The Most Festive 5-star Hotels in London
It’s the most wonderful time of the year (so they say).
Christmas has once again reared its tinselled head. The drinks will be merry, the food filling, and the hangover long-winded. But before the festivities really kick off, there’s still a chance to wander the wintry streets of London and be captivated some of the country’s most dazzling Christmas light displays. And, as usual, the city’s luxury hotels have got in on the act, each attempting to enchant its guests and outdo its rivals with ever more stylish and elaborate festive decorations. Last month,
in Mayfair unveiled an impressive 17.5m tall Christmas tree designed by widely acclaimed British sculptor Antony Gormley.
Antony Gormley's 17.5m tree for The Connaught The trunk of the magnificent Western Red Cedar has been transformed into a column of brilliant light across which its branches and foliage weave a constantly changing dance. Another iconic Mayfair hotel,
went for something quite different this year, installing an immersive festive installation in the hotel's lobby.
A festive magical forest in the lobby at Claridge's Designers Sir Jony Ive, Apple’s Chief Design Officer, and Marc Newson have turned the space into a magical forest where once can explore the relationship between nature and technology, tradition and the future.
in Shoreditch also has an unusual festive centrepiece this year. Named ‘Body Parts’, the hotel's Christmas tree is designed by J.W. Anderson and is adorned with, you guessed it, body parts, as well as cardboard cut-outs of a Graeco-Roman bust, of course. Not very Christmassy, indeed - maybe one to skip with the kids.
'Body Parts' at The ACE Hotel in Shoreditch
in Fitzrovia sparkles with this magical Christmas tree. Renowned set designer and art director Simon Costin has taken inspiration from Welsh mythology in creating this fantastical feature, set in the hotel's lobby bar.
The London Edition's magical Christmas tree Delicate moths, plum-coloured baubles, and gorgeous lights adorn the tree, while an elaborate owl perches on top, replacing the traditional angel or star.
has teamed up with Boodles and Louis Roederer for its “frozen fantasia” display. It features a 15ft tree in the lobby adorned with decorations inspired by Boodles, a cascading Louis Roederer Champagne bauble installation, and a decorative ‘ice rink’.
The Savoy London's “frozen fantasia” Over the Christmas and New Year period, the 5-star Savoy is also offering an “Ice and Diamonds” afternoon tea, featuring Boodles-inspired patisserie and Louis Roederer vintage rose cuvée. Meanwhile,
have collaborated with footwear designer Lucy Choi to spruce up the 5-star boutique property for Christmas. Cascading down the historic hotel’s winding staircase, oversized, transparent baubles hang delicately, each containing one of Choi’s glamorous heels.
St James’s Hotel and Club's collaboration with Lucy Choi
is also doing its part to keep the magic of Christmas alive, with a soaring 25ft Christmas tree taking centre stage in the hotel's lobby. The tree is dressed in a traditional red and gold colour scheme with shimmering baubles, gigantic red velvet bows, and twinkling lights that tower up through the rotunda extending to the hotel’s first floor. The stunning display continues through the hotel’s Long Gallery, The Palm Court, The Ritz Restaurant and William Kent House.
A 25ft Christmas tree at The Ritz London
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