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With its historic streets offering an only-in-the-movies setting, a Charles Dickens connection and decorations done to glorious excess, there are few cities that do Christmas as well as London. With the Holidays nearly upon us, we're revisiting our favorite London hotels to see how they've set the festive mood this season.
BY ELEANOR CORDING-BOOTH | CABANA TRAVEL | 19 DECEMBER 2024
The Winterhaus: an enchanting Gingerbread house installation © Mandarin Oriental.
From world-renowned landmarks with showstopping trees decorated by esteemed designers - we're talking about the ebullient Sir Paul Smith's tree at Claridge's - to under-the-radar newcomers that feel like indulgent homes from home; we’ve picked our favorite Christmas Displays from our favorite London hotels. These playful, unashamedly decadent delights should get you in the festive mood wherever in the world you are. And if you're in or visiting London, do not miss our newly published London City Guide, produced in collaboration with our friends at Ralph Lauren.
Brown's Hotel
Brown's Hotel delivers history, charm and over-sized bows © Rocce Forte Group.
In 1832, this discreet stay on one of Mayfair's quieter streets was a solitary house, purchased by a valet who dreamed of turning it into a hotel. Since then, it has changed hands just eight times, and has hosted Rudyard Kipling and served tea to Queen Victoria. Christmas at Brown's seems to wrap this history and nostalgia into a particularly comforting package - topped off with over-sized ochre velvet bows.
Do you want more London tips from our editors and friends? Don't miss the new edition of our London City Guide, produced in collaboration with Ralph Lauren.
The Connaught
The Connaught's 9m tall Christmas tree by Conrad Shawcross © The Connaught.
Sister hotel to Claridge’s, The Connaught sits on the corner of Mayfair’s prestigious Mount Street, marking its prized location with a 9m Christmas tree designed by contemporary artist Conrad Shawcross RA. The festive period feels like a time for tradition and no one does elegant English style like The Connaught. Its spectacular wooden staircase gives an authentic ‘night before Christmas’ timelessness and naturally, the cocooning and cozy hotel is bedecked with beautiful decorations.
Claridge's
Claridge's 20ft Christmas tree, designed by Sir Paul Smith © Claridge's.
The festive season arguably only starts when the grande dame of Mayfair decks its Art Deco halls. Claridge’s is exceptional at Christmas. Beside the sweeping staircase, a 20ft Christmas tree designed by Sir Paul Smith is adorned with colorful birdhouses. The tree’s annual unveiling is always pure theatre. Stop by for a cocktail in the bar and you’ll see the lobby’s many glittering decorations as you cross its chequerboard floor. Christmas guests have the added magic of a horse-drawn carriage ride.
At Sloane
A 'temple to discreet luxury': At Sloane, designed by François Josef Graf.
At Sloane is somewhat of an in-the-know spot, making it the perfect Christmas escape for two. With its (almost) unmarked entrance in a corner townhouse next to Sloane Square, it’s best-known among discerning fashion and design insiders.
Sibling to Paris’s Hotel Costes, At Sloane is a temple to discreet luxury and it’s designed to feel like an elegant home-from-home, especially at Christmas. Luckily, its color palette, candlelit guest areas and heady mix of print and pattern already lend themselves perfectly to the festive season. Christmas trees and garlands decorated with burgundy velvet ribbon add to the suave setting.
The Twenty Two
The Twenty Two cuts a dashing figure in London's Mayfair @ The Twenty Two.
In Mayfair, steps from London’s best shopping, boutique hotel and members' club, The Twenty Two cuts a dashing figure. The front door is guarded by life size nutcrackers and dwarfed by an enormous black bow. Inside, this small hotel doesn’t have space to create the same level of drama, but there are festive touches throughout.
Plush textiles and bold prints make this design-led jewelry box of a hotel feel grand, albeit on a small scale. It’s the perfect spot for a grown-up festive sleepover or a dinner by candlelight after the mayhem of Christmas shopping.
Henry's Townhouse
Henry's Townhouse, inspired by a former resident: Jane Austen's favorite brother.
You may not know this tucked-away boutique stay in Marylebone, but you certainly should. Henry's Townhouse - the name and ethos of which is inspired by Jane Austen’s favorite brother, Henry, who lived here in the 18th-century - feels festive all-year round due to its cozy size and warm, familial atmosphere. The Georgian townhouse has six sumptuously decorated bedrooms and a communal kitchen. It's like stepping into yesterday, in the best possible way; Christmas just adds sparkle.
Rosewood London
The 24ft Christmas tree at Rosewood London, designed by Paul Thomas.
Although this feels like the kind of grand hotel that has for generations sheltered the loves, murders, twists and secrets of the great human comedy, Rosewood London 'only' opened a decade ago. It's wasted no time establishing itself as one of the city's best stays, which is marvellously apparent at Christmas when all 263 rooms are decorated, a 24ft tree designed by renowned florist Paul Thomas graces the courtyard.
Broadwick Soho
The Martin Brudnizki designed newcomer, Broadwick Soho © Broadwick Soho
A relative newcomer to London and one of the smallest hotels in this edit, Broadwick Soho is pure fun and Christmas merriment in the middle of always-busy Soho. Although, the bedrooms offer a surprisingly silent night. Outside, giant elephants in hats are bursting from Christmas crackers and inside, the colourful and eclectic interiors by Martin Brudnizki lend themselves to jubilant festivities.
The Ned London
The Ned hotel and members’ club in the heart of historic Dickensian London.
Although a less-obvious setting for Christmas, in the city’s finance district, The Ned hotel and members’ club is in the heart of historic Dickensian London. The Royal Exchange sits almost opposite, resplendent with its giant tree and columns wrapped like candy canes, and magical Leadenhall Market is minutes away. Inside, this gigantic former bank has a raised stage ready for live music Christmas carol concerts. Its grand hall is a favourite among festive revellers and whether you stay overnight or only for a cocktail, the towering Christmas tree is a memorable sight.
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
With little need for an introduction, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is one of the city's best-known luxury hotels and its setting could hardly be better for a festive city break, with crisp winter walks in Hyde Park on one side and high-end shopping on the other. It may appeal to a discerning crowd but that doesn’t mean it’s void of playfulness. As well as twinkling decorations throughout the hotel, this Christmas, ‘The Winterhaus’ has taken over the lobby with a playful Bavarian themed lodge and seasonal treats.
Happy Holidays from Team Cabana
the edit
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