The Standard, London
This King’s Cross hotel fast gained a reputation for its sheer sense of fun after opening in 2019, and this Christmas doesn’t disappoint. A winter yurt serves Snowball slushies outside, while guests at Isla can toast s’mores over tabletop coals – the Christmas Day lunch itself at the rooftop Decimo features Spanish pigs in blankets and Muscovy duck with mole. The hotel’s two trees have been designed by artists-in-residence Harris Reed (gothic romance) and Chet Lo (a vision in abstract modern).
Address: The Standard, 10 Argyll Street, London WC1H 8EG
Price: Doubles from £180
Website: Booking.com
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Claridge’s
A Christmas stay at this Mayfair classic is a heart-warming, Dickensian-style experience (in the best sense) that includes stockings for all ages, with storytelling for children on Christmas Eve, Christmas carols and a carriage ride around Mayfair – there are even carrots to leave out for Santa, who pays a visit alongside one of his elves. Christmas lunch can be taken at any of the three restaurants, though our advice is to try for a table at Daniel Humm’s Davies and Brook, which will be closing for good on Friday 31 December. If you’re not staying, book a table at the hotel’s new Painter’s Room bar and admire the luminous, holographic tree designed by Dior’s Kim Jones on the way there.
Address: Claridge’s, Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HR
Price: Christmas package doubles from £3,500 for a two-night stay in a Superior King
Website: Booking.com
Now read our full review of Claridge’s
