A family trip to London can be an exciting adventure, but also exhausting! Finding the right hotel can make all the difference. It can provide a calming haven for quality downtime between sightseeing escapades. To make your trip a success, consider these crucial tips:
Start by thinking about the places you want to visit and choose a child-friendly hotel in the vicinity. This will save your feet a lot of unnecessary walking. Look for hotels with spacious family rooms or the option of connecting rooms for added privacy and convenience. Some hotels even offer free meals for children, which can be a real budget-saver. For a bit of luxury, choose a hotel with a swimming pool, a great way to cool down and have some fun.
Many hotels have dedicated children’s packages, including toys in the room, child-friendly menus, and even kids’ concierges. Imagine your little VIPs getting to choose from thrilling activities like horse riding in Hyde Park or mocktail making classes! Sounds fantastic, doesn’t it?
The Best Family Hotels in London
The Lanesborough – Luxury for the Little Ones
The Lanesborough is a top contender for the best family-friendly hotel in London, although it’s definitely a splurge. This grand hotel has a surprising down-to-earth charm that makes it feel 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. Many rooms can be connected, and the corner suites are perfect for larger families. The hotel’s Little VIP Club is designed for kids under 16 and organizes fun activities such as the Little Butler Bootcamp, horse riding in Hyde Park, and exciting treasure hunts. Little ones even get their own Little VIP business wallet for treats in the restaurants and bars. Don’t forget to take a dip in the hotel’s pool or say hello to the resident cat, Lilibet.
The Sherlock Holmes – A Family-Friendly Escape
This charming Marylebone Village hotel feels like a home away from home. It’s inspired by Baker Street’s most famous resident, Sherlock Holmes, with interiors that blend the old and the new across four Georgian houses. Adults will love the trendy restaurant and bar – whimsical cocktails include Sherlock’s Pipe, served in a teapot, as a nod to Ms. Hudson’s teatime ritual. Meanwhile, children are well taken care of with special amenities. Rooms are designed with families in mind and offer sofa beds and connecting rooms. Children under 12 stay and eat for free and receive little gifts, including a complimentary Holmes teddy. The hotel also offers family packages where tents and toys can be delivered to the room.
Brown’s Hotel – Luxury and Charm
Children are welcomed with open arms at Brown’s, a hotel renowned for its luxurious and personalized service. The grand interconnecting suites are ideal for families seeking a touch of extravagance. Rooms are spacious, and every detail is carefully curated to create a magical experience. Expect sheets embroidered with princesses or pirates, a play tent, toys, and biscuits bearing your child’s name waiting in the room upon arrival. Book the Kipling Suite and stay where the author Rudyard Kipling reportedly wrote The Jungle Book. Look out for the hotel’s specially commissioned picture books and mascot Albemarle, a monkey. During their stay, children are showered with gifts – from activity packs and free-to-use board games to milk and cookies at turndown. The concierge can also organize child-friendly activities. Enjoy a relaxing evening with a babysitter while you savor dinner at Charlie’s, afternoon tea in the Drawing Room, or cocktails at Donovan Bar.
Ampersand Hotel – A Quiet Retreat
This boutique hotel is perfectly located for exploring London’s Museum Mile. Ampersand is quiet and intimate, yet relaxed and welcoming, making it a great choice for families. The chefs cater to young gourmands with special treats like a science-themed afternoon tea featuring dinosaur biscuits and chocolate spacemen on a rocket-shaped stand. There’s also a games room filled with children’s books, curios, and board games from chess and backgammon to Ludo and Rubik’s Cubes, plus a ping pong table. Families are best off booking one of the deluxe studios or suites, which can accommodate a fold-out bed and include small kitchenettes. Connecting rooms are also available, and you can request child-sized bathrobes and slippers, children’s toiletries, and activity packs.
The Dilly – A Classic London Experience
This Piccadilly hotel, with its famous facade, welcomes families with open arms. It boasts spacious suites and dedicated family rooms with a kids’ menu, while the ‘Dilly Explorers’ program offers children under 12 games, books on arrival, the chance of popcorn or milkshakes in the room, and a special map to check off various London landmarks. The hotel’s eye-catching Terrace at The Dilly, is a highlight – light and airy, it’s perfect for any time of day. Plus, kids under 12 eat for free when dining with adults. Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea with a children’s option including themed pastries. Kids can also take a splash in the hotel pool or participate in kids’ dance lessons in the hotel’s historic ballroom.
The Taj Hotel – Family-Friendly Suites
One of London’s best-kept secrets, this all-suite hotel is ideal for families. Many suites have more than one bedroom – there’s even a six-bedroom option for larger families – and all come with large living areas, fully-equipped kitchens, and multiple bathrooms. The complimentary Kids @ Taj program includes free goodie bags on arrival (inside you’ll find a sketchbook, crayons, and a Taj ‘passport’ stamped by the concierge) and special child amenities in the room such as miniature slippers and robes. The children’s menus in the restaurants show some imagination, going beyond the usual staples of burgers and chips. Personalized cookies with the child’s name at turndown are a sweet touch, and there is also a nanny service available at an additional cost.
Planning Your Family Stay
With so many fantastic family-friendly hotels in London, you’re sure to find the perfect one for your needs and budget. Each hotel offers unique amenities and experiences, so consider what your family enjoys most when making your choice. Whether you’re looking for luxury, charm, or a convenient location, there’s a hotel in London that will make your family trip unforgettable!
