Your travel specialist on: Icons of London Style

In case you don’t know, the word Limey, or Pommie these were names given to the British by the Australians over 100 years ago. Sailors used to die from scurvy on long voyages and having a lime each day prevented this, hence the word “limey” if you were British. The British not used to the sun when in Australia, went bright red, just like a Pomegranate, or we were “Pommie’s” I had an Aussie roommate in Graduate School and she would give me tea in bed and say “Enjoy it Pommie” and I would reply, “thank you Convict”.

Since living in California, I have been home to England over 150 times and being in the travel industry, it is a big part of my job to visit new hotels, refurbishments, check out apartments, go meet new General Managers and write articles for the travel industry on my findings. My sister is a professor at Cambridge University and is always ready to join me in London on rating hotels, trying new restaurants, and of course, wandering around the flea markets and going to the theatre.

Being a part of the Signature Travel Network, which does nine billion in sales around the world, any hotel we send our clients to get VIP treatment. A room upgrade, early check in (so important if you are arriving in the early hours of the morning ) and late check out, a free breakfast, a $40 to $100 food and beverage credit or spa treatment plus other amenities which vary by property. Perhaps a free pick up from the airport, or wine in the room.

Three smashing hotels which I use a lot are Claridge’s, the Connaught and the Berkeley, three iconic London Hotels each offering an unforgettable luxury experience through contemporary service, stylish accommodations and unique landmark locations. All three used by royalty, and you see famous people there all the time.

In the Mayfair district there is nowhere more glamorous than the Art Deco lobby of Claridges which leads to an exquisite collection of rooms and suits by modern designers Guy Oliver and Linley. Be transported to the 1930’s at the Fumoir, Claridge’s hideaway bar and raise a champagne toast there. Classic afternoon tea is served in the Foyer and Reading Room (like the Reading Room better – more private ) which Michelin starred chef Simon Rogan offers innovative British dining in Fera at Claridges.

In a picturesque setting in Mayfair Village surrounded by London’s finest shopping, the Connaught offers an elegant welcome and individually style accommodations enhanced by an extensive art collection. Guests extol the only Aman Spa in London for its personalized treatments designed to reflect healing practices from all over the world. Michelin starred French dining at Helene Darroze at the Connaught is complemented by martinis at the bar and a nightcap in the intimate Coburg Bar.

In Knightsbridge located just minutes from Harrods and Harvey Nichols at the threshold of Hyde Park is the Berkeley. Renowned for its contemporary classic rooms and suites this hotel is also the home of celebrated chef Marcus Waring’s two Michelin starred restaurant and the rooftop Bamford Haybarn spa and pool. Make sure to indulge in the famed Prer-a-Portea to experience a reinvention of traditional afternoon tea inspired by haute couture fashion from international runways.

We love having afternoon tea, and many times we miss having dinner and go straight to the theatre. All three places have such interesting clients, we guess at their nationality judging by the fashions and the jewelry.

Let us reserve your London getaway and we will ensure that you receive all the privileges befitting your stay, including an English breakfast for two and credit to use toward dining, beverages or a spa treatment.

Create your own ultimate experience, go to our web site – www.allhorizonstvl.com – and enter offer ID M13614 which will give you more details on your smashing stylish stay in London.

Maureen Jones

Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel at 160 Main Street. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.