin Oriental particularly takes pride in their “Little Rangers Adventurer package,” which entails an invigorating treasure hunt throughout the premises – children are gifted a soft toy, a game chest, and a detailed map.
From heritage architecture to educational tours, wellness services, and tailor-made gifts, the capital’s family-friendly hotels furnish the most exorbitant staycations truly worth cherishing. Every detail is tended to with distinguished sensibilities, and every fancy is fulfilled with delicate care. It’s time to pack your bags and whisk your family away to a luxury utopia in London.
