Three of the best family-friendly hotels in London
Looking for a stay that has big ideas for little people? Read on for our pick of London hotels that the kids will adore
Image: Hotel Café Royal
Florence Derrick
With its warren-like Underground and pavement-pounding pedestrians, London’s not always the easiest holiday destination if you have young children – unless you know where to go. Start at one of these family-oriented hotels and the rest will fall into place.
Image: The Other House, South Kensington
Deluxe home-from-home
Who says having a baby in tow should stop you having the kind of sophisticated stay you had pre-kids? The youthful, approachable staff at The Other House make everyone – including wee ones – instantly at home, despite the intimidatingly fabulous décor (all plush pine-green velvet, fringed lamps and floor tiles shiny as a millpond). Keeping toddlers from smearing sticky fingers on the patterned flock wallpaper will be the only battle here, as you’ll certainly not be fighting for space. The 11 townhouses that make up the property are divided into Club Flats – studio-style apartments with kitchenettes, sofas and enough space to happily house a small family. Children are welcome in the luxurious vitality pool during fixed hours and can even be spotted nibbling on beef sliders while parents sip Negronis in the Owl & Monkey cocktail bar.
Image: Hotel Café Royal
The mother of all family stays
Afternoon tea at Café Royal, on the corner of Regent Street and Piccadilly Circus, is a classic London experience. You might recognise its famed, gilded tearoom, replete with gold-framed mirror walls and cushy red banquettes. Perhaps you already know that past punters include Muhammad Ali and Princess Di. But what you might not know is that your baby can sit in a highchair at David Bowie’s favourite table, smearing strawberry jam on the starched-white tablecloth, and you’ll be made to feel as welcome as Ziggy Stardust himself. Upstairs, staying with children in the plush hotel rooms (redesigned in 2012 in a modernist style that plays off the original Grade II-listed features) reveals exquisite attention to detail. Bathtubs the size of Jacuzzis can fit a whole family, but travel with a baby and you’ll get a mini tub, baby bath products and a travel cot complete with teddy bear to take home. Downstairs, the kids’ pool in the spa is bath warm, and at breakfast, the staff are more than happy to provide an off-the-cuff weaning menu for their littlest – and most treasured – guests.
Image: Melia White House
Parkside views
If you have children obsessed with all things animals, a stay close to London Zoo is in order – and what could be better than a hotel practically within roaring of distance of the lions? This Spanish-owned high-rise feels like a little slice of the Balearics, planted between Regent’s Park and Euston. Got kids in tow? Opt for access to the Level – a private lounge that offers all-day snacks and drinks, plus an excellent buffet breakfast and tapas hour (not to mention free-flowing cava all day for the parents). It takes all the organising out of planning food for the day, and strikes a rare balance between Ibiza chic and family-friendly accessible. Upstairs, the spotless rooms are airy and spacious – some offering views towards the park and that legendary lion enclosure.
