03 Jan Rosewood London Calling
Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford. ~ Samuel Johnson
Welcome to London, welcome to the world… We came, we walked, we shopped, we ate, we museum-ed, we pub-ed, we stayed in luxury, but, we’ll never be royals.
Samuel Johnson’s quote says it best. London is full of life. There is so much to see and do in the city, that you’ll feel like you can never do it all. Like any big European city it has museums, cultural sites and arts, shopping, dining and local attractions that can keep you going nonstop. But, the core of the city is quite manageable in size and you can realistically walk by everything on your list quite easily. May we just say that the we love the Victoria and Albert and British Museums. They are both so beautifully curated! They each have just enough of the empire’s amazing booty to keep you interested in visiting every one of their galleries. In London there’s a vibe and a pace that is so similar to what we find in the big cities of the U.S., but it is definitely unlike anything at home. It’s very cosmopolitan and very English at the same time. That’s what we love about it! Friendly faces and a familiar language make it easy to strike up conversations with locals and visitors alike (usually over a pint). However, getting around is not so easy. We found the traffic to be as frustrating as it is in L.A.. So after a few private car transfers and taxi rides we opted for the Underground. It’s everywhere, it’s easy and it’s clean. Mind the gap!
You’ll enjoy the sites of course, but, you’ll also love exploring all of London’s unique neighborhoods. Each with it’s it own vibe and energy. Visit Knightsbridge for a glimpse at some of the most gorgeous town houses and some of the haute-est cuisine in town. Check out SOHO at any time of day (or night) for non-stop action and energy. Bloomsbury is a good respite from the fast pace, and it’s picturesque tree lined streets are just steps away from theaters and retail therapy. You know you have to see Kensington and Chelsea, it’s so London! Needless to say, there is a neighborhood for your every mood. Just don’t forget to wave to the Queen when you pass her pad in Westminster.
Speaking of pads, London has no shortage of excellent luxury accommodations to choose from. On this occasion we choose to stay at the beautiful Rosewood London.
Rosewood London
Hotel of the Year 2014 – Virtuoso Best of the Best Awards
Housed in a 1914 Edwardian Belle Époque building, Rosewood London is steeped in history. Its 262 guestrooms and 44 generously appointed suites, created by renowned New York-based Tony Chi and Associates, are inspired by a traditional British manor house and evoke that of a true London residence. Rooms are designed to provide a series of discoveries to surprise, please and amuse guests by doormen in tweed caps enter through wrought iron gates, into the peaceful courtyard giving a sense of arrival more akin to a private manor house than a hotel. Rosewood London embraces guests within one of London’s most historic locales. The central location, moments from Covent Garden, near an eclectic arcade of ultra-luxury boutiques on Lamb’s Conduit Street, the British Museum, Theaterland and the Royal Opera House.
EFYW guests receive the following exclusive benefits:
-Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability.
-Daily Full English Breakfast.
-$100 USD Food & Beverage credit, to be utilized during stay.
-Early check-in/late check-out,subject to availability.
Dining (here’s where we ate or drank and loved it):
- Gymkhana
- Bentley’s Oyster Bar and Grill
- Berners Tavern at The London Edition
- China Tang at the Dorchester
- Scarfe’s Bar at the Rosewood London