Washington Mayfair Hotel Blog

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!

Make this December One to Remember

As winter comes around we are all hoping for snowy picturesque scenes as we cosy up for the holidays but why not add a bit of excitement to December and book a trip to London where there are plenty of things on to enjoy winter to the full. Put yourself right in the centre of the action at The Washington Mayfair Hotel, enjoy Art Deco luxury in the most convenient of locations for a holiday in London to remember.

Don’t miss out on some special events planned just for winter like the city-wide pop-up ice rinks, transforming well known locations like The Natural History Museum, Canary Wharf and Hampton Court Palace. Book a place on the ice or have a drink with a view at one of the rink-side bars.

Seasonal Christmas markets are back and in full swing. Let yourself wander through the stalls sipping a hot chocolate a spiced latte or maybe even a mulled wine and sample a host of comforting street foods to warm you up from the inside. Conveniently, you can find these all in one place and local to The Washington at Hyde Parks Winter Wonderland which is open from 19th November to 3rd January. Ice skating, Christmas markets, a street food village and ice bar, not to mention traditional fairground rides and thrill zone for the brave among us, it really is a day out to remember.

Once you’ve had enough of the wintery scenes outside, how about enjoying them indoors by booking tickets to see The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum. Find yourself mesmerised by the spectacular performances of the English National Ballet as they perform to the well-loved Tchaikovsky score that is so synonymous with this time of year. Many London visitors make this sell out show a yearly tradition so make sure to book early so you don’t miss out. Booking from 16 December 2021 – 8 January 2022. For more winter show options, see the ultimate romantic comedy Love actually in concert with a live orchestra at the Eventim Apollo. Watch electrifying performances from skilled acrobats, trapeze artists and high-wire acts as they attempt jaw-dropping stunts and breath-taking feats, in Circus 1903 at the Royal Festival Hall. Or book tickets to see the magical Andrew Lloyd Webber classic of Cinderella at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.

Don’t forget to plan your break now for a stress-free holiday this winter or maybe give the ultimate gift of relaxation to a loved one. Here at The Washington we have 178 spacious bedrooms and suites perfectly suited to leisure or business needs. We are dedicated to providing the perfect 4* base central to London’s top attractions. All you need to do is book and let us take care of the rest. From luxury accommodation to a-la-carte dining in The Madisons restaurant. Book direct to always get out best offers and prices and stay at one of the best hotels in London. We look forward to seeing you this winter.

Plan your Perfect Break this November

As November arrives, we seem to be constantly reminded that December is only a few days away and the end of the year is in sight. No need to rush to put your calendar away though – there is plenty of time to book a London winter break and give yourself something to look forward to. What better location to choose than the elite district of Mayfair. Here at the Washington Hotel, we are right in the heart of one of the best areas to stay and one of the best hotels in London.

You can still book our ‘Autumn Break in the City’ offer till the end of November, with all the extra benefits when booking direct, including 15% off the best available rate and an unmissable 2 for 1 Mayfair afternoon tea deal. You and a friend can relax with a drink and enjoy a carefully chosen selection of sandwiches, pastries, and cakes. All created and prepared daily to ensure ultimate freshness. A cup of tea never tasted so good! Or choose from our chocolate and champagne option available to really treat yourselves.

The nights may be drawing in but with London lit up by thousands of twinkly lights it only makes the capital look even more spectacular! Stroll under the magical glow and take advantage of some of the later shopping hours. You are spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping in London. Pay a visit to stores such as the iconic classic – Harrods. Shop more exclusive brands such as Tiffany&Co, Chanel, or Louis Vuitton on Bond Street. Or take a short ten-minute walk over to Oxford Street where you can find flagship stores and a host of shops to suit all your retail needs. You may even bump into a celebrity or two! With most shops open later, keep your eye on the extra opening times to maximise your trip.

What a better way to end the evening than to see a show. The West End is back and in full swing with a host of shows to choose from… Sing along to the classic tunes of Mamma Mia, immerse in some American history with Hamilton, or be amazed at the goose-pimpling voices in The Phantom of the Opera, find out what is on here.

If you’re looking for more diary dates for things to do in London: EFG London Jazz Festival 2021 (12-21 November), and of course, Winter Wonderland Hyde Park (19 Nov – 3 Jan) with everything from traditional fairground rides to street food and an ice bar. Book ahead to plan your visit today!

There are plenty of reasons to visit London this November, stay at The Washington Mayfair to be in the centre of it all. Remember to book direct and check our Special Offers for the best deals. We look forward to welcoming you to The Washington Mayfair Hotel, London.

Enjoy Autumn Days in London this October with Great Savings

There are lots of reasons to book a London trip this October and there is no better place to spend your break than with us at The Washington hotel in the heart of London’s most elite district of Mayfair. Don’t miss out this Autumn and take full advantage of our savings and offers available.

Are you looking to save on our best flexible rate? Then remember to always book your London stay direct with us as we offer a 10% discount on our best rates and more flexibility, with the ability to cancel up until 2pm the day before you arrive, for free. There are more perks to booking direct too… Get a priority free room upgrade so you can indulge and enjoy your stay that bit more. Surf the web to your hearts content as we provide you free Wi-Fi for the duration of your stay. Make sure to relax in our Madison’s Restaurant and enjoy our Mayfair afternoon tea at a special 2 for 1 discount. Also, when you dine with us, get 15% off food and beverage.

Looking for more than a day-trip? Our Stay Longer, Save More deal will give you double the discount if you book a break for three nights or longer. Get 20% off and save on a room today or maybe treat yourself to a deluxe stay in one of our suites, for the ultimate London staycation. Our 178 bedrooms and suites offer a great range of spacious luxury accommodation for all types of travellers.

We’ve covered some of the deals and perks we can offer you to make your stay extra special at a better price but if you want to know more reasons why you should visit London here are some things happening in the capital you won’t want to miss…

A favourite London Attraction is back, The National History Museum’s outdoor Ice rink is now taking bookings from October 22nd. Show off your skating skills or relax with a warm drink at the bar as you watch skaters from the open-air balcony. Sadly after 16 years this is the final year the ice rink will be running, so book your space now to ensure you don’t miss out.

Mojito, Pina Colada, Old Fashioned? What’s your cocktail of choice? London Cocktail Week is happening this year for the whole month of October! Join the biggest cocktail festival in the world and take a sensory journey as you let some of Londons top bars offer you their signature drinks. Pop-up events, parties and masterclasses will be happening throughout the City of London for the whole month. Make sure to look out for the ‘The Essence House’ returning to Covent Garden for an immersive inspirational experience that you won’t forget.

A selection of other dates for your diary include, The NFL London Games 10-17 Oct, The London Restaurant Festival 1-31 Oct and The BFI London Film Festival 6-17 Oct. We hope to see you soon at The Washington hotel so you can take advantage of all these great events happening this October and holiday in style.

September Evenings in Mayfair

Autumn – it’s arguably the best season of the year. As the days begin to get a bit colder and the nights start to draw in there are plenty of reasons to get out that cosy jumper, to treat yourself to that cheeky hot chocolate, or just take in the sheer beauty of nature. London has to be one of the best places to spend those cooler Autumn evenings. At The Washington Hotel Mayfair you are perfectly located to enjoy London to the full. Why not treat yourself to a London vacation with us in Art Deco luxury and try out some of our suggestions for the perfect London evening.

After all the time we’ve spent stuck indoors lately what better way to spend an evening than a refreshing stroll through one of The Royal Parks. Hyde Park is right on your doorstep at only a short walk away, it’s open till midnight so you have plenty of time for exploring and breathing in that crisp air. There are an array of statues, fountains and things to view along the way. For a longer walk and a chance to enjoy some Royal history, consider taking The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk which takes you on a journey to see buildings and locations associated with the Princess during her life. Make sure to check out the Frieze sculpture that is coming to Regent’s Park for a limited time from the middle of September. No matter which park you wander through, you will be able to spend some time with the local wildlife and be able to take in all the stunning colours of the season changing and the leaves starting to fall.

If you would prefer to spend the evening indoors, you don’t need to look any further than the elite district of Mayfair for indulging in fine dining and sipping a cocktail or two. There are a variety of cuisines to choose from, from all over the globe. There’s always entertainment to be enjoyed locally. Immerse yourself in a cultural experience at The Royal Albert Hall with some ‘Late Night Jazz’ or be there for the unmissable experience of the ‘No Time to Die’ world premiere coming this September!

So don’t be stuck wondering what to do over the next few months, spice up your calendar with an unforgettable London break and stay with us at The Washington Hotel Mayfair, one of the most premium hotels in London. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

Now Is The Time To Visit Mayfair This Summer 2021

As we start to return to normal, one thing we have noticed is that although the shops and attractions are open in Central London, without the influx of foreign visitors, London is quiet. We love the peace that we find in the London Parks, but now we find this in nearby Piccadilly Circus. Spending the afternoon with friends, picnicking in the park or enjoying the boutiques of Bond Street are all so much more enjoyable when the weather is pleasant!

While so many are still working from home, we have found that rush hour on the tube is now the same as any other time of day. Yes, we still wear masks and observe social distancing, but we can sit and read on our commute. Although we might need to book an appointment to visit on of the many museums in London, be it the The Natural History Museum, the V&A or The British Museum, we know that it’ll not be crowded and we’ll be able to see the exhibits properly. London is quiet, quieter than it has probably been for many years. Now is the time to book your hotel in London Mayfair.

The Washington Mayfair Hotel is perfectly located to enjoy Mayfair in London. With 178 spacious bedrooms and suites, meeting and event facilities and Madisons Bar & Restaurant, we are your luxury hotel on London. Whether you are looking for a luxury afternoon tea in Mayfair, a luxury hotel in central London for a long weekend, or are planning to enjoy London for your staycation this year, The Washington Mayfair Hotel is your London hotel.

For the best price at the best hotel in London, simply click the ‘Special Offers’ link in the menu. We look forward to seeing you.

THE BEST EVENTS IN LONDON IN FEBRUARY 2020

Goodbye January…..Welcome February!

February might be a little cold and dark but there’s loads of exciting events taking place throughout the month which you can enjoy while staying at the Washington Mayfair with our special winter hotel offers. February brings romantic vibes, iconic fashion and stacks of pancakes to London with city-wide celebrations. Also, February in London is the month of Kew Garden’s Orchid Festival, London Fashion Week Festival, the London Classic Car Show and Craft Beer Rising. Here at the Washington Mayfair Hotel, we have picked some of the greatest events to get you out when you stay with us this February!

KEW GARDEN’S ORCHID FESTIVAL – From 8th February to 8th March 2020

Escape the dreary winter with Kew’s annual festival of orchids. Through a spectacular ensemble of orchid-laden displays along a curated route, Kew Gardens are celebrating the plant life of Indonesia this year. The Prince of Wales Conservatory will be filled with the sights, smells and sounds of Indonesia. Highlights will include a dramatic central pond display filled with bright orange orangutans, life-sized animals and an erupting volcano all made up of hundreds of stunning orchid blossoms. There’ll also be an impressive carnivorous pitcher plant archway.

NEW LONDON SHOW: PRETTY WOMAN THE MUSICAL – from 13th February 2020 to 2nd January 2021

Celebrate the 30-year anniversary of one of the most treasured romantic films of all time with Pretty Woman: The Musical at the Piccadilly Theatre. Follow successful businessman Edward and prostitute Vivian, as they fall in love against the odds. Danny Mac plays the role of Edward and Aimie Atkinson takes to the stage as Vivian. With original music and lyrics by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, this new West End show will lift your spirits.

VALENTINE’S DAY – 14th and 15th February 2020

Spoil your Valentine with dinner at The Washington Mayfair Hotel. Indulge in our exclusive four-course Valentine’s dinner in Madison’s Restaurant. Enjoy the delicious dinner with a glass of champagne for £45 per person. See Menu

For more information, please call +44 (0) 20 7499 7000 or send an email Madison@washington-mayfair.co.uk

DATE NIGHT IN MAYFAIR ON VALENTINE’S DAY

Indulge your passion and make time for your loved one with ‘Date Night’ romance hotel package at The Washington Mayfair Hotel. Treat someone special to an intimate escape that features all the right touches. The package starts from £245 per night and includes:

Overnight night accommodation
Rose petals turn down
Half bottle of chilled Champagne & chocolate dipped strawberries in your room
Three course dinner with a glass of wine each
Full English buffet breakfast the next morning
Late check out to 16.00hrs

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LONDON CLASSIC CAR SHOW – 20 – 23 February 2020

The London Classic Car Show is the must-attend event for any discerning classic car owner, collector, expert or enthusiast. Over 700 classic cars and some of the most legendary ‘getaway cars’ from automotive history go on display at the London Classic Car Show which comes to the prestigious Olympia London in Kensington. Every year, there’s also a special guest appearance by a racing legend, alongside special displays of their cars, trophies and memorabilia.

PICASSO AND PAPER AT THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS – until 13 April 2020

For Picasso, paper was both a tool to explore his ideas and a material with limitless possibilities. He experimented with everything from newsprint and napkins to decorative wallpaper. He spent decades investigating printmaking techniques, sourcing rare and antique paper from as far as Japan – and all without losing his compulsion to draw on every last scrap. You will see Picasso’s creative process first-hand in remarkable documentary footage of the artist at work, studies for Guernica, and sketchbooks where the seeds of revolutionary masterpieces first took shape, including Les Demoiselles d’Avignon. Immerse yourself in Picasso’s world of paper and discover how – with this everyday material we know so well – he found the means to explore the furthest reaches of his creativity.