The last month has seen all London’s boutique hotels getting well and truly into the Christmas spirit and indulging in a spot of good-natured one-upmanship (especially when it comes to decorations!), much to guests’ delight.  Looking ahead to 2013 there’s yet more to look forward to, so join us in a look back at the festive period and a sneak peek at the year ahead.

Christmas trees were of course given a good airing in hotel lobbies across the capital in December, with spectacular gingerbread houses also well represented.  One Aldwych meanwhile decided that the way forward was to combine the two with its 25 foot tall Christmas tree decorated with 128 gingerbread people, each lovingly baked by Konditor & Cook.  We featured this tree in all its gingerbready goodness on this very blog.  Our bloggers also recently sampled the festive afternoon tea at One Aldwych.

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At Andaz Liverpool Street, guests were treated to some festive musical cheer in the run up to Christmas.  The hotel had a retro jukebox specially installed in its lounge, featuring Christmas songs chosen by staff.  These ranged from Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas to The Pogues’ alternative anthem, Fairytale of New York.  Recognising that not everyone has a warm home and family to go to at Christmas, all proceeds were donated to Providence Row, a London-based charity for the homeless.

One group of luxury boutique hotels that really knows how to do Christmas is Red Carnation Hotels.  Following the Nutcracker-themed lights switch-on at the Milestone Hotel, founder Beatrice Tollman found time to hand out gifts to the Hotel 41 team in person (pic below).  You can see more festive shenanigans on our photo blog and on the group’s Facebook page.

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The true festive battleground for hotels was was as ever focused on their indulgent Christmas packages.  We hand-picked the very best in our guide to the top 5 luxury Christmas packages with offerings from The Milestone, The Goring and The Baglioni among others.  The latter also has a year-round dining experience deal featuring its lauded Moreno restaurant.

It’s not all been about Christmas for the past month though.  In December the Sanderson Hotel unveiled the latest incarnation of its famous ‘Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea’.  As the name suggests, it is presented in the style of Alice in Wonderland, featuring such delights as carrot meringue served on pea shoots, Jelly Wonderland, Scarlet Martini and a ‘Drink Me Potion’.

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2012 was a massive year for new London hotels, thanks in part to a certain international sporting event taking place.  One of these new hotels was South Place, a design-led boutique hotel in the heart of the City.  Forbes recently ran a full feature on the hotel in which it described it as ‘a model of freshness that speaks to the City’s new swing,’ and went on to talk of the finance district’s growing trend towards the residential.  Perhaps South Place will be just the first of many new art-inspired hotels in the City?

Several new boutique hotels are scheduled to open in 2013.  One of the most intriguing is the Art’otel London Hoxton, set to open in Shoreditch on an as yet unknown date.  The 350-room property will be Art’otel’s first foray into the UK and will strongly reflect a yet to be revealed artist.

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Another hotly-anticipated 2013 opening is the new London property from Andre Balasz.  Few details are available, though it has been confirmed it won’t be a Standard-branded hotel.  It will be housed within the old fire station on Chiltern Street in Marylebone and will be a small yet luxurious boutique affair with between 26 and 36 rooms. Definitely one to watch closely as further details are revealed in the months ahead.

2013 will also see the return of some big dates for anyone involved in the boutique hotel sector to mark off in their diaries.  The Boutique Hotel Summit, dubbed ‘Europe’s only b2b boutique hotel conference’, will be held in an as yet undisclosed London venue on 22^nd and 23^rd May.  The slightly broader Independent Hotel Show meanwhile will take place later in the year on 30^th and 31^st October in Olympia.

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Finally, 2012 finished in style for Dukes Hotel in Mayfair and the Draycott Hotel in Cadogan Gardens.  Dukes was awarded the title of ‘World’s Leading Classic Hotel’ at the World Travel Awards 2012; and as if that wasn’t enough, it also won ‘Europe’s Leading Boutique Hotel’.   The Draycott meanwhile scooped the title of ‘England’s Leading Boutique hotel’. The full winners list can be perused on the World Travel Awards website.

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Photo credits: Claridge’s Hotel, One Aldwych, Sanderson Hotel, South Place Hotel, Dukes Hotel.

London hotels now put more emphasis on authentic experiences true to their location, as this room in the Royal Wing at The Rubens at the Palace shows

Once upon a time, travellers wanted to feel at home wherever they went.

English tourists wanted fish and chips whether they were in Barcelona or Bodrum, Tenerife or Thailand and chain hotels offered total consistency whichever continent you were on, with the same colour carpet, the same ‘international’ menu and pretty much the same room, give or take a picture.

Now that’s changed completely.  Travellers want to feel that they’ve arrived somewhere different – and wish to get the maximum out of that difference.  So G Adventures has started to feature ‘local living’ tours which enable tourists to get close to the life of the country.  Whether that’s hiking the lemon groves and volcanic slopes of the Sorrento coast or living with the Maya on Lake Atitlan, the tours aim to show travellers what the places are really like.  And London hotels have caught onto these trends, aiming to captivate travellers by creating an authentic British ambience.

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The Cavendish Hotel's "Best of British" breakfast was created to cater to those who want an authentic British experience from the moment they start their day.

The quest for authenticity has impacted hotels in numerous ways.  For instance, where back in the bad old days ‘cuisine’ meant ‘French’, the last decade has seen the rediscovery of British food.  Fergus Henderson and Mark Hix have opened trailblazing restaurants and the Cavendish Hotel‘s Petrichor showcases local ingredients – including an English sparkling wine rather than champagne and a real British breakfast.

While the boutique hotel in London isn’t authentic in itself, the increasing number of such hotels shows that customers have got fed up with the attractions of consistency – identikit, corporate-modelled banalities. They are definitely looking for something with more character.  One luxury hotel in Covent Garden in tune with the new mood is the renovated Mercer Street Hotel which has SMEG fridges with Union Jacks in its suites.

And more often than not, guests seek something authentically British.  Something that truly represents London for them, whether it’s Trooping the Colour or the Routemaster bus or black cabs.  Or proper afternoon tea.

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The Draycott's rooms are unmistakably traditional.

But what is ‘authentic’ for London?  The Goring could perhaps stake a claim as one of the few remaining family-owned hotels which recently celebrated its 100th birthday - its authenticity residing in its family tradition and service as well as the fine details of its décor.  Or The Savoy, which retains many of its original features despite the recent refurbishment – or the Draycott Hotel with its Victorian furnishings and luxurious period feel.

Though of course the above is a 5 star interpretation of authenticity – whereas for some of us, a fry-up in a greasy caff or eel pie and mash is also part of London’s traditional character and perhaps more affordable as well!

The growing popularity of home swaps may also have something to do with this desire for ‘local living’.  After all, a 5 star hotel in the West End insulates you from the reality of the city – above all the shopping, the nipping out for a coffee or a pint of beer, the tapestry of urban life that really gives London its flavour.  Stay in a terrace in Stoke Newington or a flat in Smithfield on the other hand, and you’ll actually end up seeing the local neighbourhood – though you won’t get a concierge, or the towels changed.

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The Rookery features antique furnishings but the hotel is relatively new

Ironically, three of the most ‘authentic’ London hotels are actually fakes.  Hazlitt’s and The Rookery offer a quirky re-enactment of ancient gentlemanly style through their antique-filled rooms and gloriously period design but both are relatively recent entrants.  The Zetter Townhouse is also an imaginative reconstruction of how its sibling – the contemporary Zetter Hotel – might have looked a few hundred years ago and there are even gloriously concocted fictions about how various items got there.

And yet the vein of fantasy in all three hotels arguably brings us closer to London and its authentic feel than an unreconstructedly ‘authentic’ hotel would – just the way Dickens’s novels bring us closer to the London of his day than any number of census entries.

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Photo credits: The Rubens at the Palace Hotel, Cavendish Hotel, Draycott Hotel, Rookery Hotel.

A family-friendly Apsley suite at the Lanesborough: traditionally-furnished but with lots of discreet technology "under the hood"

If you are going to break the bank for a luxury London hotel, it’s important that the experience is memorable, giving you a sense it was money well-spent.  And it helps too if every little detail is taken care of for you.

That is why the Lanesborough near Hyde Park – with its army of personal butlers – is usually on the shortlist of luxury seekers everywhere, despite having some of the most expensive rooms in London.

One of the hotel’s main attractions is the fact that its exceptional Managing Director, Mr Gelardi, is passionate about giving “freebies” to guests once they have paid the hotel’s (admittedly lofty) basic room rate.

In this same spirit, the hotel has crafted an interesting “summer holiday escape” offer for families staying in one of its comfy Apsley suites.

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The “package” – if one can describe such a supremely luxurious experience so tackily – puts the emphasis firmly on London’s prime family attractions like the London Eye, Buckingham Palace and the city’s major museums.

The Lanesborough is the ideal base for a luxurious, chauffeur-driven sightseeing tour

The concierge has crafted an exclusive itinerary to keep the whole family amused on a 3-day tour of the city’s essential sights.  You’ll be chauffeur-driven to all of London’s main attractions with everything taken care of.

Back at the hotel, the children’s amenities include a dedicated kids’ butler, unlimited movies, books and games, personalised gifts and more.

For adults there’s the hidden-away Garden Room bar as well as Apsleys restaurant by Heinz Beck with its lighter interpretation of Italian classics.  There is also a lovely and rather understated spa at the Lanesborough.

The Lanesborough’s summer offer is only available for a short period.  Accommodation provided in one of the hotel’s family-friendly suites is superb – though it may still set you back more than a grand per night.

Contact the hotel directly for full offer terms – though do also try the London Hotels Insight metasearch to bag an even better deal (though note you’ll need to book direct with the hotel for the above special offer).

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What if the Lanesborough is beyond your budget but you still want to have a great time with your family?

You may also wish to consider the Draycott’s family offer, the children-friendly Athenaeum (which also has some of London’s best serviced apartments and free minibars) or our top 3 cheap family-friendly hotels.

Finally, if you absolutely must stay in complete luxury then the Langham has recently opened some sumptuous newly-refurbished suites.

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Photo credits: The Lanesborough (St. Regis Hotels & Resorts).

The secluded Draycott specialises in hospitable flourishes which all the family will enjoy, as well as its gorgeous lawn

The Draycott in Chelsea with its old-fashioned charm is one of this blog’s favourite hotels and arguably one of London’s top 4 townhouse hotels.

We’ve mentioned too how this hotel offers free hotel amenities (such as free WiFi), warm hospitality and a great base for shopping on King’s Road.

If this whets your appetite for a last-minute summer getaway to London, then note that the Draycott has just launched a special package for families – who might also be drawn to its lovely summer garden.

Not only does this offer provide a discounted two-day family leisure pass (similar to the London Pass offer featured last year) but there is also a romantic dinner menu for two specially arranged at nearby Daphne’s restaurant.  There is even a babysitter for the kids organised as well.  Note though that the cost of the dinner is not included in the offer.

Aside from the above family offer, the hotel has also unveiled discounted rates for anyone who wishes to stay at the hotel between 26th July and 5th September this year starting at £235 + VAT for a double.

To get full details, please contact the Draycott directly, though you may get an even better deal using our own hotel search and price comparison tool.

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The Draycott's rooms are impeccably traditional

And if you want to turn the family luxury dial to even higher levels, do stay tuned for details of an even more decadent, chauffeur-driven summer hospitality package at the Lanesborough.

Finally, if the wellbeing of your little ones is critical to your hotel choice, you may also enjoy reading about London’s most kid-friendly hotel.

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Photo credits: Draycott Hotel (Mantis Collection).

The warm hospitality of people like Antonio, the barman at the Egerton House Hotel, typifies the charm of intimate townhouse hotels over faceless chains

London is home to some of the world’s finest townhouse hotels – each one rich in individuality, history and style.  And so for a peaceful and luxuriously comfortable “home from home” in the midst of a vibrant city, the following welcoming hotels will offer you a truly unforgettable experience.

We’ve identified four of our favourite townhouse hotels in London based on in-depth research of guest reviews and meetings with management:

Egerton House Hotel

The Egerton House has a certain Victorian charm and is the ideal Knightsbridge boutique hotel if you like shopping at Harrods.

Period antiques and works of art share the same space as modern amenities such as free wireless internet, a testament to the hotel’s subtle success in combining old-fashioned hospitality with all the mod-cons.

This is a hotel we love for its friendliness…a fact confirmed by a couple of fairly recent visits including a meeting with the management as well as a Martini tasting inside its delightfully cosy hotel bar.

Book direct with the Egerton House Hotel at the best guaranteed rate

The Egerton House Hotel is cosiness personified - it has little over 30 bedrooms

Its desirability is further reflected in its current standing in the top 5 from over a thousand London hotels on TripAdvisor.

One TripAdvisor reviewer described the Egerton House as “a little jewel box hotel where the staff treat you like friends of the family.”

Pelham Hotel

Another favourite among TripAdvisor reviewers, the Pelham Hotel is described by one satisfied former guest as, ‘perfect for two days of shopping and culture in London.’

It’s another townhouse hotel that has caught our attention on this blog before, largely because of the homely environment nurtured at the hotel.

Nestled away in a secluded corner of affluent South Kensington, the Pelham offers easy access to many of London’s most popular museums, including the Victoria and Albert Museum.  The upmarket boutiques of Chelsea and the natural beauty of Hyde Park are also within easy reach.

Again, the real charm of the Pelham is in how it attractively blends traditional Georgian architecture and contemporary furnishings.

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The Pelham is handy for museums, shopping, good restaurants and all the best that London has to offer

Dean Street Townhouse

Soho’s Dean Street Townhouse is another wonderful example of a Georgian townhouse converted into luxury accommodation for visitors to London.

But it has a different vibe to the hotel gems already mentioned, largely because it’s in the heart of buzzing Soho.  With prices from £95 per night (unbelievable for the area), rooms at the hotel are infinitely affordable.

Yet they come fully stocked with everything a weary 21st century traveller needs – a Sky equipped flatscreen TV, free wireless internet and the option of a king-size or super king-size bed.

We praised the Dean Street Townhouse opening for its refreshing honesty and later complimented the management’s understated marketing strategy.  What matters most though is its value for money and friendly, unfussy service; as well as an ideal location for London’s lively nightlife.

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Dean Street Townhouse offers stunning value in the heart of Soho

The Draycott

The Draycott in Chelsea is another perennial London Hotels Insight favourite due to its consistency in staying near the top of the shortlist of the very best London hotels on TripAdvisor.

It offers a sanctuary within the peaceful serenity of Cadogan Gardens, just off Sloane Square and a short walk from the fantastic Saatchi Gallery and also good for shopping in the stylish fashion boutiques on Kings Road.

A former Edwardian townhouse, the hotel is a cosy five-star affair, and is currently in TripAdvisor’s top ten London hotels.  We’ve also visited this hotel and met management, who pride themselves on giving generous freebies to guests including bedtime cocoa and free WiFi.

The hotel consists of a couple of distinct townhouses joined together.  The rooms that we personally inspected were of generous proportions, with each bearing the individual signature of a famous person from the arts.

The Draycott is truly a stylish, friendly and hospitable hotel.

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The Draycott's lovely garden is one of the hotel's finest features

In fact, you won’t go far wrong with any of the above choices, each of which provides a more memorable stay than a nondescript chain hotel.

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Photo credits: Egerton House Hotel (Red Carnation Hotel Collection), Draycott Hotel (Mantis), Pelham Hotel, Dean Street Townhouse.

We're all used to getting ripped off on hotel minibars but one London hotel has decided to make them (at least partly) free! (image credit below)

There are many different hotels in London and no individual one is perfect for everyone.  But we all love “something for nothing” and the feeling that we’ve got ourselves some valuable extras without paying for them.

Here then is our guide to some of the best “freebies” in London hotels.

All the hotels mentioned below are currently in the top 100 on TripAdvisor too, so they’re certainly not offering free amenities out of desperation:

Free WiFi

Regular readers will know we’ve been banging on about this for some time – having supported a free WiFi web campaign on this theme since last year and tweeted at every opportunity on the matter as well.

Heck, we even wrote an open letter to the hotel industry on free WiFi and lobbied the budget hotel brands to get their act together.

But those who need a free WiFi Hotel should first and foremost check our list of the “good guys” – top-rated (via TripAdvisor) London hotels with free WiFi.  We’ve also put the spotlight on cheap and mid-price free WiFi hotels.

Some of our favourite free WiFi hotels include the family-friendly Luna and Simone Hotel (Victoria), “budget luxury” Base2stay (Kensington), the hip Hoxton (Clerkenwell) and all Red Carnation Hotels.

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Check the best rate for Base2stay from 30+ hotel booking sites

Check the best rate for the Hoxton Hotel from 30+ hotel booking sites

The Hoxton is a well-priced hotel which offers free WiFi

Free Minibar

This is an unusual benefit so congratulations are due to the luxurious Athenaeum Hotel in central London for breaking the mould.

Is there a catch?  Yes, because the hotel’s minibar is only “partly free” – you still have to pay full whack for alcohol, which I guess is understandable.

But the hotel does provide bottled water, light snacks (crisps, nuts, etc.) and soft drinks free of charge.  These costs can often mount up, especially for stressed-out parents staying with kids.  So it’s no coincidence that the Athenaeum is also arguably London’s most children-friendly hotel.

Let’s hope more London hotels follow suit – if their accountants let them!

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The Athenaeum offers impeccable service in an ideal location: try if you can to get upgraded to a serviced apartment

Free Technology

Two hotels in different categories lead the way here.  At the luxury end is the Lanesborough, “the luxury hotel that loves to give freebies”.

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Since it’s run by one of London’s most respected and guest-friendly hoteliers, it’s not surprising that this ultra-deluxe country house hotel near Hyde Park absolutely hates to nickel and dime its guests.

Rooms are not cheap but you get free use of a Sony Vaio in your room as well as the help of butlers (also well-trained in technology).

At the mid-price end, the top-rated City Inn Westminster is currently in the top 10 on TripAdvisor and provides free iMac computers in all rooms.

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Apart from friendly service, well-designed rooms, free WiFi and fair prices, City Inn Westminster now also gives you use of a free iMac computer in your room

Both the Lanesborough and City Inn Westminster also offer free WiFi.

The Berkeley Hotel in swanky Mayfair (which has one of London’s best spas) recently announced that it is providing free iPads pre-loaded with apps and inside info on London.  But this amenity is only for guests in its most expensive suites so in our view doesn’t qualify as a proper freebie.

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Free “Ritual Treats”

London hotels are famous for their elaborate and ceremonial afternoon teas, the best of which this blog will consistently highlight for you.

Truth be told, afternoon tea is a bit of moneyspinner for top London hotels.

So how refreshing it is to find the highly-regarded Draycott Hotel – currently in TripAdvisor’s top dozen or so hotels in London – providing free tea and biscuits every afternoon to all its guests.  How very civilised!

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Staff at the Draycott will inundate you with complimentary treats all day long

OK, so it’s not “afternoon tea” with all the ceremony and lovely cakes – but it’s still a generous gesture which provides a true slice of England (the hotel, nestled in the heart of Chelsea, has an absolutely lovely garden too).

Apart from that the Draycott will serve you a free glass of champagne and hot cocoa at appropriate times of the day as well!

Last but not least, it’s worth mentioning Base2stay in Kensington – not because of “freebies” particularly but because the management believe passionately in the next best thing: transparent pricing.

This is a hotel where they worry about your “total stay budget” – providing discounts on local restaurants , a mini-kitchen in your room, “normal” or even discounted pricing on vending machines, phone calls, etc.

Keep reading London Hotels Insight and follow us on Twitter: we promise to continue uncovering the best free hotel amenities in London for you.

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Photo credits: Draycott Hotel, Hoxton Hotel, Athenaeum Hotel, City Inn Westminster, U-g-g-B-o-y(-Phot ograph-World-Sense -)’s photostream.

Arundel & Elgin (Notting Hill) is one of 200 usually-closed private gardens you'll have access to during the Open Garden Squares weekend in June

Walking through central London, you often pass garden squares with locked gates concealed by tantalising high hedgerows.

You’ll naturally wonder what lies on the other side.  Your curiosity can be satisfied during June as London’s secret gardens (normally closed to visitors) will open their doors to all and sundry – for one weekend only!

The festive atmosphere will include special events, tours and children’s activities in some of the gardens.  One ticket will give you entry to all the gardens across London throughout the weekend.

The “Open Garden Squares Weekend” is organised by the London Parks & Gardens Trust, with almost 200 gardens taking part each year.  You can read the history of London’s historic garden squares here.  Don’t miss the chance to take a peek inside some of London’s loveliest garden squares!

Lexham Gardens in Kensington is consistently rated as one of London's best garden squares and also benefits from a children's play area

In the meantime, if you want to enjoy a hotel with access to its own gorgeous gardens, we can suggest two very highly-rated options (both are currently in the top dozen London hotels on TripAdvisor):

1. Montague on the Gardens in Bloomsbury

As the name suggests, this 4 star boutique hotel has a lovely terrace where you can enjoy a drink overlooking a gorgeous, tranquil garden.  It’s hard to believe you’re just a stone’s throw from the British Museum!  It is part of a group of highly-regarded luxury boutique hotels in London.

Book direct with the Montague Hotel at the best guaranteed rate

The conservatory at the highly-rated Montague has a view over a scenic garden

2. The Draycott in Chelsea

A gorgeous sanctuary of a hotel with free WiFi and its own private garden, absolutely idyllic in the summertime!

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The Draycott has a beautiful garden for you to enjoy a perfect summer's stay

Happy exploring!

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Photo credits: Draycott Hotel, Montague on the Gardens Hotel, London Parks & Gardens Trust.

The Saatchi is my favourite modern art gallery in London

The Saatchi Gallery is one of London’s finest in my view and doesn’t always get the credit it deserves.  Its spacious rooms and high ceilings make it just about the perfect venue for contemporary art.

What’s more it’s free of charge to visit.  I recently saw an exhibition there on modern Indian art (wittily entitled “The Empire Strikes Back”) which had the usual Saatchi touches that sometimes leave you baffled.

But a visit there is always a stimulating experience.  It’s the sort of place where the art is interactive: your interpretation is bound to differ from the person with you, making for some interesting conversations afterwards!

It was founded by advertising guru Charles Saatchi in 1985.  It had a stint on the South Bank which might have been considered its natural home.

But I adore the Chelsea venue in its stunning, custom-designed building with 15 equally-proportioned display spaces.  The surroundings have an air of restrained tranquility, just a stone’s throw from the King’s Road.

I also like the fact that the mission of the gallery is to promote new and lesser-known artists, which lends a sense of discovery to every visit.

I highly recommend it!

The Draycott is a charming Edwardian townhouse a few minutes walk from the Saatchi Gallery

If you’re keen to visit the Saatchi you could do a lot worse than stay at the Draycott Hotel, currently in the top 10 London hotels on TripAdvisor.

Check the best rate for the Draycott Hotel from 30+ hotel booking sites

It’s a few minutes walk from the gallery and gets rave reviews from TripAdvisor users due to its quirky touches (like hot chocolate before bedtime!), old-fashioned hospitality and free WiFi.

There’s also a lovely garden at the Draycott – perfect for the summer.

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Photo credits: Saatchi Gallery, Draycott Hotel.

Not only does the Draycott have its own splendid garden, but is also handy for enjoying the delights of Kew Gardens

We’ve featured Chelsea’s Draycott Hotel before, mainly because guests love its cosy, boutique-y feel along with free WiFi; as well as the caring touches served up by its staff, such as complimentary hot cocoa at night.

It’s also well-placed for shopping on the King’s Road and has recently climbed further up the TripAdvisor rankings (currently at a lofty number 9 out of more than 1000 London hotels).

In addition, there are two super events coming up in April for which the Draycott is ideally positioned:

1. Fabulous Kew Gardens – one of London’s nicest green spaces – has an Easter Festival in early April as part of its “Year of Biodiversity”.

This will include a special kids’ play area and a host of special activities, including an authentic Easter Egg hunt.  The Draycott is running a special promotion alongside this – do contact the hotel directly for details.

2. The London Book Fair is in Earls Court from April 19^th to 21^st.  With author events, book stalls and other attractions, it’s heaven for bookworms – as well as anyone wishing to learn how to get their own book published!

The Draycott is not only handy for Earls Court (a short tube or bus ride away) but is also the perfect literature lover’s hotel: all its rooms are named after authors and actors!

Books are also provided for guests’ convenience in the rooms.

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The Draycott is cosiness personified and the perfect hotel for bookworms!

The hotel’s cosy and homely atmosphere also lends itself well to curling up for a good read, or for simply seeking sanctuary in its secluded location (I almost couldn’t find it when I visited!) overlooking a private garden.

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The Draycott is gorgeous but somewhat expensive.

If it’s beyond your budget we’d also suggest Base2stay – even closer to the London Book Fair and an especially good choice if you love eating out.  It is also an eco-friendly hotel with free WiFi.

Check the best rate for Base2stay from 30+ hotel booking sites

Get the best-value London hotel deal from 30+ booking sites in 1 click

Photo credits: Draycott Hotel (Mantis Collection).

The Draycott Hotel in Chelsea provides one of London's most romantic sanctuaries

As we approach February 14th, it becomes increasingly important to home in on a suitable Valentine’s treat for you and your loved one.

And having just revealed some top London romantic treats, today we signpost the best Valentine’s hotel offers to make the most of them.

All hotels selected below are currently riding high on TripAdvisor.  Do enquire directly with the hotel for details of any offer before you book.

The Draycott

You know that this cosy retreat in Chelsea is designed for romance the moment you step inside.  Now within the elite top dozen London hotels on TripAdvisor, the hotel’s mood is one of a discreet and elegant sanctuary.

All the rooms are impeccably and individually furnished and the hotel’s February Romance Package includes breakfast, twelve red roses, a bottle of rosé champagne and strawberries dipped in chocolate.

The hotel is also very well-positioned for a bout of winter shopping.

Check the best rate for the Draycott Hotel from 30+ hotel booking sites

Red Carnation Hotel Collection

This luxury London hotels group dominates the TripAdvisor rankings and is managed by the 2009 Hotelier of the Year with impeccable standards and staff training.

TripAdvisor reviews confirm the Milestone Hotel's specialist expertise in managing romantic special occasions

Its Valentine’s Package is valid for all the company’s boutique London hotels, from the intimate Egerton House to the lively Montague in Bloomsbury and the Milestone – a romantic luxury hotel in Kensington (a building with a colourful past) in Kensington to name a few.

Book direct with the Milestone Hotel at the best guaranteed rate

The package includes pink champagne, a special romantic turndown at the end of the evening, a bowl of chocolate-dipped strawberries, a romantic dinner for two in the restaurant and even a midnight lover’s feast!

Book direct with the Egerton House Hotel at the best guaranteed rate

The Goring

This intimate luxury hotel near Victoria offers an enticing romantic experience with its “An Affair to Remember” special offer.

Besides the standard fare of roses, chocolates, romantic cakes, champagne breakfast, etc. you’ll also get to see the classic Cary Grant love story with popcorn provided…ideal for lovers sharing a passion for the silver screen!

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A romantic retreat at the Goring Hotel is pure class

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Photo credits: Goring Hotel, Milestone Hotel (Red Carnation Hotel Collection), Draycott Hotel.

We recently mentioned Base2stay Kensington as an excellent hotel for shopping to enjoy London’s amazing “January Sales”, thanks to its special winter rates and other little touches to boost your shopping budget.

It’s also rated at a lofty number 13 on TripAdvisor (consistent in recent months), showing that the high Base2stay standards continue to hold.

Check the best rate for Base2stay from 30+ hotel booking sites

What other options do you have, assuming you want a hotel that’s in the current top 40 London hotels on TripAdvisor?

The Egerton House is a great choice for "The Sale" (Harrods)

We covered some other hotels handy for shopping in London already in a previous feature.  We also mentioned the Egerton House Hotel in Knightsbridge as being particularly handy for Harrods.

Book direct with the Egerton House Hotel at the best guaranteed rate

Here are two more suggestions climbing rapidly up the TripAdvisor charts:

The Draycott Hotel (Chelsea)

The Draycott is close to Pimlico Road Farmer’s Market, has a nice London Pass offer, offers free WiFi and enjoys a rather intimate, boutiquey feel.

It’s also a good choice for shopping since it’s off the King’s Road which is one of London’s best shopping streets for those who love fashion.

I’m also impressed that the Draycott is now at number 11 on TripAdvisor with standards continuing to climb.  Recent reviews describe it as “a little gem in the heart of London”, “a little oasis of calm” and a “glorious hotel”.

Check the best rate for the Draycott Hotel from 30+ hotel booking sites

The Draycott is ideal for Chelsea "fashion hunters"

I’ve inspected the Draycott myself and it felt more like a residential home (not surprising since it was converted from one) than a hotel.  It’s perfect for those seeking a tranquil little sanctuary in a rather well-heeled area.

The Montcalm (off Oxford Street)

If you want to be right in the heart of London’s shopping action, then the Montcalm has the best location bar none just off Oxford Street.

If you go mad at the big stores you can walk back to your hotel within minutes to deposit your bags and be out for a second round in no time!

We did feature this hotel in our earlier list of hotels for shopping in London.

Since then it seems that standards have risen further as it has climbed rapidly to its current number 32 position on TripAdvisor.

The main reason is the hotel’s major refurbishment, transforming its previously tired-looking décor into a contemporary and luxurious haven.

Check the best rate for the Montcalm Hotel from 30+ hotel booking sites

The Montcalm's WOW Suites are worth bagging, just a stone's throw from Oxford Street

We’ve commented previously on this blog on the positive correlation found between good guest reviews and recent renovations.  If you can bag an upgrade to one of the Montcalm’s new WOW suites, so much the better!

The hotel also currently has a “Luxurious Shopping Experience” special which includes complimentary champagne, massages, afternoon tea and much more (enquire directly with the hotel for details).

Wherever you stay, happy shopping!

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Photo credits: Egerton House Hotel (Red Carnation Hotel Collection), Draycott Hotel (Mantis Collection), Montcalm Hotel.

London Hotels Insight has launched a campaign to persuade all of the city's hoteliers to offer free WiFi as standard

Twitter is currently the scene of a global campaign to “set WiFi free” in hotels.  A fellow blogger has even launched a website around this theme.

London Hotels Insight would like to add its voice by making a positive example of London hotels with free WiFi.  I know our findings will be useful to the many travellers who consider free hotel WiFi an absolute must.

Of course, we don’t want “free WiFi” to prop up mediocre hotels either.

For this reason, we’ve only listed hotels below that are currently BOTH in the TripAdvisor top 40 for London AND have free WiFi.  But first a question:

How on earth can charging for hotel WiFi be justified?

WiFi is now pretty much like water and electricity: if hotels charge for it, in my view they’re profiteering on a basic commodity.

It seems ridiculous to impose a hefty mark-up for something which is cheap to source and in universal demand.  Would a hotel charge for use of its lift, sofas or bed linen?  Would it charge for tap water?  Of course not.

It gets my goat to pay for WiFi in hotels and it’s not just about the cost.

I recently paid for 24 hours of WiFi in a hotel in Switzerland.  The worst part was the process i.e. asking at check-in, registering, etc.  I then had to go down to renew as my deadline ran out, just an hour before checking out.

Far from charging for WiFi, one London hotel even provides free laptops for guests' use in its bedrooms: scroll down to find out which hotel it is!

WiFi is something no traveller or businessperson should have to think about.  It should be permanently “on tap” like water.  You check in and log in – period: just as you’d switch on a shower and expect hot water.

All this applies even more if you’re paying a hefty chunk of change to stay in a hotel.  And it’s often so-called “luxury hotels” which are the worst culprits.

I find it scandalous that you pay hundreds a night for a hotel in a 21st century city like London and then fork out double-figure daily fees for WiFi…

But that’s enough of my rant already!

Here is the list of “good guy” free WiFi London hotels (information correct to the best of our knowledge but please check with the hotels concerned).

By publicising the "good guys" that provide free WiFi we hope to persuade all hotels to follow suit

Hotels in the TripAdvisor Top 10 providing free WiFi

(NOTE: TripAdvisor rankings change all the time so you should check TripAdvisor’s London hotels page for the most up-to-date information)

These are listed in order of current TripAdvisor London rank (highest first, # number signifies current rank as of this date from more than 1130 hotels):

1. The Milestone Hotel (TripAdvisor #1).  Thankfully this Kensington boutique hotel has “free unlimited wired internet in every bedroom and free wireless internet throughout the hotel”.  We’ve already featured its superb guest reviews, exacting standards and its staff’s tiny noticeable touches.

Book direct with the Milestone Hotel at the best guaranteed rate

2. Hotel 41 (TripAdvisor #3).  This 5-star gem is run by the same group of luxury London hotels as the Milestone (Red Carnation) and so also offers free WiFi.  It is close to Victoria station and famed for its well-trained staff.

Book direct with Hotel 41 at the best guaranteed rate

3. The Halkin (TripAdvisor #5).  The Halkin also has free WiFi.  We’ve featured it as a great shopping base and to enjoy an exquisite Thai meal at its acclaimed restaurant.  It’s a classy hotel – stylish, modern and intimate.

Check the best rate for The Halkin from 30+ hotel booking sites

The ultra-stylish Halkin is a free WiFi environment

4. The Montague on the Gardens (TripAdvisor #6).  This hotel is ideally-located for British Museum aficionados to ensure they enjoy all its must-see treasures.  As a Red Carnation Hotel, it again offers free WiFi.  I’ve met the hotel’s General Manager who leads a passionate and professional team.

Book direct with the Montague Hotel at the best guaranteed rate

5. Chesterfield Hotel (TripAdvisor #7).  Another Red Carnation Hotel in the top 10, it also offers free WiFi.  It’s in the posh Mayfair district on a quiet street.  Renowned for its restaurant’s exquisite Dover Sole.

Book direct with the Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel at the best guaranteed rate

6. Apex City of London Hotel (TripAdvisor #8).  We’ve already featured this hotel as one of London’s best mid-price hotels.  Guests love its friendly, modern vibe – and of course its free WiFi.

Check the best rate for Apex City of London from 30+ hotel booking sites

7. City Inn Westminster (TripAdvisor #9).  This hotel also has the good sense to offer free WiFi and even has iMacs in its rooms.  The hotel is also well-priced and we’ll investigate it further for you shortly.

Check the best rate for City Inn Westminster from 30+ hotel booking sites

That’s 7 out of the TripAdvisor top 10 with free WiFi: not bad at all.

Perhaps other hotels lower down the rankings could take note: is it a coincidence that most of London’s top guest-rated hotels have free WiFi?

The Hoxton may be a "budget" hotel but it's also savvy enough to offer its guests free WiFi

“Luxury budget” hotels (TripAdvisor Top 20) with free WiFi

Two leading “luxury budget” hotels featured on this blog have free WiFi.

The General Manager of the Hoxton Hotel (number 16 on TripAdvisor, known for its £1 room sales) made this forthright statement:

“You wouldn’t charge a friend to flush the loo so why charge for WiFi?”

Check the best rate for the Hoxton Hotel from 30+ hotel booking sites

Similarly, Base2stay (number 14 on TripAdvisor – see this hotel video to learn more) has also opted to free WiFi from its shackles.  Its General Manager, Mr Nassar Khalil, told London Hotels Insight:

“Free 24/7 HSIA WiFi is available to all our guests on arrival.  They get free access to the Base2stay WiFi network throughout their stay.”

Check the best rate for Base2stay from 30+ hotel booking sites

Other top London hotels passionate about free WiFi

There are a few other “honourable mentions” I’d like to make.

The Draycott offers traditional English charm but management still has the vision to offer complimentary WiFi to all guests

The cosy and intimate Draycott Hotel (already featured for its attractive London Pass and New Year’s Eve offers) is also in the TripAdvisor top 20.

I’ve met the management who are equally adamant that WiFi should be 100% free.  It’s a gorgeous gem of a hotel near trendy King’s Road.

Check the best rate for the Draycott Hotel from 30+ hotel booking sites

The London Bridge Hotel – currently number 26 on TripAdvisor and featured as a great value hotel at London Hotels Insight because guests love its location, staff and rooms – also provides free WiFi.

Check the best rate for London Bridge Hotel from 30+ hotel booking sites

Finally, the distinguished Lanesborough Hotel – previously described on this blog as the “luxury hotel which loves to give freebies” – not only gives you free WiFi, but also your own Sony Vaio laptop to access it on!

The Lanesborough's guests could easily afford to pay for WiFi: but the hotel's management sensibly resists the temptation

The Lanesborough is currently at number 36 on TripAdvisor from some 1132 hotels and impeccably managed under the experienced care of Mr Gelardi.

Check the best rate for The Lanesborough from 30+ hotel booking sites

Conclusion

To research this article, I made a point of calling some well-known London hotels that do not offer free WiFi, just to find out their charges.  I was shocked to hear that these often range from approx. £10 to £20 per day.

There are “free WiFi” hotels in the above listing in all parts of London, to suit all budgets.  Please do your best to book them to support their stance.

Do also let us know in the comments below if you come across other good “free WiFi” hotels in London that you feel deserve a mention.

And even if you wish to argue against the case for free WiFi: I cordially invite you to join the debate by following London Hotels Insight on Twitter.

Get the best-value London hotel deal from 30+ booking sites in 1 click

Photo credits: Halkin Hotel, Draycott Hotel, The Lanesborough (St.Regis Hotels & Resorts), Hoxton Hotel.

The Christmas tree on Trafalgar Square is a gift from the people of Norway and the venue for traditional carol singing festivities

Having recently covered hotels for Christmas shopping in London, we now reveal the best hotels to actually stay in over the festive period.

Christmas in London creates a very special atmosphere.  There’s a charmingly understated feel to the celebrations (except for New Year’s Eve when it tends to get a lot more exuberant!).

Though it rarely snows at this time of year, the country still  holds its breath for the much-anticipated “White Christmas”.  Annual highlights include the Queen’s Speech on Christmas Day and the Boxing Day shopping sales.

This article lists seasonal offers that have caught our eye but only if the accommodation is in the upper tier of guest-ranked hotels on TripAdvisor.

All these hotels promise you some of the best service around and a memorable Christmas stay.  Please enquire directly with the hotels listed for details of the individual packages, which can change at any time.

1. A Dickens-themed Christmas at the Threadneedles Hotel.

The Mayor of London this year decided to give London’s Christmas lights the theme of “A Christmas Carol” – in line with the new Disney film.

The elegant Threadneedles Hotel goes Dickens-crazy this Christmas

So where better to spend Christmas than at the Threadneedles Hotel which has put together its own Dickens special.  The offer includes 2 tickets to the Dickens Walk, a copy of the famous book, breakfast and an overnight stay.

Check the best rate for Threadneedles Hotel from 30+ hotel booking sites

We featured this hotel already as a suggested base for a perfect London cultural evening as it gets pretty consistent guest reviews.  It’s handy for enjoying the South Bank and the foodie paradise of Borough Market too.

2. “Magical London” festive packages at top-rated Red Carnation hotels.

Regular readers know we’re big fans of Red Carnation’s various luxury London hotels, mainly because guests give them such consistent reviews.

We mentioned the company’s Egerton House hotel as a perfect base for Christmas shopping as well as a well-managed hotel in its own right.

Book direct with the Egerton House Hotel at the best guaranteed rate

The Montague on the Gardens is one of 5 Red Carnation Hotels in the top 11 London hotels on TripAdvisor

Book direct with the Montague Hotel at the best guaranteed rate

As well as the two above, the group also offers several other options:

• the Milestone Hotel (currently number 1 on TripAdvisor) – famous for the staff’s “Tiny Noticeable Touches”.

• the Montague on the Gardens (a boutique London hotel near the British Museum).

• the Chesterfield (in the centrally-located and upscale Mayfair district)

• luxurious and intimate Hotel 41 (currently number 3 on TripAdvisor) and grandiose yet kid-friendly Rubens at the Palace, both near Victoria.

Book direct with Hotel 41 at the best guaranteed rate

Staff at the TripAdvisor top-rated Milestone Hotel are famed for their "TNTs"

Book direct with the Milestone Hotel at the best guaranteed rate

All 6 of Red Carnation’s London hotels are ranked in the top 21 hotels on TripAdvisor (with 5 in the top 11 as this is written).  The company’s 12 service standards have been key to achieving this.

Book direct with Rubens at the Palace Hotel at the best guaranteed rate

All are offering the group’s “Magical London” Christmas package including a 2 night stay, mulled wine or hot chocolate, a full English breakfast each day, free movies, festive turndowns and other Christmas treats.

Please get in touch with Red Carnation Hotels for more information.

3. A traditional Christmas at the Connaught (horse-drawn carriage included!)

If you and your loved one really wish to go the distance on luxury, the Connaught is offering a no-holds-barred, traditional 5-star Christmas treat with its “Noel” package (check-in 24^th December, check-out on the 26^th).

The luxurious Connaught hotel is managed by the same group that runs Claridge's and has similar standards

This recently-renovated hotel will arrange a horse-drawn carriage ride through Mayfair with mince pies, mulled wine and hot chocolate to keep you warm, traditional egg-nog on arrival, breakfast, a deluxe Christmas lunch on the 25^th and Christmas cocktails.

If you can still manage it, there’s also an optional festive afternoon tea.

The Connaught is currently ranked in the top 50 TripAdvisor London hotels and about as central as it gets in the heart of Mayfair.  It receives very respectable reviews but staying there does not come cheap.

Check the best rate for the Connaught Hotel from 30+ hotel booking sites

4. A New Year’s Eve and “bargain hunting” stay at the Draycott Hotel.

The Draycott Hotel is also in the top 20 hotels on TripAdvisor.  We’ve featured it before due to its great London Pass offer and proximity to Pimlico Road Farmers’ Market, as well as its well-regarded staff.

On my recent visit to the hotel, I was impressed by the attention to detail invested in the rooms as well as the complimentary services like free WiFi.

The Draycott has a lovely secluded location near Sloane Square and King's Road

Recent guest reviews indeed praise the staff and the hotel’s lovely secluded location (it was in fact a bit of a treasure hunt to find it!).

Check the best rate for the Draycott Hotel from 30+ hotel booking sites

It’s close to King’s Road (Chelsea) in an area that’s a magnet for fashion shoppers and yet far from the hurly burly of Oxford Street.  The many boutiques near the hotel are strictly for those in the know.

The hotel has put together a splendid New Year’s Package including a 2 night stay and a bottle of champagne.  Contact the hotel for details.

Savvy London shoppers also know this to be a perfect time to catch the start of the “January Sales” and bag some great bargains.

Whichever of the above special offers takes your fancy, do book as early as you can to ensure availability.  Please also remember to check directly with the hotels to confirm the precise terms of your special offer.

And don’t be shy either about asking for a special request or an upgrade!

Get the best-value London hotel deal from 30+ booking sites in 1 click

Photo credits: Red Carnation Hotel Collection, Draycott Hotel, Connaught Hotel (Maybourne Hotel Group), Threadneedles Hotel.

Christopher Wren's magnificent masterpiece, St Paul's Cathedral, is one of more than 50 attractions included on the London Pass

Just what is it that makes London such a magnet for tourists?

It’s hard to pin down precisely.  But it may have something to do with the city’s unique blend of a progressive, cosmopolitan culture set against the backdrop of an exotic, slightly “old-world” charm.

And then of course there are the iconic “sights”: the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral and many others which are famous the world over.

Most London visitors find it hard to manage their sightseeing plans, since there’s such an overwhelming range of options.  That’s why the so-called “London Pass” offers an attractive solution to save you time and money.

What exactly is a London Pass?  It can best be described as a visitor’s smart card providing discounted access to 56 prominent London attractions.

Do check the full list to make sure your favourite attractions are covered.

The Pass is user-friendly — like a credit card, you swipe it through dedicated machines.  It saves you the trouble of carrying large wads of cash, waiting in long queues or calculating the best ticket combination.

It also offers money-saving and personalisation benefits.  For starters, the London Pass allows you to pay substantially less than listed ticket prices.  If you’re travelling with your family these savings can quickly add up.

You can also customise the list of 56 sites you wish to explore, selecting from various options.  It can be bought for varying periods of one to six days.  You can even opt to get a London Travelcard “add-on”.

On top of all this, the London Pass can be combined with special offers at certain pubs, restaurants and shops to let you take advantage of their best deals.  It also has a customer helpline, as well as refund insurance (though you should carefully read the full terms and conditions before you buy).

The Draycott has a classic Edwardian townhouse style

The London Pass is now bundled into a special offer from one of the city’s best hotels (in the TripAdvisor top 20) – the Draycott.  You get 50% off a 2-day London Pass for 2 adults and a child if staying at least 3 nights.

If you unbundle this and calculate the savings, it looks a good deal.  But you should always check to ensure it fits with your specific needs.

Email the hotel directly at reservations@draycotthotel.com (London Hotels Insight in no way profits from this) to take advantage of the offer.  Do note that the offer is valid until 31st January 2010 (subject to availability).

The Draycott is nicely positioned to let you sample the delights of Chelsea, including great shopping in King’s Road and Knightsbridge (Harrod’s).

Check the best rate for the Draycott Hotel from 30+ hotel booking sites

Guests love the Draycott Hotel's many unexpected little personal touches

We also mentioned the hotel in our review of London’s best food markets, due to its closeness to Pimlico Road Farmers’ Market.

Indeed, the hotel is pretty well-connected to public transport for all parts of London (near Sloane Square tube and lots of bus routes), so it’s a good base from which to exploit your London Pass to the full.

It’s all the more attractive given the consistently good guest reviews.

Here’s an example of one of the hotel’s many nice touches: they serve all their guests tea and biscuits at 4.00 pm, a glass of champagne at 6.00pm and hot chocolate before you go to bed!  This is all free of charge.

Check the best rate for the Draycott Hotel from 30+ hotel booking sites

On top of this, they provide free WiFi throughout the hotel – an issue which has been hotly debated on the London Hotels Insight Twitter page.

I would personally like all hotels in London to provide free WiFi.

The personal touches at the Draycott remind me of another top-rated boutique luxury London hotel on TripAdvisor – the Milestone – where the staff also excel in performing lots of tiny noticeable touches.

Book direct with the Milestone Hotel at the best guaranteed rate

Get the best-value London hotel deal from 30+ booking sites in 1 click

Photo credits: Draycott Hotel.

Borough Market is London's oldest food market (traditionally famous for its fruit and vegetables) and has been on its present site for 250 years

For a uniquely London-centric experience, you should avoid the tourist-traps and head straight to the city’s fantastic food markets!

Here you can tuck into anything from handmade sandwiches to more exotic fare at a fraction of restaurant prices, whilst mingling with the locals and getting a real taste of the capital.  They’re also great areas to stay near to.

From internationally-famous Borough to friendly Pimlico Farmers’ and trendy Broadway; follow in the footsteps of Londoners in the know as we take you on a tour of the city’s lively food markets, as well as handy nearby hotels.

Borough Market

Borough Market is a foodie’s favourite in which you’ll find every gastronomic delicacy you could dream of.  With cuisines ranging from French to Japanese and Chilean (covering everything in between!), as well as specialist stalls for teas, olives and mushrooms… the list of gastronomic delights is endless!

Gourmet breads at Borough Market

So whether you’re seeking out fresh, quality ingredients to knock up a dish at home or just want to browse the stalls and grab a smoothie, Borough Market certainly won’t disappoint.

Visiting Borough Market?  Stay at nearby London Bridge Hotel: a super location to enjoy the vibrant South Bank.  It’s currently impressively ranked in the top 30 London hotels on TripAdvisor (out of more than 1100 competitors).  Guests love its location, solid service and modern rooms.

Check the best rate for London Bridge Hotel from 30+ hotel booking sites

Broadway Market

Broadway Market in trendy Shoreditch is rapidly gaining popularity, just like the area as a whole.

It has enjoyed huge growth in recent times as visitors choose to shun underwhelming, overpriced supermarket food.  You’ll find fresh breads, seafood, handmade cheeses, exceptional meats and much more, alongside vintage clothes and knick-knacks in this bustling East London market.

Why not get your fruit and veg from one of London's vibrant markets?

A couple of fairly cheap hotels located conveniently between this market and central London are the Premier Inn London City Tower Hill (currently in the TripAdvisor top 50) and Ibis London City (ranked in the top 150).

Both are to the East of the capital’s main attractions and certainly “do the job” in providing reasonably-priced accommodation.

Check the best rate for Premier Inn Tower Hill from 30+ hotel booking sites

Check the best rate for Ibis London City from 30+ hotel booking sites

Pimlico Road Farmers’ Market

There’s a warm atmosphere at the intimate Pimlico Road Farmers’ Market, where produce is organic and from within 100 miles of the M25 (the large ring road which encircles London).  Friendly stall owners are on standby to offer advice and free samples as you meander around the 30 or so stalls.

Based near posh Sloane Square, it’s a favourite with celebs and famous chefs.  Don’t be surprised if you bump into Gordon Ramsay, Kylie Minogue or Elle McPherson as you select some delicious treats to take home.

Are you visiting Pimlico Farmers’ Market?  We suggest you stay at the Draycott Hotel, currently in London’s top 20 hotels on TripAdvisor.

The Draycott Hotel provides rooms with considerable individual character

It’s a very cosy hotel and guests seem to appreciate the generous personal touches given such as complimentary drinks, welcome cards and so on.  According to guest reviews, the hotel’s staff are both cheerful and efficient.

Check the best rate for the Draycott Hotel from 30+ hotel booking sites

The Draycott also has completely free wi-fi: a real godsend.  It has imaginatively named all its rooms after a literary or theatrical connection.

While not cheap, it has bags of character and is in the heart of trendy Chelsea.  We previously featured an interesting Brazilian-Japanese fusion restaurant in the same area, which is also known for its great nightlife.

Get the best-value London hotel deal from 30+ booking sites in 1 click

Photo credits: Draycott Hotel.