I was lucky enough to enjoy a night at The Landmark hotel, London back in 2010 and, though it was a mere 24 hours (if that) that I languished in a gorgeous room, ate to my heart’s content in the hotel’s restaurant, 222, and relaxed in the hotel’s stunning spa, I’ve not forgotten a second of it since.
That was before having a child, when I could strike 24 hours out of my life for a press visit without a thought for school runs, bed times and my own maternal need to see Lola everyday. So it was a joy to read this week of the half term deals at the Landmark, a hotel I had thought of as ideal for couples in the capital. The Landmark is, it turns out, extremely family-friendly and strikes me as an ideal getaway for those seeking a last-minute break in the upcoming half term holidays. (For readers outside the UK this is obviously too far to come for a few days but we highly recommend you look into this hotel when visiting London with children).
So location-wise this is astonishing. You’re a stone’s throw from London Zoo, a glorious place loaded with memories for most who grew up in this city. Regent’s Park, with its secretive winding gardens, tennis courts and endless stretches of greenery, is also only a brief walk away. And those after retail therapy with their children on board will love the fact that the retail meccas that are Oxford Street, Regent Street and Westfield Shopping Centre are just a brief taxi ride away.
In terms of accommodation, The Landmark offers large and luxurious family rooms, which can sleep two adults and two children under 12, with ease. There are also adjoining rooms available if you want something that feels more like an apartment.
222 and The Winter Garden, (a stunning open space in the heart of the hotel that is indoors despite what the name might suggest) both offer children’s menus with as much variety on offer for kids as for parents. (This makes a refreshing change from the usual few requisite kids’ items added lazily to the end of adult menus, don’t you think?)
And the stunning aforementioned spa? Well, that considers children as much as parents with special kids’ times in the swimming pool at the Spa and Health Club, meaning you can relax during a massage safe in the knowledge that they are happily occupied just feet away. And if your tots are too tiny to leave unaccompanied, fear not, because the hotel’s concierge will gladly arrange a babysitter or nanny for you.
This half term holiday may only be weeks away but the hotel still has a few precious family rooms available that start at £414 per night.
See other London hotels featured in our guide to the UK on kodomo.com