London: An Ethel Travel Guide
I had the privilege of living in London for 10 years and am fortunate enough to have dual US-UK citizenship. This city of 9 million has always been one of my favorite places in the world, and I continue to return there to visit friends at least twice a year. For those planning a trip, here are a few of my recommendations.
1. Recommend a hotel/motel in London:
The Bailey's Hotel in South Kensington is hard to beat. Not only is it right next to the Gloucester Road tube station, but it's also an easy walk away from Hyde Park as well as countless restaurants, museums, and stores. And the rooms here are actually quite spacious for London! The hotel's restaurant, The Bugis Singapore Restaurant, is also a treat. (Don't miss the crispy duck.) A friend from Denmark and I stayed here last year and were both bowled over by the well-appointed rooms and customer service.
Another favorite hotel is the room2 London Chiswick Hometel in West London. This hotel is a short walk to public transportation: Turnham Green Station and the Chiswick Park Underground Station are both super close. And those who stay here are also steps away from the Chiswick High Street packed with fabulous restaurants and shops. (Grab a meal at the amazing Megan's at the Flower Market Restaurant that's right next door.) Each room here has a kitchenette, and the lobby boasts a wonderful restaurant and bar.
2. Recommend a restaurant in London:
There are way too many to mention! But here are a few of my favorites. The Sexy Fish in Mayfair offers Japanese-inspired seafood dishes and sushi in an art-filled setting. The Frog in Covent Garden showcases the best of what Britain has to offer. The OXO Tower Restaurant sits on the top floor of the famous OXO Tower, so patrons enjoy what's arguably some of the best views of London. In addition, the Andrew Edmunds Restaurant in Soho offers a modern European menu to customers sitting at candlelit tables in a snug 18th-century townhouse. The Pig's Ear in Chelsea is a wonderful option for families with kids. If you're in a hurry but want a delicious meal, go to one of the many Wagamama restaurants across the city. (There's also a Wagamama in Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport.)
3. What's a must-see in London?
You certainly don't want to miss visiting the Borough Market, where you can try foods from all over the world. In addition, experiencing a traditional British afternoon tea is a luxurious experience you'll never forget. The tea at The Shard is quite popular as is the tea at Fortnum & Mason. Speaking of Fortnum & Mason, go there even if you aren't having tea. The Royal Family is said to do their shopping here, an 18th-century department store with a wide range of gourmet groceries. Another store that will take your breath away is the Harrods Food Halls. We used to take our kids to Harrods every year to visit Santa Claus. No store does Christmas like this one!
4. What else makes London so special?
There are so many walking tours in London that it's impossible to know where to start. But my favorite tour company is London Walks, which has been around for over 50 years. The company crafts more than 100 walks each week, and all are reasonably priced. And, oh, let's not forget the city's many museums. Don't miss the Tate Modern, the Victoria & Albert, and the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. Are you a history buff? Then you'll definitely want to visit the Churchill War Rooms. Also, you'll want to do a day trip or two if you have the time. Check out Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath.
5. What should you avoid when visiting London?
You might want to avoid visiting London in July and August, when prices are the highest and crowds are the largest. The city is gorgeous during the December holidays, but it does get dark by around 3:30 or 4 p.m., making it a bit gloomy. I typically visit in March, April, or May or in September or October.
Want more information about what to see in London? Check this out.
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