Jane McGowan enjoys a night of luxury at The Strand Palace Hotel...
The Strand Palace Hotel
For anyone thinking of popping into London for a weekend of Christmas shopping or to catch a festive show or two - I can certainly recommend a stay at The Strand Palace Hotel.
Situated within 500m of Charing Cross on one of the capital’s most famous thoroughfares, The Strand Palace makes the ideal base from which to explore some of London’s loveliest landmarks such as Covent Garden, the National Gallery, not to mention the shopping opportunities to be found on Oxford and Regent Streets.
The Strand Palace first opened its doors in 1909 and became the focus of London’s social scene during the 1920s when its fabulous art deco designs played host to gaggles of flapper girls and their dashing beaus.
The Second World War saw the hotel taking on a new role as it became a base for US serviceman.
The frivolity continued as best as it could – dances were held regularly and the restaurant continued to operate, accepting ration coupons from its customers. It also provided shelter in the basement for guests during the nightly air raids.
The latter half saw a great deal of modernisation, but remnants of its glittering past – including a 1920s revolving door - can still be viewed in collections the hotel or in the V&A’s archives.
Today, the newly-refurbished hotel stands proud in the heart of the Strand – offering easy access to a number of great shows including Waitress (at the Adelphi, within 100m); 9-to-5 – (at the Savoy Theatre, across the road); and Mischief Theatre’s production of Groan Ups has taken up residence at the Vaudeville just moments away. While family favourite The Lion King is within a five-minute walk.
Myself and my daughter enjoyed a wonderful night’s stay in a Deluxe Room which comes complete with fluffy robes and slippers, high-speed WiFi and a personal Nespresso machine - not to mention a complimentary mini and dry bar.
While the room was compact, it was nevertheless very comfortable and provided for everything guests, whether visiting for business or leisure, could want.
For anyone new to London, there was plenty of reading matter and guides to eateries and attractions available in the room. Not to mention a raft of helpful and well-informed staff who were on hand to attend to your every need.
The hotel offers a range of rooms including Superior (which start at £170 per night for a single) to Standard (which start at £140 per night) and the Deluxe, with prices from £230 per night.
A sumptuous breakfast is available in the spacious Haxells Restaurant (which also hosts dinner and afternoon tea), where you can help yourself to a vast selection of delights from fresh fruit and Danish pastries to a full English. Just what you need to shore you up for a day at the shops.
For more information, visit: strandpalacehotel.co.uk
