Travel Tuesdays: Best of London

The 2012 London Olympic Games have officially kicked off and I am more than jealous of all who were able to go. What I wouldn’t give to be there right now and join in on the most exciting sports event of the year. However, since many of us cannot be there during this exciting time of the year, we can recommend some locations to stay at if you are planning on visiting this beautiful city in the near future. Our top two recommendations are both nestled in the heart of the city and have received raving reviews.

Mandarin Oriental London

Located right next to Hyde Park, the Mandarin Oriental London is a beautiful hotel that allows you to experience everything that is London and so much more. Located right in the middle of Knightsbridge, the Mandarin Oriental London is minutes walking distance or one special rickshaw ride, offered specially by the hotel, from the best of London’s shopping.

Aside from the location, there are plenty more amenities INSIDE the hotel that are just as fantastic. The rooms are designed with only elegance in mind and are fit for a queen…you know if you were one and you didn’t live at Buckingham Palace. Humor aside, the rooms are lined in colors that make you feel as if you yourself were part of the royal family. Heston Blumenthal, one of London’s most celebrated chefs is in charge of the menus at the Mandarin Oriental London and what a dining experience it is. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel comes highly recommended not only from our very own CEO but many others who have experienced the great services, beautiful rooms, and delicious food.

Crowne Plaza London

Also located in an ideal location, the Crowne Plaza is more of an understated lux although it is still luxurious. Situated between Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and Victoria Station, it is the perfect hotel for your business as well as your vacation needs.

The amenities inside the hotel include three restaurants and two bars, one of which is the Michelin Star Quilon, which serves a south-west coastal Indian cuisine. If you are looking to spend some time relaxing, they have the Spa at 51 which is available for use by all of their guests. You can get an a la carte spa treatment from any one of their fully trained staff members. If you want to take advantage of the outside services the Crowne Plaza has to offer, you can always indulge in a horse and carriage ride offered at their sister hotel across the courtyard, Taj Suites and Residences.

Be sure to check out both of these lovely locations if you are in London and experience the wonderful city that is London. Happy Olympics everyone!

For more information check out their websites:
Crowne Plaza London: http://london.crowneplaza.com/
Mandarin Oriental London:  http://www.mandarinoriental.com/london/