On my most recent visit to London, I passed over the largest luxury hotels, focusing instead on new and recently renovated properties of 100 rooms or fewer. Of the six I tried, three proved recommendable to Hideaway Report members, each with its own set of advantages. I took numerous photos of each, of course, but I find that videos give a greater sense of a property.
The Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square is the largest of the three, with 100 rooms, and it certainly has the longest name. Its City location will appeal to business travelers, but this property near the Tower of London serves tourists and families equally well, with its helpful concierge, expansive spa, swimming pool and range of children’s activities.
Ideally located in Holborn near Covent Garden’s theaters and the British Museum, the dramatic and slightly louche L’oscar is best suited to couples and single travelers. Fortunately, this brand-new 39-room hotel has paid as much attention to service and comfort as to its over-the-top Jacques Garcia-designed décor.
Tucked onto a tranquil residential street in the exclusive Knightsbridge neighborhood, The Franklin feels most like a hideaway. This 35-room townhouse hotel recently underwent a major refurbishment, and designer Anouska Hempel redecorated the public spaces and accommodations to dramatic effect. I also enjoyed the large garden courtyard in the rear, reserved for hotel guests and residents of the neighboring townhouses.
Over the course of our almost two weeks in London, we saw everything from Henry VIII’s Hampton Court Palace to The London Mastaba installation by Christo and Jeanne-Claude. For more, see a video of favorite moments from my London trip.
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