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Autumn Has Arrived in London

Do you love Autumn? For many it is their favourite season. Stunning colours, comfier clothes, and steamy hot chocolates aplenty. There’s no better place to enjoy this special season then amongst the hustle and bustle of London. Even the darker nights offer a special opportunity to enjoy a magical side of the capital, as it is illuminated against the dark sky.  

We feel that the best London trips start and end in Mayfair. With upmarket shopping areas, exclusive hotels and elegant abodes, there’s no wonder why this area is favoured by the rich and famous. Our hotel – The Washington Mayfair, is conveniently placed right in the heart of this elite district. To really enjoy autumn to the full, why not take a moment out from city-life and take a stroll over to one of London’s Royal Parks. Inhale all the delights of Autumn as you take a trip through Green Park which connects Mayfair to the iconic Buckingham Palace. You may even get a glimpse of the new King! 

Not too far from Mayfair, across the Thames is the Southbank Centre which, this month of October, is hosting the London Literature Festival. In its 15th edition this festival celebrates the written and spoken word with a series of planned events between the 20th and 30th of October. Masterclasses, activities, and talks are available now to book. 

The Southbank Centre offers beautiful riverside views, plus the opportunity to see some of the many bridges that cross the Thames River. Back in 2021 the bridges in London became part of the World’s largest public art commission. Entitled ‘Illuminated River’, nine bridges are uniquely lit in a delightful display. This time of year offers the best opportunity to see the work in all its twinkly glory.  

An alternative way to see the illuminations is by taking a relaxing river cruise. Bateaux London runs dining cruise experiences which take you along the Thames at night, passing some of London’s top landmarks like the London Eye and Big Ben. With freshly prepared meals and entertainment on-board it is the perfect way to enjoy an autumn evening in London. 

With other exciting events planned over the next few months including fireworks displays, Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland and Oktoberfest. You will be spoilt for choice when planning what to do in London. For a hotel that ticks all your boxes and is perfectly located to enjoy all the fun, why not stay at The Washington Mayfair Hotel? We offer a variety of luxury rooms and suites to suit whatever your needs. Take a look at our special offers available here. We hope you have a fabulous Autumn in London! 

Top Five Things to Do in Mayfair

Mayfair is one of the most premium areas of London. It’s a frequent spot to visit for the rich and famous, as well as being viewed as the most expensive property on the Monopoly board. If you are looking for some of the top gems to visit in this affluent area then look no further, see our top 5 Mayfair attractions below. 
 
1. Marvel at the Marble Arch 
 
This historic archway dates back to the 12th century and is a vast monument which stands as a gateway leading into Hyde Park. It’s beautiful white marble face and stunning architectural detailing make it a popular place to take a selfie or photograph. It is definitely worth a visit for anyone exploring Mayfair. 
 
2. Take a Hike in Hyde Park 
 
As one of London’s Royal Parks, Hyde Park contains the largest area of green space in central London. Take a walk along some of the city’s most beautiful spots. Why not take this route starting at Marble Arch and Speakers’ Corner? Stroll along the Serpentine, past the Diana Memorial Fountain and follow the lake until you arrive at the Italian Gardens. Finally head to the Round Pond and end up outside the royal venue of Kensington Palace. Delightful! 
 
3. View Something Special at the Royal Academy of Arts 
 
There is something for everyone at the Royal Academy of Arts. With a world-class exhibition programme and free displays of art and architecture you can guaranteed to be amazed at their collections. Spanning 250 years of British art it contains hundreds of paintings and sculptures with thousands of prints, historic photographs, and drawings.  
 
4. Have a Moment of Tranquillity at Brown Hart Gardens 
 
Relax in this secret oasis above street level on top of an electricity substation. Whilst being in an unlikely location, many find this unusual roof garden to be a hidden gem in London with a feel of the High Line in New York. You can breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea at the cafe whilst enjoying a slice of tranquillity elevated from life. 
 
5. Get your Heart Thumping at Sotheby’s 
 
Going, going, gone! There is nothing like the thrill of an auction and you won’t be left disappointed at Sotheby’s – A luxury auction house that specialises in art and rare objects. Bid on fine wines, watches, handbags and more or just come to view this fascinating marketplace in the heart of Mayfair.  
 
The Washington Hotel Mayfair is an ideal place to stay when visiting Mayfair. Our Art Deco inspired exterior and luxury rooms offer a perfect base, close to all the attractions of the area. With the best rates available when you book via our website, make sure to check our special offers page here. Have a fabulous time in Mayfair! 

Your Ideal London City Break

How would you spend a city break to London? Now is the time to make the most of the sunshine as we head into September and book a bit of time away from the day-to-day grind to enjoy the capital. London has something to offer for everyone – so choose your ultimate experience and start making plans! 

Super Shoppers

Do you love the thrill of a new purchase? Find everything you are looking in the huge array of London shops. From chain stores to market stalls, there are a variety of goods waiting to be purchased. A particular highlight near to the Washington Mayfair Hotel is the luxury shopping area of Bond Street. Famous for its exclusive brands, art and antiques, it is worth a visit even just for the window shopping! 

Green Enthusiasts

Do you prefer to get away from the London architecture and enjoy some green space? The Royal Parks offer over 5000 acres of historic parkland to explore. Hyde Park is the perfect spot to enjoy some alfresco dining, or while the sun is still shining, you may fancy a dip in the Serpentine Lido. A 100m natural open water swimming area open from 10am to 6pm. There are also free bandstand concerts happening on select weekends running into September. Be sure to check the Royal Parks website to see what’s on and where.

Attraction Addicts

London wouldn’t be London without its iconic landmarks. Let’s face it… It would be wrong to visit London without including some of the top attractions like Big Ben or Tower Bridge. Why not plan to have a meal in the highest garden in London? The sky garden is open for free seven days a week, you just have to make sure to grab your tickets on the website in advance. You can also tour inside Buckingham Palace for a limited time during August and September, plus it’s only a short journey away from us at The Washington! It’s well worth a visit for any London Lover.

At The Washington Mayfair Hotel we are the best choice in London accommodation no matter what you love to do in the city. Our luxury rooms are situated in an ideal location so you can explore with ease. Check out our ‘Special Offers’ link in the menu to see how you can get the very best price on your stay. We hope you enjoy your London city break! 

Fun in the Mayfair Sun

Summer is here and we’re ready to party in the sunshine! With festival season well underway and some beautiful weather set to kick off July, there are a million and one reasons why a trip to London is perfect for Summer 2022. Here at The Washington Mayfair Hotel, we have some superb summer events happening right on our doorstep that we are just dying to tell you about.  
 
In Grosvenor Square, Mayfair is hosting ‘Summer in the Square’ – a fabulous free festival set to celebrate culture and the hottest new trends… Wake up after a blissful nights sleep in one of the Washington’s beautiful rooms or suites, enjoy a delicious breakfast at our in-house restaurant Madisons and head down to ‘The Wellness Teepee’ where you can immerse yourself in a journey of wellbeing as you join some of Mayfair’s top instructors for a class designed to relax and invigorate. Lunch options are aplenty at some of the top restaurants in the area taking part in the festivities. Plus, a whole range of daily live music and theatre performances that will inspire and delight. Don’t miss this unique day out, taking place from 21st July – 31st July. 
 
No London holiday would be complete without a spot of royalty… For 10 weeks from the 22nd July, Buckingham Palace will be opening it’s grand doors for visitors. Take a peek into the life of the Royal Family and explore some of the stunning rooms and gardens. Some highlights include the Queen’s throne, fine art, historical artefacts and beautiful gardens. Plus see the Queen’s coronation crown, the Diamond Diadem, in person. What could be a better end to the day than to complete the occasion with a quintessentially British tea in the Garden Café? Delish! 
 
Can’t get enough of the Art Deco exterior and the history at The Washington Mayfair? Get your comfy shoes on and turn right out of the hotel onto Curzon Street to take a unique augmented reality tour through the streets of Mayfair. Reveal secrets from the past and explore the history of some of Mayfair’s unique places during the ‘In a Mayfair Fashion’ tour. You can find more information about how to take part and see what’s happening in Mayfair this Summer here.  
 
Don’t forget to book direct with us at The Washington Mayfair Hotel London for the very best rates and additional perks that will enhance your stay. We offer a range of spacious accommodation to meet your needs… Whether you are planning the perfect London trip or even need a London hotel for business. Visit our website to book at the best hotel in London. 

Festival Season is Here!

Do you love a festival? An opportunity to get lost in the crowd, to meet new friends, explore new cultures, to be surrounded by nature? Now the days are getting warmer… Events are being planned throughout London to celebrate all sorts of interests from music to sport. Take a look at some of the best events in London that are organised over this month and into July in our latest article. 

If you are a food-lover then you are going to love The Taste of London in Regent’s Park. There’s one thing for certain… It’s going to be delicious. There will be five days of feasting taking place from 15-19 June, with a huge collection of food stalls from some of the top London restaurants. Get ready to try food from around the world – Just make sure to arrive hungry because you will want to sample it all!

After a more classic festival vibe? Then prepare to dance like no one is watching at BST London Hyde Park. There is a host of performers booked to perform across nine concert days, with big names like Elton John, Adele and Duran Duran. Plus, plenty of star-studded support acts. All taking place between June and July, take a look at the BST London website for more information about acts and how to get tickets.

Maybe not conventionally know as a festival but still not to be forgotten is the classic British celebration of tennis that is The Wimbledon Championships. Held from 27 June – 10 July, this event creates a special buzz in London that’s not to be missed. Don’t have tickets already? Then don’t worry, as hundreds of Centre Court and No.3 Court tickets are released daily throughout the tournament with the option to queue for general grounds admission… So, there’s still time to be part of the buzz!

What about an event without tickets? West End Live in Trafalgar Square is a completely free festival showcasing the top musicals to hit the West End. See the whole list of performers on their website but as a sneak-peek there will be performances from all the biggest stage stars like Mamma Mia, The Lion King and Hamilton. Prepare to sing your heart out in this huge celebration of theatre.

These are just a few of some of the best festivals in London planned this Summer. Some others include, Summer Science Exhibition 2022 6-10 July, Masterpiece London Art Fair 30 June – 6 July, Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival 4-9 July.

Camping is often associated with festivals but there is no need to take the option of least comfort… Book a stay at The Washington Mayfair Hotel for a perfect base to allow you to enjoy all the action in luxury home-from-home London accommodation. After a long day of fun, retire to your room (or maybe even suite?)… Kick off your shoes and relax in a top London hotel. Cut out all the travelling and stay close to all the action. We always offer the best rates when you book through our website, so take a look to see what we can offer you today. 

Why May is the Best Month to Visit London

May is often said to be the best time to visit London. With sunnier days, lighter nights, blooming parks and extra holidays, many love to visit the capital in May. Also, now with unrestricted travel from countries like the US to the UK, it is even easier to make London your holiday destination of choice. There are a host of floral treats in store for any visitor during May and we will share some tips below on how to make the most out of your London city break.

Looking for somewhere to stay? The Washington Mayfair Hotel is situated on one of the most prestigious streets in London – Curzon Street – which has featured in many literary works from Oscar Wilde to Agatha Christie. At the Washington Mayfair we offer a touch of luxury whilst at the same time providing a home-from-home base whether you are travelling for leisure or business. Close to the district of Chelsea, it is the perfect location to enjoy some of the top London events in May, like the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and Chelsea in Bloom.

If you haven’t had chance to experience the festival of Chelsea in Bloom then this is your chance. With the 2022 theme – ‘British Icons’, establishments along the four major areas of Chelsea take part in a spectacular celebration of flowers… And it’s completely free! Events and floral displays cover the streets, with hosts competing to win awards such as ‘People’s Champion’. There’s plenty of time to visit with the event running from the 23rd to the 28th of May and as an extra treat, some features and tours will be extended for the long bank holiday. You are free to explore, take a guided walking tour or be transported around the exhibitions on a rickshaw ride for two! Events are being announced regularly so check the Chelsea in Bloom website for what’s on.

Now we have to mention the event that inspired it all… Calling lovers of all things botanical, the World’s greatest flower show is also coming to Chelsea between the 24th and the 28th of May. There’s plenty to do and see… Wander around the exhibits and view the beautiful themed gardens plus indulge in some exclusive shopping. You can purchase tickets to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and be a part of all the action… But be quick the tickets are selling fast.

Near to the Washington Mayfair are some of London’s finest parks. Perfect to enjoy the sunnier weather and even dine al fresco. Plus, they’ve even sorted the entertainment, with Regent’s Street Park opening their Open-Air Theatre for another season. They are kicking off the action with a smash-hit production of Legally Blonde running May – July.

Here are just a few highlights of what’s going on in May in London. The city is waiting for you to explore, and we’d love to welcome you to stay at The Washington Mayfair Hotel. Your no.1 choice for a London vacation, contact us today. 

What Makes Wimbledon So Special?

What comes to your mind when you think of Wimbledon? Is it the traditions of strawberries and cream with a glass of Pimm’s? Or maybe it’s more the all-white dress code contrasting with the green of the newly prepared lawns? 2022 marks 100 years of centre court, so it’s a great time to plan to visit the world’s oldest and arguably most prestigious tennis competition. How did England’s fascination with Tennis begin and what makes Wimbledon so special?

Tennis has a lot of history, quite possibly even beginning with the ancient Greeks, Egyptians and Romans! French Monks in 1000 were known to play a ball game with their hands and shout ‘Tenez’ every time they served. Gradually the sport continued to grow in popularity and mitts were developed to replace bare-hands and this led to the invention of the racket. Even Henry VIII took a liking to tennis… He had his own court and often spent hours playing. Anne Boleyn was said to be betting on a game of tennis just before she was taken to the tower of London! Eventually wooden balls and indoor courts made way for the bouncier balls and outdoor courts that we are now more familiar with today. So, it comes as no surprise that England’s fascination with tennis continued to spread to the point where it holds one of the world’s top tennis competitions.

Wimbledon was first hosted by the All England Croquet Club who wanted to find a way to raise money for their croquet lawn improvements. They realised they could adapt their lawns to run the tennis competition. However, the event went from strength to strength and it eventually led to the club changing their name to the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club. The first competition set a lot of the rules for the sport, that are still in force today. One of which being the standard tennis scoring being based on a clock face – 15, 30, 45… but 45 proved to be a bit too long to shout so it was shortened to 40. 

The Washington Mayfair Hotel is located a tube ride away from Wimbledon and offers a home from home base for you to enjoy your trip. This year Wimbledon is taking place from 27 June to 10 July. Hundreds of tickets are released daily throughout the tournament so there are a lot of chances to get involved in the action. There is also the ability to queue for more premium tickets or just general admission to the grounds for an unforgettable day out. Maybe you might see the next Andy Murray in full swing!

There are more reasons than just the championships to visit Wimbledon. If you’ve enjoyed this brief history, make sure that you visit the Lawn Tennis Museum. Complete your trip by visiting some of the green spaces, pubs and shops available and even a trip to the Wimbledon Windmill. It’s the perfect place to visit for more than just a great day out. Make sure to take a look at our latest offers and special discounts to get the best out of your holiday in London and stay in the premium district of Mayfair. We are your perfect base for whatever you choose, offering accommodation for all your leisure or business needs. 

A Truly British Spring in London

What do you look for as the first signs of spring? Is it that first emerging daffodil or the sign of new growth bursting from a frosty branch, maybe it’s observing a bird building its first nest or frogspawn gathering in a pond? Whichever way you welcome Spring, we can all agree that it is a joy to behold. Especially when we’ve spent so much time indoors over the winter, it’s so good to get out and enjoy some fresh air and see what nature has to offer.

Have you thought about a London break this March to enjoy the delights of Spring? You may not realise that despite the city skyline, there are 5000 acres of quality green space across all eight of London’s Royal Parks. Colourful displays are carefully designed and prepared to showcase Spring and the wonderful plants available. Each year they also plant one million daffodil bulbs! The majority of which can be seen carpeting the floor of St James’s Park.  

The Washington Mayfair Hotel is only a short walk away from enjoying some of the parks London contains. The closest being The Green Park, St James’s Park and Hyde Park. We offer luxury rooms and suites for leisure and business travellers with offers available and perks to booking direct.

Even though the sun is making more of an appearance, we know that the rain is unfortunately an inevitable part of British Spring Time. If rain happens to make an appearance during your holiday in London there are plenty of fun indoor activities to choose from, close to The Washington. The Crystal Maze Experience is taking London by storm. This fun-filled team activity will thrust you right back into the 90s to experience for yourself the challenges that had you screaming at the TV. Even If you have never seen the show, this popular event will give you 70 minutes of pure joy. Take a look at what it has to offer here. If you are after something a little less frantic however, then consider a short tube ride to the British Museum. Immerse yourself in an ancient world and take a journey of culture around the world. There are lots of exhibitions and tours available throughout March that will really enhance your visit and bring history to life.

Keep your eyes peeled for extra events happening in and around London. Such as International Women’s Day (8th March), St Patrick’s Day (17 March) and Mother’s Day (27th March). Check the dates of your trip to see what special activities are on in the area before you visit.

If you’re thinking about treating someone special, there isn’t a better way than adding an afternoon tea to your London Trip. Complete the perfect London day out with delicious sandwiches, warm scones, a selection of tempting pastries, all served with your choice of infusion and including, of course, a classic pot of English tea.  Plus, have the option to spoil yourselves a little more and upgrade with a glass of chilled champagne. We look forward to welcoming you during March to The Washington Hotel Mayfair. 

Brighten up your February in London

Are you looking for something to brighten up your February? There are lots of reasons why a holiday in London should be your first choice at this time of year. February is a quieter time to visit London, attractions aren’t as busy as usual and there are less crowds – so you can relax just that little bit more. You may even manage to grab a discounted theatre ticket or too!

It might be a bit colder but it’s the perfect excuse to get wrapped up in your winter wear and enjoy all that London has to offer. Some of things that February hosts include London fashion week, Kew Gardens Orchid Festival and Valentine’s getaways.

If Valentines Day or date night is on your mind, there is no better place to spend a romantic day out than the city of London – full of places to take your date that are sure to impress. Here at The Washington Mayfair we are perfectly located in the elite district of Mayfair to provide an ideal base for the ultimate London break. After a day of fun in the capital, relax in one of our luxury rooms or suites before sharing an intimate meal in our in-house restaurant, Madison’s.

Don’t miss the annual Kew Gardens Orchid Festival taking place from the 5th February to the 6th March. This year the theme focusses on the incredible biodiversity of Central America. View stunning horticultural displays as you transport yourself to the tropics. Entry is included with your Kew Gardens visiting ticket. It has to be the perfect way to transform a dull February day!

With the colder weather of February, you may be wanting to spend more time inside than out. The West End offers a perfect excuse to spend a few hours indoors and soak up some culture.

Some plays new to the West End this February are:

  • Saturday Night Fever at the Peacock Theatre. Be transported to the 70s disco where you can experience the Bee Gees soundtrack live on stage. Join Tony Manero as he embarks on a reckless yet thrilling road to dancing success.
  • See James Mcavoy in Cyrano de Bergerac at the Harold Pinter Theatre. A breath-taking tale about the exquisite torture of loving from afar.
  • Iconic classic Dirty Dancing at the Dominion Theatre. Back to the West End with tantalising dance sequences and brand-new choreography to the unforgettable soundtrack that we all know and love.
  • The Merchant of Venice at Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. Immerse yourself in the culture of Shakespeare’s classic exploration of prejudice, patriarchy and capitalism.
  • Plus, have the chance to see all the glitz and glamour of Strictly Come Dancing for yourself, live onstage. An unmissable evening of dance that will entertain and excite. At the O2 Arena 11-13 February.

However you choose to entertain yourself in London this February, we hope to be able to welcome you to The Washington Mayfair.

Say Hello to 2022 in London this January

2022 has arrived! As we are all embracing January and saying goodbye to 2021 in favour of a more normal year than the last, let’s put away the holiday blues and book something exciting for the new year. It may be a quieter time of the year to visit London but there is plenty going on in the city that you won’t want to miss.

The start of the year is the best time to find a bargain and the iconic London January sales are in full swing. There is no better destination to pick to indulge in a bit of retail therapy than the capital. The Washington Mayfair Hotel is right in the middle of London’s retail scene with so many shopping destinations to choose from you’ll be spoilt for choice. We are here to make your day just that little bit easier by providing a home from home base so you can dispense with the long commute or parking issues and focus on enjoying your day to the full. The flexibility to drop off your bags when you feel the need cannot be underestimated! Treat yourself with afternoon tea in the Madison’s Restaurant to recharge your batteries, ready to hit the stores for round two. The shops aren’t the only place you might manage to grab a deal this winter, many theatres, restaurants and bars offer discounts throughout January, so keep your eyes peeled!

Some events happening throughout January that you won’t want to miss out on include the 25th anniversary of Cirque Du Soleil coming to the Royal Albert Hall (booking between 12 Jan – 27 Feb). This time the show centres on a journey to Mexico, prepare to be wowed by the talented acrobatics and visual treats. 
See Hamlet a Shakespeare classic of corruption brought to life at the Globe Theatre (21 Jan- 9 Apr).
Don’t miss Cabaret at the Playhouse Theatre, hosting Hollywood stars Eddie Redmayne and Jessie Buckley as they astound with their electrifying performances.

Many pop-up bars and rooftop terraces throughout the city have been transformed for winter – offering fireplaces, faux fur, creative cocktails and stunning views of London. Make sure to leave some time to cosy up in Aviary London’s private igloos, visit ‘Alice in Winterland’s’ enchanting rooftop experience at Queen of Hoxton, snuggle together at Winter Bubbles, Radio Rooftop or explore some of the other transformations.  

Upgrade your holiday in London to a luxury experience in the elite district of Mayfair… You won’t regret it. Be sure to check out our offers and book direct for the best prices and extra perks. We look forward to welcoming you in 2022!