Airport delays, security queues, baggage strikes – sunshine getaways dont always bring bliss.
Sometimes the ideal destination is a stylish room, great thread count, an en suite bath and a well-stocked mini-bar that is far closer to home.
Here is Metro.co.uks pick of the best London-based getaways:
Sexiest Little Hotel in South Ken: Blakes
Following a recent revamp the rich, theatrical, stage-like atmosphere here really sets it apart.
One of Londons sexiest hotels, Blakes is ideal for a romantic break – think black panelling, four poster beds and curved gold mirrors, dim lighting and deep, plush fabrics – all combining to offer a strong sense of something rather exotic for South Kensington.
Each room has its own design and offers a kind of modern decadence. All are inspired by various far-off lands: Russia, India, or Turkey. And do book for dinner.
The intimate 57-seat Blakes Restaurant was inspired by Anouska Hempels vision of a beautiful old-fashioned steamer sailing up the Bosphorus – bold and daring, you will be transported.
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If the weather is decent make sure to visit the hotels stunning courtyard – which has also been given a fresh look by British designer Matthew Williamson.
Converted from a set of Victorian townhouses, Blakes Hotel truly sets the stage for something extraordinary – with an unassuming Victorian façade that just faintly hints at the mystery and magic within.
Blakes is also launching a Mind, Body and Soul package for the new year which includes an overnight stay, yoga session with their resident yogi Eve Latil, a healthy brunch and a yoga mat to take home.
Priced from £421, it is the perfect way to start 2019, aligning and detoxing your mind, body & soul – an essential for facing the year ahead.
The hotel also has a New Years Eve package offering a 2-night stay with breakfast, dinner in Blakes Restaurant and entry to Blakes Below. Priced from £599 per room per night.
Overall verdict: Rich Romance. It doesnt get sexier than this. Perfect for a quiet weekend with a loved one.
Uber-stylish and fun: ME Hotel London
If you want a weekend in London that feels like getting away but is also in the heart of the action, ME Hotel is the one.
Its location on the Strand is perfectly located for South Bank, Covent Garden, Soho and beyond.
Designed inside and out by Foster & Partners, the result is a boutique hotel with a sleek aesthetic. Bedrooms are spacious, beautifully designed and accessorised with candles and artwork. Beds are enormous, the linen is gorgeous.
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The rooms are silent, despite the bustle below, too – which is most definitely NOT the case in all London hotels, even some of the most expensive.
Check-in – set in a marble pyramid with glass top that looks out on to the stars, prosecco on ice and amorphous white sofas – is an experience.
You must book into STK, the vibrant steak restaurant on the ground floor. One of Londons most dynamic restaurants, cocktails and exceptionally good steak are the speciality.
You will very likely need to book a table – it fills up as the evening moves on and by 11pm, with DJ in full swing, is one of the most fun spots in town.
For post-dinner drinks, guests have access to the 10th floor Radio Rooftop Bar on the hotels roof terrace, with DJ til 2am, at which point you can retreat to your room for the half-size bottles of Jack Daniels and champagne in the mini bar.
The view from the Radio Rooftop Bar can genuinely be described as epic, even for a Londoner who thinks they have seen it from all angles.
Its mesmerising and you would struggle to tear yourself away – if you didnt have an amazing suite waiting for you downstairs.
Overall verdict: A super-stylish but very relaxed stay in an exquisite hotel with killer views, away from the hectic West End but with everything at your fingertips.
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To book call reservations on 020 7395 3400, email [email protected] or visit the ME Hotel website at melia.com.
The Shangri-La Hotel at the Shard
Nothing can beat the Shangri-La hotel at The Shard for a room with a view. Perched up on levels 34 to 52 of iconic London building The Shard, this hotel is without doubt one of Londons most exciting check-ins.
With the feel of a glass box suspended in the sky with the best of London glittering around you, the show-stoppers here include Londons highest infinity pool and highest champagne bar. Both nicely set the stage for a rather decadent and utterly lovely escape.
Romance seekers will love the hotels new Modern Couples experience and stay. Inspired by the Art, Intimacy and the Avant Garde exhibition at the nearby Barbican, it explores modern love across painting, sculpture, photography, design and literature and features famous couples such as Lee Miller and Man Ray, as well as Pablo Picasso and Dora Maar.
Once inside their luxurious room, guests will find a Barbican tote bag containing two tickets to the exhibition and a love map detailing a romantic walk from the hotel to the Barbican. The experience continues back at the hotel, where couples can sip on cocktails in GŎNG Bar, the most romantic cocktail bar in London, located on level 52 of the hotel in the Shard.
Overall Verdict: Modern Couples look no further – the best place for an infusion of culture and sky high romance.
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The Modern Couples experience includes a one-night stay in a luxurious room, English breakfast for two, two tickets to the Barbicans Modern Couples exhibition, two cocktails per person in GŎNG Bar, Complimentary Wi-Fi, use of gym and infinity Sky Pool. Available from 10 Oct 2018 through 27 Jan 2019. Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, shangri-la.com
Stylish and Central – The Marriott Park Lane
Recently benefitting from a mammoth refurbishment – this hotel glossy and glam, dressed in a colour palette of pale greys, lilacs and neutrals in leather, silk, wood and marble – its the perfect escape from nearby Oxford Streets hustle and bustle.
The bathrooms are worth the trip alone – sleek and spacious they offer massive tubs and marble all round. The overall effect here is residential – like a luxury apartment, it feels like your own home – only better obviously.
Thoughtful touches for those seeking romance included red rose petals from the door until the bedroom and strewn into a waiting bath. Marble Arch is just outside with its inviting shops but you never hear a sound in the quiet of the room.
All 152 rooms and suites feature Bluetooth LCD screen TVs and Floris toiletries and the hotels restaurant on lobby level, Lanes of London, offers great food.
The 12.5-metre swimming pool in the hotels basement was a a major draw. It felt resort-like in the midst of busy London. Completely chic and spacious – with rejuvenating steam rooms and saunas adding to the allure.
Overall Verdict: Sexy and Stylish in the heart of London. Great for families and couples alike.
Deluxe rooms start from £429. marriott.co.uk
Seductive and Special: The MayFair Hotel
There are not enough superlatives to describe the opulent allure of the rooms at this characterful, seductive, elegant but fun hotel.
The spa is a stand out here with a distinctive oriental theme – think dark tones and gold finishings – along with the expected niceties such as heated stone beds, tranquil music, generous steam and sauna and plush robes just waiting to envelope you. The vast treatment menu is thoughtfully designed to meet every need and includes Caci facials, ESPA Massages and sumptuous detox wraps. Couples can enjoy a couples massage in one of the double treatment rooms.
The hotels restaurant at the hotel – the May Fair Kitchen – offers a delicious tapas style concept and the overall decor is sleek, plush and modern with a comforting feel throughout.
Visit themayfairhotel.co.uk
The London Hilton Park Lane
A view with a room – the London Hilton gives a truly remarkable perch from which to soak up the very best London has to offer. A Park Lane institution, this iconic hotels has 38 floors facing three different directions – over the West End, Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace gardens. The creamy colour-schemes are also of the era, but marble bathrooms are smart and up to date.The contemporary room had cool, neutral and calm-toned décor with large wall-width and ceiling-high windows displaying far-reaching views of London city.
Michelin-starred dining at Galvin at Windows sits on the top floor – the pear souffle is not to be missed.The top floor restaurant, Galvin at Windows, now under head chef Joo Won, has retained its Michelin-star every year since 2009 and it has the best views in the hotel.
Location here is unsurpassed. You are on the edge of Mayfair, just off the southern stretch of Park Lane with Hyde Park directly across the road, Piccadilly a minute away and easy access to Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park Corner underground station.
Despite being such a grand, landmark hotel there were nice personal touches. Toys and games for children from Hamleys in the room upon arrival and chilled cocktails on the rocks delivered in room as a welcome for mum and dad. There is an inviting window seat to perch and enjoy the breathtaking views. In-room dining with a 24-hour food menu There is everything from fish and chips to pizza and an extensive middle-eastern food menu with humus, cous cous and tagine.
Best things to do nearby – we headed to the London Eye in the evening for their champagne experience which included fast track (no messy queues for you) and sipping bubbly overlooking one of the worlds greatest cities. As well dont miss a visit to the nearby Sea Life Aquarium visitsealife.com which is a favourite for children and perfect on a rainy day.
Overall Verdict: Sweeping views with a personal touch. Iconic, landmark hotel well worth a visit.
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