The Landmark Hotel, London offers ultimate city center luxury for the whole family.
As families flock to London this summer for the Queen’s Jubilee and the Olympics, the question of where to stay is sure to be on many a parents’ minds. Mums and dads want their grownup luxury, good food and central location, but also want to ensure their little ones are suitable looked after and have as good a time as them. London’s iconic Landmark Hotel manages to do all of the above.
Proudly sitting at the top of Marylebone, this five star hotel sits in an old clock tower building just moments away from Regents Park and busy central London making sure The Landmark truly lives up to its name. Upon arrival the grandeur hits you as soon as you walk in with its eight-story glass roof atrium. The interior is decadent, Victorian and makes you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to an era of elegance. Little ones will be in awe of the floor to ceiling giant palm trees that stand tall in the atrium, which the Landmark aptly calls its Winter Garden. In case you were wondering the trees are not real and after a few minutes of ‘are they, aren’t they’ we decided they do look very authentic – either way they’re pretty impressive.
The Landmark is made up of 300 rooms, some of which are classed as standard but with 50 or so suites recently refurbished to a luxury standard. Family rooms are available, as are children’s menus in all of the hotel’s restaurants or via room service. Two flat screen TVs in the suites will ensure little ones can be kept entertained with a cartoon or DVD should you need five minutes peace. The rooms are decked out in sumptuous creams and golds, with one-off pieces of furniture giving you the feeling that you’re staying in a home rather than a hotel – all be it an immaculately and decadently decorated one. The bathroom facilities are ideal for families with a huge space to get ready, a separate toilet, large shower and single bath. Some rooms look out onto the Atrium or to the back of the hotel meaning they don’t get much natural sunlight but do benefit from not hearing the hustle and bustle you would expect from a central London hotel.
Come evening we ate in the Landmark’s TwoTwentyTwo Bar and Restaurant which offers a slightly more relaxed vibe than the Winter Garden. As you walk in you’re greeted by a life size horse – a nod to the carriages that used to drop guests off at the hotel we’re told. The menu here is simple but delicious none the less, with a good range of pastas, salads, meats and fish. In fact many children would probably be happy to eat from the regular menu but a kids one is available too to make life easier. If you’re having a night off from the kids start your dinner off with cocktails in the Mirror Bar. We insist you try a Blushing Rose – rose vodka, fresh raspberries, elderflower and rose petals topped up with Taittinger Prestige Rose make for a refreshing summer cocktail.
Come morning breakfast was served in the Winter Garden were an excellent choice of cooked dishes, fresh fruit, pastries, cereal and pancakes are ready and waiting to set you up for the day. We went for the full English, which we have to admit, didn’t seem decadent enough to eat in an eight-story Victorian atrium.
You’ll never be lost for activities to keep you occupied with Regents Park, Madame Tussauds, London Zoo and shopping on Marylebone High Street only a stone’s throw away. If you’re venturing elsewhere, Marylebone station can be found right at the back of the Landmark with quick transport links all over the city. If you can take some time off for some guilt-free R&R head to the Landmark’s luxury spa for a treatment of two.
If you’re looking for city center luxury this summer for you and the kids The Landmark gets our vote. We just suggest you manage to get a sneaky day off from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in the Landmark’s peaceful Atrium or indulge in some spa pampering if possible.
Need to know
Number of rooms: 300, of which 51 are suites.
Check-in/check-out times: 12 noon
Facilities: The Mirror Bar, Winter Garden Atrium, TwoTewntyTwo Restaurant & Bar, Wifi service available, Spa and Pool, Spa Treatments, Flat Screen TVs in Rooms, Baby Cots available, Interconnecting Rooms Available.
How To Get There: Marylebone Station is situated at the back of the hotel with links to all over London. The hotel itself is only 5 -10 minutes drive from Kings Cross and St Pancras station.
Rates: Doubles start from around £200 based on two adults sharing. Family rooms are available from £250, and exclusive family offers from £345.
The Landmark London, 222 Marylebone Road, London. Visit www.landmarklondon.co.uk for more information or to book online.
For more top tips on travelling with the family visit the StyleNest Travel channel here.