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Cute ducks go head to head at London hotels!

by Holly on November 7, 2011

What is it about a rubber duck in the bath that turns us all into tots?  Who knows, but there’s nothing quite like a long soak with a plastic pal to keep you company in the bubbles.  Luckily enough, two of London’s top hotels know what we like and have made ducks their official mascot.

All bathrooms in the swanky Stafford Hotel have a rubber duck – and for the discerning guest there’s even a super-sized stock if that’s what floats your, ahem, bubbles.  It has however been noted by other LHI bloggers that The Stafford’s fleet of ducks occasionally fly off for warmer climes, so some have been left disappointed by the lack of a bathtime companion.

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But when not migrating, The Stafford’s mascot is a friendly fellow. With wide eyes and a big beaky smile, he’s as cute as a button.

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Meanwhile, whichever Apex Hotel you visit, you’ll also find a little rubber friend awaiting you in the bathroom.  Best of all, he’s yours to take home with you at the end of your stay.  With a little quiff of feathers on the top of his head and jaunty wings ready for take-off, this adorable guy comes in 7 colours: traditional yellow, pink, orange, brown, burgundy, green and blue.

So popular are the Apex ducks, they’ve become the unofficial symbol of the chain’s Twitter account and hundreds have shared photos of themselves with the little fella’ on Apex’s Facebook page.  There’s even an official Apex Duck Guide – to help make sure you track down a duck in every colour (there’s a different one for each Apex Hotel).

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An Apex duck (who appears to look absolutely petrified) with a taste for adventure!

For my money, the Apex duck pips the Stafford’s to the post.  Not only does it come in a colour to match anyone’s bathroom, but it has legions of fans, a celebrity following (The Hoff still counts, right?) and you can take it home.  Plus, they have a whole competition built around the little guy – send The Apex your best duck photograph and you could win a full set of Apex Ducks and a 2-night stay at an Apex Hotel in London, Dundee or Edinburgh.

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Unlike the ducks at The Stafford, ducks at Apex Hotels get to enjoy free WiFi

And Apex’s London hotels are great to stay in too, as confirmed by my colleague Rajul in his recent Apex City of London review.  And we’ll do our best to bring you the world exclusive on the duck design for the new Apex Temple Court (due to open in the first half of 2012).

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David Hasselhoff proudly shows off his own pet Apex duck

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You can read about other fascinating London hotel mascots here.

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Photo credits: Apex Hotels, The Stafford London (Kempinski), London Hotels Insight photo.

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