The steady influx of well-heeled business travelers into London -- a city that’s always acted as a kind of crossroads between the continents -- has meant the development of a specific kind of lodging: the luxury apartment-style hotel. But short-term visitors can find plenty to love in these properties, too. Here’s a look at three of them and their offerings, all of which offer services that are as creative and upscale as the surrounding city.
Cheval Three Quays
Situated on the Themes, this stylish new high-rise offers guests eye-popping views of Tower Bridge and is located directly next to the Tower of London. One-, two-, and three-bedroom suites have floor-to-ceiling windows, balconies that overlook the river and are big enough to enjoy dinner on, and contemporary décor that strikes a good balance between a luxury hotel and a chic city apartment. Rely on the property’s expert concierges to point you toward the best local markets and shops -- or to remember your favorite brand of coffee. They can even shop for groceries to stock your room’s full-size fridge. Proximity to the city’s business neighborhood, and convenient in-room features like comfortable work spaces, means that the property is tailor-made for business travelers who are hunkered down with their families. But shorter-term leisure guests have plenty to take advantage of, too. Walk five minutes to the tube station at Tower Hill to connect to the rest of the city, take a leisurely stroll across London Bridge to the Southwark neighborhood, or simply stay within the hotel’s environs with a visit to the classic Leadenhall Market.
Pricing & Offers: Cheval Three Quays offers packages and discounts throughout the year. It’s currently running a New Year offer that lets you book three nights for the price of two. With this offer, rooms start at $310 per night for a one-bedroom unit, while two-bedroom apartments start at $624.
Grosvenor House Apartments
With a plum position directly on Hyde Park, a stay at the Grosvenor House Apartments ensures that you’ll rub elbows with London’s toniest residents. Luxury brand Jumeirah manages these modern suites, which are situated in a classic London building that still retains many of its original design features -- including beautiful multi-pane windows. This is balanced with ultra-modern décor in the suites -- think: muted grays with pops of burnt orange and deep granite soaking tubs in the spacious bathrooms. A video security system at the door of each suite is fit for the Prime Minister, but for regular hotel guests, it’s a nice additional layer of safety. Enjoy complimentary welcome groceries upon arrival, then head out to the park for a visit to the Serpentine Gallery, one of London’s most popular art venues. You can also hop on the tube at Marble Arch for easy city access, or enjoy a brisk 20-minute walk to all of the attractions in and around Piccadilly Circus.
Pricing & Offers: Studio suites start at $345 per night in February, while one-bedroom suites go for $637.
The Athenaeum
Just a stone’s throw from the Grosvenor House Apartments on neighboring Green Park, you’ll find the Athenaeum, a quirky suite hotel with art in all of the rooms and an eye-catching “living wall” of greenery on its facade. With a charming family-first style, the property is small and family-owned, and its mascot is a teddy bear; you may have difficulty not purchasing the one in your room. At the Athenaeum, guests can choose from sprawling serviced suites or smaller, hotel-style digs. Our favorite rooms have Louis XV canopy chairs and views of the park. A special kids concierge can book tickets and draft an itinerary that’s fit for all ages, or they can also organize a game of Frisbee or kite-flying in the park. Jump on the tube at Hyde Park Corner just outside the door, or simply walk across Green Park to visit the hotel’s most famous neighbor -- the Queen.
Pricing & Offers: The Athenaeum often runs money-saving packages. Hotel rooms in February start at about $278, in a savings promotion for stays of three nights or longer, while apartment-style digs start at $521.