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If you're sailing to or from Southampton, England, this summer — say, on one of Cunard Line's beauties such as Queen Mary 2 or another cruise line — you might want to spend a few nights luxuriating in London, if you have the budget.
My travel partner and I often book a hotel to stay in for the day or two before or after our cruise. It really helps with jet lag and also extends the vacation. Often we splurge on a suite.
I just came across six sumptuous hotel suites in London that I had to share. Every one is fit for a king or queen. You'll pay extra, but it sounds worth it. Fly over on Virgin Atlantic in Upper Class to start the pampering with Champagne and sleeper seats, or grab a pre-flight lounge pass and get a massage to start you on your escape.
1The Tudor Suite at the Milestone Hotel and Residence sits beneath an ornate Tudor Rose ceiling embellished by an extraordinary glass chandelier. The king-size bedroom of this royal suite has a four-poster bed. The living area was inspired by the Tudor period between 1485 and 1603. The suite boasts a pair of fireplaces with cozy chairs. And the view of Kensington Gardens can be admired from three large sets of light-filled windows
2The King's Suite at The Rubens at the Palace sports a lounge with windows facing the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace, home to the royal collection of historic coaches and carriages. An enchanting four-poster bed beckons. And there are free canapes at the bar nightly as well as a complimentary glass of Champers (British for Champagne) at check-in. You'll also find an en-suite bathroom and a living area featuring an optional Murphy bed, perfect for families or guests traveling together. With luxury fabric walls and eye-catching leopard print furnishings, this room is the perfect getaway for a special occasion.
3Another fab choice is the Stanhope Suite at the Chesterfield Mayfair. Rich fabrics in warm neutrals give this multi-functional suite a gloriously traditional English feel. The split-level bedroom features a raised area where you can take afternoon tea or relax. The living area has a dining table that seats six and enough business space and technology to stay in touch with the world throughout your stay. Other amenities include canapés delivered nightly, an espresso machine and Jing tea.
4There is nowhere else in London quite like 41’s Conservatory Master Suite, built with a glass conservatory ceiling. Where else can you sleep in such opulent luxury beneath the twinkling city stars? If you get tired of the view, electric blinds turn your split-level suite into a private paradise complete with marbled bathroom and whirlpool bath. A combination of wonderful views of the Royal Mews, a Nepresso machine and penthouse seclusion make this an unforgettable setting for a romantic getaway.
5The Victoria and Albert Suite at the Egerton House Hotel is named after Britain’s beloved Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. (Queen Victoria reigned for 63 years in the 1800s.) The suite is filled with warm red décor and has a separate lounge area that takes you back to the time of the Tudors. Distinctive furniture and lavish fabrics add extra touches. Located on the ground floor, the suite is ideal for families, featuring two comfortable sofa beds and a gold four-poster bed in the main bedroom. The separate sitting lounge has floor-length French doors that open to the private outside Garden Terrace, where guests can spend their day surrounded by the quietude of the Egerton Gardens. The suite is packed with additional amenities such as a Nespresso machine, a Games and Toys cabinet and a Garden Terrace Cocktail Bar where guests can mix their favorite drink.
6The Bedford Suite at the Montague on the Gardens was named after the successive Dukes of Bedford, who all played a part in creating Bloomsbury, the intellectual and literary hub in London. (If you're unfamiliar with them, you'd recognize them as publishers of the Harry Potter series.) There's a private street entrance that gets you into this colorful and extravagantly decorated accommodation. Walls are draped in elegantly striped silk wallpaper and feature artwork by Spanish artist and sculptor Joan Miró and renowned French artist Henri Matisse. Big windows provide views of evergreen trellises.
The author and Cruiseable received no compensation for this article. See Cruiseable's Ethics & disclosure policy. All hotels are part of Red Carnation Hotels, a group of five-star boutique hotels providing luxury hotel accommodation for guests in London, Geneva, Florida and South Africa.
What do you think? Worth springing for? If you're heading across the pond, safe travels! If you're interested in a cruise to or from the mother country, call a Cruiseable travel advocate at 1-877-322-3773.
