Property
The Hempel Hotel is a jewel of a boutique hotel, and what you might find a surprisingly child-friendly place to stay.  It is also a breath of fresh air for any family wanting a bit of an escape from the excitement and business of London.  Instead of staying in a typical London hotel and getting very little space for your money, The Hempel offers full-size apartments with plenty of space for everyone to spread out and relax after exploring the city.  It’s a small boutique hotel with Zen inspiration, designed by noted designer Anouska Hempel.  An added bonus is a private park right outside called the “Zen Garden”.

Location
Tucked away in the beautiful Baywater/Notting Hill section of London, The Hempel is very accessible to Central London. From there, you can walk directly into Hyde Park to Princess Diana’s Memorial Playground, Kensington Palace, the Science Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum, shopping in Notting Hill, or to have an explore of the amazing food gallery at Harrods in Knightsbridge.

Sleeps
The Hempel comprises fifty individually designed guest rooms, suites and apartments each in its own minimalist style.  Inspired by the essence of modern and ancient travel, the unique atmosphere of The Hempel achieves balance and harmony through the use of warm lighting and natural materials, associated with the traditional Zen philosophy of Earth, Wood, Metal, Fire and Water.  The rooms aren’t cluttered and they have used only the best materials for sleep.  They can provide extra cots or a crib for young children.

Highlights
Proof that trendy living does not stop after having children.  First-rate service.  Children up to 12 years of age receive a 50% discount on breakfast.  More comfortable than a hotel in terms of spaciousness and amenities and the Zen Garden right outside is a great place for kids to run around.  The location also can’t be beat as you have Notting Hill, Bayswater and Hyde Park literally outside your door.

Good to know
For the best rates, check the hotel’s site directly.  The hotel is a favourite of Victoria Beckham and was of  Michael Jackson who reserved the entire hotel during a stay there in 2006. It was also London’s first minimalist hotel and the hotel is involved with many UK charities.

Contact

http://www.the-hempel.co.uk

–Holly Rosen Fink

Holly Rosen Fink is the founder and editor of The Culture Mom.

Written by travelsavvymom

Property
A recently opened budget hotel, clean and comfortable and in a central London location.

Location
The hotel is an extremely short walk to Victoria train station/tube station/bus station. Also easy walking distance to Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Museum of Natural History, etc.

Sleeps
2-4.  Family rooms are comfortable, with a double bed and two singles.

Highlights
Good breakfast (8 pounds) and up to two children eat free with one paying adult.

Good to know
This hotel is an excellent budget option, well priced and in a great location. This was an ideal choice for us, since we were flying in to Gatwick, and the Gatwick Express goes directly from the airport to Victoria Station. The breakfast option is a real bargain with kids.

Contact
http://www.premierinn.com/en/hotel/LKEBAR/london-victoria

Written by Kimberly Sullivan

Property
Luxurious boutique hotel, bang in the center of London, right next to Covent Garden and surrounded by beautiful London architecture. Gorgeous rooms, fabulous decor and delicious restaurant with large (very yummy) kids’ menu. Service is 5-star and they make an extra special effort with children. And a rare treat in central London, there is an indoor swimming pool in the basement.

Location
Walking distance from theatre district, Covent Garden, South Bank, Trafalgar Square, London Eye, Waterloo Bridge and the River Thames. Very easy access to bus or tube and access to the rest of London and England. Walk five minutes for a view of Big Ben. Walk 15 minutes to actually touch it. Visit historic Somerset House, just across the road from the hotel, which has marvelous water feature for kids’ play.

Sleeps
The hotel is very accommodating. A large room would sleep three. Adjoining rooms are the best bet for families.

Highlights
Walking around the center of London, drinking up the atmosphere. Easy access to major tourist spots. The service in this hotel and the care taken with our kids was beyond compare. A pleasant atmosphere, without the stuffiness of some London upmarket hotels. The best cup of tea I have ever tasted. And a great dog in the lobby.

Good to know
It was worth the money, but boy, it was a lot of money.

Contact
http://www.onealdwych.com/index.html

Written by Jane Rytina

Property
Athenaeum Hotel and Apartments offer spacious luxury living with a family twist…think video game coffee tables, game boards, toy baskets and milk and cookies delivered to your room every night. The hotel was featured on Travel With Kids: London (more information at TravelWithKids.tv).

Occupying a row a Edwardian townhouses in a classic English neighborhood, the apartments offer plenty of room for the whole family to spread out as well as the convenience of a full kitchen, washer and dryer, dining area and more. This hotel offers parents top design and luxury while catering to kids of all ages offering a home away from the home you’ve always wanted (if it weren’t for those pesky kids leaving all their toys everywhere) atmosphere!

Location
This five-star hotel is located in London’s west end near Picadilly Circus, across the street from Green Park which is adjacent to Buckingham Palace. There is an underground stop just a 1/2 block away making travel around the city easy.

Sleeps
Connecting apartments sleep 4 -6.

Highlights
The spacious apartment was the perfect place to take a break from the fast-paced, attraction filled touring of London. There is plenty to do in the apartment to keep the kids occupied while the adults have some downtime. Don’t miss afternoon tea downstairs…it makes Wonka look like a health nut!

Good to know
It can be a bit pricey, but check the website for specials.

Contact
http://www.athenaeumhotel.com/

Written by Carrie Simmons

Property
I know it’s not cool to like airport hotels, but in this case I just can’t help myself. Whenever I’ve got an early flight out of London, I gleefully book myself and my family into the Crowne Plaza Heathrow. It’s plush, cheap, and just 5 minutes from Terminal 2. Add to that an indoor heated pool and spa (with a kiddie pool!), a nice buffet breakfast, noon checkout, and super-comfy beds. What’s not to love?

Location
Five minutes from the airport. You can take the Hotel Hoppa bus, but if you’ve got 3 or more people, a taxi is cheaper. Personally I wouldn’t stay here if I were sightseeing for multiple days in London, but not everyone shares my opinion. The place was thronging with exchange rate refugees when I was last there.

Sleeps
2-5.

Highlights
Indoor heated swimming pool and jacuzzi. There is nothing like a whole bunch of swimming to tire kids out before a long flight. Great room rates. Free parking for up to 14 days (obviously only a perk for U.K. residents, but still).

Good to know
Pre-book the breakfast buffet (when you check in), and they’ll knock 40% off the prices (plus kids under 12 are free). If you’re grabbing some late night room service, order from the kids’ menu. The portions are enormous. Think hamburgers the size of frisbees.

Contact
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com

Written by Jamie Pearson

Property
Words are wholly inadequate to describe the happy, pampered feeling I get just thinking about the Covent Garden Hotel. I guarantee that staying here will make you feel like the barometer of hip. Kids will love the honor bar (in the library, stocked with Haagen Dazs ice cream), DVD collection, and Covent Garden street performers. Adults will love the plush accommodations and the feeling that they’ve really arrived. There are many room configurations for families: connecting rooms (all different classes) or junior suites with 2 extra beds or a sofa bed (best for children under 12).

Location
On Monmouth Street in Covent Garden, in the heart of the Theatre district and moments from the cool Seven Dials neighborhood. Walk easily to Picadilly, Soho, Bloomsbury, the National Gallery, and the West End theatres.

Sleeps
2-5.

Highlights
At the Covent Garden Hotel you will really feel like you’re in London. This is important when you’re spending your children’s inheritence.

Good to know
For reasons that TSM can’t fathom, there are no tea and coffee making facilities in the rooms. You will have to order these from room service or go out. The nearest green space is a 15-minute walk away at St. James Park.

Contact
www.firmdale.com

Written by Jamie Pearson

Property
An elegant Victorian townhouse that has been converted to 11 roomy, updated apartments, the Kensington Court Apartments are ideal for families looking to unwind in their own space. Management is extremely child-friendly and can provide cribs, highchairs, travel strollers, nightlights, electric outlet protectors, potty chairs, stepstools, and bathmats. Other amenities include reception desk, daily housekeeping, elevator, fully-equipped kitchens, and wireless broadband. They take bookings for less than a week subject to availability (usually not during the summer, however).

Location
51 Kensington Court is tucked in a tree-lined garden square just steps behind the posh and vibrant Kensington High Street. In fine weather, this area is the best in London for families with kids. Harrods, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and Palace, the Orangerie, and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground (enclosed park with fantastical full-sized pirate ship and beach, teepees, bathrooms, and café) are just steps away. Even closer are the tube (Circle and District lines), bus, restaurants, and shops. In Kensington, you’ll sleep, eat, and live like a well-heeled local.

Sleeps
2-8.

Highlights
Towel warmers in all bathrooms. A free laundry room open 24 hours.

Good to know
Arriving late? For a nominal charge, staff will go grocery shopping so that you arrive to a fully-stocked fridge. On second thought, take advantage of this service regardless of your arrival time–there’s nothing like a ham sandwich to settle your nerves after a lengthy flight with children.

Contact
www.kensingtoncourt.co.uk

Written by Jamie Pearson

Property
A modern motel-style facility in a listed building in central London. Travel Inns are basic, but inspire a fiercely loyal following. If you don’t believe me, just try to get a reservation on short notice. Ask for a family room with views over the Jubilee Gardens–the staff here will try hard to accommodate. The lodgings are clean, spacious, and quiet. You won’t have a kitchen here (tea and coffee making facilities and biscuits only), but hey, maybe you don’t want one.

Location
On the banks of the Thames in the magnificent County Hall building, next to the London Eye, opposite the Houses of Parliament. The adjacent Jubilee Gardens has a wonderful playground, and the hotel shares a building with the London Aquarium. The Travel Inn is very near Waterloo Station.

Sleeps
2 adults, 2 children, and 1 infant.

Highlights
Kids under 16 eat breakfast free with a paying adult. You won’t truly appreciate this until you’re paying $7.50 for a latte at Starbucks.

Good to know
If you do want to pay $7.50 for a latte at Starbucks, there’s one right across the street.

Contact
www.premiertravelinn.com

Written by Jamie Pearson

Property
Live like a local in these 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom apartments in a 19^th century building in residential Earl’s Court, near Kensington. These clean and comfortable units have fully equipped kitchens, televisions, daily maid service and internet access. Request a top floor apartment with views, the building has a lift.

Location
The Mansions are a five-minute walk from the Earl’s Court tube stop. There is a children’s playground in the neighborhood (10-15 minutes walk to Holland Park), as well as shops, grocery stores, pubs, and restaurants.

Sleeps
2-8.

Highlights
Free chauffeur transport from Heathrow for stays of 5 nights and up. Laundry facilities. Pre-arrival grocery shopping by arrangement.

Good to know
The building is located on busy Earl’s Court Road. Not all units have dishwashers, so be sure to specifically request one that does. Ditto DVD players. T here is a 5-night minimum over the Christmas holidays.

Contact
www.themansions.com

Written by Jamie Pearson

Property
When traveling ensemble it can be difficult to find hip hotels that will cater to a family’s need for space, comfort and well… a second bathroom. Often style is sacrificed for comfort. I’ve never really been a fan a chain hotels, but a recent stay at the the Mayfair Hotel (owned by Radisson) was quite a treat.

Location
The hotel is well positioned in the beautiful Mayfair district and possible to walk to most attractions, Regent street, Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden, Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace are all within five minutes (ok ten with really little ones). Mayfair is very exclusive with lots of lovely antique galleries and fine restaurants however, but there are also several Starbucks and Fish and Chip diners near the hotel.  Just opposite is a supermarket for afternoon snacks and drinks so you’re not raiding the mini bar.

Sleeps
2-4 in a family room.

Highlights
I think the value for a 5 star is quite good, prices start from £268 for a family suite, try to organize a full English in the deal, you won’t need to worry about food until dinner time.  People watching at the famous Nobu Japanese restaurant (owned by Madonna).  We could see the comings and goings from our room, but thought better of taking two kids under 8 for saki and sushi with prices staring at around £9 for an appetizer.

Good to know
Ask where your Family Room is situated, out stay positioned the room in front of the lifts.  We could hear the clickety-clack of high heels on the polished tile and laughing into the wee hours.

Contact
http://www.themayfairhotel.co.uk

Written by Ally Wallace