Planning a family trip to London? The city’s allure, with its iconic landmarks and rich history, is sure to captivate everyone in your clan. But navigating the bustling metropolis with children can be tiring. That’s where choosing the right hotel comes in! A child-friendly hotel can make all the difference, offering a haven of comfort and fun between your sightseeing adventures.
Choosing the Right Hotel for Your Family
Think about the landmarks you plan to visit and try to find a hotel close by. This will save you a lot of time and energy, especially if you have young children. Look for hotels with spacious family rooms or the option for interconnecting rooms, providing enough space for everyone. Some hotels even offer complimentary meals for children, which can be a huge budget-saver. And who wouldn’t love a hotel with a swimming pool? It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring.
Luxury with a Touch of Charm: The Lanesborough
This grand hotel provides a luxurious experience for the whole family. Despite its opulent façade, The Lanesborough exudes a homely charm that feels like a private residence. Each room comes with personal butlers and children are treated like royalty, welcomed with special gifts, treats, and a selection of movies. Many rooms interconnect and the corner suites are especially spacious for families. The hotel’s Little VIP Club (for children up to 16) offers a range of fun activities, from Little Butler Bootcamp to horseback riding in
Hyde Park
and 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 pool or say hello to the resident cat, Lilibet.
A Home Away from Home: The Marylebone
This hotel in Marylebone Village feels like a cozy home away from home. Inspired by Sherlock Holmes, the hotel’s interiors blend the old and new, creating a unique atmosphere. Adults will love the trendy restaurant and bar, while children will be delighted with the child-friendly menus. The rooms are thoughtfully designed with families in mind, with options for sofa beds and interconnecting rooms. Children under 12 stay and eat for free and receive special gifts, like a complimentary Holmes teddy bear. The hotel also offers family packages with tents and toys delivered to your room.
A Touch of History and Charm: Brown’s Hotel
This grand hotel welcomes families with open arms. The interconnecting suites are perfect for families seeking luxury, with spacious rooms and charmingly personalized service. Expect sheets embroidered with princesses or pirates, along with a play tent, toys, and biscuits bearing your child’s name waiting for them in the room. Book the Kipling Suite, where author Rudyard Kipling wrote The Jungle Book. The hotel features specially commissioned picture books and Albemarle, a monkey mascot. During their stay, children will be showered with gifts, including activity packs, free board games, milk and cookies at turndown, and the concierge can arrange child-friendly activities. Enjoy dinner at Charlie’s, afternoon tea in the Drawing Room, or cocktails at Donovan Bar while the hotel’s babysitting service takes care of the little ones.
A Family-Friendly Oasis: The Ampersand Hotel
This boutique hotel is ideal for families exploring London’s Museum Mile. It’s quiet and intimate yet relaxed and inviting, making it a perfect choice for families. Chefs cater to young gourmands with treats like 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, curiosities, 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. Interconnecting rooms are also available, along with child-sized bathrobes and slippers, children’s toiletries, and activity packs.
A Piccadilly Gem: The Dilly
This
Piccadilly
hotel welcomes families with open arms. It boasts spacious suites and dedicated family rooms along with a kids’ menu. The ‘Dilly Explorers’ program offers children under 12 games and books upon arrival, the chance to enjoy popcorn or milkshakes in the room, and a special map to check off various
London landmarks
. The hotel’s eye-catching Terrace is a highlight – light and airy, it’s perfect for any time of day. Kids under 12 eat for free when dining with adults. Enjoy the hotel’s delicious afternoon tea, with a special children’s option including themed pastries. Children can also take a splash in the hotel pool or participate in kids’ dance lessons in the hotel’s historic ballroom.
A Family-Focused Haven: The Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences
This all-suite hotel is a well-kept secret in
London
, designed with families in mind. Many suites have more than one bedroom – there’s even a six-bedroom option for larger families. All suites come with large living areas, fully-equipped kitchens, and multiple bathrooms. The complimentary Kids @ Taj program includes free goodie bags on arrival, filled with a sketchbook, crayons, and a Taj ‘passport’ stamped by the concierge, along with special child amenities in the room, like miniature slippers and robes. The children’s menus in the restaurants are imaginative, going beyond the usual burgers and chips. Personalized cookies with the child’s name at turndown are a sweet touch and there’s also a nanny service available at an additional cost.
Choosing the Perfect Hotel for Your Family
With these incredible options, you’re sure to find the perfect hotel for your family’s
London
adventure. Whether you seek luxury, charm, or a home-like atmosphere, there’s a hotel that will make your family feel comfortable and happy. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable trip to the city that never sleeps, knowing that you’ve chosen a hotel that will make your journey even more special.
Enjoy your London adventure!