THE ROYAL HORSEGUARDS HOTEL FEELING STARRY EYED

It seems that 2015 is the year for The Royal Horseguards Hotel in London's Whitehall, not only has it been awarded five stars by Forbes Travel Guide but it has also been named as a new Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Hotel. Combine this with its certificate of excellence from Trip Advisor for two years running, The Royal Horseguards Hotel is becoming one to watch out for!

The hotel facilities provide everything one would expect with five star quality, from a fully kitted out gym (personal trainer optional) to a 24 hour multilingual guest relations team ready to cater to your every request.

Its not just the history of the building itself at The Royal Horseguard that exudes finesse, its recent refurbishment in 2009 into a blend of modern day necessity framed by classical opulence bear witness to its novel five star rating.

A staple of London's finest hotels is their ability to contend among the greats with their provision of Afternoon Tea. The Royal Horseguards Hotel does just that, with its invitation only membership to the famous Tea Guild in 2012 and its consequent Award of Excellence it is no surprise that this hotel is a rising star.

Check out our guide to London's best 5 star hotels for more: http://www.bluebirdtravel.com/#!the-best-hotels-in-london/coln

LONDON'S MOST UNUSUAL HOTEL FEATURES

With an increasing thirst for the extraordinary and something-to-write-home-about, there is no question that London's hotel scene is more exciting than ever. From budget, to boutique to grand luxe, new hotels are popping up across the city with unusual twists designed to add considerable intrigue to your stay.

THE CORINTHIA
FEATURE: HARRODS SHOP

The Corinthia Hotel is the first ever hotel to boast its very own Harrods store. Not only can you shop here for souvenirs or have your Harrods purchases delivered for collection, but the minibars in every room are stocked with Harrods goodies.

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HAM YARD HOTEL
FEATURE: CROC BOWLING ALLEY

The newly opened Ham Yard Hotel hosts surely one of the most interesting events spaces in London; The Croc Bowling Alley.  The room itself has a sort of swanky lounge feel, and includes a bar, dancefloor, exquisite decor collected from all around the world and an impressive vintage style bowling alley.

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ANDAZ LIVERPOOL STREET
FEATURE: MASONIC TEMPLE

Hidden deep within the Andaz Liverpool Street Hotel by Hyatt lays an extraordinary room laden from top to bottom with marble and gilt. The stunning and secret space was only rediscovered when the hotel was fully refurbished during the 1990's. Reportedly it cost £4 million in today's prices to construct well over 100 years ago - not surprising when you see the lavish use of twelve types of marble, a gold piped organ and meticulously crafted mahogany furniture.

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LONDON SYON PARK
FEATURE: BUTTERFLY HOUSE

As a tribute to the beautiful estate and gardens in which the hotel stands, an exquisite glass butterfly house was built in the centre of the London Syon Park's lobby, exhibiting a haven for exotic species from all over the world. The nature of the insects adds a gentle and serene nature to the most busy area of the building.

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HAYMARKET HOTEL
FEATURE: SWIMMING POOL BAR

Many London hotels these days come complete with spa and swimming pool. However, what makes the Haymarket Hotel’s offering stand-out is that the poolside area; with a pewter bar serving cocktails, a surround sound system and hundreds of fibre optic lights, this pool is considerably more bar than spa.

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ROUGH LUXE
FEATURE: PEELING WALLPAPER

Not at all your average boutique hotel, the architecture and design here uses an unusual combination of classic English luxury furnishings and urban shabby chic finishings. Think peeling walls, unfinished surfaces and bare floorboards juxtaposed with top quality furniture and an array of modern art pieces. Unusual at its best.

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THE CHELSEA HARBOUR HOTEL
FEATURE: CATAMARAN

Set on the banks of the Thames and offering stunning views of both city and river, The Chelsea Harbour Hotel lies within one of London’s most prestigious addresses. The hotel itself also owns its own private catamaran which is available for charter; and what a fantastic way to see London.

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ECCLESTONE HOTEL
FEATURE: MASSAGING BEDS

Behind the doors of a beautiful 19th Century Grade II listed Georgian building; this hotel has taken cutting-edge technology to the next level. Boasting a range of in-room features from 3D TVs and SmartGlass shower walls to iPads controlling everything from the curtains to your room-service, our favourite though has to be the state-of-the-art fully adjustable beds with a range of massage settings.

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HAM YARD HOTEL (again)
FEATURE: HYPOXIC STUDIO

As already mentioned, this new hotel ticks a lot of boxes. A highly unique feature of the Soholistic Spa is a small Hypoxic Studio, where more serious guests can use the most advanced natural performance enhancing tools available to adjust oxygen levels (mimicking high-altitudes in training), to achieve optimum performance results.

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THE ZETTER HOTEL
FEATURE: EXOTIC VENDING MACHINES

Definitely more budget quirky than luxury, The Zetter Hotel has had the novel idea of installing vending machines on each floor that dispense everything from deodorant and toothbrushes to champagne and bloody marys!

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THE TOWN HALL HOTEL
FEATURE: MAGISTRATES COURT

Perhaps the most unusual on this list, The Town Hall Hotel, in London's East End features its very own court room for guests to enjoy breakfast or lunch in. Complete with a judges chair, jury benches and mahogany wall panels the superbly restored room dates back from when the hotel acted as Bethnal Greens county hall at the turn of the 19th century.

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THE COURTHOUSE HOTEL
FEATURE: JAIL CELLS

 

The bar at the Courthouse is particularly of interest – its architecture contains a number of pointers to the room’s history as a magistrate’s court. None more so than the three original holding cells that are now utilized as VIP enclaves. They still contain their original layout with the prisoner benches (now comfortably upholstered) and even (thoroughly cleaned) toilet bowls. The booths can be privately booked for up to 8 people if you fancy being locked away behind their thick iron doors.

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THE GROSVENOR HOUSE HOTEL BY JW MARRIOTT
FEATURE: ABANDONED SWIMMING POOL

Not many five star hotels have a swimming pool in London, making it even more curious that the Grosvenor House Hotel on prestigious Park Lane has a 25m pool that has sat gathering dust since the early 2000's. Not surprisingly the hotel were not keen to provide a photo of its forgotten asset.

For more guides to the best London Hotels visit: www.bluebirdvip.com

The Best Hotel Party Suites in London

Despite being a favourite of the rich and famous for many years there can be no hiding from the fact that London really has lagged behind other global cities in terms of hotel suites built for a party. Thankfully the city is quickly catching up with a series of ‘hip’ hotels opening their doors in the past couple of years - namely the W, Café Royal and Me hotels. We guess you could say that London has just turned up late to the party.

1. E Wow – W Hotel

Dining Room | Jacuzzi | DJ Booth | 1 – 3 Bedroom | Jacuzzi | 150sqm+

Taking inspiration from London’s movie, music and fashion scene, the W-hotel have done a formidable job of making this arguably the best suite in which to host a party in London. The party piece is a giant revolving chesterfield sofa in front of a bespoke Union Jack wall – at the touch of a button the whole sofa (and its occupants) spin round 360 degrees, presumably so everyone can get a view out of the floor to ceiling windows towards the stars in Leicester Square. Music is provided by a top of the range DJ booth, drinks by a fully stocked bar and on demand butler, and cleaniness? by a four person shower and Jacuzzi. For the Hugh Hefner's of this world limited edition William Tempest Pyjamas are thrown in too.

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2. Dome Suite – Café Royal

1 – 3 Bedroom | Kitchenette | Terrace | 121sqm+

Created under the copper domed rotunda of the Café Royal’s original building the Dome suite truly is a unique venue. The historical space has been transformed into one of the best entertainment suites in London – its Edwardian designers probably didn't envisage an over-sized mirror ball bouncing light off the spherical roof, nor the spectacular sound that the roof creates when concert standard speakers are set to full volume. The outside is just as dramatic with an 85sqm terrace overlooking the dazzling lights of Piccadilly Circus – any guest would remember a party here for a long time.

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3. Suite Me – ME hotel

Panoramic Views | Butler | 99sqm

A new entry into London’s luxury hotel scene, The ME Hotel was designed from the ground up for young, trendy guests looking to have fun. It’s no wonder why London fashion week uses it as one of their main venues. Suite ME, located on the 9th and 10th floors, topped by a spectacular glass dome that has 360 degree views over London plus a sound system that’s just as immersive. The lounge not only has its own in room self-service bar but also direct access to the hotels superb Radio Bar.

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4. De Montfort Suite – Town Hall Hotel

2 Bedroom | Dining Room | Butler | 180sqm

Any guest invited to a party at the De Montfort Suite will struggle not to be impressed - Its soaring triple height vaulted ceilings give the suite a cavernous feel, which is flooded with colour from the huge arched stained glass windows. The Architects, unwilling to dissect the monumental interior, installed a series of glass partitioning and a mezzanine level to give privacy to the two bedrooms – this keeps the suite open plan and great for entertaining. What’s more the space contains one of the largest dining tables of any suite in London.

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5. The Penthouse Suite – The May Fair Hotel

2 Bedroom | Kitchenette | Roof Terrace | Views | 199sqm

Long one of London’s go to places for celebrities, the jewel in the crown of The May Fair hotels is its Penthouse Suite, featuring one of the best private roof terraces in London. The swish inside is bright and modern, with a Bang and Olufsen sound system and huge corner sofa, in fact even the guest bedroom is out of the ordinary with its circular bed. The hotels 40 seat cinema, available for private hire, provides a great way to get over the next day’s hangover too. 

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6. Penthouse – Sanderson Hotel

2 Bedroom | Kitchen | Dining Room | 158sqm

The chic Sanderson hotel, in one of London’s trendiest areas, Fitzrovia, is a home from home for all fashionista’s. The penthouse suite is the UK’s first designed by the Philippe Starck and Ian Schrager design partnership and is universally acclaimed to be one of the coolest in London. Both absorbingly weird and wonderful, the room contains a real sense of fun with its clean straight lines, industrial materials, oversized furniture and colourful oddities. Its minimalist open plan design bodes its self well for entertaining the masses.

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7. The Hamilton Penthouse – Corinthia Hotel

1 – 2 Bedroom | Kitchenette | Dining Room | Terrace | Jacuzzi | 160sqm+

Not the biggest but any penthouse with an outdoor Jacuzzi, open fire place and giant chess board on its roof terrace has to make this list, especially when it looks over Trafalgar square. Throughout the inside of the suite guests will be impressed by the lavish use of sumptuous surfaces (Especially the drink friendly Skiros marble flooring). Stars such as Justin Timberlake and Will.I.AM, Beyoncé and Jay-Z are known to stay at the hotel, and in all probability this suite, who can blame them.

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8. The Infinity Suite – Langham Hotel

2 Bedroom | Butler | Club Lounge | 236sqm

Built in the turret of London’s oldest luxury hotel the 2 bedroom Infinity Suite enjoys a spectacular lounge with high ceilings and wraparound bay windows. A 72 inch flat screen and Bose sound system bring the 19th century room into the 21st century plus a complimentary butler will be on hand to serve a martini or two. The pride and joy of the bedroom meanwhile is the hand crafted four poster bed that’s sure to keep any VIP happy once the party is over.

• For more blogs about London visit www.bluebirdtravel.com

London's Top 10 Hotel Suites

With seven of the top ten hotel suites in our list being new additions to London within the last five years, discerning travellers have never been spoilt so much; far reaching choices are on offer, from the Savoy Hotels historic Royal Suite, the David Collins inspired ultra stylish Apartment in the Connaught or the mind bogglingly big Manor House Wing in the Rosewood Hotel.

1. The Corinthia – Royal Penthouse (Approx. £20,000pn)

4 Bedroom | Dining Room | Terrace | Kitchen | Media Room | 465sqm+

The Corinthia Hotels Royal penthouse is 465sqm of more than just a piece of heaven - a superb example of how to fill a grand room with the smallest details. Featuring a crystal bound spiral staircase that feels like it has come from a fairy-tale, a walk-in wine cellar that should come with a map and a bathtub that you could dive into (not recommended) a stay here will make anyone feel out of this world….. And that’s before enjoying the spectacular roof terrace that is undoubtedly one of the finest in London.

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2. The Rosewood – Grand Manor House Wing (approx. £18,000pn)

6 Bedrooms | Dining Room | Balcony | Kitchen | 585sqm

Despite being opened for less than 6 months the Rosewood’s Grand Manor House Wing can already boast a clientele list teeming with celebrities. The vast 585sqm suite comfortably claims the title of the biggest in London with 100sqm to spare, in fact it is so large that suite has its own postcode. The Manor House features 6 bedrooms, each, of course, with its own Italian marble ensuite, several living rooms, a huge dining room and even a stunning wood panelled library.

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3. The Savoy - Royal Suite (Approx. £12,000pn)

2 Bedroom | Dining Room | River View | Kitchenette | 325sqm

Spread over the whole riverfront of the hotels 5th floor, the Savoy’s Royal Suite has one of the best panoramic views over London - from its eight enormous windows guests can see an uninterrupted vista from Canary in the East to Big Ben in the West. The inside of the suite is just as expansive with a marble entrance foyer giving way to an airy interior influenced by English formal gardens. Another stand out feature is the suites beautiful wood panelled period office, an absorbing and almost colonial feeling hide away. The opulent living room and separate dining rooms make the suite big enough to entertain eight. The master bedroom meanwhile has a walk-in wardrobe, his and her bathrooms, a steam shower and a deep soaking tub, also sharing the views.

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4. Jumeirah Grosvenor House Apartments – The Grosvenor Suite (Approx. £18,000pn)

5 Bedroom | Guest Bathroom | Cinema Room | Park Views | Balcony | Butler | 448sqm

To show that Jumeirah Living take hospitality seriously Guests of the Grosvenor Penthouse receive a courtesy Aston Martin Rapide at their full personal disposal for their entire stay. Being one of the largest suites in London, the Grosvenor Penthouse houses a separate living, dining and study area, complete with a baby grand piano. An ultra-techy room is also included with the most modern entertainment systems and on demand media, ensuring the whole family are catered for. The suites piece de resistance is a terrace overlooking the endlessly green Hyde Park. For complete secrecy access is via a private elevator that takes guests to the penthouse level.

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5. The Town Hall Hotel - De Montfort Suite (Approx. £4,000pn)

2 Bedroom | Dining Room | Butler | 180sqm

Probably the most unique suite in the list, the De Montfort Suite indulges guests in its breath-taking design. Its soaring triple height vaulted ceilings give the Suite a cavernous feel, which is flooded with colour from the huge arched stained glass windows. The Architects, unwilling to dissect the monumental interior, installed a series of glass partitioning and a mezzanine level to give privacy to the two bedrooms. A dining room that seats 20 makes the suite great for entertaining and a private study makes it practical too.

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6. The Connaught -The Apartment (Approx. £10,000pn)

2 Bedroom | Dining Room | Terrace | Butler | Balcony | 285sqm

Designed by David Collins, the Apartment is certainly one of London’s most striking hotel suites. Its eclectic design blends perfectly white washed walls and ceilings into a sea of blue carpets, upholstery and ornaments. Being in the buildings eaves, the Apartment is full of quirky alcoves making each room unique and giving the suite plenty of character. A dining room for 10 and a terrace overlooking the serene rooftops of Mayfair provide the entertaining options.

 

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7. The Royal Suite – Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park (Approx. £12,000pn)

3 Bedroom | Park View | Dining Room | Balcony | Butler | 242sqm

The Mandarin’s stunning Royal Suite is a kaleidoscope of modern style and the hotel’s Victorian past. It boasts eye catching centre pieces such as the fibre optic chandelier and original artwork form the celebrated Halcyon Gallery juxtaposed with the suite’s exquisite original Victorian fireplace. Space wise, the suite has a dining room for ten people, walk-in wardrobe for the master bedroom and a terrace running the full length of the accommodation overlooking Hyde Park.

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8. Claridge’s - Royal Suite (Approx £9,000pn)

2-3 Bedroom | Dining Room | Butler | 223sqm+

Claridge’s Royal Suite captivating in London that combines historic grandeur and comfortable living. Guests enter via a dramatic Victorian Age red reception hall before being welcomed into a superlatively elegant living room complete with a grand piano formerly owned by Richard D’Oyly Carte. Period double doors open out into a rich blue dining room, whose walls are covered top to toe in original 19^th century French architectural prints.

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9. The Berkeley - Opus Suite (Approx. £10,000pn)

2 – 8 Bedroom | Park View | Kitchen | Dining Room | Butler | 278sqm+

The brand new Opus Suite opened to lucky patrons in September 2013. Designed by world famous interior designer Andre Fu to combine both expansive spaces, absorbing details and natural materials. As a result the suite is a calming, clutter free space with a homely feel. Longer stays will appreciate the fully fitted kitchen, dining room and 300 square foot flame-finished Turkish marble bathroom – amongst the largest in London. For larger parties up to 8 bedrooms can be connected to the suite creating an exclusive top spec apartment in the heart of Knightsbridge.

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10. 45 Park Lane - Penthouse Suite (Approx. £8,000pn)

1-2 Bedroom | Park View | Pantry | Dining Room | Terrace | Butler | 165sqm+

The top floor Penthouse Suite in the Dorchester Hotels modern sibling, 45 Park Lane, is an Art Deco gem. Leading designer Thierry Despont used all his creativity to combine rich dark natural materials with light colours and soft textures to make the interior of the suite standout. Outside, on the wraparound roof terrace, the panoramic views of London from Hyde Park to Canary Wharf do all the talking. If the weather doesn’t comply then guests can always gaze across Hyde Park from the bath tub instead.

For hotel guides visit www.bluebirdtravel.com