London, a city buzzing with energy and history, is a dream destination for families. However, navigating the hustle and bustle can be tiring for little ones. Choosing the right hotel can transform your trip into a delightful adventure, ensuring a comfortable haven for everyone.
Think about your must-sees and pick a child-friendly hotel nearby to minimize travel fatigue. Look for hotels offering spacious family rooms or interconnecting rooms for a sense of privacy and freedom. Bonus points for hotels with complimentary meals for children and pools for a refreshing dip.
Many hotels go above and beyond with dedicated children’s packages filled with toys, child-friendly menus, and even kids’ concierges who can arrange exciting activities like horseback riding in Hyde Park or fun mocktail-making classes.
Where Luxury Meets Little VIPs: The Lanesborough
Imagine a hotel where every whim is catered to, especially for the youngest guests. The Lanesborough, a majestic hotel with a grand facade, offers a “down-to-earth charm” that feels like a private residence. Every room comes with a personal butler and children are treated like royalty with welcome gifts, delicious treats, and a selection of movies to enjoy in their room.
The hotel offers interconnecting rooms and spacious corner suites that are perfect for families. The “Little VIP Club” for children under 16 is where the magic happens. They can participate in fun activities like “Little Butler Bootcamp”, horseback riding in Hyde Park, and treasure hunts. Each child receives a special wallet for treats at the hotel’s restaurants and bars. Don’t miss the chance to swim in the hotel’s pool or meet the resident cat, Lilibet.
A Home Away From Home: The Sherlock Holmes Hotel
Step into the world of Sherlock Holmes at this charming boutique hotel in Marylebone Village. The hotel’s interior blends old and new, a delightful fusion of classic Victorian elements and modern touches. Adults can unwind at the trendy restaurant and bar, enjoying whimsical cocktails, like the “Sherlock’s Pipe” served in a teapot, a delightful nod to Ms. Hudson’s teatime rituals.
Children are equally pampered, and the hotel goes to great lengths to ensure their comfort. Rooms are designed with families in mind, and sofa beds and interconnecting rooms are available to accommodate diverse needs. Kids under 12 stay and eat for free, receiving special gifts like a Holmes teddy bear. The hotel also offers family packages with tents and toys delivered to the room.
Where Royalty Meets Little Explorers: Brown’s Hotel
Step into a world of Victorian elegance at Brown’s Hotel. The hotel’s grand interconnecting suites are ideal for families seeking a luxurious escape. Rooms are vast and the service is impeccably personalized. Expect to be greeted with sheets embroidered with princesses or pirates and a play tent, toys, and biscuits bearing your child’s name.
The hotel’s Kipling Suite is a literary treasure, as it is where author Rudyard Kipling reportedly wrote “The Jungle Book”. Children are showered with gifts and surprises throughout their stay, from activity packs and free board games to milk and cookies at turndown. The hotel’s concierge can organize child-friendly activities to keep the little ones entertained. Enjoy a delicious dinner at Charlie’s, indulge in afternoon tea in the Drawing Room, or sip cocktails at the Donovan Bar while the hotel’s babysitting service takes care of the little ones.
Where Curiosity Meets Comfort: The Ampersand Hotel
Nestled near London’s Museum Mile, the Ampersand Hotel is a boutique haven that welcomes families with open arms. It’s quiet and intimate, yet relaxed and unpretentious, making it the perfect choice for families seeking a peaceful retreat. Chefs create special treats for young gourmands, including a science-themed afternoon tea with dinosaur biscuits and chocolate spacemen on a rocket-shaped stand.
There’s a dedicated games room filled with children’s books, curios, and board games, ranging from chess and backgammon to Ludo and Rubik’s Cubes, plus a ping pong table. For families, the deluxe studios or suites are ideal, as they can accommodate a fold-out bed and include small kitchenettes. Interconnecting rooms are also available, and the hotel provides child-sized bathrobes and slippers, children’s toiletries, and activity packs.
Where Tradition Meets Family Fun: The Dilly Hotel
The Dilly Hotel, with its iconic facade, welcomes families with spacious suites, dedicated family rooms, and a special kids’ menu. The “Dilly Explorers” program offers children under 12 games, books on arrival, popcorn or milkshakes in the room, and a special map to explore London’s landmarks.
The hotel’s eye-catching Terrace is a highlight, a light and airy space perfect for any time of day. Kids under 12 eat for free when dining with adults, and they can enjoy the hotel’s scrumptious afternoon tea with a special children’s option featuring themed pastries. Children can take a splash in the hotel’s pool or learn dance moves in the hotel’s historic ballroom.
Where Comfort Meets Imagination: The Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites & Residences
This all-suite hotel is a family-friendly haven, offering a variety of suite options, including a six-bedroom suite for larger families. Each suite features large living areas, fully equipped kitchens, and multiple bathrooms. The “Kids @ Taj” program provides complimentary goodie bags on arrival filled with a sketchbook, crayons, and a Taj “passport” stamped by the concierge. Rooms also feature special child amenities like miniature slippers and robes.
Children’s menus in the restaurants are imaginative, offering options beyond the usual burgers and chips. Personalized cookies with the child’s name at turndown are a sweet touch, and a nanny service is available for an additional cost.
Finding the Perfect Fit:
Choosing the perfect family hotel in London is all about finding the right balance between comfort, convenience, and excitement. Consider your budget, the activities you plan to enjoy, and the age of your children. With so many fantastic family-friendly options, your London adventure is sure to be a memorable one for the entire family.
