Romantic break in London
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Discussion

michael_JCWS

Original Poster:

874 posts

274 months

Tuesday 7th October
quotequote all
I’m planning a birthday celebration for my wife in London, I’d like to organise a show in the afternoon then dinner somewhere nice and a night in a nice hotel.

I’m struggling with the hotel selection, I like the idea of the Shard, but I’m wondering if that’s a bit mainstream and I should look for something a little more boutique. Any recommendations hotel wise, not too fussed in budget

Thanks

Blib

46,518 posts

215 months

Tuesday 7th October
quotequote all
That's a tough question to answer, without a few more details.

For instance, there are over 100 five-star hotels in London. So, you are spoilt for choice. What type of ambience would you prefer?


C5_Steve

6,514 posts

121 months

Tuesday 7th October
quotequote all
michael_JCWS said:
I m planning a birthday celebration for my wife in London, I d like to organise a show in the afternoon then dinner somewhere nice and a night in a nice hotel.

I m struggling with the hotel selection, I like the idea of the Shard, but I m wondering if that s a bit mainstream and I should look for something a little more boutique. Any recommendations hotel wise, not too fussed in budget

Thanks
I've stayed in the Shard, the rooms are smaller than you'd find in an equivalent hotel at that price point, but they are very well appointed and you're obviously paying for the view. It certainly was a memorable experience.

Thinking a bit less traditional (eg the Goring, Savoy etc) Sea Containers has a very nice looking hotel, could do a meal and the stumble back to your room. Beautiful views. The Standard is also very modern and quirky for something different.

Or The Ned is a more traditional but less obvious choice. Beautiful building and lots of choices around for food.

WhiskyDisco

1,094 posts

92 months

Tuesday 7th October
quotequote all
Somewhere adjacent to Hyde Park would be good. Nice stroll in the morning.

bennno

14,528 posts

287 months

Tuesday 7th October
quotequote all
WhiskyDisco said:
Somewhere adjacent to Hyde Park would be good. Nice stroll in the morning.
A stroll past all the Islamic hate preachers, beggars and homeless campsite dwellers.

Your Dad

2,090 posts

201 months

Tuesday 7th October
quotequote all
30 minutes and nobody has suggested taking her to SE1 9PH.

Pixel Pusher

10,330 posts

177 months

Tuesday 7th October
quotequote all
A bit left field for the Hotel, The Mandrake in Newman Street.

https://themandrake.com/

A walk down the South Bank and dinner at Ting?

https://www.ting-shangri-la.com/

Or a bit less of trek between the two... Charlotte Street Hotel and dinner at Roka?

https://www.rokarestaurant.com/en/roka-charlotte-s...

anyoldcardave

1,058 posts

85 months

Tuesday 7th October
quotequote all
I go on plenty of romantic breaks, but never in London, I live there and there is nothing romantic about it anymore.

Sure the theatre is still good just about, very rushed in and out these days, for those out of London 1 night for a show is ok I guess, otherwise there are plenty of more places for a romantic break in my eyes.

chip*

1,463 posts

246 months

Tuesday 7th October
quotequote all
For something outside of London, how about Oxford?
Day time spent in the centre, then a hotel room at Le Manoir which will also guarantee you a table for the evening meal.

michael_JCWS

Original Poster:

874 posts

274 months

Tuesday 7th October
quotequote all
Logistically ( with child and dog care) London is easiest and I’d like to go to a show, probably book of Mormon.

Thanks for all the suggestions, the Ned looks quite cool, so I might investigate that

bennno

14,528 posts

287 months

Tuesday 7th October
quotequote all
Your Dad said:
30 minutes and nobody has suggested taking her to SE1 9PH.
Or the SE1 9BS.

williamp

19,958 posts

291 months

Tuesday 7th October
quotequote all
Opposite the Ritz us the big Lotus dealeship which usually has some old F1 cars. Thsts a romantic place to visit...

anyoldcardave

1,058 posts

85 months

Tuesday 7th October
quotequote all
michael_JCWS said:
Logistically ( with child and dog care) London is easiest and I d like to go to a show, probably book of Mormon.

Thanks for all the suggestions, the Ned looks quite cool, so I might investigate that
Went to see book of Mormon a few weeks ago, well worth a trip, probably not if the wife is a bit prudish lol, staying within reach out of London is a good shout, I think the Oxford Tube bus service runs late into the night so easily done from there.

For something right out there within driving distance, Log cabins out Saffron Walden way are excellent for a romantic break, wood fired hot tub, outside fire, clean comfortable with everything you need to cook her a romantic meal, good heating inside, planning another trip there soon with the latest girlfriend.
You do not see anyone unless you bump into the occupants of one of the four cabins in the car park, key is in a box, hot tub fired up on arrival, waiting for the clear frosty nights to go back again lol.

DeejRC

8,145 posts

100 months

Tuesday 7th October
quotequote all
Just book the Savoy, job jobbed.

Exiled Imp

662 posts

236 months

Tuesday 7th October
quotequote all
Your Dad said:
30 minutes and nobody has suggested taking her to SE1 9PH.
It gets good reviews

https://aroundbritainwithapaunch.blogspot.com/2008...

getmecoat

TwigtheWonderkid

47,029 posts

168 months

Tuesday 7th October
quotequote all
WhiskyDisco said:
Somewhere adjacent to Hyde Park would be good. Nice stroll in the morning.
The Peninsula on Hyde Park Corner fits the bill. It's where all the Saudis stay these days, and they know a thing or two about ridiculous levels of decadence.

CHLEMCBC

864 posts

35 months

Tuesday 7th October
quotequote all
Your Dad said:
30 minutes and nobody has suggested taking her to SE1 9PH.
The only reason I looked at the thread! What's happened to Pistonheads?

Shaoxter

4,445 posts

142 months

Tuesday 7th October
quotequote all
I don't have anything to add to the thread, but I've been watching Hannah Rickett's reviews of London 5* hotels and they mostly seem horribly overpriced compared to other major cities. Or is she just a whinger?

michael_JCWS

Original Poster:

874 posts

274 months

Tuesday 7th October
quotequote all
The Londoner hotel looks quite cool

Venisonpie

4,265 posts

100 months

Wednesday 8th October
quotequote all
I'd stay at the Lanesbrough for traditional opulence, it's between Hyde Park and Green Park with St James's Park Close by. West End easily walkable or a quick cab ride if raining.

Best time over a weekend is early Sunday morning stroll through St James's Park, over Westminster Bridge before its hoaching and along the South Bank. Come back over Waterloo Bridge, through Covent Garden, West End and Mayfair for late breakfast in the hotel.

An alternative is to stay in Richmond for a calmer experience and take the tube or train into town, easily doable.

Personally I'd never stay South of the river in Central London but that's me being old fashioned.