The Best Family-Friendly Hotels in London
"Best for: the toy collection Nearest tube: Piccadilly What this slick, minimalist hotel lacks in kids’ clubs or even a playroom it makes up for in fun little touches and a remarkably warm, unpretentious service. Tots bundling into its syrupy-lit suites will make a beeline for the fun striped tents placed in the corner of the room (via the macarons). Hiding inside these are tin toy trunks filled with tot treasure—a stacking hermit crab, a useful bath thermometer, a rubber duck, and age-specific storybooks. Such a selection is the stellar work of Nanny Louenna, an ex-Norland Nanny (the gold standard). The Mary Poppins figure has advised Hotel Café Royal on smoothing over those pain points of traveling with children. There’s a feeling though that this invariably grown-up institution already has its rubber ducks in a row. Tot paraphernalia can be easily ordered to rooms, though parents of young children can expect to find sterilizers, bottle warmers, and baby bathtubs already in place. The cots feel a little old-fashioned (you won’t be finding Stokke or Snuzpods here), and you’ll need to ask for toddler-specific covers or bring your own mini sleeping bags for them, but the superb childcare will immediately comfort any wobbly parents. Parents may then want to make a break for Alex Dilling’s tasting menu, cocktails in the event Green Bar, or waddle in slippers to the hotel’s legendary subterranean spa—the latter carving out a family swim time, should you wish to return with the full clan." - Rosalyn Wikeley
