London: Smart Splurges

Sprucing up your London itinerary with rewarding cultural encounters, memorable hotel stays, and select high-end perks that add up to trip-of-a-lifetime memories isn’t just a matter of spending more money – with so many choices, you’ve got to know where to spend your money. From hotels offering just the right combination of location, historical ambiance, and state-of-the-art élan to destination-defining culinary and shopping experiences, our London Smart Splurges may require a slight increase in your travel budget, but they're certainly worth the extra pounds!

41 With its private fifth-floor entry, elegant black-and-white palette, and rich mahogany furnishings, it's like staying in a private club across from Buckingham Palace. Westminster; 41 Buckingham Palace Rd.; 011-44-207-300-0041; www.41hotel.com
luxury | hotel | expensive

London Eye Pay for a guide on this giant observation wheel for informative, less-crowded enjoyment of the sweeping views and private champagne service. South Bank; Westminster Bridge Rd.; 011-44-870-990-8883; www.londoneye.com
family | things to do

London Theatre Anchored in the West End, the London theater scene boasts everything from big, modern musicals to cutting-edge dramas at Kevin Spacey’s Old Vic to celebrity-studded performances at the historic Donmar Warehouse. West End; 011-44-207-557-6700; www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk
family | culture | performing arts | things to do

One Aldwych Next to Covent Garden, find pared-down decor, a phenomenal contemporary art collection, and service both sweet and efficient. There's a private cinema, super spa, gym, and pool (with underwater Bach) plus top restaurants. Covent Garden; 1 Aldwych; 011-44-20-7300-1000; www.onealdwych.com
luxury | hotel | expensive

Petrus The deep purple dining room provides an opulent backdrop for the delectable modern French cuisine of Gordon Ramsay protégé Marcus Wareing. Knightsbridge; Wilton Place; 011-44-207-235-1200; www.gordonramsay.com/petrus
restaurant | expensive | french

The Savoy An unwavering legend among London’s five-star hotels, this majestic hotel next to the famed Savoy Theater is high-profile and high-class incarnate. The Savoy’s superlatives are many – it offers the city’s most impressive river views from its sought-after suites, while the Fitness Gallery with a splendid rooftop pool is by far the best health club in London. The Strand; The Strand; 011-44-0-20-836-4343; www.the-savoy-group.com
luxury | hotel

The Soho Hotel The former parking garage (big rooms!) with its Botero sculpture-dominated lobby, has all the Firmdale signatures – sleek and witty design, living room-like lounges, and ultra-friendly service – plus a fabulous location behind Oxford Street in hip Soho. Soho; 4 Richmond Mews; 011-44-20-7559-3000; www.firmdalehotels.com
luxury | hotel | expensive

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