Where to Stay
Kensington, Chelsea & Battersea
London’s hotels are much more child friendly than they used to be. Today, even the grandest have family rooms and restaurants with children’s menus. As alternatives to traditional hotels, B&Bs or small hotels offer more informal accommodation and apartments can make a flexible and good-value option.
Agencies
At Home in London
This agency specializes in B&B accommodation in private homes in central and suburban London. It has more than 80 homes on its books, all carefully chosen and regularly inspected. The website search engine is organized according to London Transport zones 1 (very central) and zones 2/3 (further out).
London Bed & Breakfast Agency
An agency offering B&B in private houses, and some apartments, covering central, north (a particularly good selection here), south and west London. It prides itself on paying attention to visitors’ individual requirements. Hosts welcome families with children aged five and over.
London Home to Home
This friendly B&B agency offers good quality family accommodation in private houses in central, north and west London. Rooms are comfortable and well maintained, and rates include a generous breakfast. The usual minimum stay is two nights.
London House
Gold-standard service, a wide choice and value for money are at the heart of this online business’s success. It has made finding family-friendly accommodation across the city one of its specialities, with apartments, B&Bs and hotels on its books.
Price Guide
The following price ranges are based on one night’s accommodation in high season for a family of four, inclusive of service charges and any additional taxes.
£: Under £150; ££: £150–250; £££: over £250
Westminster and the West End
< Westminster Abbey and Around
< Buckingham Palace and Around
< National Gallery and Around
< Covent Garden and Around
Hotels
Brown’s
The kindly staff at London’s oldest hotel go out of their way to make children feel at home. Afternoon tea is a must in the iconic English Tea Room, where Rudyard Kipling wrote The Jungle Book. Kids’ treats include a Brown’s bear to snuggle up with and DVDs to watch.
£££ • Babysitting
Duke’s
This traditional Mayfair hotel offers plenty to keep boredom at bay, from story books to designated TV channels and PlayStation games. The special menus are always popular and usually rounded off with Duke’s signature Knickerbocker Glory ice cream. Delicious picnic boxes can be supplied for lunch on the move.
£££ • Family rooms • Babysitting
The Goring
Owned and run by the Goring family for four generations, this London institution prides itself on giving a warm welcome to its “VI (little) Ps”. Treats include a bedtime story library, a gift bag and a visit to the kitchen, where children get to don aprons and chef’s hats and decorate cakes.
£££ • Family rooms • Babysitting • Garden
Dolphin House
Part of the 1930s Dolphin Square development by the river in Pimlico, this offers a good choice of apartments. Among the main selling points are the 18-m (59-ft) indoor pool and extensive grounds, which include a tennis court – ideal for little ones to let off steam.
££ • Garden
Renaissance London Chancery Court
This impressive hotel is approached through an imposing arch to a Neo-Classical courtyard. It is well placed for Covent Garden and West End theatre trips. A fun family package includes a city “Duck Tour” on land and water in an amphibious vehicle. Prams are available for a fee.
£££ • Family rooms • Babysitting
Bed & Breakfast
51 Buckingham Gate
Close to Buckingham Palace, this five-star hotel, with its butler service, Michelin-starred Quilon restaurant, spa and stunning courtyard garden, exudes luxury. All rooms include an iPod docking station, Wi-Fi, DVD player and library, and there is complimentary access to a fitness centre as well. Some suites come with fully-equipped kitchenettes.
£££ • Family rooms • Garden • Babysitting
B&B Belgravia and Studios@82
Handy for Victoria Station, this popular B&B is conspicuous for its fresh appearance and laid-back approach. Bedrooms are decorated in earthy tones, with small but smart glass-partitioned bathrooms. Studios@82 next door provides good family accommodation. Hot drinks, fruit and shortbread are on tap. Cots and high chairs available.
££ • Family rooms • Garden
Fleet River Bakery Rooms
At the eastern edge of bustling Covent Garden, and above the elegant arched windows of a popular bakery, these are quietly stylish, well-equipped studios with their own kitchen areas. Good, fresh breakfasts are served every day by friendly staff in the bakery – except for Sundays, when hampers are provided.
£ • Family rooms
Lime Tree
With the same postcode as the Queen (well, Buckingham Palace), this is a brilliantly located, simply furnished and comfortable island of good value. Rooms are bigger than prices suggest and the welcoming staff give sound advice on travel, dining and making the most of what London has to offer. Please note, it is not suitable for under-fives.
££ • Family rooms • Garden
Luna Simone
Fresh looking and contemporary, this hotel was established in 1970 and is now run by the original owner’s sons. Rooms are comfortable – there is just enough space for the family to sprawl – and there are shiny bathrooms with power showers. It’s a friendly place and a cooked breakfast is included in the price of the room.
££ • Family rooms
Self-catering
44 Curzon Street Apartments
Built in 1908 as a gentlemen’s pied-à-terre, this is one of three salubrious apartment buildings in the vicinity under the same ownership. Their style is traditional English and cosy. Kitchens are extremely well equipped, though there’s no shortage of local restaurants.
£££ • Babysitting
Athenaeum Apartments
They come at a bit of a price, but these roomy apartments benefit from the facilities of the nearby luxurious Athenaeum Hotel, while allowing families a bit of space and total independence. With prior notice, the Kids’ Concierge will keep your apartment stocked with children’s essentials such as games and age-appropriate DVDs. Check out the half-term and holiday offers.
£££ • Babysitting
Citadines Prestige Holborn-Covent Garden
What these apartments lack in space, they make up for in quality furnishings (everything sparkles following a comprehensive refurbishment) and a handy location (on the borders of Holborn and Covent Garden). Pleasant touches include a welcome tray, mineral water, tissues and bedroom slippers. Air conditioning makes summer stays more comfortable. Pets are welcome (additional fee).
££ • Family rooms • Babysitting
Flemings Apartments
Attached to Flemings Hotel but with their own entrance in Clarges Street, these ten serviced apartments in the heart of Mayfair are smart without being too precious. Helpful hotel staff are happy to arrange outings, from picnics and cycle rides in Green Park to tickets for Premier League football matches.
£££ • Babysitting
Hotels
Bedford
If one visit to the British Museum isn’t enough, the pick of the Imperial group’s six Bloomsbury hotels is just around the corner. Interesting local walks are featured on its website, and sightseeing tours further afield leave from the nearby Royal National Hotel. The on-site Café London offers a child-friendly menu.
££ • Family rooms • Garden
The Landmark
Well placed for an early start at Madame Tussauds, the Planetarium or Sherlock Holmes Museum, this red-brick Victorian building was originally a railway hotel. It now boasts a stunning atrium with towering palm trees, where afternoon tea is served. Families won’t feel cramped because the bedrooms are huge.
£££ • Family rooms • Babysitting
The Langham
This luxurious West End hotel offers family packages, including a shopping expedition to Hamleys toy store or a day at London Zoo, plus a complimentary family movie to watch on your return. If your kids are picky eaters, the one-bedroom apartment has its own kitchenette.
£££ • Family rooms • Babysitting • Garden
Marriott Regent’s Park
In leafy north London, within striking distance of Regent’s Park, London Zoo, Primrose Hill and Camden Lock Market, this Marriott is perennially popular with families. Reasons include the large, airy bedrooms with sliding patio doors on to small balconies, lovely indoor pool, helpful concierges, and excellent weekend rates.
££ • Family rooms
Bed & Breakfast
Alhambra
An affordable, hospitable base in the King’s Cross area, particularly useful for Eurostar travellers. In an 1840s building with a modern interior, it is a family-run affair and has been for 50 years. Rooms are on the small side, but squeaky clean. The owner cooks irresistible full English breakfasts.
£ • Family rooms • Babysitting
Arosfa
Guests are made to feel like part of the family at this simple Bloomsbury B&B, where the genial staff keep the rooms spotlessly cleans and tidy. Be aware that some bedrooms have minuscule bathrooms. Four nearby Tube stations bring the whole city conveniently within reach.
££ • Family rooms • Garden
Arran House
People fall so comprehensively for this family-run B&B that they just keep coming back. The 200-year-old house has kept its original features intact and exudes old-fashioned charm. There’s a sitting room with TV and leather sofas, seating in the garden for summer picnics, plus a fridge and laundry for guests’ use.
££ • Family rooms • Babysitting • Garden
Blandford
The most charming in the small Capricorn chain is perfectly placed for the shops and a visit to Madame Tussauds. Family rooms are snug for four, but clean and well appointed. It’s worth staying here just for the English breakfast, guaranteed to get you through the day.
££ • Family rooms
Euro
This is a good hotel to choose if you have a budding tennis star in the family – guests can use the courts in Cartwright Gardens (reservations at reception). Of the clutch of modest hotels that occupy the fine former merchants’ houses in this Georgian crescent, the Euro stands out for its service and competitive rates.
£ • Family rooms
Hart House
For families seeking fair prices but more character than a chain, this B&B provides plain, reliable accommodation in a Georgian house that once sheltered French nobility during the Revolution. The staff are attentive, and the rooms spotless. If you tire of the shops, the Wallace Collection is nearby.
££ • Family rooms
Jesmond Dene
Mostly small rooms, even smaller bathrooms (some microscopic, some shared) and a few steep stairs to negotiate, but (and it’s a big but) the friendly, thoughtful staff, the cleanliness, the breakfasts, the free Wi-Fi and, above all, the price for this central, King’s Cross location keep families coming back.
£ • Family rooms
Lincoln House
A trustworthy alternative to Hart House – in the same road but closer to Oxford Street. Bedrooms are modest, with tiny bathrooms, but have a number of treats, including five-star Hypnos mattresses, satellite TV, unlimited tea and coffee and free Wi-Fi. Air conditioning has been fitted in two-thirds of the rooms.
££ • Family rooms
Self-catering
23 Greengarden House
St Christopher’s Place is distinctive and lined with fashionable shops, restaurants and cafés (many with outdoor tables and chairs). These apartments are in pleasant, modern surroundings, with weekday maid service, double glazing and a first-day survival kit for families.
£££ • Babysitting
Europa House
With children in tow, Little Venice has great appeal – it’s away from the hurly-burly and has a colourful canal and pretty bridges. Europa House has 13 comfortable, airy apartments, large, leafy communal gardens and a children’s playground. Frazzled parents can order groceries, take-aways or an in-house massage.
£££ • Babysitting • Garden
SACO – Holborn
Exceptionally comfortable and with all mod cons, these award-winning apartments are in a vibrant part of the city. Eclectic boutiques, restaurants, delicatessens and cafés characterize the area, and children can scamper around Coram’s Fields, a playground with slides, a flying fox and pets’ corner. Not for very light sleepers.
£££ • Babysitting
The City & the East End
< Tower of London and Around
< St Paul’s Cathedral and Around
< Museum of London and Around
Hotels
Apex City of London
Early birds can get to the Tower as soon as the gates open from this modern hotel situated just minutes away. There are complimentary kids’ menus for under-13s and under-18s can stay free in their parents’ room. The pristine rooms have comfortable beds and plenty of storage for the family paraphernalia.
£££
Grange City
The greatest draw of this hotel is the fabulous 25-m (82-ft) swimming pool, something of a rarity in London, with generous children’s hours, particularly at weekends (7am–9pm). The hotel restaurant also has a kids’ menu. Grange City is close to the Tower, with splendid views of it from some of the rooms.
£££ • Family rooms • Babysitting
The Hoxton
The huge ground-floor space here incorporates a reception, shop, sitting room, bar, the Hoxton Grill restaurant, Internet café and two blazing fires. The place has a real buzz that characterizes the local area. Working on budget airline principles, the earlier you book, the less you pay. There are occasional sales, when rooms are offered for just £1.
£ • Garden
Self-catering
Cheval Calico House
Cheval Residences have several apartment buildings in London; Calico House offers the best value for money. Flats are attractive yet practical, with little luxuries such as goose-down duvets and Frette linen. Close to St Paul’s Cathedral, the location is bustling during the week and quite peaceful at weekends. Seven days minimum rent.
££ • Babysitting
Eagle Court
Clerkenwell is a reinvigorated district that is fun for families, with child-oriented restaurants and the Little Angel (puppet) Theatre in nearby Islington. Eagle Court provides clean, modern accommodation at excellent rates if booked some time in advance. Weekly maid service and 24-hour phone support.
£
Hamlet (UK)
Arriving at the Tower early to avoid the crowds is painless for guests staying at these modest one- and two-bedroom apartments in St Katharine’s Dock. The area was redeveloped in the 1970s and is now surrounded by shops and restaurants. Kids will love the activity of the marina as the pleasure boats come and go.
£
Market View by BridgeStreet
Of BridgeStreet’s City apartment buildings, this restored Victorian red-brick block provides the best family accommodation. Ranging from studios to three bedrooms, all have sensible hardwood floors and furniture, and superb views of the still working Smithfield Meat Market. Lots of restaurants in this lively area.
£ • Babysitting
Southwark & the South Bank
< Shakespeare’s Globe and Around
< HMS Belfast and Around
< London Eye and Around
Hotels
69 The Grove
Set in a quiet Victorian square close to Vauxhall tube station and several main bus routes into the West End, this townhouse has excellent travel connections. The building has been elegantly remodelled by its helpful owner/managers to offer a choice of smart rooms at different prices. Free Wi-Fi, toiletries and an iPod dock/alarm clock all add to the comfort. Breakfast (can be taken outside in summer) is hearty, healthy, or both.
££ • Family rooms • Babysitting • Garden
Church Street
A lively one-off, this Latin American-inspired sanctuary in multi-ethnic Camberwell is owned and was designed by two artistic brothers. It has an informal tapas restaurant and large colourful rooms, furnished with wrought-iron beds and Mexican art. Buses 176 and 185 go from here to the excellent Horniman Museum.
££
Ibis Styles London
The UK’s first All Seasons includes all the latest technology in its bargain-priced rooms, such as Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. With the Globe, the National Theatre and Tate Modern only minutes away, it is a perfect choice for families of culture vultures.
£ • Family rooms
London Bridge
If the London Dungeon features on your “to do” list, this welcoming and intimate hotel in an interesting central area could hardly be better located. The enticing lobby sets the scene, while rooms are restful with neat black-and-white bathrooms. The hotel is much larger than it appears from the outside and contains three restaurant/bars.
£££ • Family rooms • Babysitting
Park Plaza County Hall
This vast 398-room high-rise giant is handily located for such must-visit sights as the London Eye and Aquarium. Its smart Spectrum restaurant boasts a breathtaking setting below a 14-storey glass atrium. Studios, ideal for families, have a living area with plasma TV (movies on demand) and kitchenette. Useful extras include a free laundry service.
££ • Family rooms • Babysitting
Premier Inn London County Hall
Two under-16s stay for free when sharing with their parents in this well-kept hotel. Geared to family life, this reasonably priced hotel offers high chairs, additive-free kids’ meals and activity packs. It also has an enviable location opposite Westminster.
£ • Family rooms
Kensington, Chelsea & Battersea
< Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park and Around
< Science Museum and Around
< Battersea Park and Around
Hotels
Crowne Plaza Kensington
Probably the best-value hotel in Kensington, this is just a short stroll from the Science and Natural History museums and a favourite with families. Although the Cromwell Road is a busy thoroughfare, once inside, or in the large garden, all is calm. Guests who decide to eat out are spoiled for choice.
££ • Family rooms • Babysitting • Garden
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
From mini bathrobes, books and crayons to popcorn on demand, children want for nothing at this luxurious Edwardian pile on the edge of Hyde Park and bang opposite Harvey Nichols. The smart interior is part contemporary, part traditional, with a stunning ballroom where in the 1930s, the Queen learned to dance.
£££ • Family rooms • Babysitting
Rafayel on the Left Bank
You’ll find large rooms with remarkably comfortable beds in this glossy, eco-friendly hotel. If the kids wake up hungry in the night, there’s 24-hour room service. There’s also pampering for parents in the spa and gym; a free shuttle bus to and from Clapham Junction; and the kind staff will organize cycling and kayaking trips.
££ • Family rooms • Babysitting
Royal Garden
Favoured by footballers and rock bands, this is a hotel for celebrity spotting. However, the attraction for families is having Kensington Gardens, with the Diana Memorial Playground, Peter Pan statue and Round Pond, as their backyard. The hotel provides bread for feeding the ducks.
£££ • Family rooms • Babysitting
Bed & Breakfast
Amsterdam
In a quiet street around the corner from Earl’s Court Road Tube station, this prize-winning townhouse B&B has decent-sized and reasonably priced family rooms – these are at a premium in this area, so book early. Breakfast is served by smiling staff in a bright, pretty room with crisp tablecloths. The garden is especially lovely in summer.
£ • Family rooms • Babysitting • Garden
Base2Stay
What you see is what you get in this smart, stuccoed townhouse in a rather salubrious corner of Earl’s Court: spotless, functional accommodation with no hidden extras on the bill when you check out. Family rooms are a squeeze for four, but there are fun bunk rooms, too. Make your own breakfast in the well-equipped kitchenette or have it delivered to your room in a box.
££ • Family rooms • Babysitting
The Beaufort
This privately owned hotel offers 29 comfortable, tastefully decorated bedrooms, a relaxed atmosphere and a very classy Knightsbridge address. Be sure to return from shopping or sightseeing in time for tea and mouth-watering home-made scones, served from 3–5pm and included in the room price. There’s also a great choice of excellent restaurants nearby.
££ • Family rooms • Babysitting
The Cranley
A night spent here feels more like staying with friends than in a hotel: it’s a traditional, luxurious home-from-home with plenty of personal touches, such as an honesty bar and turn-down service. A highlight of the day is afternoon tea, served on the front terrace in summer and by the fire in winter. There are family offers from time to time.
£££ • Babysitting
Darlington Hyde Park
The area around Paddington is full of B&Bs, many of them rather dubious. However, here is a superior one, well located for the train station and Heathrow Express, as well as Oxford Street’s shops. Although some family rooms are on the lower-ground floor, they still feel bright and breezy. Fridges in the rooms are a bonus.
£££ • Family rooms • Babysitting • Garden
Hyde Park Rooms
In business for more than 30 years, this modest family-run B&B offers no-frills accommodation plus a generous breakfast at unbeatable prices for central London. Guests are guaranteed a warm welcome from the owner and staff, and although rooms are simple and not all have en-suite facilities, they are certainly spick and span.
£ • Family rooms
Lavender Guesthouse
Simply decorated and equipped, but squeaky clean and very friendly, this guesthouse is in a quiet suburban area but is only a short walk from Clapham Junction (7 minutes by train from Victoria). Rooms are small (but prices are smaller) and those without bathrooms mostly have their own WC. The sunny garden is filled with flowers and shrubs.
£ • Garden • Credit cards not accepted
New Linden
Not far from Portobello Road, this converted townhouse has 51 pristine and carefully designed rooms. Floors are wooden; walls, plain with the occasional modern painting; and beds have distinctive headboards and colourful covers. The staff couldn’t be friendlier, and rooms are good value, especially, as the excellent buffet breakfast is included in the price.
££ • Family rooms
Number Sixteen
Tim and Kit Kemp, who own Firmdale Hotels, have the knack of creating places to stay that not only look stunning but are easy going and smooth running. Number Sixteen is no exception. Extras include 24-hour room service, a DVD library, honesty bar and freshly-squeezed orange juice for breakfast.
£££ • Family rooms • Babysitting • Garden
Park City
Tucked away behind Cromwell Road, which runs in an almost straight line from Hammersmith to Harrods, the award-winning Park City spreads itself through seven substantial houses. Once the little ones are in bed, the grown-ups can enjoy a nightcap in Ruby’s Cocktail Bar (which also serves lunchtime snacks).
££ • Family rooms • Babysitting • Garden
The Parkwood at Marble Arch
This is a tranquil oasis close to, but a world apart from, the frenzy of Marble Arch. Tasteful prints hang on the walls of the spacious, cheerfully decorated bedrooms, some of which have handsome iron bedsteads. There are no hidden costs, and the price, which includes a full English breakfast, represents terrific value for money.
££ • Family rooms
Rhodes
The current owners of the Rhodes have been at the helm since 1978 and take great pride in their friendly, eclectic B&B in an elegant Georgian house, which was first opened before World War II. Double glazing keeps the rooms beautifully quiet; the ones at the top are a fairly steep climb, but there are willing members of staff to help with luggage.
£ • Family rooms
Royal Park
The name is apt: Hyde Park is only a few minutes’ walk south from this smart, traditional little hotel. Families can arrange to have interconnecting rooms, where breakfast is served in bed each morning. It may be pricey, but extras, such as Wi-Fi, use of a guest computer and champagne at 7pm, are included.
£££ • Babysitting • Garden
Sydney House
Plumb between the shops of the King’s Road and the museums of South Kensington, this is a cool but cosy Georgian townhouse that has undergone a chic makeover. Rooms have pale walls, blonde-wood floors, flat-screen TVs and comfy beds. It has charming staff and fair prices (look out for special offers).
£££ • Babysitting
Trebovir
In the same street as the Amsterdam and occupying two 19th-century white stucco houses, this revamped small hotel has some double-height windows, which make the interior feel light and airy. A number of rooms have traditional bathrooms, while others have tiny pods, so be sure to check first. The best rates just drop it into the inexpensive bracket.
£ • Family rooms
Self-catering
Allen House
Families who like to shop need look no further than these traditional, roomy apartments in an Edwardian mansion block off Kensington High Street, one of London’s most vibrant shopping streets. Communal gardens and Holland Park (within strolling distance) will stop the children from feeling cooped up. There is first-rate service too.
£££ • Babysitting • Garden
Astons Apartments
Three thoughtfully restored Victorian townhouses now house these stylish studio and family apartments. Each comes with a fully equipped kitchenette, satellite TV and designer furnishings. Maid service is available. Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park are nearby.
£
Beaufort House
Just a 5-minute hop from Harrods toy department, these exclusive one- to four-bedroom apartments overlook a Knightsbridge cul-de-sac. Each one is handsomely furnished and boasts a top-of-the-range kitchen and bathroom. Facilities include iPod docking stations and an extensive DVD collection.
£££ • Babysitting
Castletown House
If these were a short distance east, inside the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, prices could be double. Choose between studios (a tight fit), and one- or two-bedroom apartments with delightful courtyards. The owners are on hand to welcome and help.
££ • Babysitting
Fraser Place Queens Gate
Ideal for families planning a visit to the dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum, these apartments are well designed, and with wipeable surfaces, they are available per night. Home entertainment includes cable TV, DVD and CD players. Daily maid service and 24-hour reception.
££ • Babysitting
Oyster Wharf
These luxury serviced apartments, just 8-minutes’ walk from Clapham Junction Station, are equipped with microwaves, dishwashers, refrigerators and washing machines. Foldaway beds can be provided for an additional fee. Facilities include free Wi-Fi, TVs and DVD players.
££
Royal Court Apartments
Managed by the Paddington Hotel opposite, these apartments range from the modest and old-fashioned to the sleek and refurbished (reflected in the price). Families will be comfortable with two bedrooms, a sitting room and kitchen.
££
Space Apart Hotel
These are an outstanding choice for families, with everything on demand, from Wii games to potties. The excellent management are hands-on and the wide-open spaces of Hyde Park are on the doorstep. The apartments (some duplex) are enlivened by quirky details (such as zebra-print carpets) and have the latest Bosch appliances, practical but attractive furniture and clever storage.
££ • Babysitting
Beyond the Centre
< Greenwich and Around
< V&A Museum of Childhood and Around
< Kenwood House and Around
< Horniman Museum and Around
< Kew Gardens and Around
Hotels
Boundary Rooms
There is plenty of space to spread out in the bedrooms at Terence Conran’s typically stylish converted Victorian printworks in buzzy Shoreditch. Have breakfast and snacks in the congenial Albion, a café-cum-bakery (open 8am–midnight) and, in summer, eat on the rooftop (which hums at weekends) with the whole City on display.
££ • Babysitting
Crowne Plaza Shoreditch
Handy for east visiting families, who can eat breakfast with a view in the top-floor Globe restaurant, or nip around the corner to Leila’s Shop (15 Calvert Avenue), a Spitalfields’ institution. With Brick Lane, Columbia Road and Spitalfields all within striking distance, this is a recommended option for market enthusiasts. Rooms are bland, but spacious.
££ • Babysitting
Hilton London Docklands
With a complimentary ferry service to and from Canary Wharf Tube station, getting around from this riverside hotel could hardly be easier. The rather utilitarian family rooms are a decent size, but if you need two because of your children, the second room will be half price. There is also a small pool.
£ • Family rooms • Babysitting
Novotel London Greenwich
This branch of the ubiquitous hotel chain stands out for the warmth of its staff and the comfort and cleanliness of its rooms. The company aims to make families a priority, and this hotel comes equipped with a PlayStation 3 and two Apple computers. The splendid breakfast will set you and the family up for a day of sightseeing in Greenwich.
£ • Family rooms
Premier Inn, Hampstead
Fairly convenient for the sights of the West End (via the Northern Line from Belsize Park tube) and close to the attractive outdoor spaces of Hampstead Heath and Kenwood House, this Premier Inn has smart, contemporary public areas and an on-site Thyme restaurant and Costa Coffee. Bedrooms are quiet, if slightly smaller than average for this chain. It looks a bit dull on the outside, but is made more cosy by attentive service at reception.
£ • Family rooms
Ramada London Docklands
A cut above the usual chain hotels and handy for City Airport and the DLR, which zooms into the heart of the City in minutes. The best suites overlook Victoria Dock and have their own kitchenettes. Alternatively, forget cooking and try the tasty Italian dishes on offer at the hotel’s Stresa restaurant. Free parking.
£ • Family rooms • Garden
Richmond Gate
A hotel with a country-house feel, steps from London’s largest park, the river and the centre of Richmond, with its shops and theatres. A cottage in the grounds provides good family accommodation, and guests can use the pool at the health club next door. Highly-rated food.
£££ • Babysitting • Garden
Self-catering
Fox Apartments
A superb conversion of a 170-year-old warehouse next to an official Olympic venue and handy for the DLR. Exposed brickwork, warm neutral colours, two bathrooms, small patios and simple stylish fixtures and fittings make these duplexes a great find in Docklands. There is some airport noise, but it’s not a huge problem.
££
Glenthurston
For energy-filled young ones, there are swings, a trampoline and grass to run around on in the gardens of these neighbouring Victorian houses, as well as a pool table and an indoor swimming pool. These simple, cheerful apartments are perfect for families. There are direct buses to Greenwich and the Horniman Museum, and a good train service into town. Only week-long lets are available.
£ • Babysitting • Garden
Sanctum
There is little doubt that you get more space for your money even a short distance out of the centre. A three-minute walk from Kilburn Park Tube station (and a direct route to Oxford Circus), this circular space-age building houses 43 light, handsomely furnished apartments, with well-appointed kitchens and first-class management.
£££
Town Hall Apartments
Just a five-minute walk from the V&A Museum of Childhood, the Town Hall Apartments are a happy combination of imposing Edwardian architecture and striking contemporary furnishings. The beautifully designed apartments have state-of-the-art facilities, such as wet rooms, and enjoy those of the hotel, including pool and gym. Hotel staff are obliging.
££ • Babysitting
Restaurant with Rooms
La Gaffe
Above its own cheerful family-run Italian restaurant in Hampstead’s village atmosphere, near the Heath and Kenwood House, La Gaffe has cosy, pleasing rooms with serviceable bathrooms. There are very friendly, hospitable staff, who are prepared to go the extra mile to help, and, of course, wonderful home-cooked Italian food.
£ • Family rooms • Garden
