"Best for: nearby playgrounds Closest tube station: Lancaster Gate For those at the stage of life that revolves around a playground, Royal Lancaster is perfectly placed by the northern edge of Hyde Park, a hop-skip from a play area well-suited to tiny tots. The location also makes for an incredible view, with the hotel towering above the picturesque Italian Gardens. Suites facing south overlook the entire green mass of the park and beyond to the Surrey Hills. In the Royal Suite on the 18th floor, the view is arguably one of the best in London. At toddler level, there’s lots to look at, too—a scattering of autumnal leaves from the entrance leads to a whimsical teepee draped in vines and filled with woodland creatures perched on pillows. For more entertainment, there’s a dedicated playroom downstairs with giant teddies, puzzles, and a tiny trampoline. At supper time, there are two restaurants onsite or an appealing in-room dining option, where you can order classic favorites from a dedicated kid’s menu, as well as punchy curries from the downstairs Nipa Thai Restaurant for grown ups. Bedtime routines are made easy: all suites come with bathtubs and gentle bath products are provided, as well as all the extras little ones need, including sturdy wooden cots and even Care Bears to snuggle. For older kids, the studio family suite has the option to have two twin beds or a sofa bed, while a classic family room combines two classic rooms via interconnecting doors. Extra interconnecting rooms are also available throughout. —Lauren Burvill Book now at Expedia Book now at Booking.com This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK." - Rosalyn Wikeley
