The Latest from London for Stays this Summer
May 8, 2024 by Hidden Doorways
Most cities never sleep, and that’s certainly true of Britain’s much-adored capital, London. No matter the season, no matter the hour that strikes on its landmark Big Ben, there is always something thrilling happening from district to district.
That’s even more true this summer, with a bevy of special events on the horizon over the coming months. The city’s parks and gardens are set to burst into life – especially if you book tickets to the Chelsea Flower Show in May. The restaurants will be spilling out onto terraces as sundowners are raised and sipped, musical chorus rings throughout the city’s streets and stadiums – no more so than when Taylor Swift arrives for shows in June and August. And the sporting calendar serves up summertime aces as Wimbledon comes to town and Royal Ascot not too far behind.
Our UK partners have been busy preparing, with new additions and major refurbishments having just been completed. Here’s the latest from London…
New Garden Suites for Summer Breaks at The Goring
Out of all of London’s luxury hotels, The Goring is the only one that’s still family owned, with a history that spans over 100 years of genuine care and attention. That means the highest standards of hospitality are a standard here, as is the sense of being welcomed home — if home is a refined residence in Belgravia that’s a favorite among the royals.
While the sights and sounds of London inevitably call out to be explored, there’s much at The Goring to ooh and aah at. Indulge in one of its new Garden Suites that opened only this spring with floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto terraces overlooking the celebrated Goring Gardens. Boasting a brave, innovative design by Russell Sage, the new suites feature luxe details like Italian marble bathrooms, selected artworks, and silk walls.
Then, head down to feast in its new dining room where a Michelin-starred menu in a spectacularly designed setting means leaving the hotel is no easy thing to do! Clink Negronis in the comfort of The Goring’s cocktail bar, where tradition is always served with a twist, before making your way to the new dining space, for ravishing dishes with ingredients sourced from carefully selected local suppliers.
Head to Toe Redecoration Revealed for Summer Stays at The Beaumont
The Beaumont is a five-star hotspot in London’s affluent Mayfair, taking its cue from the grand transatlantic hotels of the 1920s. Guests this summer will be the first to experience the hotel’s refreshed look and feel as The Beaumont recently completed a comprehensive three-year refurbishment. The project included a 29-room expansion in addition to an overhaul of all its other rooms, restaurants, and bars. Collaborating with uber cool New York designer Thierry Despont, he’s brought in custom-made furniture, classic and contemporary artworks, as well as a revamped and enhanced Art Deco ambiance that Gatsby would be proud of — think paneled mahogany walls, dramatic paintings by the likes of Kees van Dongen, and glamorous gold wall coverings.
To celebrate the launch of these refurbished suites and studios, The Beaumont is offer a special rate to guests this summer. The hotel’s ‘Suite Success’ package (available through September 8th) includes 15% off their ‘Best Available Rate’, plus complimentary champagne and a full English breakfast.
As if the hotel weren’t already known for its charm, soul and timeless glamour, the spring 2024 season and beyond will seriously cement that status with two new private dining rooms to add to its impressive list of exciting announcements. The original Lotos room still stands, but it now counts The Sargent and The Munnings rooms for company. Board meetings, banquets, weddings, and private parties – The Beaumont can do the lot to make sure summer in the capital is as swanky as it gets.
Slip into a City Suburb Sanctuary at the Impeccable Heckfield Place
While London’s city-center hotels are just the ticket for some, others prefer quieter confines to call home. Enter Heckfield Place, a sprawling Georgian estate in the heart of Hampshire, about an hour’s drive from the capital. A former family home that balances grandeur and finery with warmth and welcome, Heckfield is a place of tranquility, fine dining, fantastic cocktails, an award-winning spa and exceptional interior design.
Whether traveling solo, as a couple or with family, Heckfield Place is a home to all. In fact, August invites parents to leave their little ones (of five years old and over) for two complimentary 2.5 hour slots of childcare during their stay to ensure they’re sufficiently entertained (scavenger hunts and den-making are calling) while parents peel off for a champagne picnic on the grounds or for some stolen time in the sanctuary that is The Bothy by Wildsmith.
A stay here this summer means making the most of its Great British Summertime program that encompasses a variety of bucolic activities: foraged cocktail classes and cooking courses – be it with summer stone fruits or produce from Heckfield’s biodynamic market garden, boating on its lower lake, forest bathing and wild water swimming, or visits to nearby destinations such as Chicane’s to tour their collection of classic Aston Martins or wine tastings chez local vineyard, Hattingley Valley.
