Staycation Hotels | The Times Luxx
The Times Luxx | 26 February 2011
The ultimate staycation
Check into luxury... in your home town, by Laura Ivill
In your London apartment, you have Ralph Lauren bed linen, wi-fi, a DVD player and a well-stocked fridge; but this Friday night you choose not to go home, but check into Blakes hotel, instead – for a long weekend. You crack open a bottle of Ruinart as your partner arrives, knowing you have days ahead to do as you jolly well please.
This idea of staycationing in your own city is something that hotels have been picking up on. “It’s been a trend at Blakes for many years now,” says Blakes' general manager Marco Cilia, “so much so that more than 20 per cent of our business comes from guests who actually live in London.”
It’s a similar story over at the Connaught: “It’s a luxury in these frenetic times just to catch your breath,” says the general manager Nathalie Seiler-Hayez. “Staying in a London hotel feels like an indulgent treat without all the hassle of travel.”
At a time when we treasure our weekend breaks as much as our big annual blow-outs, the city staycation can help you decompress after a busy week, and give you the chance to see your own city with fresh eyes, visit a new gallery or catch a show.
This year, it seems, the minibreak got even more mini.
Blakes, for spoiling a new squeeze. Designed by Anouska Hempel and oozing glamour, each room has its own distinct look inspired by far-flung places: Russia, India, Turkey… while the restaurant cunningly blends flavours from East and West. And all this just a stone’s throw from the Fulham Road.London SW7, rooms from £195 (blakeshotels.com)
The Connaught, for some me-time. The Connaught’s subtle makeover couples a sense of history and space with contemporary design. That is lovely, but more to the point it has the only Aman spa in the UK, offering serious, two-and-half-hour treatments, so you’re utterly refreshed. London W1, rooms from £420 (the-connaught.co.uk)
Claridge’s, for a swanky soirée. London’s Art Deco jewel continues to sparkle. Treat your friends to an evening of champagne and canapés in a penthouse suite to enjoy the sun setting over Mayfair. And when you’re through with your party? Sleep it off in your spick-and-span bedroom and grab a full English before catching a cab home. London W1, rooms from £369 (claridges.co.uk)
The Dorchester, for wining and dining your overseas friends and family. Loved ones coming to stay? Book everyone into this great British institution. Take the weekend off, see a West End show, dine at your favourite restaurants and go home on Sunday night refreshed for the week ahead. Bliss.London W1, rooms from £318 (thedorchester.com)
The Lowry, for a blow-out Saturday night… and Sunday lunch. On a waterside piazza near the clubs, bars and restaurants of Manchester, the Lowry, beloved by footballers, won’t fail to raise your spirits. The great glass façade opens into a stress-busting light and airy interior. The Lowry Hotel, Manchester, rooms from £169 (thelowryhotel.com)
Hotel Missoni, for a bit of Italy. Innovative design and a remarkable setting in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town make the suites a quirky treat, whether you’re entertaining friends, lapping up the decor or enjoying the city views. Hotel Missoni, Edinburgh, rooms from £300 (hotelmissoni.com)