World War II History in England and France

Overview

London might be a city steeped in history but it’s certainly keeping pace with the best of them. The thoroughly British Haymarket Hotel is chic and modern whilst staying true to its roots, and there’s no compromise on location, either, as you find yourself in the heart of the capital’s theatre district.

With bright splashes of colour, bold prints and plenty of quirky design features, the Haymarket is a beacon of contemporary British style. The 50 rooms and suites have been individually designed, each with their own unique character.

The restaurant serves seasonal cuisine using locally sourced ingredients and the barmen are a dab hand at mixing elegant and refreshing cocktails. Make sure you indulge in the great British tradition of afternoon tea, a delightful mix of cakes, sandwiches, scones and of course, a pot of steaming loose-leaf tea. Head to the library when you want to retreat with a book or the morning papers.

The hotel’s indoor pool is not just for the health conscious; a ceiling studded with hundreds of fibre optic lights and an ever-changing light installation adds a real sense of atmosphere, and the poolside bar is your go-to for quenching your thirst. Exploring the capital couldn’t be easier: Mayfair and Regent Street are a mecca for shoppers; get your fix of culture at Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery; and take a stroll around St James’ Park, the oldest of the city’s eight Royal Parks.

Overview

With its beautiful architecture, fascinating history and cosmopolitan buzz, London really does tick all the boxes. Enjoy everything this wonderful city has to offer with a stay at The Rosewood London; located in an Edwardian Grade II listed building, its grand stonework and stunning facade indicative of what lies within.

The hotel is located on High Holborn, one of the capital’s most historic thoroughfares. You’re ideally situated to explore the heart of the city with Covent Garden, the City and the West End on your doorstep. When you’re not out exploring, relax in one of the 262 rooms or 44 suites complete with bespoke furnishings, marble bathrooms and Nespresso coffee machines.

The rich history of both the city and the hotel is reflected in its design which marries together a traditional manor house feel with modern British style. Guests enter the hotel through a impressive archway which leads to a grand Edwardian courtyard. The rose bronze gallery links the hotel’s public spaces and the spectacular Renaissance-style marble staircase winds its way through all seven storeys.

Sit back and enjoy the innovative cuisine in the dining room with its reclaimed oak, antique mirrors and red leather banquettes. The mirror room is a dazzling delight and here you can indulge in the most British of traditions, afternoon tea. One room sure to get you talking is Scarfes Bar; here the walls are covered in the artwork of Gerald Scarfe, acclaimed British artist and political cartoonist for the Sunday Times for 44 years. The terrace, with seasonal planting and lush greenery, is a real oasis of calm and the heated benches mean you can sit and soak up the atmosphere no matter what the weather is doing.

The streets of London are just begging to be explored and you have the National Gallery, Charles Dickens museum and the British Museum are just a stone’s throw away and the Tate Modern across the Thames. The glitz and glamour of the West End is calling so be sure to catch a show at one of the city’s many magical theatres.

Overview

Wonderfully located between the Strand and the northern banks of the River Thames, The Savoy has stood as a London landmark since its opening in 1889.

268 luxury rooms and suites celebrate two distinct historic styles – stately English Edwardian and Art Deco grandeur – each encapsulating a timeless London glamour. Many enjoy wonderful views across the river and to other monuments around the city.

Those staying in suites have a dedicated butler service, and all guests have access to Beauty and Fitness, a private facility in which offers spa treatments, a private pool, and 24-hour gym.

Fine dining is central to The Savoy’s history, indeed upon its opening it attracted an aristocratic crowd in full regalia, suppering in public for the first time. Today, Kaspar’s Seafood Bar and Grill offers informal dining in a stylish Deco setting, whilst Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill presents a British menu with a French touch. Simpson’s-in-the-Strand celebrates the best of British and is famous for its roasts.

The award-winning Beaufort Bar is renowned for pushing the boundaries of mixology and the Knight’s Bar is perfect for pre-theatre drinks. The beautiful Thames Foyer is where The Savoy serves one of London’s best Afternoon Teas.

Overview

When it comes to timeless British style, Claridge’s is hard to beat. Located in the heart of Mayfair, the seven-storey, terracotta-faced hotel is synonymous with style and has long been an institution in the capital.

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were among the first few to walk through its doors, and it has been favoured by royalty and heads of state ever since. A redesign led by C.W Stephens, who was also responsible for Harrod’s, turned it into one of London’s most prestigious hotels, a reputation it has held for over a century.

The hotel’s iconic art deco style is evident as soon as you step inside, with the Foyer’s black and white geometric floor tiles, gilded mirrors and Dale Chihuly chandelier. Each of the 203 rooms and suites have been individually designed and effortlessly blend comfort and style. The impressive Prince Alexander Suite even features a Broadwood grand piano and sheet music.

Simon Rogan is the mastermind behind the hotel’s Michelin-starred Fera restaurant, where the focus is on creative British cuisine that follows the seasons. The team at Claridge’s have been perfecting the art of afternoon tea for 150 years; finger sandwiches, scones and delicate pastries are served alongside a selection of carefully selected loose-leaf teas on their signature green and white striped chinaware. The Fumoir Bar is an atmospheric hideaway where classic cocktails are reinvented, forgotten drinks are brought back to life and bold new creations are served in Lalique crystal glasses.

Claridge’s is a stone’s throw from London’s most prestigious shopping districts and world-class galleries, theatres and museums, while the leafy expanses of Hyde Park and St James’ Park are perfect for strolling.

Overview

A former private residence, Relais Christine is a charming boutique hotel nestled in Paris’ Left Bank in Saint-Germain des-Prés.

With just 48 rooms and suites, the hotel has a wonderfully intimate feel. Antique furnishings, rich fabrics and exquisite marble bathrooms give rooms an undeniably French feel, and some come with balconies from which to admire this corner of the capital.

The cosy lounge with fireplace is the perfect place to relax with a morning coffee and the papers, or a glass of wine before you set off to discover the Latin Quarter which lies right on your doorstep.

A paved courtyard sits between the front and back buildings and leads to the entrance. A beautiful garden, accessible to only a few hotel guests, is a real oasis of calm where greenery is laced across the walls and flowers tumble from the balconies above.

There is also a Guerlain spa with Jacuzzi, sauna, exercise room and private treatment rooms where you can relax and unwind.

Overview

A selection of ten luxury apartments on the Place du Trocadéro in the glamorous 16th arrondissement of Paris, with just the Jardins du Trocadéro and the Seine between you and the Eiffel Tower.

The apartments range from 140 square metres (1507 square feet) to 300 square metres (3230 square feet), with one to four bedrooms, all in a grand, quintessential Parisian Haussmann-style building.

This is in magnificent contrast to the interior of the apartments, which are all spacious, understated and graced with designer decoration by the talented Rémi Tessier to make you feel at home from the moment you enter.

To ensure you settle in, all the apartments offer services such as a concierge ready and willing to tend to your every need, valet parking and a housekeeper who will prepare breakfast. A professional chef can handle all your meals and there are a range in-home personal care services to soothe and pamper on request such as massages, hair-styling, manicures, pedicures, and much more.