The Best Hotels in London for History Buffs
If there’s one thing London has in spades, its history. In a city as old and revered as this it’s no surprise to find a cast of famous hotels that date back across two centuries. From the bastions of historic London style to the newly renovated updates from days gone by, the city is filled with properties that wow with their sense of time and stand as landmarks in and of themselves. Here are five of the best of them.
The Goring
Why it made the list
Nowhere in London can you get closer to mimicking the life of a blue-blooded Royal than at the Goring. Practically next door to Buckingham Palace, this is the hotel of choice for the Royal Family, with the Duchess of Cambridge staying here on the night before her marriage to Prince William. Open since 1920, the hotel is all about service, so expect the royal treatment, whoever you are.
The Savoy
Why it made the list
Spend some time lingering around the lobby of the Savoy and you’ll notice that it’s not just guests in the vicinity but awestruck tourists craning their necks to get a look at one of London’s most famous hotel landmarks. So famous is the Savoy that the bar even comes with its own museum. If you want history then few hotels can compete with the grand Savoy.
St. Pancras Renaissance
Why it made the list
With Kings Cross and platform nine and three quarters just inside, Harry Potter fans will feel right at home at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. One of the most architecturally iconic of all London’s hotels, the gothic revival style lends the property a gravitas that it’s 2011 renovation matched with its opulent interiors. Designed by George Gilbert Scott for the old railway, its attachment to the gorgeous St Pancras station is a large part of its charm.
The Langham
Why it made the list
Besides being the owner of the legendary Palm Court, one of the most iconic places to take afternoon tea in the city, guests will be pleased to know that when staying at the Langham they’re staying at London’s first purpose built grand dame hotel. Designed by John Giles and completed in 1865, the hotel was at the time the largest of its kind and one of the first properties to install electric lighting. These days its chic clientele can appreciate the history in tandem with its award-winning ‘best bar in the world’ and first-class location in the heart of the West End.
Brown's Hotel
Why it made the list
Opened in 1837 by a manservant of Lord Byron’s sister, Brown’s Hotel has a mysterious penchant for hosting grand moments of historical significance. From accommodating Alexander Graham Bell’s first ever telephone call to housing Rudyard Kipling as he penned his classic book The Jungle Book, it’s clear that the hotel’s refined reputation and current luxury guise is just part of its appeal.
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