Looking for a hotel break in London that’s offering up a Christmas special? Or somewhere to treat your other half with the best winter food and drink? Perhaps you want somewhere aesthetically beautiful, that’s lots of fun and in a prime location? If so then you’re in luck because here’s our top 3 luxury London hotel picks for winter 2019!

Lincoln Plaza London

Lincoln Plaza London is the latest addition to the highly impressive Curio Collection by Hilton portfolio. Combining luxury lifestyle with the feel-good factor, the hotel’s ultra-modern exterior has been inspired by the sleek architectural lines of Canary Wharf – the city’s financial and commercial hub in which it’s located. Also drawing inspiration from the area’s industrial heritage are interiors that imaginatively blend contemporary and classical materials, from polished concrete floors, steel feature walls and Crittall-style windows through to clever use of railway sleepers and other reclaimed materials.

Lincoln Plaza London’s focus on luxurious lifestyle facilities includes a range of
innovative food and drink outlets designed by the multi award-winning DesignLSM. Spearheading these is the signature Pan-Indian restaurant Mr Todiwala’s Kitchen, the much-anticipated new opening by acclaimed chef, Cyrus Todiwala OBE, DL. His approach to sustainable food production, use of local ingredients and environmental best practice fits perfectly with the hotel’s own stance on nature and the environment. Among the dishes destined to become firm favourites here is the Leeli Chutney Ni Salmon: organically reared Wester Ross salmon marinated in Parsee-style fresh green chutney, skewered and chargrilled in the tandoor and served with chutney based on Cyrus’ mother’s own family recipe. It’s exquisite, in a word.

The hotel’s Food Store concept, meanwhile, comprises three vibrant offerings: Restaurant, a social space for casual all-day dining under the auspices of Senior Head Chef Rumel Pinnock (genuinely serves the best breakfast sausage ever); a Lobby Bar where visitors can choose from a dedicated Negroni menu, or a local brew from nearby Kernel or London Fields Brewery, and Grocer, in which guests and locals alike can enjoy the ultimate take-home experience in the form of locally sourced, organic and artisanal products complemented by selections from a curated wine shop. From the early 1800s onwards, the Canary Wharf Estate was one of the busiest docks in the world. Here giant warehouses supplied provisions to both Londoners and the multitude of vessels that docked here. Food Store continues to honour this great tradition of providing sustenance to locals and visitors alike.

There’s also the Jack Speak Bar and Terrace, with its exclusive cocktail collection, premium spirits and small producer wines. They offer a playful, contemporary twist on the 19th century Royal Navy Officers’ Wardroom and a must-try Bloody Mary.

The design cues of these areas transition seamlessly to the bedrooms, creating a luxurious residential feel. Created by RPW Design, a world leader in hospitality interiors (RAF Club London, The Fairmont St Andrews and the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park), Lincoln Plaza London’s 129 guest rooms are the very pinnacle of comfort and style. From the bespoke shelving units made of blackened steel and antique brass though to the marble rainfall showers, all elements work together to create a feeling of relaxed, accessible richness. Most impressive though are the thoughtful little extras that make Lincoln Plaza London stand out from the crowd, whether that be hairdryers with three-metre cables, premium bedding from Kings of Cotton or bespoke artwork. Throw in a 24-hour fitness centre boasting an 18-metre pool, sauna and steam room, and it’s hardly a surprise Lincoln Plaza London is one of the top three choices this winter.

For more information visit lincolnplazalondon.co.uk

Andaz London

Andaz London Liverpool Street is conveniently located for visitors and locals for both corporate and leisure experiences. Sitting right next door to Liverpool Street Station, the hotel reflects the local area through a diverse range of restaurants, bars and unique event spaces, which have been designed to inspire the senses.

Heritage is key to the venue; the property dates back to 1884 when it was built as the
Great Eastern Hotel, before being reinvented as Andaz London in 2007. Since then the hotel has evolved, welcoming curious, creative and fashionable guests from across the globe to experience its vibrant areas, which extend to the rooms and suites. Stepping into the Andaz Lounge, a stunning entrance, guests are immediately connected with the hotel’s sense of space, sight and scent.

This space pays homage to the hotel’s railway heritage and East London’s avant-garde location, with its reminiscent feel of a 19th century saloon carriage, dramatic curtains adorning the walls and a reception desk detailed with rivets and metal banding. Other whimsical touches include stacked vintage trunks, which serve as a DJ stand… because, why not? This dazzling area also features artwork that reflects the creativity of the neighbourhood, including a large mural piece by artist group Le Gun from the Royal College of Art, which provides Instagrammable moments for hotel guests and locals alike.

The Andaz Lounge hosts a complimentary Canape & Wine Hour for residents, between 6pm and 8pm daily, with soft beverages and snacks available, also gratis, throughout the
day, further helping to create a relaxed, residential feel.

Andaz London has 267 spacious rooms, including 15 suites, designed by Conran & Partners to create spaces where the traditional City meets the vibrant East End, capturing the hotel’s location and heritage. Pinstriped carpets are a nod to the uniforms of the nearby bankers, with accentuated stitched ‘jeans’ fabric around the base of the bed in recognition of the area’s sartorial past. Tattoo art by local illustrator Sophie Mo on the tan-leather bed headboards pays homage to the silk weavers that used to dominate Shoreditch’s textile industry. Photography of the local area by local photographer Martin Usborne again helps to connect guests with the hotel’s dynamic surroundings.

The 80-square metre (ANDAZ) RED suite, meanwhile, was designed by Sir Terence Conran and also features interiors inspired by the neighbourhood. 30% of the nightly charge is donated to the (RED) charity, co-founded by U2 frontman Bono, to support the fight against AIDS.

There is something to suit all dining tastes at Andaz London, with no less than six
restaurants and bars, each with their own distinctive character, unique offering and
personal service.

• Rake’s Café Bar is a fun way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. A café by day
  and bar by night, it features three distinct areas: the garden-influenced The Front Room, the sophisticated The Parlour and No. 3, a secret hideaway for those looking for extra privacy.
• Encapsulating the buzz of the East End, Eastway Brasserie is a place which presents a relaxed and vibrant dining experience throughout the day, serving breakfast, grill classics and speciality dishes to suit every palate.
• 1901 Wine Lounge takes pride of place in the hotel and features an eclectic and stylish range of over 160 wines from well-known vineyards to new producers.
• Miyako is an intimate Japanese restaurant with a traditional menu of sushi, sashimi and teriyaki, alongside a variety of sake and Japanese beers – I personally highly recommend dinner here. 
• A destination for the curious, Lady Abercorn’s Pub & Kitchen is named in honour of a sassy but caring landlady whose influence can be found in the décor and on the menu.

Arguably one of London’s best kept secrets, however, is The Masonic Temple, housed in the depths and available for private hire. Built in 1912, and the City’s only original Freemason’s meeting lodge, it was rediscovered only by chance during the hotel’s
refurbishment. This extraordinary Grade II listed space boasts 12 varieties of Italian marble, Doric and Ionic columns, gilt fittings and a splendid zodiac ceiling. Not to mention a throne where Lady Gaga once sat!

For more information visit www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/england-united-kingdom/andaz-london-liverpool-street/longe

South Place Hotel

South Place Hotel is an 80-bedroom, luxury hotel in the City of London, just minutes away from Moorgate and Liverpool Street stations. What’s special about this place is that it is the first hotel from the restaurateurs, D&D London. Featuring Conran-designed interiors, two restaurants, three bars and five private dining and meeting rooms, the hotel exudes London’s energy and culture. It offers strong links to the neighbourhoods on its doorstep: Silicon Roundabout at Old Street; the art, fashion and nightlife of Spitalfields, Shoreditch and Hoxton; and connecting business travellers in the Square Mile.

As the name might suggest, South Place Chop House takes inspiration from London’s
traditional establishments, marrying good food with engaging service and a great atmosphere. The area was once famed for its chop houses and so the offering here is a refinement of the conventional 18th Century venues. South Place Chop House is overseen by the hotel’s Executive Chef, Gary Foulkes, who holds a Michelin star and works in tandem with Head Chef, Guy Betteridge. Menus are uncomplicated but ever changing, dedicated to seasonal and carefully sourced cuts of meat and freshly caught fish, modernised with continental flavours and seasoning. Stacks of classic copper pans, artwork by Thorbjørn Andersen and a choice of intimate banquette seating as well as larger, communal tables, set the scene. South Place Chop House is the jewel in the D&D London crown; they operate over 35 of the most famous restaurants in London, Leeds, Paris, New York, Istanbul and Tokyo.

Arrive hungry this winter and with your skates packed because this Christmas the hotel is celebrating the festive season in honour of the famous Vanilla Ice song ‘Ice Ice Baby’ with CÎROC Vodka! Taking place within South Place Hotel’s Secret Garden, the hotel has created the most Instagrammable setting to have Christmas cocktails in.

Opening on 27th November, it’ll be the place to indulge in pure decadence as you will be transported into a Christmas haven of exquisite CÎROC cocktails, baubles, twinkly lights, cosy throws, glittering disco balls, a CÎROC masterclass and even snowfall…

Despite whatever the weather brings us this winter, South Place Hotel is the only place you are guaranteed snowfall. Check out the South Place Hotel Instagram account every Monday from 2nd December to get an update on the weather forecast and find out when it’s going to snow.

The specially curated Ice Ice Baby menu features a limited-edition CÎROC White Grape. Distilled five times to ensure the highest quality and an opulent silky-smooth feel, CÎROC vodka is then masterfully infused with a distinctive blend of ripe and fruity white grapes. The result is a rich tasting spirit imbued with delicate floral notes, hints of crisp citrus and lush honeydew – perfect for the Christmas season.

Interested in more? Then sign up to the CÎROC masterclass and impress your friends or a date with some new-found drinks knowledge and add cocktail making to your party trick list. The exclusive and one-off masterclass will take place on Saturday 7th December at 2pm. You can book your place on the hotel’s website, link below.

For more information visit southplacehotel.com