In fact, we Norwegians visit England more often than any other destination, except Spain. London is undoubtedly the big draw. The world metropolis offers everything a city break should include, especially in shopping, cultural experiences and exciting restaurants and nightlife.
According to Abbreviation Finder, London’s undisputed shopping center is Oxford Street, but shoppers are by no means limited to just this street. Regent Street and Jermyn Street are well worth a visit, if there are fashion stores you are looking for. The same goes for Bond Street (which crosses Oxford Street) and most of the Mayfair area (Mount Street in Mayfair is a must). Neighborhoods such as Notting Hill and Covent Garden are also high on the list, in addition to the well-known shopping centers such as Harrods, Debenhams and Fortnum & Mason.
Five great hotel tips in London
The heart of London’s shopping is still in and around Oxford Street. There you can pick and choose in over 300 stores with the latest screams on the clothing front, shoes and all accessories. Shopping in London usually means a lot of heavy bags to carry. Then it’s about choosing the right area to stay in. Here are five recommended hotels, in different price ranges, for you who are going on a city break to London .
The Marylebone Hotel – Bargain Opportunities
The first recommendation we bring is the accommodation for those who are looking for a bargain, and rather spend the money on shopping or other things. The Marylebone Hotel is located in Welbeck Street, a 6-7 minute walk from Oxford Street or Regent Street. The nearest tube station is about five hundred meters away (Bond Street).
The hotel has four well-deserved stars, and the price per day basically reflects both the standard and the good location. However, during promotional periods, you can find rooms with a strong discount on the booking services, especially if you are out in good time.
The interior of The Marylebone Hotel is quite fresh and modern. You can choose from many different types of rooms, and all have gorgeous bathrooms, large and comfortable beds, TV, WiFi, coffee machine and everything else you need for a comfortable stay. The hotel also has a very decent spa, gym and swimming pool.
Claridge’s – Elegant and exclusive
The Claridges is in the heart of Mayfair, and it takes about three minutes on foot to reach Oxford Street. The nearest tube station is Bond Street, and you have beautiful Grosvenor Square just beyond. In other words, you live in the middle of the shopping district, with all possibilities right outside the hotel door.
The hotel itself is undoubtedly one of the best in London, both when it comes to luxurious decor and what you experience inside. From the outside, Claridge’s does not attract much attention, but inside, Art Deco has been applied. The rooms are equipped with lovely and large beds, marble bathroom furnishings and gorgeous furniture, no matter what price range you go for.
You can also choose from several types of suites, if your wallet allows it. Claridge’s is otherwise equipped with a two elegant bars, a coffee bar and several opportunities for delicious dining experiences. The Fera restaurant stars in the Michelin guide, while Aulis lets up to six people sit at the table with the chef. If you need to take care of your body, the hotel has a very good spa, as well as a top-class health club.
The Langham London – Luxury Hotel in Regent Street
The five-star hotel The Langham London is located at the top of Regent Street. The street itself offers great shopping, and Oxford Circus is just a five minute walk. In the immediate vicinity there are also a decent number of restaurants, bars, parks and theaters. The hotel is one of the most famous in London, with a long and exciting history. Among other things, The Langham boasts of having installed England’s first hydraulic lift, and has been the scene of a number of well-known film scenes, including the James Bond film “GoldenEye”.
The hotel oozes luxury, both inside and out. Even the simplest of the total of 333 rooms are relatively sumptuous, before the comfort balls up to beautiful suites suitable for royal visits. The Langham also offers several top restaurants, including opportunities for private dinners. Guests also have access to a 24-hour gym and spa.
There is no doubt that it is more than moderately expensive to stay at The Langham. However, if you have a well-stocked bank account or want to celebrate something special, this hotel is right up your alley. Please also note that it is possible to get noticeable price reductions outside the hotel’s high season, or when the booking services have special promotions going on.
Holiday Inn Oxford Circus – Often good deals
If the hotels recommended above are a little too expensive, the Holiday Inn London Oxford Circus is probably a better choice. Here it is possible to find very good prices on accommodation when you go on a city break to London. The hotel is also exactly where you would like to stay, with just a two minute walk to Oxford Street. Outlets for well-known brands such as Zara, Nike, Cartier and H&M are located in the immediate vicinity of the Holiday Inn.
The rooms in the hotel are pretty standard for a four star establishment. It is nice and clean, but not as luxurious as the above mentioned recommendations. The hotel restaurant is quite good and in the surrounding area there is a wide range of dining options, bars and cafes. This chain is also known for being quite family friendly, and a great choice for those traveling with children.
Saint Georges Hotel – Recently renovated
Saint Georges is a clean and nice, four star hotel, just a few minutes walk from Oxford Circus. This means you have easy and fast access, not only to lots of shopping opportunities, but also the London Underground. You also get Regents Park five minutes away on foot, a lovely place to relax in weather permitting.
Many of the rooms at Saint Georges offer great views, but then you should book from the ninth floor and upwards. You can choose from three categories of room, standard, twin and superior. The rooms are newly refurbished, with comfortable interiors and lovely, soft beds. The hotel otherwise contains a pretty good restaurant, located on the fifteenth floor, overlooking the city center.
Breakfast is served here and the restaurant also has a decent bar to offer. Speaking of the bar, The Artisan is across the street from the Saint Georges Hotel. It is considered one of the best on the planet.