Wintertime is a wonderful period to visit London and luxuriate in the heartwarming atmosphere as holiday festivities start to unfold. From Thanksgiving feasts, to New Year’s Eve soirées, hotels around the city are offering plenty of options as the year winds down for traveling friends and family. Get a glimpse at some of the following guesthouses that are generously embracing the spirit of the season.
Covent Garden Hotel
Just steps away from the Royal Opera House, this chic Firmdale Group property is perfect for pre-holiday rest and relaxation. Those spending Thanksgiving across the pond will be thankful for the traditional dinner of maple roasted turkey, followed by pumpkin pie for dessert, both included in the hotel’s November 26th-30th offer, which is available for the special occasion. Overnight accommodations, beginning at 498 GBP for a Deluxe Room, and 546 GBP for a Junior Suite, along with a morning meal at either Brasserie Max, or in-room, and a complimentary Rik Rak welcome gift are also covered in the deal.
In addition, between December 21, 2013 and January 31, 2015, the hotel is happily offering holiday rates beginning at 285 GBP – (English) breakfast included! Another indulgent option is the “Christmas at Covent Garden Hotel” package, which consists of plush accommodations ranging from a a 310 GBP per night Queen Room, to a 534 GBP per night Junior Suite (rates valid from December 22nd to December 28th), mulled wine and mince pies to warm up upon arrival, a cozy Christmas afternoon tea for two, and complimentary breakfast. A minimum two nights’ stay is required.
Visit www.firmdalehotels.com/hotels/london/covent-garden-hotel/special-packages
Draycott Hotel
The luxurious London boutique hotspot wishes only the best for its visitors this winter. A top-ranking choice among travelers, the quintessentially British, red-brick hotel is famous for its charming features, from afternoon tea, to complimentary champagne and hot chocolate and biscuits in the evenings. During the special Winter deal, where a discount of 20% off the Best Available Rate is applied to all room costs, guests can also expect Private Garden access and Wi-Fi access.
Furthermore, travelers spending five nights or more throughout the holiday season are invited to a complimentary Christmas Lunch in the elegant Edwardian dining room on Christmas Day.
Visit www.draycotthotel.com
The Goring
If spending Christmas in England is on this winter's “programme,” the three-night Christmas package at this “gorgeous, family-owned hotel” is the perfect holiday present. Starting at 1,200 GBP per person, there will be plenty to do between Christmas Eve and guests' departure dates. The celebration begins December 24th, where they will find champagne and chocolates waiting in their rooms at check-in. A Christmas Eve Dinner will be served that evening in the hotel Dining Room. On Christmas morning, visitors will wake up to an in-room coffee and tea tray before descending for breakfast in the Dining Room (where Boxing Day Dinner will be served later that night). Tea and breakfast are also covered on the morning of check-out.
More specialized deals, such as “The Single Reveller” (1,400 GBP per person for a Queen-bedded room adorned with plush amenities), or a “Family Christmas” (from 3,300 GBP for a family of 3, which includes two en suite rooms with two separate bathrooms, Nintendo Wii games for the children, and a kid-friendly “V.I. little P. package” designed especially for younger guests) can be arranged.
Visit www.thegoring.com
Haymarket Hotel
Situated at the heart of the Theater District, this sleek hotel doesn’t hesitate when it comes to encouraging guests to call it their “home” for the holidays. A “Winter Promotion,” which runs from December 14, 2014 through February 8th, 2015, is one of several seasonal deals from which customers can choose. Starting at 294 GBP for a Superior Room, the VAT-inclusive rate offers complimentary breakfast and champagne.
The “Family Christmas In London” package is an ideal choice for groups planning a festive vacation. It features a beautiful two-bedroom suite, Christmas Lunch and Afternoon Tea for 2 adults and 2 children, a Christmas tree with gifts on Christmas morning set up in the suite lounge, and family tickets to a selection of some of London’s most beloved tourist attractions. Daily breakfast, cookies and milk at turn-down (for the kids), and a complimentary bottle of champagne at arrival (for the big kids) are included in package pricing.
The hotel will also be ringing in the New Year with a December 31st deal starting at 414 GBP for a Superior Room. Complimentary champagne, breakfast and late (they understand that patrons may need a good night’s rest post-New Year’s Eve) 3:00pm checkout.
Visit www.firmdalehotels.com/hotels/london/haymarket-hotel
41 Hotel
Make the most of a London stay at this intimate, 5-star Red Carnation Hotel. Its “Magical London Package” is a not-to-miss offer that aims to capture the sparkling ambiance of the city by providing purchasers with two nights’ accommodation, a mug of mulled wine and hot chocolate at check-in, daily English breakfast, an afternoon tea service (not available Christmas day), an in-room movie selection and turn-down treats, and late 6pm check-out. Suites booked over Christmas will feature a tree, and guests can even order an in-room stocking filled with festive goodies.
Visit 41hotel.com