After years of pampering their royals, England knows how to do luxury right. And while you may not be able to rent a room in the Buckingham Palace, there are plenty of spectacular hotels that can put you and someone special in the lap of luxury. Three of the best are highlighted below, showcasing some of the best features of each.
The Ritz London – perhaps England’s best known luxury hotel, The Ritz London will not disappoint. With a staff to guest room ration of 2:1, guests can hardly complain of neglect. Choose a head rest from the pillow menu, delight in a bath experience from the Ritz Bath Butler, or be driven to your destination of choice in one of the hotel’s luxury vehicles. Built in 1906, The Ritz has its own list of famous patrons, including the Prince of Wales (who became King Edward VIII), kings and queens from other lands, Hollywood names, Winston Churchill, and many more.
- Dining – The Ritz features its own restaurant and separate bar (Rivoli Bar). Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are served daily, with special schedules, meals, and entertainment on the weekends. Tea at the Ritz is said to be an institution of itself, and is started off with an offering of 17 different types of loose tea.
- Salon – Whether you are a guest of the Ritz Hotel or not, you can be pampered in the Ritz Salon. Choose from small packages or the Complete Programme to determine the level of luxury you want.
- Prices – Located right on Piccadilly Street in London, the Ritz features rates starting at $584 and going up to $5,546 per night.
Catch some breathtaking views of The Ritz in this online brochure: http://www.theritzlondon.com/_brochures/experience/index.php
The Savoy – another famed name in London, this Fairmont Hotel boasts some high-class patrons, including Frank Sinatra, Katharine Hepburn, Claude Monet, and Winston Churchill. Tastefully located on the beautiful Thames, The Savoy is a perfect blend of old-fashioned elegance and modern luxury. Butlers stand on call to cater to guests’ every need, while beautiful suites offer unsurpassed views of the Thames and the London skyline.
- Services – If you come to the hotel minus your personal butler, never fear: the Savoy can provide one. From serving food in your suite, providing dressing services, and arranging all your little details, this is refinement at its best.
- Dining – Great food is something the Savoy does well. With seven restaurants and bars, there is something for every taste. Choose in-suite service if you prefer to enjoy your culinary delights in privacy. Browse the choices here: http://www.fairmont.com/savoy-london/dining/
- Suites – choice and flexibility are key factors at the Savoy, where you can choose a suite to match your needs starting at 450 square feet, and going all the way up to over 1,500 square feet of pure luxury.
- Prices – prices vary depending on room size and amenities, but begin at $641 per night, and go up to $3,724.
Cliveden House Hotel – the beautiful green Berkshire countryside, just outside of London, is home to agleaming jewel in England’s crown of luxurious accommodations. With a history of over 300 years of luxury and pleasure, this beautiful house-turned-hotel has been home to a line of earls, dukes, counts and countesses, as well as a Prince of Wales and received frequent visits from Queen Victoria. Since 1985 Cliveden House has been host to many rich and famous from around the world including President Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, and George Bernard Shaw.
- Dining – The Cliveden will pamper your palate at the Terrace Dining Room, afternoon tea, or in the Club Room.
- Magnificent Grounds – if the house was not enough to impress, the grounds certainly do the rest. 376 acres of National Trust Grade I formal gardens and woodlands, guests at Cliveden never tire of exploring the beautiful grounds. Stunning views of the river Thames and quiet corners ensure that luxury includes natural beauty.
- Activities – float down the Thames in one of the lovely vintage launches housed in the boathouse, try out some tennis, go fishing, horse-riding, shooting, or hone your archery skills. Many activities are available at the Cliveden or arranged locally.
- Prices – rooms start at $409, and go up to $2,553 per night.
Limitless Luxury
The choice of luxury hotels in England seem endless. Other notable choices include The Langham, The Lanesborough, and St. James, all in the London area. If money is no issue and luxury is a priority, one of these hotels is sure to be a perfect fit.
Chris Turberville-Tully is a marketing strategist for executive serviced apartments Reading, full of high-tech business parks and in the middle of the Thames Valley, is the location for these hotel alternatives.