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Passport to London Written by Raquel Levy ere’s no destination more iconic than London. Located in the middle of the world, the capital of England has a variety of offerings from around the world. London’s well-known picturesque skyline along the river showcases the city’s main attractions like the world’s best theater scene, first-class shopping destinations, and must-see sights like Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace. Immerse yourself in the city life, hide away in one of London’s beautiful open parks or enjoy the movements of the river ames. Discover elegance and chic- ness with this guide of the best hotels in the city, including award-winning dining spots and impossibly soothing spa experiences. With a little bit of something for everyone and a whole lot of fun, a London holiday is sure to please even the pickiest of travelers. LONDON Girls’ Guide to ENGLAND Girls’ Guide to ENGLAND Aſternoon Tea at e Athenaeum Cafe Royal Hotel on Regent Street, London

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Passport to LondonWritten by Raquel Levy

There’s no destination more iconic than London. Located in the middle of the world, the capital of England has a variety of offerings from around the world. London’s well-known picturesque skyline along the river showcases the city’s main attractions like the world’s best theater scene, first-class shopping destinations, and must-see sights like Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace. Immerse yourself in the city life, hide away in one of London’s beautiful open parks or enjoy the movements of the river Thames. Discover elegance and chic-ness with this guide of the best hotels in the city, including award-winning dining spots and impossibly soothing spa experiences. With a little bit of something for everyone and a whole lot of fun, a London holiday is sure to please even the pickiest of travelers.

LONDON

Girls’ Guide to ENGLAND

Girls’ Guide to ENGLAND

Afternoon Tea atThe Athenaeum

Cafe Royal Hotel on Regent Street, London

ONE ALDWYCHSTAYA central location in the heart of Covent Garden comes to-gether with superior five star amenities at the award-winning One Aldwych hotel in London. Guests can enjoy the fruit and flowers that welcome them to their room, take a dip in the chlorine-free swimming pool with underwater music, or take a stroll to shopping and theaters conveniently located nearby. One Aldwych has also received praise for its innovative environmental practices and was the first hotel in the UK to receive the Luxury Eco Certification Standard accreditation.

A soothing escape from buzzing city life, the hotel’s 105 rooms and suites are modern and stylishly decorated with original artwork. Aldwych, Executive, and Deluxe Rooms fea-ture either king or twin sized beds, a bathroom with a bathtub and mini television, a Nespresso coffee machine, and all-natu-ral bath products. Many of the Executive Rooms and all of the Deluxe Rooms—the largest in the room category—also come with separate walk-in showers. The impressive Studio Suites are located on the highest floor of the hotel and overlook the Waterloo Bridge and central London. These circular suites of-fer a king size bed with a modern siting area. Available in one to three bedroom options, the Executive Suites give guests lots of space with a large sitting room with dining area; some suites include private kitchens. Deluxe Suites, available in one or two bedrooms, are the essence of a boutique hotel experi-ence in London. The three Deluxe Suites, Suite 410, Suite 500, and the Dome Suite, each include spacious sitting rooms, guest cloakrooms, and large double bedrooms. Suites 410 and 500 also offer a private gym, Suite 500 a private rooftop terrace and kitchen, and the Dome Suite a unique dome-like dining room that seats 10 guests. Deluxe Rooms and Suites can also accommodate families traveling with little ones of all ages by providing children’s bathrobes and slippers and extra beds and cots with lively linens and bed rails available upon request. The hotel can also arrange babysitting services.

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Deluxe Suiteat One Aldwych

Executive Suiteat One Aldwych

Executive Suiteat One Aldwych

Deluxe Suiteat One Aldwych

www.onealdwych.com

SPAThose babysitting services will come in handy when booking a trip to the hotel’s spa, where soft music, calm lighting, and hushed colors add to the soothing ambience. One of only a few spas in the UK to utilize the prestigious Spanish skincare brand Natura Bissé, the spa’s treatments combine the best in traditional relaxation techniques and scientific innova-tions. Try an hour-long massage with organic blended oils and invigorating scents, a body treatment like an indulgent honey scrub, or a calming facial. Unwind from your flight with the perfect Jet Lag Cure comprised of a well-being mas-sage and bright eyes treatment. If you’re traveling with a gal pal, book a “Tips, Toes and Tea” treatment of mini manicures and pedicures for two along with afternoon tea. The Health Club at One Aldwych also features a fully facilitated, 24-hour gym with expert personal training, a wide range of Techno-gym equipment, a sauna and steam room, and an incredible chlorine-free swimming pool with dim lighting and underwa-ter music.

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PLAYAt such an ideal location, the heart of London is at your disposal as are expert concierges who can arrange tickets to the theatre, opera or ballet or advise you on the best sights to see and things to do. The Aldwych is within walking distance of the Royal Opera House, several major theatres and London galleries and dozens of famed shopping spots.

The Lobby Barat One Aldwych

The Swimming Poolat One Aldwych

EATStart your day with the breakfast Visit Britain awarded as exceptional in 2013. Enjoy a variety of dishes for any taste from the enticing French toast, organic smoked salmon with scrambled eggs, blueberry packages and bakery items to the light and healthy blossom honey porridge. All of this, along with the option for a full English breakfast, is served at the Indigo Restaurant starting at 6:30 a.m. If your day begins bright and early, grab tasty treats from the reception desk starting at 5:30 a.m. Another breakfast option can be found at the Lounge at One, where you can read the newspaper while sipping fresh coffee, savoring a fruit salad, or partaking in a full English breakfast. Alternatively, choose to sleep in and relax with breakfast in bed provided by room service. The two restaurants at Aldwych, Axis and Indigo, focus on local and organic produce to give guests the best dining experiences

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possible. At Axis, a modern British menu incorporating fine seasonal ingredients and artisanal cheeses offers dishes like tartar of salt marsh lamb or wild sea bass, and desserts like an iced coconut parfait. With a prime location near Theatreland, Axis is a great place for a meal before or after the perfor-mance. A casual restaurant overlooking the hotel’s Lobby Bar, Indigo has a inspired modern European menu open everyday for breakfast, lunch, pre and post theater supper and dinner, and brunch on the weekends. Praised by the London Evening Standard as the most beautiful hotel lobby bar in London, the Lobby Bar is the place to go for a wide range of champagnes, original cocktails, and appetizing bar food.

Indigo at One Aldwych

Axis at One Aldwych

Balcony viewat One Aldwych

CAFE ROYALSTAY

The focal point of London chic since 1865, Café Royal re-opened in 2012 to continue a legacy of luxury, culture, and fashion. Iconic history comes together with modern archi-tecture in this five-star hotel on prominent Regent Street, featuring views of the city, a new state-of-the art wellness center, and the services of a private butler. Some of its famous patrons include Oscar Wilde, Arthur Conan Doyle, Edward VIII, Prince of Wales, and Diana, Princess of Wales.

The hotel’s 159 rooms have been temporary homes to famous clientele since the hotel’s opening, and continue to enchant guests with every detail. Guestrooms, including Portland, Portland Deluxe, Mansard, and Mansard Deluxe, offer a king-size bed, scenic city views, and Carrara marble bathrooms with a rainfall bath among many other amenities. Deluxe rooms come with the option for an adjoining room and a separate bathtub, and the Mansard Deluxe includes personal butler service, a wireless entertainment speaker sys-tem, and bathroom mirror television. In addition to the basic comforts, the Junior, Westminster, Glasshouse, Regent, and Oscar suites function as private apartments. All but the Junior Suite come with a separate lounge area and butler service; the Regent Suite also includes a kitchen area. Adjoining the

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Mansard Deluxe room, the Oscar Suite can be converted to a two-bedroom accommodation and also features a Bang & Olufsen entertainment system and bathroom mirror TV screen. Café Royal is also home to six signature suites: Empire, Dome, Club, Celestine, Tudor, and Marquis. Empire is the hotel’s largest suite, enhanced by a luxurious golden hue, large windows, spacious living room, and oversized bath. With a mint green bathtub and DJ booth, the Dome Suite is the epitome of rock in what was once the club room of the County Fire Office. A tribute to the hotel’s French heritage, the Napoleon-esque Club Suite features an original maple fireplace and royal blue, red, and gold details. Subdued yel-low tones, a walk-in wardrobe, and golden walls define the Celestine Suite, named after the wife of Café Royal founder Daniel Nicholas Thevenon. The noticeably English Tudor Suite is a celebration of the Elizabethan era with its original Tudor fireplace, green marble, and velvet sofas. Overlooking Big Ben and the Piccadilly Circus, the Marquis Suite features a fireplace, marble dining table, and rustic Portland Stone.

Indigo at One Aldwych

Balcony viewat One Aldwych

Cafe Royal Hotel on Regent Street, London

Empire Suite,Cafe Royal Hotel

RegentSuite,Cafe Royal Hotel

Tudor Suite,Cafe Royal Hotel

www.hotelcaferoyal.com

EATKeeping true to legend, Café Royal delivers exceptional din-ing and bar experiences. The fully revived Ten Room offers all-day British dining in a relaxed atmosphere that was once one of London’s most distinguished restaurants. The Bar takes its inspiration from the 1937 Café Royal Cocktail Book and serves up original cocktails along with the legendary “Absinthe at the Bar” where bartenders mix or serve shots straight up from the Absinthe fountain. Taking its namesake from the iconic author, the Oscar Wilde bar—originally The Grill Room—offers up champagne, cocktails, and a light menu to those dressed up and ready to be entertained. That same room saw parties for Davis Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust, Mick Jagger, Elizabeth Taylor, and the Beatles. In deference to Euro-pean café culture, The Café is designed from golden Sienna marble and provides a restful escape from busy Regent Street with seasonal dishes, an espresso bar, and the delicacies of an expert pastry chef.

Passport to London

Grill Room,Cafe Royal Hotel

The Bar,Cafe Royal Hotel

The Cafe Royal Ten RoomCafe Royal Hotel

SPAThe newly opened Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre takes its name from the idea of joining the nature elements: earth is represented at a nutritious lounge bar, water flows through the spa, fire is characterized at the gym, and air is renewed through holistic classes. Designed by a nutritionist, the menu at the Lounge Bar offers nourishing dishes, herbal teas, and natural juices. Harmony continues at the spa, featuring a steam room and sauna, a long glistening pool, Jacuzzi, private Hammam, London’s only Watsu pool, and nine treatment rooms. Create a personal oasis in the middle of the city with cleansing scrubs, massages, hydrotherapy treatments, or guided meditation. Kindle your vacation with a specialized fitness program created by experienced personal trainers in a large gym with LifeFitness equipment and an invigorating LED ceiling of alternating lights. Reconnect with yourself through a yoga, Pilates, tai chi, or meditation class in a private room designed specifically to be a calming space.

Passport to London

PLAYAt such a legendary location, its no surprise that there’s plenty to do and see around Café Royal. Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square are but a short walk away, fine boutiques, London nightlife, and the famous Theatreland surround the hotel, and London landmarks like Buckingham Palace, the Royal Opera House, Westminster, and Hyde Park are all within easy reach. .

Akasha Spa, Cafe Royal Hotel

Akasha Pool, Cafe Royal Hotel

Celestine Suite Bathroom Cafe Royal Hotel

THE ATHENAEUMSTAY

It’s hard to miss The Athenaeum while walking around pic-turesque Piccadilly. Not only is the five-star accommodation a prime example of elegant architecture, but the hotel’s signa-ture “Living Wall” will draw eyes directly to its countenance. Like a picture straight from a fairy tale, the giant vertical garden of green grows up the side of the building, enchanting guests and passersby.

A large choice of rooms, suites, and apartments—all with stunning views, complimentary snacks and soft drinks from the mini bar, and free WiFi—are available at The Athenaeum. Lively and lovely, many rooms offer views of Green Park or Mayfair. Suites contain open-plan layouts and separate sitting rooms and the rooftop suites provide the perfect place to unwind while feeling on top of the world. All rooms, suites, and apartments include the basic amenities of a Nespresso coffee maker, docking station for your smart phone, and complimentary use of gym and spa facilities. Superior Rooms are located in the hotel and neighboring townhouses will ac-commodate two guests. Deluxe Rooms also include LCD flat screen TVs and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook May-fair’s Down Street. The sunny Park View Rooms offer views of Green Park, a modern living space, and the amenities offered in the Deluxe Rooms along with access to the full compli-mentary mini bar. The open-plan Mayfair Suite includes a large sitting area and picturesque city views, while the Green Park Suite offers views of its namesake and a separate sitting area. With striking views of London and its iconic sights from a private balcony, the Rooftop Suite is an idyllic home a way from home. Decorated with soft hues and flowers, the suite contains three double bedrooms with a dividing wall between two suites, a dining area, and 2.5 bathrooms including a Ja-cuzzi bathroom with television. So in love with London you want a longer stay? No problem. The full-service apartments provide a luxurious home within your own private space. Once attended by Steven Spielberg

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who created an editing suite in an adjoining apartment, these long-term accommodations include a full mini bar, same-day laundry, and 24-hour room service, large bed-rooms, kitchens, and dining areas.

The Athenaeum, Mayfair, London

Deluxe Room,The Athenaeum

Rooftop Suite, The Athenaeum

Rooftop Suite, The Athenaeum

www.athenaeumhotel.com

SPAThe primary goal of the hotel’s in-house spa is to make you feel indulged and rejuvenated as you find a second home in London. Create a personal spa treatment by mixing and matching offers like a custom-designed massage, cleansing facial, invigorating body scrub, or detox wrap. Other tailored treatments include a Moroccan Rose Ritual or a relaxing Elemis deep-tissue massage. Feel like hitting the gym? A fully equipped, 24-hour gym includes all the gear you’ll need to keep up your fitness while on vacation. Prefer a different kind of gym? The large Green, St. James’, and Hyde parks are all conveniently close by. Take advantage of complimentary bikes and go for a soothing or exciting ride, borrow a kite to run around with (also complimentary), or grab a blanket to get your fill of sunshine. Go for a run around Buckingham Palace guided by a map and return to soothe your muscles in the steam room or hot tub.

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PLAYIn the middle of all things London, The Athenaeum will captivate your attention no matter your preferred method of adventure. By the Royal Parks and Buckingham Palace, just a stroll away from museums, galleries, Theatreland, stylish shops and boutiques, and with Soho and the Canary Wharf within reach, the hotel’s location will prove quite fitting for the London vacation you always imagined.

Rooftop Suite, The Athenaeum

The Spa Park,The Athenaeum

The Spa,The Athenaeum

EATYou’ll be starved after all that excitement and pampering, so don’t miss out on The Athenaeum’s award-winning restaurant, much-loved afternoon tea, or unique Whisky Bar. Awarded for its top-par food and excellent service, the restaurant of-fers numerous options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all of which can be customized and specially requested. Innovated versions of classic English dishes, Best of British Specials, a friendly atmosphere with gorgeous interior design, and sea-sonal produce are just some of the things you’ll be treated to. If there’s anything you’d like to eat but don’t see on the menu, simply ask and the staff will be delighted to accommodate you. Voted “Best Afternoon Tea in London” by the ilustrious Tea Guild in 2012, the recognized event includes loose-leaf tea in china teacups, a champagne trolley, and delectable treats. The whimsical Whisky Bar has the most prevalent se-lection of blends of any hotel in London with more than 300 whiskies. With mixes from Japan to Scotland, the extensive menu—including champagne, cocktails, gin, and more—is only enhanced by a welcoming atmosphere of cozy corners and ideal lighting.

Passport to London

Apartment Room, The Athenaeum

The Restaurant,The Athenaeum

Afternoon Tea atThe Athenaeum

ST. ERMIN’S HOTELSTAY

The rich history of St. Ermin’s Hotel begins with a 15th cen-tury chapel dedicated to its namesake saint and continues as the location for Winston Churchill’s “Setting Europe Ablaze” speech to the Special Operations Executive who, during WWII, would be stationed on an entire floor of the hotel with MI6 just two floors above. As you enter through the stun-ning tree-lined courtyard to the hotel’s theatrical lobby, you can’t help but feel the history while noticing its modern grand redesign.

The hotel is also home to yet another unique fixture: more than 200,000 good-natured Buckfast bees who reside on the hotel’s rooftop on custom-made hives. These honeybees enjoy access to the parks nearby, allowing them to collect only the best pollen and nectar, giving their honey a delightful flavor. Eventually, this honey graces many of the hotel’s dishes.

A variety of rooms and suites at St. Ermin’s (331 of them to be exact), are globally inspired yet still distinctly London chic. The busy streets of the West End will slip away as you slide under luxurious bed linens, comfortable fittings, and high-end bathrooms with White Company Products and soft bathrobes. All rooms include an LCD TV entertainment system, MP3 docking station, Internet access, and compatible electrical sockets. The Superior rooms features a queen bed and marble bathrooms while the slightly larger Deluxe King rooms offer a king size bed. With cozy lounge and sofa areas

Passport to London

and marble bathrooms, the Executive King and Executive Queen rooms are ideal for any guest. For a family of four or a group of friends, the Deluxe Double Double rooms offer two double beds, marble bathrooms, and modern furnish-ings along with plenty of space to relax and enjoy your group’s company. Spacious and equipped with two queen-size beds, a day bed, and two bathrooms, the Family rooms are perfect for those traveling with little ones. St. Ermin’s also offers 41 spa-cious Suites and Deluxe Suites. The large suites are a perfect escape from an exciting day with a separate lounge, Nespresso coffee machine, and all the comforts you can expect from a luxury hotel. A king-size canopy bed, marble bathroom—some of which feature a digitally controlled rain shower— and separate lounge make up the View Deluxe Suite. In co-operation with the Disability Discrimination Act, St. Ermin’s also offers 35 accessible bedrooms with wide doors, entrance ramps, grab rails, and emergency pull cords, low level sinks and bathtubs, and accessible toilets.

St. Ermin’s Hotel at Caxton Street, London

St. Ermin’s Lobby,Caxton Street, London

Bridal Suite,St. Ermin’s Hotel

www.sterminshotel.co.uk

SPAWith a 24-hour gym always at your disposal, the hotel allows you to keep your fitness routine by supplying all you might need. A free weights area, cardio theatre workout equipment, and personal trainers on staff are all offered. The hotel is also a popular place for meetings or celebrations with its welcom-ing lobby, picturesque antique library, 15 meeting and event spaces, and a grand ballroom ideal for weddings.

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PLAYThere’s no better place to enjoy Westminster than from St. Ermin’s. Located only 100 meters from St. James’s Park underground station and Victoria railway station, St. Ermin’s provides the perfect starting place to begin your London journey. Within walking distance you will also find boutique shops, West End theatres, Buckingham Palace, Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and many more destination stops. A convenient location and a soft place to land, London is only enhanced by St. Ermin’s.

Bridal Suite BathroomSt. Ermin’s Hotel

St. Ermin’s Lobby,Caxton Street, London

Caxton Bar, St. Ermin’s Hotel

EATThree Caxton dining and drinking places offer St Ermin’s guests delightful London dishes. The Caxton Grill, the hotel’s signature restaurant, serves European-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is home to the innovative Josper Grill: a high-temperature charcoal oven that provides a new way to grill meat and fish on coals. Enjoy a full English or Continental breakfast, or “Wake and Take” fresh coffee and a homemade muffin. Choose from the Caxton Quick Menu for a speedy lunch or the Caxton Grill Menu for a large variety of dishes. Enjoy drinks at the Caxton Bar, including the signature “flights” that allow you to sample three glasses of wine or whisky, or bask in an al fresco light meal at the Caxton Ter-race overlooking the courtyard. Delight in the British tradi-tion of afternoon tea at St. Ermin’s Tea Lounge located in the lavishly decorated mezzanine.

Passport to London

Afternoon Tea atSt. Ermin’s Hotel

The Lounge,St. Ermin’s Hotel

Margaritas atCaxton Terrace & Bar