Top recommendations for Lodging and Dining in London during the Holiday Season

Heading to London remains an excellent choice, and as 2023 comes to a close, the city is bustling with a plethora of luxurious offerings favored by celebrities from some of the most prominent names in the hospitality industry. From fresh travel routes and opulent hotels to exclusive private clubs, iconic shopping experiences, designer-themed holiday decorations, a captivating West End production, and an eagerly anticipated debut, London is radiating with festive lights and holiday cheer.

Lobby of The Londoner hotel

Whether you're drawn to the city's Christmas markets, recently crowned as the top destination by TikTok, or seeking memorable experiences, here are the must-visit places for a holiday trip and beyond.

Ideal Accommodations for your Stay

Since its debut in 2021, The Londoner, with rates starting from $571 per night, has become a magnet for notable figures such as Ryan Gosling, Adele, Patrick Dempsey, Sylvester Stallone, Ed Sheeran, and more. Nestled in the heart of Leicester Square's theater district, this super boutique hotel has hosted high-profile events, including the Barbie premiere and the TAG Heuer 60th-anniversary celebration. Positioned as the world's first super boutique hotel in the bustling cinema and theater hub of the city, The Londoner boasts 350 bedrooms and suites, six restaurants and bars, and exclusive access to a private screening room.

Whether one seeks a low-profile retreat or wishes to make a grand entrance, The Londoner caters to both inclinations. The hotel's design, characterized by warm and neutral color palettes in its furniture and art, exudes a lack of pretension, a touch of humor, and a natural serenity. Crafted by Woods Bagot in terms of architecture and Yabu Pushelberg for interiors (the same team behind the new Moxy and AC Hotels in downtown Los Angeles), the ambiance captures the essence of London—playful, slightly eccentric, and just the right blend of sophistication.

For a truly stellar experience, consider booking The Londoner's Tower Penthouse, a spacious 2,100 square-foot haven with floor-to-ceiling views of Leicester Square—claiming the title of one of the largest suites in London. Alternatively, the Trafalgar Suites, offering 1,200 square feet, present a luxurious stay with a living area, kitchenette, and foyer, tailored for both entertainment and relaxation.

Tower Penthouse Suite at The Londoner

The Londoner extends an exclusive offering to its guests known as The Residence, a dedicated space resembling a private members club, discreetly positioned above the main floor. Within this enclave, Y Bar beckons, featuring a continental breakfast cart, afternoon tea, and a delightful snack spread—an ideal spot evolving from coffee and conversations during the day to cocktails and snacks at night. The Viewing Gallery, encircling a permanent exhibition of emerging and acclaimed art, serves as a creative hub. A concealed passage through the bathrooms leads to The Whisky Bar, a speakeasy-style hidden enclave accommodating 16 seats.

Setting itself apart as a "super boutique," The Londoner boasts an exceptional array of food and beverage options all under one roof. Begin your day with breakfast or lunch at Whitcomb’s, enjoy afternoon tea and bubbles at The Stage just off the lobby, or savor terroir-led gin and tonics at Joshua’s Tavern, offering an impressive selection of 52 varieties. On the rooftop, the izakaya lounge 8 at The Londoner brings a moody and modern Japanese atmosphere to the experience.

The Retreat stands as The Londoner's dedicated wellness ecosystem, spanning an entire floor and emphasizing fitness, nutrition, and results-driven therapies. It encompasses a private training gym, an indoor pool, treatment rooms, and Refuel—a designated space offering detoxifying smoothies, beauty juices, and ayurvedic morning ritual bowls.

The Stage at The Londoner hotel serves breakfast, Champagne afternoon tea and late-night delicacies

Londoner guests can also access two private screening rooms situated at the adjacent Odeon Luxe.

The hotel's art collection presents an eclectic mix of artworks spanning various price points, mediums, and genres—each thoughtfully placed for maximum photographic appeal. A striking giant moon suspended above the reception desk adds a celestial touch, casting its influence over the seating areas in the marble and velvet lobby, creating a captivating visual experience.

As you navigate through the lively lobby and ascend the staircase, the selected artworks exude a set design feel, paying homage to the theatrical vibes of London's West End. The curated art seamlessly blends with the hotel's ambiance, creating an immersive and visually delightful experience for guests.

James Robertson curated artworks from local artists and galleries, creating a collection that captures the essence of a global traveler rooted in London's West End. As you ascend the staircase, you'll encounter an Anton Gormley woodcut print, adding a distinctive touch to the hotel's artistic ambiance. Krishma Singh Dear, The Londoner’s head of design, describes it as the "private collection of a global traveler whose roots belong in London’s West End." The recurring themes of the sun and moon, highlighted in various Easter eggs throughout the hotel, pay homage to Wyld’s Great Globe—a prominent attraction in 19th-century Leicester Square.

The Penthouse Suite showcases vibrant photography by Carolina Mizrahi featuring the hotel's employees. In The Residence, an enchanting hand-painted garden mural by En Viu enhances the space. The art collection includes original pieces from renowned artists such as Tim Walker, Donovan Davis, Frida Wannerberger, Marc Quinn, and Edd Pearman.

Even the holiday decor in London receives an artistic touch. Fashion designer Huishan Zhang, formerly of Dior Couture atelier, designed the lavish Christmas tree for The Londoner, adorned with large black and white roses.

For a truly immersive experience, The Londoner offers the "Ultimate Christmas Experience" from December 24 to 27. This includes a spectacular city break with welcome drinks and nibbles in The Residence, a Christmas Eve carol service at St Paul’s, Christmas Eve mass at St Martin-in-the-Fields with breakfast in bed on Christmas morning, festive dinners from Whitcomb’s, a St. James Park tree walk, a spa treatment, and a host of other delightful experiences.

Explore Christmas trees Crafted by Designers

London boasts a multitude of legendary hotels, and The Connaught, located in Mayfair and starting from $895, stands out as a historic gem that ticks every box for distinction. Collaborating for the ninth consecutive year with a featured artist for its Christmas tree, the 31-foot-tall British-sourced Nordmann fir tree on Carlos Place is designed by British artist and sculptor Dame Rachel Whiteread. Illuminated by 102 circular neon white hoops, the tree aims to evoke a sense of togetherness and the creation of rings of positive brightness, adorning the streets of Mayfair with festive radiance.

The Connaught Christmas Tree

Meanwhile, at Claridge's Hotel, starting from $990, the annual Christmas tree receives a touch of luxury from Louis Vuitton. Both brands, founded in 1854, are celebrated for their contributions to the art of travel. The Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2023, designed by Louis Vuitton, features two Malles Vestiaire wardrobe trunks stacked on top of each other. Adorned with Claridge’s travel stickers and an oversized Louis Vuitton luggage tag, the tree comprises 15 vertically placed chrome repurposed trunks inspired by Art Deco design.

The pinnacle of the tree pays homage to Asnières, the historic Louis Vuitton family home and atelier. Scattered throughout are 21 Louis Vuitton Vivienne mascots. Monsieur Louis Vuitton, appointed as the personal layetier (the person who packs the trunks) to Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, in the 1850s, had Claridge’s as her winter residence. Notably, the first London Louis Vuitton store opened in 1885 around the corner from Claridge’s. This marks the 13th year Claridge’s has invited a guest artist to reinterpret the Christmas tree, adding a touch of artistic flair to the festive season.

Top recommendations for Dining and enjoying Beverages

London has a rich history when it comes to private clubs, and in the current surge of private club popularity, The Twenty Two, a newcomer that opened last year in Mayfair, is making waves. Housed in an Edwardian manor with 18th-century classical French design, it has swiftly become a coveted hideaway for notable guests such as Tom Cruise, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, Kylie Jenner, and Post Malone. The establishment offers 31 bedrooms and suites, an all-day neighborhood restaurant, and exclusive members-only spaces.

The restaurant at The Twenty Two, London

The Club at The Twenty Two spans the ground and lower ground floors, featuring four distinct rooms. The Living Room, complete with an outdoor terrace overlooking Grosvenor Square, provides a comfortable and inviting space. The Dining Room is reserved for dinner, offering an intimate setting. The Music Room is designed for dancing, creating a lively atmosphere. Finally, The Vault Bar adds an element of exclusivity to the club's offerings. This combination of luxurious accommodations and exclusive member spaces has solidified The Twenty Two's status as a sought-after destination in the heart of Mayfair.

Top spots for Unwinding and Relaxation

Nobu Portman Square hotel, starting from $463, in Marylebone defines its experience with luxury wellness practices, exemplified by the distinctive Stretch and Sushi experience. As the 13th establishment from the esteemed hospitality collective of Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper, the hotel's Wellness & Fitness center offers high-tech treatments, facials, massages, and body journeys. Indulge in unique options such as 'The Maharani,' a full-body scrub and treatment with tri-herbal triphala for toning and exfoliation, or the 'Urban De-Stress' featuring targeted massage for lymphatic stimulation and myofascial release.

Deluxe room at the Nobu Portman Square Hotel, London

Nobu Portman Square introduces Nobu Pilates, a program developed by creative director Marsha Lindsay, inspired by Nobu's principles of passion, integrity, and growth. The classes—Power, Precision, and Pure Pilates—reflect these values. The hotel also features a Nobu Bar & Restaurant with a terrace, a Nobu Lounge, and suites like the Zen Suite, Saijoukai Suite, and the two-bedroom Nobu Penthouse, providing guests with 360-degree views. This comprehensive approach to wellness and luxury makes Nobu Portman Square a standout destination in Marylebone.

Top recommendations for Shows to Watch in London's West End

The West End production of Cabaret, which has been captivating audiences since 2021, is set to make its move to Broadway's August Wilson Theatre in spring 2024. The highly anticipated transfer will see Eddie Redmayne and Jessie Buckley taking on the lead roles of the Emcee and Sally Bowles at the beginning of the Broadway run. Currently, Maude Apatow stars as Sally, and Mason Park takes on the role of the Emcee at Playhouse Theatre, with tickets available through June 2024.

Looking ahead to 2024, London's West End promises a vibrant array of new content, including the stage adaptation of Suzanne Collins' acclaimed novel The Hunger Games, scheduled to debut in the fall. The announcement of these exciting productions adds to the cultural richness and diversity of London's theater scene, offering theatergoers an array of captivating experiences in the coming year.

Guidance on Reaching the DestinationTop of Form

In 2022, Virgin Atlantic introduced the Retreat Suite as an innovative way to enhance the flying experience on its new Airbus 330neo planes, known for their cleanliness and sustainability. The Retreat Suite is positioned at the front of the Upper Class cabin and features two exclusive suites equipped with 27-inch touch screens, ample storage, wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity, and a private onboard social space.

Virgin Atlantic upper class on its A330neo planes

The ottomans in the suite can double as extra seats, allowing up to four people to dine, converse, play games, and enjoy movies together. Electronic dividers and fully closing aisle doors provide a heightened level of privacy for passengers.

Additionally, in the Upper Class cabin, passengers have access to The Loft, an inviting space for socializing, chatting, enjoying drinks, or grabbing a snack. Bluetooth headphones connect to touch screens, allowing passengers to watch content together.

Virgin Atlantic has also introduced a winter in-flight dining menu on all U.S. routes. Upper Class passengers, especially those with status, can now customize their own breakfast with a variety of options, including wellness drinks like sparkling tea, kombucha, and matcha, as well as vegetarian and vegan choices. This attention to detail reflects a broader trend in the airline industry of elevating the dining experience for passengers, often with the collaboration of renowned chefs.