HOTELS WITH CHARACTER London’s historic hotels

HOTELS WITH CHARACTER

In the lead up to Christmas, London’s historic hotels reveal their spectacular Christmas trees and enchanting festive treats to delight guests enjoying a luxurious Christmas stay

1MAGICAL DETAILS Spoiling guests with an array of Christmas activities, The Ritz London’s festive offerings begin with the hotel’s winter wonderland decor, which includes a 25-foot Christmas tree grown especially for the hotel in the Scottish Highlands. The tree is decorated in traditional red and gold by luxury florist Paul Thomas Flowers. Guests staying in the hotel’s suites will also be able to enjoy their own beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Famous for afternoon teas, The Ritz London’s seasonal tea menu includes festive pastries and a Ritz teddy bear for each child to take home. On Christmas Day, Father Christmas himself will make an appearance at afternoon tea and give out gifts. For a more grown-up affair, there is a festive four-course menu in the Michelin-starred restaurant, with a live band and a dance performance to add to the celebratory atmosphere. theritzlondon.com

2FINE PERFORMANCES A sense of community is at the heart of Christmas at The Connaught (above and above right). Celebrations begin at the annual switching on of Christmas lights when the hotel’s Mayfair neighbours join guests outside for mulled wine as the Christmas tree is illuminated with a renowned artist’s design. Inside the hotel, suites are adorned with Christmas trees and festive decorations to create a special welcome for family and friends celebrating together. On Christmas Eve, Father Christmas will visit those staying at The Connaught – children will wake up on Christmas Day to stockings full of toys, and adults to a slightly more grown-up stocking filled with delicious food and drink. To enhance the joyful mood, guests will be serenaded by carol singers throughout Christmas lunch. In addition to offering horse-drawn carriage rides on Christmas Day, The Connaught is also known for revealing festive surprises to charm its guests. One year, residents watched in awe as, suddenly, a fleet of ballerinas in full tutus pirouetted down the staircase to the sound of The Nutcracker. the-connaught.co.uk 3SPECIAL UNVEILING This Christmas, The Dorchester’s festive decor (below) is being showcased amongst its beautifully renovated interiors, with rooms and suites currently being redesigned in an elegant colour palette inspired by English artists over the course of history. Guests will be welcomed to the hotel by a Christmas tree decorated by The Dorchester’s in-house designer florist, Philip Hammond. The flurry of Christmas indulgences available to guests include festive afternoon tea in The Promenade, with pastries created by award-winning executive pastry chef Michael Kwan, and wintery themed cocktails served in the newly refurbished glamorous 1930s-style bar. The festive season will be in full swing at the hotel’s main restaurant, The Grill, with seasonal menus and musical performances enlivening dining. dorchestercollection.com

4MEMORABLE RITUALS Each year at Claridge’s (top left and right), the Christmas tree is decorated by a famous designer whose identity is a closely guarded secret until the unveiling ceremony at the start of the festive season. For children staying at the hotel, Christmas Eve anticipation is captured as they gather and put out food for Father Christmas’s reindeers and listen to the enchanting The Night Before Christmas story. On Christmas Day, they can partake in a crafts session while parents enjoy a festive tipple. There is also the opportunity to ride in one of Claridge’s horse-drawn carriages on a magical tour around Mayfair’s quiet historic streets wrapped up in soft blankets. For guests and non-residents alike, Claridge’s seasonal fare, made in the hotel’s kitchens, can be bought from the hotel or online. claridges.co.uk 5 FESTIVE MASTERCLASSES The Lanesborough hotel (above left) will be dressed in its sparkling Christmas finery for the grand unveiling in November. Following this customary tradition, guests are treated to a host of bespoke experiences to capture the seasonal spirit. For guests, whether staying or simply dining at the hotel, Christmas-themed afternoon tea with flavours of the season and festive menus for glamorous dining at The Lanesborough Grill are designed to create a magical Christmas mood and help celebrations feel extra special. For those seeking a memorable experience, a selection of special masterclasses includes a wreathmaking workshop conducted by the hotel’s in-house florist. Afterwards, a festive cocktail in The Library Bar will add to the merriment. oetkercollection.com/hotels/the-lanesborough/ 6 STATELY SPECTACLE Across the festive period, The Goring hotel (above right) invites guests to enjoy celebrations including champagne afternoon teas and festive meals with all the trimmings. The highlight of this year’s celebrations has Royal approval. Proud to be the only hotel to have been granted a Royal Warrant for hospitality services, presented by Her Majesty The Queen, The Goring hotel is partnering with luxury jeweller and fellow Royal Warrant holder Garrard to create two very special Christmas trees featuring tiara-themed decor, inspired by Garrard’s historic tiaras worn by The Queen. The branches will be adorned with four kinds of sparkling tiaras to replicate legendary royal occasions throughout Her Majesty’s reign, creating a sparkling festive scene for guests to enjoy throughout Christmas. thegoring.com n