Mayfair is home to a unique shopping experience that you won’t find anywhere else in London. With delightfully British streets offering designer goods and finery’s that one might only dream of owning, there is something truly special about seeing such luxury all in one place.
Bond Street is renowned as the go-to street for London’s opulence. Where Jewellery stores offer exclusive designs and rare stones, and the fashion is only the best. This special street is regularly frequented by the rich and famous and home to huge fashion names like Chanel, Gucci and Hermès. In fact, Bond Street is known to have the highest concentration of haute couture stores in Europe!
A short walk from Bond Street, is another must-shop destination – Mount Street. A slightly lesser-known gem but no less dripping in luxury fashion and art. Hosting more big brand boutiques like Christian Louboutin and Jenny Packham, it showcases a perfect combination of modern shop fronts and Victorian architecture. Just don’t forget to let your mouth water over the beautiful pastries on offer in Pastricceria Marchesi. Indulge in a little slice of Milan and taste its skilfully made specialities using only the highest quality ingredients. You’re sure to find a treat on one of the original shopping streets in London!
No Mayfair trip would be complete without a visit to Burlington Arcade. The Uk’s oldest and longest shopping arcade. Yet again, a lovely opportunity to combine some history and architecture with a splash of retail therapy. You can even book a tour with one of the ‘Beadles’ who, donned in their Victorian inspired uniforms, uphold the peace within the arcade. So no running allowed! The Beadles are known as one of the smallest private guards in the UK – You can’t help but be surrounded in British culture.
For the next few months, a London shopping experience will be even more magical. The nights will be illuminated by thousands of sparkling lights. Bond Street’s decorations will be a little different this year and have been designed to celebrate the British Monarch. With inspiration taken from the Jubilee and the iconic crown jewels. So, you can be sure to expect crowns, necklaces, and tiaras aplenty. Creating all the glitz and glamour will be over 90 000 twinkling LEDS!
Once you’ve shopped, you’ll need somewhere to drop! Come and take a load off your feet and admire all your new purchases at The Washington Mayfair Hotel. Our cosy hotel rooms are situated in Mayfair only a short distance away from Bond Street and Burlington Arcade, so it makes the perfect destination to stay. Visit our website to book your stay and receive some special rewards if you book directly, as a little thank you from us. We hope you enjoy visiting this luxury area of London, our only advice… don’t spend too much!
Category: mayfair
Top Five Things to Do in Mayfair
Mayfair is one of the most premium areas of London. It’s a frequent spot to visit for the rich and famous, as well as being viewed as the most expensive property on the Monopoly board. If you are looking for some of the top gems to visit in this affluent area then look no further, see our top 5 Mayfair attractions below.
1. Marvel at the Marble Arch
This historic archway dates back to the 12th century and is a vast monument which stands as a gateway leading into Hyde Park. It’s beautiful white marble face and stunning architectural detailing make it a popular place to take a selfie or photograph. It is definitely worth a visit for anyone exploring Mayfair.
2. Take a Hike in Hyde Park
As one of London’s Royal Parks, Hyde Park contains the largest area of green space in central London. Take a walk along some of the city’s most beautiful spots. Why not take this route starting at Marble Arch and Speakers’ Corner? Stroll along the Serpentine, past the Diana Memorial Fountain and follow the lake until you arrive at the Italian Gardens. Finally head to the Round Pond and end up outside the royal venue of Kensington Palace. Delightful!
3. View Something Special at the Royal Academy of Arts
There is something for everyone at the Royal Academy of Arts. With a world-class exhibition programme and free displays of art and architecture you can guaranteed to be amazed at their collections. Spanning 250 years of British art it contains hundreds of paintings and sculptures with thousands of prints, historic photographs, and drawings.
4. Have a Moment of Tranquillity at Brown Hart Gardens
Relax in this secret oasis above street level on top of an electricity substation. Whilst being in an unlikely location, many find this unusual roof garden to be a hidden gem in London with a feel of the High Line in New York. You can breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea at the cafe whilst enjoying a slice of tranquillity elevated from life.
5. Get your Heart Thumping at Sotheby’s
Going, going, gone! There is nothing like the thrill of an auction and you won’t be left disappointed at Sotheby’s – A luxury auction house that specialises in art and rare objects. Bid on fine wines, watches, handbags and more or just come to view this fascinating marketplace in the heart of Mayfair.
The Washington Hotel Mayfair is an ideal place to stay when visiting Mayfair. Our Art Deco inspired exterior and luxury rooms offer a perfect base, close to all the attractions of the area. With the best rates available when you book via our website, make sure to check our special offers page here. Have a fabulous time in Mayfair!
Fun in the Mayfair Sun
Summer is here and we’re ready to party in the sunshine! With festival season well underway and some beautiful weather set to kick off July, there are a million and one reasons why a trip to London is perfect for Summer 2022. Here at The Washington Mayfair Hotel, we have some superb summer events happening right on our doorstep that we are just dying to tell you about.
In Grosvenor Square, Mayfair is hosting ‘Summer in the Square’ – a fabulous free festival set to celebrate culture and the hottest new trends… Wake up after a blissful nights sleep in one of the Washington’s beautiful rooms or suites, enjoy a delicious breakfast at our in-house restaurant Madisons and head down to ‘The Wellness Teepee’ where you can immerse yourself in a journey of wellbeing as you join some of Mayfair’s top instructors for a class designed to relax and invigorate. Lunch options are aplenty at some of the top restaurants in the area taking part in the festivities. Plus, a whole range of daily live music and theatre performances that will inspire and delight. Don’t miss this unique day out, taking place from 21st July – 31st July.
No London holiday would be complete without a spot of royalty… For 10 weeks from the 22nd July, Buckingham Palace will be opening it’s grand doors for visitors. Take a peek into the life of the Royal Family and explore some of the stunning rooms and gardens. Some highlights include the Queen’s throne, fine art, historical artefacts and beautiful gardens. Plus see the Queen’s coronation crown, the Diamond Diadem, in person. What could be a better end to the day than to complete the occasion with a quintessentially British tea in the Garden Café? Delish!
Can’t get enough of the Art Deco exterior and the history at The Washington Mayfair? Get your comfy shoes on and turn right out of the hotel onto Curzon Street to take a unique augmented reality tour through the streets of Mayfair. Reveal secrets from the past and explore the history of some of Mayfair’s unique places during the ‘In a Mayfair Fashion’ tour. You can find more information about how to take part and see what’s happening in Mayfair this Summer here.
Don’t forget to book direct with us at The Washington Mayfair Hotel London for the very best rates and additional perks that will enhance your stay. We offer a range of spacious accommodation to meet your needs… Whether you are planning the perfect London trip or even need a London hotel for business. Visit our website to book at the best hotel in London.
What Makes Wimbledon So Special?
What comes to your mind when you think of Wimbledon? Is it the traditions of strawberries and cream with a glass of Pimm’s? Or maybe it’s more the all-white dress code contrasting with the green of the newly prepared lawns? 2022 marks 100 years of centre court, so it’s a great time to plan to visit the world’s oldest and arguably most prestigious tennis competition. How did England’s fascination with Tennis begin and what makes Wimbledon so special?
Tennis has a lot of history, quite possibly even beginning with the ancient Greeks, Egyptians and Romans! French Monks in 1000 were known to play a ball game with their hands and shout ‘Tenez’ every time they served. Gradually the sport continued to grow in popularity and mitts were developed to replace bare-hands and this led to the invention of the racket. Even Henry VIII took a liking to tennis… He had his own court and often spent hours playing. Anne Boleyn was said to be betting on a game of tennis just before she was taken to the tower of London! Eventually wooden balls and indoor courts made way for the bouncier balls and outdoor courts that we are now more familiar with today. So, it comes as no surprise that England’s fascination with tennis continued to spread to the point where it holds one of the world’s top tennis competitions.
Wimbledon was first hosted by the All England Croquet Club who wanted to find a way to raise money for their croquet lawn improvements. They realised they could adapt their lawns to run the tennis competition. However, the event went from strength to strength and it eventually led to the club changing their name to the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club. The first competition set a lot of the rules for the sport, that are still in force today. One of which being the standard tennis scoring being based on a clock face – 15, 30, 45… but 45 proved to be a bit too long to shout so it was shortened to 40.
The Washington Mayfair Hotel is located a tube ride away from Wimbledon and offers a home from home base for you to enjoy your trip. This year Wimbledon is taking place from 27 June to 10 July. Hundreds of tickets are released daily throughout the tournament so there are a lot of chances to get involved in the action. There is also the ability to queue for more premium tickets or just general admission to the grounds for an unforgettable day out. Maybe you might see the next Andy Murray in full swing!
There are more reasons than just the championships to visit Wimbledon. If you’ve enjoyed this brief history, make sure that you visit the Lawn Tennis Museum. Complete your trip by visiting some of the green spaces, pubs and shops available and even a trip to the Wimbledon Windmill. It’s the perfect place to visit for more than just a great day out. Make sure to take a look at our latest offers and special discounts to get the best out of your holiday in London and stay in the premium district of Mayfair. We are your perfect base for whatever you choose, offering accommodation for all your leisure or business needs.
A Truly British Spring in London
What do you look for as the first signs of spring? Is it that first emerging daffodil or the sign of new growth bursting from a frosty branch, maybe it’s observing a bird building its first nest or frogspawn gathering in a pond? Whichever way you welcome Spring, we can all agree that it is a joy to behold. Especially when we’ve spent so much time indoors over the winter, it’s so good to get out and enjoy some fresh air and see what nature has to offer.
Have you thought about a London break this March to enjoy the delights of Spring? You may not realise that despite the city skyline, there are 5000 acres of quality green space across all eight of London’s Royal Parks. Colourful displays are carefully designed and prepared to showcase Spring and the wonderful plants available. Each year they also plant one million daffodil bulbs! The majority of which can be seen carpeting the floor of St James’s Park.
The Washington Mayfair Hotel is only a short walk away from enjoying some of the parks London contains. The closest being The Green Park, St James’s Park and Hyde Park. We offer luxury rooms and suites for leisure and business travellers with offers available and perks to booking direct.
Even though the sun is making more of an appearance, we know that the rain is unfortunately an inevitable part of British Spring Time. If rain happens to make an appearance during your holiday in London there are plenty of fun indoor activities to choose from, close to The Washington. The Crystal Maze Experience is taking London by storm. This fun-filled team activity will thrust you right back into the 90s to experience for yourself the challenges that had you screaming at the TV. Even If you have never seen the show, this popular event will give you 70 minutes of pure joy. Take a look at what it has to offer here. If you are after something a little less frantic however, then consider a short tube ride to the British Museum. Immerse yourself in an ancient world and take a journey of culture around the world. There are lots of exhibitions and tours available throughout March that will really enhance your visit and bring history to life.
Keep your eyes peeled for extra events happening in and around London. Such as International Women’s Day (8th March), St Patrick’s Day (17 March) and Mother’s Day (27th March). Check the dates of your trip to see what special activities are on in the area before you visit.
If you’re thinking about treating someone special, there isn’t a better way than adding an afternoon tea to your London Trip. Complete the perfect London day out with delicious sandwiches, warm scones, a selection of tempting pastries, all served with your choice of infusion and including, of course, a classic pot of English tea. Plus, have the option to spoil yourselves a little more and upgrade with a glass of chilled champagne. We look forward to welcoming you during March to The Washington Hotel Mayfair.
Brighten up your February in London
Are you looking for something to brighten up your February? There are lots of reasons why a holiday in London should be your first choice at this time of year. February is a quieter time to visit London, attractions aren’t as busy as usual and there are less crowds – so you can relax just that little bit more. You may even manage to grab a discounted theatre ticket or too!
It might be a bit colder but it’s the perfect excuse to get wrapped up in your winter wear and enjoy all that London has to offer. Some of things that February hosts include London fashion week, Kew Gardens Orchid Festival and Valentine’s getaways.
If Valentines Day or date night is on your mind, there is no better place to spend a romantic day out than the city of London – full of places to take your date that are sure to impress. Here at The Washington Mayfair we are perfectly located in the elite district of Mayfair to provide an ideal base for the ultimate London break. After a day of fun in the capital, relax in one of our luxury rooms or suites before sharing an intimate meal in our in-house restaurant, Madison’s.
Don’t miss the annual Kew Gardens Orchid Festival taking place from the 5th February to the 6th March. This year the theme focusses on the incredible biodiversity of Central America. View stunning horticultural displays as you transport yourself to the tropics. Entry is included with your Kew Gardens visiting ticket. It has to be the perfect way to transform a dull February day!
With the colder weather of February, you may be wanting to spend more time inside than out. The West End offers a perfect excuse to spend a few hours indoors and soak up some culture.
Some plays new to the West End this February are:
- Saturday Night Fever at the Peacock Theatre. Be transported to the 70s disco where you can experience the Bee Gees soundtrack live on stage. Join Tony Manero as he embarks on a reckless yet thrilling road to dancing success.
- See James Mcavoy in Cyrano de Bergerac at the Harold Pinter Theatre. A breath-taking tale about the exquisite torture of loving from afar.
- Iconic classic Dirty Dancing at the Dominion Theatre. Back to the West End with tantalising dance sequences and brand-new choreography to the unforgettable soundtrack that we all know and love.
- The Merchant of Venice at Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. Immerse yourself in the culture of Shakespeare’s classic exploration of prejudice, patriarchy and capitalism.
- Plus, have the chance to see all the glitz and glamour of Strictly Come Dancing for yourself, live onstage. An unmissable evening of dance that will entertain and excite. At the O2 Arena 11-13 February.
However you choose to entertain yourself in London this February, we hope to be able to welcome you to The Washington Mayfair.
Say Hello to 2022 in London this January
2022 has arrived! As we are all embracing January and saying goodbye to 2021 in favour of a more normal year than the last, let’s put away the holiday blues and book something exciting for the new year. It may be a quieter time of the year to visit London but there is plenty going on in the city that you won’t want to miss.
The start of the year is the best time to find a bargain and the iconic London January sales are in full swing. There is no better destination to pick to indulge in a bit of retail therapy than the capital. The Washington Mayfair Hotel is right in the middle of London’s retail scene with so many shopping destinations to choose from you’ll be spoilt for choice. We are here to make your day just that little bit easier by providing a home from home base so you can dispense with the long commute or parking issues and focus on enjoying your day to the full. The flexibility to drop off your bags when you feel the need cannot be underestimated! Treat yourself with afternoon tea in the Madison’s Restaurant to recharge your batteries, ready to hit the stores for round two. The shops aren’t the only place you might manage to grab a deal this winter, many theatres, restaurants and bars offer discounts throughout January, so keep your eyes peeled!
Some events happening throughout January that you won’t want to miss out on include the 25th anniversary of Cirque Du Soleil coming to the Royal Albert Hall (booking between 12 Jan – 27 Feb). This time the show centres on a journey to Mexico, prepare to be wowed by the talented acrobatics and visual treats.
See Hamlet a Shakespeare classic of corruption brought to life at the Globe Theatre (21 Jan- 9 Apr).
Don’t miss Cabaret at the Playhouse Theatre, hosting Hollywood stars Eddie Redmayne and Jessie Buckley as they astound with their electrifying performances.
Many pop-up bars and rooftop terraces throughout the city have been transformed for winter – offering fireplaces, faux fur, creative cocktails and stunning views of London. Make sure to leave some time to cosy up in Aviary London’s private igloos, visit ‘Alice in Winterland’s’ enchanting rooftop experience at Queen of Hoxton, snuggle together at Winter Bubbles, Radio Rooftop or explore some of the other transformations.
Upgrade your holiday in London to a luxury experience in the elite district of Mayfair… You won’t regret it. Be sure to check out our offers and book direct for the best prices and extra perks. We look forward to welcoming you in 2022!
Make this December One to Remember
As winter comes around we are all hoping for snowy picturesque scenes as we cosy up for the holidays but why not add a bit of excitement to December and book a trip to London where there are plenty of things on to enjoy winter to the full. Put yourself right in the centre of the action at The Washington Mayfair Hotel, enjoy Art Deco luxury in the most convenient of locations for a holiday in London to remember.
Don’t miss out on some special events planned just for winter like the city-wide pop-up ice rinks, transforming well known locations like The Natural History Museum, Canary Wharf and Hampton Court Palace. Book a place on the ice or have a drink with a view at one of the rink-side bars.
Seasonal Christmas markets are back and in full swing. Let yourself wander through the stalls sipping a hot chocolate a spiced latte or maybe even a mulled wine and sample a host of comforting street foods to warm you up from the inside. Conveniently, you can find these all in one place and local to The Washington at Hyde Parks Winter Wonderland which is open from 19th November to 3rd January. Ice skating, Christmas markets, a street food village and ice bar, not to mention traditional fairground rides and thrill zone for the brave among us, it really is a day out to remember.
Once you’ve had enough of the wintery scenes outside, how about enjoying them indoors by booking tickets to see The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum. Find yourself mesmerised by the spectacular performances of the English National Ballet as they perform to the well-loved Tchaikovsky score that is so synonymous with this time of year. Many London visitors make this sell out show a yearly tradition so make sure to book early so you don’t miss out. Booking from 16 December 2021 – 8 January 2022. For more winter show options, see the ultimate romantic comedy Love actually in concert with a live orchestra at the Eventim Apollo. Watch electrifying performances from skilled acrobats, trapeze artists and high-wire acts as they attempt jaw-dropping stunts and breath-taking feats, in Circus 1903 at the Royal Festival Hall. Or book tickets to see the magical Andrew Lloyd Webber classic of Cinderella at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.
Don’t forget to plan your break now for a stress-free holiday this winter or maybe give the ultimate gift of relaxation to a loved one. Here at The Washington we have 178 spacious bedrooms and suites perfectly suited to leisure or business needs. We are dedicated to providing the perfect 4* base central to London’s top attractions. All you need to do is book and let us take care of the rest. From luxury accommodation to a-la-carte dining in The Madisons restaurant. Book direct to always get out best offers and prices and stay at one of the best hotels in London. We look forward to seeing you this winter.
Plan your Perfect Break this November
As November arrives, we seem to be constantly reminded that December is only a few days away and the end of the year is in sight. No need to rush to put your calendar away though – there is plenty of time to book a London winter break and give yourself something to look forward to. What better location to choose than the elite district of Mayfair. Here at the Washington Hotel, we are right in the heart of one of the best areas to stay and one of the best hotels in London.
You can still book our ‘Autumn Break in the City’ offer till the end of November, with all the extra benefits when booking direct, including 15% off the best available rate and an unmissable 2 for 1 Mayfair afternoon tea deal. You and a friend can relax with a drink and enjoy a carefully chosen selection of sandwiches, pastries, and cakes. All created and prepared daily to ensure ultimate freshness. A cup of tea never tasted so good! Or choose from our chocolate and champagne option available to really treat yourselves.
The nights may be drawing in but with London lit up by thousands of twinkly lights it only makes the capital look even more spectacular! Stroll under the magical glow and take advantage of some of the later shopping hours. You are spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping in London. Pay a visit to stores such as the iconic classic – Harrods. Shop more exclusive brands such as Tiffany&Co, Chanel, or Louis Vuitton on Bond Street. Or take a short ten-minute walk over to Oxford Street where you can find flagship stores and a host of shops to suit all your retail needs. You may even bump into a celebrity or two! With most shops open later, keep your eye on the extra opening times to maximise your trip.
What a better way to end the evening than to see a show. The West End is back and in full swing with a host of shows to choose from… Sing along to the classic tunes of Mamma Mia, immerse in some American history with Hamilton, or be amazed at the goose-pimpling voices in The Phantom of the Opera, find out what is on here.
If you’re looking for more diary dates for things to do in London: EFG London Jazz Festival 2021 (12-21 November), and of course, Winter Wonderland Hyde Park (19 Nov – 3 Jan) with everything from traditional fairground rides to street food and an ice bar. Book ahead to plan your visit today!
There are plenty of reasons to visit London this November, stay at The Washington Mayfair to be in the centre of it all. Remember to book direct and check our Special Offers for the best deals. We look forward to welcoming you to The Washington Mayfair Hotel, London.
Enjoy Autumn Days in London this October with Great Savings
There are lots of reasons to book a London trip this October and there is no better place to spend your break than with us at The Washington hotel in the heart of London’s most elite district of Mayfair. Don’t miss out this Autumn and take full advantage of our savings and offers available.
Are you looking to save on our best flexible rate? Then remember to always book your London stay direct with us as we offer a 10% discount on our best rates and more flexibility, with the ability to cancel up until 2pm the day before you arrive, for free. There are more perks to booking direct too… Get a priority free room upgrade so you can indulge and enjoy your stay that bit more. Surf the web to your hearts content as we provide you free Wi-Fi for the duration of your stay. Make sure to relax in our Madison’s Restaurant and enjoy our Mayfair afternoon tea at a special 2 for 1 discount. Also, when you dine with us, get 15% off food and beverage.
Looking for more than a day-trip? Our Stay Longer, Save More deal will give you double the discount if you book a break for three nights or longer. Get 20% off and save on a room today or maybe treat yourself to a deluxe stay in one of our suites, for the ultimate London staycation. Our 178 bedrooms and suites offer a great range of spacious luxury accommodation for all types of travellers.
We’ve covered some of the deals and perks we can offer you to make your stay extra special at a better price but if you want to know more reasons why you should visit London here are some things happening in the capital you won’t want to miss…
A favourite London Attraction is back, The National History Museum’s outdoor Ice rink is now taking bookings from October 22nd. Show off your skating skills or relax with a warm drink at the bar as you watch skaters from the open-air balcony. Sadly after 16 years this is the final year the ice rink will be running, so book your space now to ensure you don’t miss out.
Mojito, Pina Colada, Old Fashioned? What’s your cocktail of choice? London Cocktail Week is happening this year for the whole month of October! Join the biggest cocktail festival in the world and take a sensory journey as you let some of Londons top bars offer you their signature drinks. Pop-up events, parties and masterclasses will be happening throughout the City of London for the whole month. Make sure to look out for the ‘The Essence House’ returning to Covent Garden for an immersive inspirational experience that you won’t forget.
A selection of other dates for your diary include, The NFL London Games 10-17 Oct, The London Restaurant Festival 1-31 Oct and The BFI London Film Festival 6-17 Oct. We hope to see you soon at The Washington hotel so you can take advantage of all these great events happening this October and holiday in style.