Washington Mayfair Hotel Blog

Enjoy Winter in London

Woolly hats, crisp frosty mornings, steaming cups of coffee… What do you love about winter? Winter is well under way here in London and at the Washington Mayfair Hotel we are excited to welcome guests to the hotel for 2023. January has got a bit of a reputation for being a quieter month to visit London which is why we would argue that it’s one of the best. With less queues at some of London’s top attractions and a little less of a crush on the tube! If you are happy to wrap up and brave the cooler weather, then the start of the year could be the best time to visit the capital.

Every season offers something beautiful to see in the Royal Parks and winter is no exception. It may surprise you to know that London is actually home to over 5000 acres of quality green space… Not quite the concrete jungle some may imagine! There are many highlights of the parks that can only be discovered in winter like the frost-covered landscape with the grass crunching underfoot, the frozen transformation of the Sperpentine or even catching a glimpse of the first delicate green shoots emerging from their hibernation. So, take a detour from the busy metropolis and spend some time to enjoy what’s on offer, with self-guided tours available and winter warmer talks scheduled throughout the next few months. Whether you are visiting London for pleasure or business the Royal Parks can be enjoyed as a little break from London Life, plus it’s great for boosting physical and mental wellbeing!

Let’s face it though, we don’t always want to be outside when it’s cold… Sometimes you just want to be appreciating the warm surroundings of a cosy café, or restaurant as you tuck into a culinary delight. London offers a huge selection of eateries to choose from for a variety of budgets. Some of which have transformed their roof terraces offering fireplaces, faux fur, creative cocktails and stunning views of London, so you can enjoy the outside but also keep warm – perfect!

The Washington Hotel Mayfair is the best hotel to plan your next London trip. You will find everything you need to enjoy your stay to the full whether you are travelling for business or for leisure with a large selection of rooms and suites available to add a little luxury to your stay. We would love to welcome you this Winter to The Washington Mayfair so take a look and book your London Adventure today.

A Showstopping Start to 2023

Start your 2023 the right way and immerse yourself in culture, history and jaw-dropping performances in London’s iconic West End.

Just a short journey from The Washington Mayfair hotel, lies arguably the most magical area of London, where you can be transported to another world of drama and suspense. Hosting a huge selection of West End theatres showing London’s top musicals and productions – you will be spoilt for choice!

Many would agree that there is something extra special seeing real-life performances acted out in front of you, watching the raw emotion of the actors and sharing this moment with the people around you. In this blog we look at six top West End performances to see at the start of 2023.

The Phantom of the Opera

Playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre, this haunting story of love and jealousy has been a favourite performance of many west-end goers. Based on a 1910 novel by Gaston Leroux, Phantom tells the story of a young soprano who becomes the subject of a musical genius’ obsession. Containing the iconic tracks, Music of the Night, All I Ask of You, Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again and Masquerade.

Mamma Mia

Sing along to the widely popular tunes of Abba in this stunning performance playing at the Novello Theatre. Follow the story of a young woman planning her wedding day as she searches for her father to give her away. Laugh and cry along on this journey of discovery

Hamilton

Playing at the Victoria Palace Theatre, immerse yourself in American history as you see Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the USA, brought to life in a delightfully modern way. Take the twists and turns of his interesting life accompanied by catchy tunes and a talented cast.

Back to the Future The Musical

Winner of Best New Musical 2022, Back to the Future The Musical brings the Hollywood blockbuster to life in a unique performance that you won’t want to miss. Playing at the Adelphi Theatre, join Marty Mcfly and Doc Brown as they change the course of history!

Matilda

Take a trip down memory lane and jump into Roald Dahl’s beloved novel Matilda. The Royal Shakespeare Company bring the story of this extraordinary little girl to life, with a beautiful soundtrack written by Tim Minchin. Playing at the Cambridge Theatre.

The Mousetrap

Holding the title of longest-running play in the world, The Mousetrap continues to entertain audiences in the West End. Join a group of seven strangers as they are snowed in together at a house in the country. Will you guess ‘whodunnit’ in this Agatha Christie Murder Mystery, playing at St.Martin’s Theatre?

These are only a few of the shows on offer in London’s West End, you can see the whole catalogue here at Official London Theatre. Why not book a London hotel stay and show so you can really make the most of your London trip. The Washington Mayfair is perfectly located to enjoy all the delights of the West End. We have a whole range of rooms and suites to suit all our guests needs, plus special offers when you book direct!

Luxury Shopping in Mayfair

Mayfair is home to a unique shopping experience that you won’t find anywhere else in London. With delightfully British streets offering designer goods and finery’s that one might only dream of owning, there is something truly special about seeing such luxury all in one place.

Bond Street is renowned as the go-to street for London’s opulence. Where Jewellery stores offer exclusive designs and rare stones, and the fashion is only the best. This special street is regularly frequented by the rich and famous and home to huge fashion names like Chanel, Gucci and Hermès. In fact, Bond Street is known to have the highest concentration of haute couture stores in Europe!

A short walk from Bond Street, is another must-shop destination – Mount Street. A slightly lesser-known gem but no less dripping in luxury fashion and art. Hosting more big brand boutiques like Christian Louboutin and Jenny Packham, it showcases a perfect combination of modern shop fronts and Victorian architecture. Just don’t forget to let your mouth water over the beautiful pastries on offer in Pastricceria Marchesi. Indulge in a little slice of Milan and taste its skilfully made specialities using only the highest quality ingredients. You’re sure to find a treat on one of the original shopping streets in London!

No Mayfair trip would be complete without a visit to Burlington Arcade. The Uk’s oldest and longest shopping arcade. Yet again, a lovely opportunity to combine some history and architecture with a splash of retail therapy. You can even book a tour with one of the ‘Beadles’ who, donned in their Victorian inspired uniforms, uphold the peace within the arcade. So no running allowed! The Beadles are known as one of the smallest private guards in the UK – You can’t help but be surrounded in British culture.

For the next few months, a London shopping experience will be even more magical. The nights will be illuminated by thousands of sparkling lights. Bond Street’s decorations will be a little different this year and have been designed to celebrate the British Monarch. With inspiration taken from the Jubilee and the iconic crown jewels. So, you can be sure to expect crowns, necklaces, and tiaras aplenty. Creating all the glitz and glamour will be over 90 000 twinkling LEDS!

Once you’ve shopped, you’ll need somewhere to drop! Come and take a load off your feet and admire all your new purchases at The Washington Mayfair Hotel. Our cosy hotel rooms are situated in Mayfair only a short distance away from Bond Street and Burlington Arcade, so it makes the perfect destination to stay. Visit our website to book your stay and receive some special rewards if you book directly, as a little thank you from us. We hope you enjoy visiting this luxury area of London, our only advice… don’t spend too much!

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.