A Family Adventure Through London, Paris and Rome

Overview

Just moments from bustling Soho and a stone’s throw from Mayfair, the Ham Yard Hotel is an oasis of calm in the heart of central London.

Quintessentially British but with a modern twist, the hotel is bursting with character and is impeccably styled, its decor a unique mix of vibrant colours, patterns and textures. Each room has been individually designed and features floor-to-ceiling windows. There is the option of interconnecting rooms, making it an ideal base for families.

Enjoy sweeping views across the London skyline from the roof terrace, a haven of tranquility with lush planting and tinkling fountains. There’s a real buzz around the beehive and the kitchen garden keeps the hotel restaurant’s larder well stocked. When you need to put your feet up, you can relax with the papers or a book in the library or curl up in front of the fireplace in the drawing room.

There’s a world of culture on your doorstep, but in between soaking it up at the nearby galleries and museums be sure to pull up a chair at the bar and sip an expertly mixed cocktail or enjoy a decadent afternoon tea.

Overview

Since its opening in 1906 César Ritz, this London landmark has been a firm favourite of royalty, heads of state and thousands of discerning guests for over a century, and has become a symbol synonymous with true luxury.

Its opulent Louis XVI neoclassical style flows throughout the establishment, from the grand Long Gallery lobby and into each of its 111 rooms with their signature blue, yellow, rose pink or peach colours. Some offer exquisite views into Green Park or Piccadilly and a handful can be connected for families.

23 suites range in size from 62 square metres (665 square feet) to a positively palatial 260 square metres (2,802 square feet) five bedroom suite. Each enjoy 24-hour butler service and a one-way London airport transfer in the chauffeur driven Ritz Rolls-Royce Phantom.

The Palm Court is the setting for the quintessentially British Afternoon Tea at The Ritz, while the Rivoli Bar is the place for Champagne and cocktails amidst Art Deco glamour. The Ritz Restaurant, one of the most beautiful dining rooms in the world, serves timeless fine French classics.

There is also a spa on the seventh floor, a tranquil sanctuary in this bustling part of town, and the exclusive Ritz Club with its own bar, award-winning restaurant and 24 hour gaming facilities which residents of the hotel are welcome to visit during their stay.

Overview

Wonderfully located between the Strand and the northern banks of the River Thames, The Savoy has stood as a London landmark since its opening in 1889.

268 luxury rooms and suites celebrate two distinct historic styles – stately English Edwardian and Art Deco grandeur – each encapsulating a timeless London glamour. Many enjoy wonderful views across the river and to other monuments around the city.

Those staying in suites have a dedicated butler service, and all guests have access to Beauty and Fitness, a private facility in which offers spa treatments, a private pool, and 24-hour gym.

Fine dining is central to The Savoy’s history, indeed upon its opening it attracted an aristocratic crowd in full regalia, suppering in public for the first time. Today, Kaspar’s Seafood Bar and Grill offers informal dining in a stylish Deco setting, whilst Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill presents a British menu with a French touch. Simpson’s-in-the-Strand celebrates the best of British and is famous for its roasts.

The award-winning Beaufort Bar is renowned for pushing the boundaries of mixology and the Knight’s Bar is perfect for pre-theatre drinks. The beautiful Thames Foyer is where The Savoy serves one of London’s best Afternoon Teas.

Overview

With its beautiful architecture, fascinating history and cosmopolitan buzz, London really does tick all the boxes. Enjoy everything this wonderful city has to offer with a stay at The Rosewood London; located in an Edwardian Grade II listed building, its grand stonework and stunning facade indicative of what lies within.

The hotel is located on High Holborn, one of the capital’s most historic thoroughfares. You’re ideally situated to explore the heart of the city with Covent Garden, the City and the West End on your doorstep. When you’re not out exploring, relax in one of the 262 rooms or 44 suites complete with bespoke furnishings, marble bathrooms and Nespresso coffee machines.

The rich history of both the city and the hotel is reflected in its design which marries together a traditional manor house feel with modern British style. Guests enter the hotel through a impressive archway which leads to a grand Edwardian courtyard. The rose bronze gallery links the hotel’s public spaces and the spectacular Renaissance-style marble staircase winds its way through all seven storeys.

Sit back and enjoy the innovative cuisine in the dining room with its reclaimed oak, antique mirrors and red leather banquettes. The mirror room is a dazzling delight and here you can indulge in the most British of traditions, afternoon tea. One room sure to get you talking is Scarfes Bar; here the walls are covered in the artwork of Gerald Scarfe, acclaimed British artist and political cartoonist for the Sunday Times for 44 years. The terrace, with seasonal planting and lush greenery, is a real oasis of calm and the heated benches mean you can sit and soak up the atmosphere no matter what the weather is doing.

The streets of London are just begging to be explored and you have the National Gallery, Charles Dickens museum and the British Museum are just a stone’s throw away and the Tate Modern across the Thames. The glitz and glamour of the West End is calling so be sure to catch a show at one of the city’s many magical theatres.

Overview

A former private residence, Relais Christine is a charming boutique hotel nestled in Paris’ Left Bank in Saint-Germain des-Prés.

With just 48 rooms and suites, the hotel has a wonderfully intimate feel. Antique furnishings, rich fabrics and exquisite marble bathrooms give rooms an undeniably French feel, and some come with balconies from which to admire this corner of the capital.

The cosy lounge with fireplace is the perfect place to relax with a morning coffee and the papers, or a glass of wine before you set off to discover the Latin Quarter which lies right on your doorstep.

A paved courtyard sits between the front and back buildings and leads to the entrance. A beautiful garden, accessible to only a few hotel guests, is a real oasis of calm where greenery is laced across the walls and flowers tumble from the balconies above.

There is also a Guerlain spa with Jacuzzi, sauna, exercise room and private treatment rooms where you can relax and unwind.

Overview

The former home of Napoleon’s grand nephew, Prince Roland Bonaparte, the Shangri-La Paris is every bit as regal as you might expect.

Beyond the elegant façade is a hotel that oozes old-world charm. The opulent rooms are decorated in soft shades of blue, white and ecru with silk-threaded wallpaper, textured panels and custom-made furnishings. Marble bathrooms come with underfloor heating, some offering views of the Eiffel Tower from the bathtub.

Dining at the Shangri-La is a real treat, its restaurants showered with stars. L’Abeille is named after Napoleon’s favourite emblem, the bee, and has been awarded two Michelin stars for its exceptional French cuisine. It also enjoys a prime location, looking out over the garden. Not to be outshone, Shang Palace, inspired by south east China’s culinary traditions, has been awarded one star. For French and Asian cuisine, dine under the huge glass dome at La Bauhihia.

The hotel’s fitness centre, housed in the original stables of the Prince’s home, features an indoor swimming pool, open-air terrace, treatment rooms and a gym. You’re also ideally situated to explore the city, adjacent to the Jardins du Trocadéro and opposite the Eiffel Tower.

Overview

Having undergone nearly four years of refurbishment to the tune of €200 million, the Ritz Paris finally re-opens it doors from April 2016.

One of the most iconic hotels in the world, the Ritz is famous for being Ernest Hemingway’s old haunt during the 1920s, where he was said to have been joined by his contemporary F. Scott Fitzgerald. Today, Bar Hemingway is headed up by one of the world’s best bartenders, Colin Field.

Another famous patron of the hotel was Coco Chanel, who moved into a suite from 1934 until her death in 1971 – so it seems fitting that the Ritz is home to the first and only Chanel Spa in the world. The spa will be located in the new Ritz Club, which is also home to a pool, Turkish bath and sauna.

The rooms and suites have all been completely refurbished, with heated bathroom floors in all rooms and private terraces for all the suites. The classic design remains, but with modern amenities to ensure a stay at the Ritz is as comfortable and luxurious as it is a glimpse into Paris’ decadent past.