‘I stayed in London’s best hottest hotel – with golden baths and dancing on tables’

2023-05-27

With landmarks including Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace, it’s no wonder that millions of people visit the UK capital each year. Known for its red phone boxes and double decker buses, London is a popular destination for jet setters across the globe – and it makes for the perfect staycation, too.

But with 32 boroughs and with 1,572 square kilometres to explore, navigating London is no mean feat and creating a varied itinerary can be a little overwhelming. Thankfully, OK! has rounded up some spots that are well worth a visit, no matter what aspect of London you’re hoping to uncover…

Where to stay

We hadn’t even walked through the door of the Hotel AMANO Covent Garden before we reached for our phones to snap selfies in front of the impressive flower arch surrounding it. And the Instagram-worthy moments didn’t stop there.

The plush black and gold reception area oozes opulence, and the theme continues in the bedrooms, which are kept from feeling dark thanks to crisp white bedding and light flooding in through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Opening our bedroom door, we were surprised to find a hallway with two additional doors inside – one room for us, one for the children, which meant we could relax with the assurance that the kids were safe next door. Air conditioning, flat-screen TVs and walk-in showers come as standard in all of the 141 rooms. For a touch of glamour, the hotel’s Goldy Rooms come with their own freestanding golden bathtubs which overlook the city.

You’ll find new restaurant Penelope’s in the basement, which promises a unique, immersive experience with Israeli-Spanish sharing-style tapas dishes. At weekends, DJs play while you dine – and we’re told there’s a dancing-on-the-table vibe. There are great offers on pre-theatre menus too, with three courses for just £28.

Head up to the seventh floor for the pièce de résistance – the Rooftop Bar. With panoramic views of many of the capital’s most famous sights, there’s no better place to end the day with a cocktail.

The four-star hotel is a stone’s throw from the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, and whether it’s sightseeing, shopping or shows that have brought you to London, you couldn’t be better placed to explore. Covent Garden and Holborn Underground stations are close by, and it’s just a 10-minute walk to Embankment, with lots to see along the way. The area has a real buzz – we loved shopping for souvenirs and stopping to watch the street entertainers – and there are bustling restaurants and bars on every corner.

Rooms are from £190 per night. to book, visit amanogroup.de/en

For gallery geeks

Fans of contemporary art often make a beeline for the Tate Modern, but head to a former military barracks off the King’s Road in Chelsea and you’ll find the Saatchi Gallery. It hosts an ever-changing roster of engaging, enlightening and exciting exhibits, with the aim of introducing new artists to a wider audience. A recent crowd-puller was the colourful Beyond

The Streets London collection, which told the story of street art. But from 2 June, Civilization: The Way We Live Now takes you on an incredible photographic journey showcasing humanity across the world. Where we live, how we relax and how we move are just some of the themes illustrated by jaw-dropping images.

To discover more, visit saatchigallery.com

For fervent foodies

Fuse the culture and cuisine of Japan, Brazil and Peru, and the result is the delectable SushiSamba. There are two restaurants in the capital and we dined at the Covent Garden branch, seated beneath a glass ceiling and lush ‘living canopy’ overlooking the famous Piazza. The Taste Of Samba six-course option was vast – the highlights included the Chilean Sea Bass Anticuchos (cooked on skewers), the Japanese Wagyu Maki (bite-size sushi) with mango, caviar and shaved truffle, and the succulent Robata Lamb Chops. All washed down with a Sake Spritz cocktail and topped off with a Chocolate Banana Cake. It was a divine experience made all the more fun by the lively atmosphere and vibrant setting. Small plates to share are ideal if you’re dining in a larger party.

To find out more, visit sushisamba.com

For gig goers

The ultimate event for music lovers, ABBA Voyage has to be seen to be believed. In a purpose-built ABBA Arena near Stratford in east London, Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid have created an unforgettable experience where the lines between reality and fantasy are blurred. Performing as digital avatars and supported by a live band and a spectacular light show, they belt out the best of their hits for a 90-minute set which will get even the most reluctant dancer up on their feet. Fancy dress is highly encouraged.

To find out more, visit abbavoyage.com/theconcert

READ MORE:

Click here for today's top showbiz news
UK's best luxury spas – from Kylie Minogue's favourite to infinity pools
Make the most of those Spanish vibes with a vacation in VRBO’s lavish holiday home of the year
'I went to Kate and Wills' beloved Anglesey and had the best fish and chips ever'
‘I went to Nashville to discover Music City and recorded my own country song’

Source: Read Full Article