New York Hotels and New York Culture

New York hotels and a city of culture

The New York art scene has long been one of the most vibrant centres of art and culture in the world. With so many stunning New York hotels to choose from, visitors to the city will be in a great position to choose exactly which part of the Big Apple they call their temporary home! The city is spread across many miles and around every corner is a new and fascinating sight, from the most famous architectural one such as the Empire State building, the Chrysler Building and the Statue of Liberty to the lesser known but equally fascinating “quirks” of the city, there is so much to see and do that most visits fly by. In order to see as many of the best sights as possible, plan carefully and ask yourself a few questions; what to you want to do most of all? Which areas do you want to visit and which of New York’s many famous restaurants or bars appeal most? Are there any places which lie outside the city but which you have always longed to visit such as The Hampton’s? Check out the offers on great New York Hotels, plan your trip well and get the most out of your break, New York is a wonderful place and with so many attractions you will be hard pushed to get them all in!

New York hotels and Museum Mile

One of the best places to begin your tour of New York has to be Museum Mile which is the acknowledged centre for museums in New York and of all the museums on offer here, where else would you begin a tour of New York museums other then the Museum of the City of New York! This fabulous space is dedicated to the past, present and also to the future of the city of New York; located on Fifth Avenue it house many exhibitions illustrating the growth of this great city and makes for a wonderful place to visit if you are staying in one of the New York hotels  near Museum Mile. For lovers of contemporary art then the Solomon R Guggenheim museum is a real treat, the newest of New York’s many museums it is based in a stunning contemporary building and houses a vast collection which can take a whole day to explore should you want to see everything! There are many fabulous museums along the attractive tree-lined stretch that is Museum Mile, for those with an interest in art and history, this is a must.

New York hotels and amazing buildings

New York has its fair share of wonderful historical buildings amongst the uber modern tower blocks and cool night spots; one interesting example is the Bartow-Pell Mansion which is in Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx. This grand mansion dates back to 1836 although the original house and estate were built much earlier in the sixteen hundreds.  It lay sadly neglected and derelict for many years but has now been renovated and is open as a museum to the public; New York hotels near the Bronx make a great base from which to explore this wonderful memorial to the past. Another venerable building is Wyckoff House in Flatbush, Brooklyn which is accepted to be the oldest house in New York City. This diminutive frame built house has been added to over the centuries and now only a small part of the original building remains and that is thought to date from around 1652. This house is well worth a visit if you have booked one of the New York hotels which proliferate in the vicinity. New York has long been a fascinating testament to its multicultural residents and any body with an interest in history will be well entertained during their stay.

New York Hotels and Manhattan

Amazing New York Hotels and an Amazing District

Manhattan is an amazing and unforgettable district in the city that never sleeps. New York hotels in Manhattan are often synonymous with high class elegance and sophisticated luxury. Manhattan is the central business district in the city but is still a popular area to live with many quality apartments. The best New York Hotels will be close to many of the most fascinating attractions which New York has to offer. Famous streets and areas to consider when looking for a great New York hotel would be Times Square and Broadway and if you are staying here then a visit to Central Park and New York’s China Town are a must. There are so many amazing things to see and do in Manhattan despite it being just one part of the city of New York. If you are visiting Manhattan then there are some places which are must-see attractions.

The Rockerfeller Center and New York hotels

Everyone has heard of the Rockerfeller Center, it’s one of New York’s most famous attractions. This incredible landmark building was conceived during the great depression and the architecture reflects the thinking of the day, taller, bigger better. The building of the centre provided many jobs for New York’s unemployed and also a focal point for a city under pressure. Today the Rockerfeller is as attractive to tourists and natives alike; with its ice rink and the famous Radio City Music Hall as well as numerous retail outlets and an incredible view of the city, it makes for a spectacular visit. Many of the nest New York hotels are in the area and if you are lucky enough to be staying close to the centre then you really should set aside plenty of time to explore.

Central Park, New York hotels and making the most of your visit

Visiting New York hotels is a once in a lifetime experience and the city is one of the liveliest in the world, literally a city which never sleeps it is beautiful by night and by day. A trip to Central Park is a must; surely one of the most famous parks in the world, Central Park is huge in size...over two miles long and is packed with points of interest. There are a number of ponds and lakes within the park and some beautiful wooded areas, walking tracks and a wildlife sanctuary. In addition to this the park boasts two theatres, two ice rinks and a famous carousel! For those of a sporty nature there are running tracks, rock climbing and horse riding facilities on offer. If you’re interested in wildlife there are some beautiful birds and wild animals within the park and plenty of tours taking place daily.  If you do decide to book up one of the amazing central New York hotels on offer all year round, then a trip to central park is a must. The park is a stunning place all year round, especially when viewed from above as it cuts a green swathe through the heart of this great city.

Manchester Hotels and Shopping in the City

Central Manchester hotels and shopping

Manchester was once a city more synonymous with cotton mills and Morrissey than with shopping: it will hopefully always be associated with great industry and with great musicians...it has produced too many of both to ever really move away from its illustrious past. However what has also happened to Manchester in more recent years is that tourism to the city has increased and as a result so have top-end retailers attracted by the great central Manchester hotels and the young, hip crowds who populate the city. From Deansgate to Canal Street, Affleck’s Palace to Harvey Nichols there is a wide choice of shops on offer with something to suit every taste. No matter which district you choose for a stay in this city, you can be sure that Manchester hotels and shops are among the most diverse.

Manchester hotels: retail therapy at your fingertips

Central Manchester hotels are a great choice for those who just love a day spent browsing shops. Retail therapy is seldom easier to indulge in than it is in this city! The city is compact and easy to get around, hop on a bus or a train if you’re looking to really cover some shopping miles! A good place to begin is the Arndale Centre which is one of the largest shopping malls in the whole of Europe. Many top high street retailers under one roof make for a simple and fun shopping experience. In the Deansgate district you will find the beautifully refurbished Barton Arcade, a Victorian shopping mall which is now full of designer stores; even if you’re not in the market for the most expensive shops, a walk around here is still a treat at the shop front are stunning to look at. If you are lucky enough to book a break at one of the lovely Manchester hotels in this area you will find that a simple stroll could well become a long wander as you take in the delightful shops and architecture...not to mention the wonderful cafes and bars!

Affleck’s Palace and Quirky Manchester

Manchester has always been at the heart of any underground scene in the UK and one of the best places for unusual clothing and accessories has to be the famous Affleck’s Palace. This Mecca for underground fashion and emerging designers has been around since the early 80s when a need arose for a platform to showcase the huge amount of design talent in Manchester. Affleck’s Palace is based in Church Street; with over 50 stalls and shops ranging across five floors and housed in an attractive period building, this Aladdin’s cave of wares is a real hit with anyone who visits. For retro, vintage and alternative clothing and accessories this is one of the most unusual and fun shopping experiences in the UK. If you are taking a short break in one of the fabulous Manchester hotels in the area, this is a must-see place. Like Manchester in general, it’s quirky, original and full of surprises; give it a try and you can be certain it won’t be your last visit!

Manchester Hotels and Discovering the City

Manchester Hotels: An adventure in the North West

One of the best things about the North West is the people, the other is the architecture...oh but we can’t forget the history, or the music! It is certainly true that the diverse people and attractions crammed into Manchester’s boundaries make it a very special place indeed. A stay in any one of the great Manchester hotels available throughout the year is a wonderful opportunity to get to know the city. Manchester is famous for its humour and its friendly no-nonsense inhabitants, a warm welcome is guaranteed in most pubs, café’s and clubs, with plenty of open people who are often ready for a chat.  No matter what you are interested in you will find something to fascinate in Manchester and if you go with the flow you can often find that a simple city break can turn into an adventure in culture!

Manchester Hotels: On the Doorstep of Culture

To say that Manchester is cultured is surely an understatement. This is a city brimming over with amazing architecture, galleries, museums, theatres and arts centres. An innovator in arts, Manchester hotels will put you right at the epicentre of a creative hubbub which is hard to ignore. It seems that whichever street you turn down, there is a little surprise waiting for you in the shape of murals, quirky bookshops, on-trend fashion shops and pubs and cafes dedicated to the arts. The city centre is not the only place to find entertainment, if you’re in the mood for some history then head for Oxford Road; a lively part of Manchester which encompasses some of the university campus, this area has some great small cafes and bookshops in addition to being the home of the Manchester Museum which is packed with fascinating and ancient artefacts. The innovative Contact Theatre is a short stroll from the museum and in usually offers a fabulous choice of home-grown theatre, dance and spoken-word performances. Oxford Road is home to some of the most elegant of Manchester hotels and the grand architecture here is a testament to Manchester’s fast economic growth during the industrial revolution.

Close to History in Manchester Hotels

The history of Manchester is a long and fascinating one; most people are familiar with the fact that this city grew rich and famous on the spoils of the cotton and shipping industries. As one might expect there are a myriad exhibitions at any one time which celebrate the city’s past and present in creative and surprising ways. Good quality Manchester hotels are quite numerous and well spread throughout the city; you will find that you’re never far from great venues like Urbis, which is Manchester’s Centre for Urban Culture and contains a vast and changing selection of exhibits and shows based on the city and its people. If you are interested in the history of the city then The People’s History Museum is a must. This museum houses excellent exhibits on the working people of Manchester and how they lived and worked. There is a large bookshop on site and a special interest in the Suffragette movement is a fascinating part of the museum. Manchester hotels are as diverse as the city itself and like the city they often encompass the best in modern and classic architecture. As you wander around Manchester’s streets, notice the beautiful and ancient churches, the well kept green spaces and the grand buildings you will be sure to take some very special memories away with you; this is a city to which one visit is almost never enough!

Manchester Hotels and a Musical Past

Manchester Hotels and the Music of the City

If you’re staying in any of the top quality Manchester hotelsduring your visit to the North West then the city’s connections with music won’t escape you. In fact it would be hard to get through one day in this surprising city without noticing the constant thread of music which weaves its way through the streets. Music is everywhere here, in place names, in arts centres and studio’s and throbbing from windows and doorways. Manchester’s history with music first came to note during the industrial revolution when the folk singers of the city and its surrounding villages became more apparent as social occasions increased along with the size of the city. As Manchester hotels are often close to some of the best music venues that the city offers you will be well placed to enjoy the best that this city offers in terms of music.

                                            

Staying in Manchester Hotels: A City of Innovators

It was during the sixties that Manchester really made itself known to the world through its music. Great bands such as The Bee Gees and Fontana were appearing and the world took notice. Manchester hotels in the city centre will allow you to explore some of the most famous live music venues which stud the city, including The Manchester Free Trade Hall which has seen such greats as Bob Dylan and the Sex Pistols playing gigs within its walls. Other notable venues include The Ritz which was once a dance hall in the 1920s and The Boardwalk where “Madchester” band The Happy Mondays played early gigs. Bands such as Oasis, The Smiths and The Fall have among many others conspired to make Manchester a real centre for musical excellence today.

Manchester Hotels and Music Scene Today

Any stay in the great Manchester Hotels of today should be complimented by a trip or two to The Northern Quarter which is arguably the centre of Manchester’s creative arts and smaller music venues today. Famous venues such as Band on The Wall and The Night and Day Café are still ensuring that smaller and unsigned bands are heard and given the chance to make their mark as so many before them have done.

Manchester Hotels: A Special City

It is difficult to pinpoint what makes Manchester such a special place; why do so many great talents come out of one city rather than another? The city’s diversity of culture certainly plays some part, as does the working history of the place. As fast as Manchester grew and thrived financially during the industrial revolution so it has at times struggled economically. A city which has seen so many changes in fortune is bound to react in some way; an outlet is needed for the frustrations which can arise in a city where things may have taken a downturn and music is often the perfect antidote to stress. Manchester has only gone from strength to strength in recent years, the new Millennium saw massive growth in terms of retail and service industry. Not only is the city a Mecca for music, Manchester now a centre for the arts and culture on a much wider scale than ever before and a stay in one of the more central Manchester hotels will put you right at the heart of the action.

Manchester Hotels and Evenings Out

Manchester hotels and a city that never sleeps

One of the joys of staying in any one of the fabulous central Manchester hotels that are available all year round is surely the fact that right on your doorstep are some of the best venues in the UK. Manchester has always been a city which knows how to show visitors a good time and the friendly locals are one of the most memorable things about an evening out here. Whatever your preferences there will be a great choice of venues at your disposal. From warm and friendly traditional pubs, to uber cool nightclubs and bars there will be something to suit you.

Staying in central Manchester hotels and navigating the city

Manchester is very easy to navigate, well linked to mainline stations and with plenty of public transport within the city centre, you won’t find it hard to get from any one of the top Manchester hotels to some of the best night spots in the North West. Depending on your tastes, there are various areas within the city to choose from with regards to a great night out.  The city centre is split into 11 areas which are all distinguished by names and most are within walking distance of one another. If you don’t fancy much of a walk but still want to sample the nightlife, you may like to wander only a short distance from whichever Manchester hotel you are staying in and stick to that district...in Manchester you can have a fabulous night out and visit many venues within a few feet of one another! Each district has its own distinct personality and you will find the one to suit you best.

Manchester Hotels and Districts

So you’ve secured one of the most central Manchester hotels and settled in. Now you just need to head out for a great evening...but where to go? As city centre Manchester hotels are usually close to the action, you won’t have far to wander when you head out into the night. The Northern Quarter is the place to aim for if you like quirky venues, this district is packed with bohemian bars and music venues, it’s a hive of creativity and any night of the week you can experience it at its best as it buzzes with energy even during weekdays. During the summer months a great area for a spot of alfresco drinking is Castlefield; this is a popular and stunning portion of the city and a glass of wine beside the canal is a great way to enjoy the passers by as well as the architecture. If you’re in the mood for something more mainstream, then consider a visit to the Printworks in The Millennium Quarter. Here you can experience the fun of an enormous complex of bars and clubs all under one roof. Large, well known chain venues in close proximity to one another make for an easy night out without the problem of transport and let’s face it, a good night out in a wonderful city like Manchester should be a simple affair! The city is chock-full of great people, fabulous venues and wonderful hotels; it’s a trip most people don’t forget in a hurry!

Manchester Hotels and Green Spaces in the City

Manchester hotels and green spaces

A stay in any of the wonderful Manchester hotels available in the city is a great opportunity to get to know some of the more surprising aspects of this jewel in the North West’s crown. Manchester is a huge and bustling metropolis today but it is not so long ago that green fields and woods covered this land. Manchester Grew at an extraordinary rate from it’s origins as a small but thriving market town to a huge world city in less than one hundred years. In terms of the average time it takes for a city to grow and develop, this is extremely fast. Manchester was central to the industrial revolution and it was during this period that huge expansion took place; as the mills and factories were built, so more housing was needed in response to this. Where there are people there is a need for shops and hotels; and so the city grew at an alarming rate. Luckily for us, some farsighted individuals cared enough to ensure the preservation of some green spaces within the city. City workers, residents of the Manchester hotels and visitors to the city can still enjoy the pleasure and relaxation of a walk amid trees, greenery and flowers.

Manchester hotels close to Ardwick Green

Ardwick Green is one of Manchester’s oldest public parks and was one of the first pubic recreation spaces in the city, boasting a fishing lake and a promenade during its Victorian heyday. It remained popular until the turn of the century but was by 1890 almost derelict as the public became reluctant to pay the subscription fees which were necessary to enter the park.  Things changed in 1900 when the park was refurbished to a high standard and included two ornamental pools and many well kept flower beds. Later, a memorial to the fallen of Gallipoli was added and today the park remains a popular and very pleasant haven in an otherwise bustling city. Manchester hotels in the area are often of high quality and a stroll through Ardwick Green can only be a good thing when you need a brief rest from all that this exciting city has to offer! Popular with families and young professionals alike, there is a wonderfully calm atmosphere here and it is well worth a visit if you are in the area.

Alexandra Park and Manchester hotels

When Alexandra Park was designed in 1869, it was groundbreaking for the era. Never before had a city park incorporated sports facilities with public gardens; the layout was also thought unusual as it was very much more organically designed with softer edges than the usually strictly and straight edged designs favoured by landscapers of the period. This is still an important park today, Manchester hotels in the area tend to be of good quality and a walk in Alexandra Park is a rare treat in such a busy city and if you are lucky enough to book a good deal at one of the high quality Manchester hotels close to the park, you should certainly take advantage of it; this park is a rare oasis in an otherwise busy and metropolitan place.

Why you should choose central London Hotels

Why you should choose central London Hotels:

Staying in a fabulous location in London is a priority for the many visitors to this great city. For those who are interested going to the theatre during their stay, a West End Location is a must. London’s West End is packed with world famous theatres and award winning shows so it’s a real convenience to enjoy the simplicity of walking from one of the many great London hotels to the theatre or restaurant during your stay. The trouble is that to those unsure of the lie of the land, London can be an intimidating place to navigate. Teeming streets and warren-like inns and courts make this a fascinating but sometimes confusing city to get around. If you are accustomed to less ancient places it can be a real eye opener as you begin to unravel the twisted streets and alleys to enjoy a wander from shop to café; the city draws you in and it’s very easy to lose bearings simply staring upwards at the great buildings and their architecture.

                                                                                  

Getting to know where the best London Hotels are:

Some areas in central London are reserved for business and so typically high quality London hotels are not necessarily a feature; but this does not mean there are none and if you are visiting on business then it stands to reason you may need to stay in or very close to the business districts which include Canary Wharf and also the Square Mile. Whether you are visiting the city on business or pleasure you may be curious about one of the most fascinating areas of the West End and in this case you should indulge in a walk down The Strand towards Fleet Street. This stroll encompasses one of the oldest and most historically interesting areas in the city and getting to know this area will stand you in good stead of understanding where some of the most beautiful and famous London hotels are situated. Start at Charing Cross station and walk down the Strand where you will pass the famous Coutts Bank on your left, a little further on is the Vaudeville Theatre famous during the last century for its comedy revues and which is still a popular venue for modern day shows. Almost opposite the Vaudeville is the entrance to Somerset House which houses many interesting attractions year-round.  The Savoy Hotel and theatre are a little way along the street; the hotel is famous for its fine dining and the theatre for its connections with the d’Oyly Carte theatre company.

If you have time then exploring some of the streets which lead off the Strand and into Covent Garden is a wonderful way to discover some of the quirks of this area as there are some fabulous shops and cafes to be found in the most unlikely spots. Any London hotels fortunate enough to call this area home are in the best position to offer visitors a real experience, during the day this area is teeming with journalists from nearby Fleet Street and with actors and dancers taking a break between matinee and evening performances; evening sees a rush of pleasure seekers on their way to theatre, restaurant and bar and the streets here never seem to sleep.

London Hotels and Shopping:

It stands to reason that a visitor to London will be interested in the shops on offer here. London is after all one of the worlds great fashion capitals and in central London it’s relatively simple to explore the options. Staying in one of the many London hotels near Oxford Street puts you in a great place to begin and offers some of the country’s most famous high street stores; if you love unusual knick-knacks and quirky souvenirs then Covent Garden market cannot be ignored. Once a fruit and vegetable market it underwent a serious transformation during the 1960s and is now well known for jewellery, accessories and fashionable household décor.  Central London offers a melting pot of culture and has a vibrant energy which can’t be compared to any other city.

London Hotels and Heritage

London Hotels and Museums:

London is a city where culture and history are revered and as a result of this, the amount and also the quality of wonderful museums here is far higher than in an average city. From tiny and quirky collections bequeathed to the city by individual collectors, to vast and impressive hoards of art and antiquities amassed over centuries, there is something to fascinate all comers. Even the buildings in which these collections are housed are often awe inspiring and it is a great convenience to stay in one of the many high quality central London hotels and explore the collections that call this city home.

London Hotels and Special Collections:

One of the lesser known but still internationally favoured gems of all London’s museums has to be The Wallace Collection. If you are fortunate enough to be in a position to book one of the wonderfully convenient London hotels near Marylebone, Oxford Street or Baker Street then you will be within walking distance of The Wallace Collection. The Wallace Collection houses some incredible treasures which were gathered by four of the Marquesses of Hertford and also by the son of the 4^th Marquess, Sir Richard Wallace. The vast array of art works and treasures here was left to the people of Britain by Lady Wallace and has since become one of our most valued collections as a nation. The museum houses some beautiful Rembrandt’s and also a stunning collection of miniatures which are exquisite to see. Famous paintings are scattered throughout the building and there is also a large collection of armour.

If you are not staying in a central location then you may be wondering what is on offer outside of the city centre. In terms of London hotels and getting around you can’t really go wrong if you ensure your accommodation is within walking distance of an underground station, then the whole of the city is at your fingertips and you can travel to one of the many smaller museums which abound in the outer reaches of the city. One of the most fascinating is The Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green. This is a wonderful museum which holds a huge collection of dolls, games and dolls houses... the largest in the world in fact!  The museum is separated into various galleries each exploring a different aspect of childhood and play. With many different events on at any one time this is a must for the young and the young at heart!

Making the Most of London Hotels:

London hotels are best enjoyed when you have plenty of free time with which to play; as the city is so full of wonderful attractions you will be no doubt keen to cram as much into your time as possible; rushing around the city is often frustrating as some of the best sights and sounds are the unexpected ones witnessed on the way to somewhere else! Take time to plan your days out, ensure that you check which museums and other attractions are en route to your destination so that you can take advantage of the great underground service and hop on and off the tube as you desire. Your most useful guide to choosing from the many London hotels on offer is yourself and your tastes, decide which places you want to visit most within the city and choose a hotel which lies as close to the middle of the areas in question. London has so much on offer and you don’t want to miss any of it!

Staying in London Hotels; a Garden Lovers Dream

http://www.roomguide.co.uk/city/london and Gardens:

London is a weird and wonderful place and so much of what it has on offer is not well known and is easily missed by the newcomer. Because it is such an ancient city, there are a multitude of well-kept secret green spaces which are not featured in most guide books. To get to know a city like London requires literally years of wandering its streets and even then it is an impossible task as the face of London is constantly changing, developing and morphing as old buildings are replaced with new; but the many interesting locations which remain well protected are nurtured by the city and its people. Take some time out of your break in London to discover some of the most wonderful places the city has to offer. You don’t even need to stay in an out of the way hotel to enjoy many of these attractions as a number of them are within the bounds of the city centre or at least very close. London hotels have the advantage of being within a stone’s throw of some of the best parks and gardens in Europe but not all of them are famous...some are very well kept secrets.

One of the most fascinating places for lovers of gardens and history is the little known Garden Museum which is situated on Lambeth Road adjacent to Lambeth Palace. The museum is a quirky homage to all things horticultural; housed in a church in whose graveyard lies the body of Captain Bligh of the Bounty. The museum offers a multitude of historical plants to see and has a small but beautiful replica of a 17^th century Knot Garden. The garden is a welcome respite from the hubbub of city life and offers a sanctuary to those in need of some natural beauty. If you are staying in one of the central London hotels near to Westminster then you won’t be far from The Garden Museum and could in fact walk there along the Thames from Waterloo which is an excellent chance to see the river at close quarters.

                            

Another little known pleasure for lovers of the great outdoors is the Roof Gardens; a beautiful rooftop garden set 100 feet above ground level on Kensington High Street which is in an area well known to be home to some of the best London hotels. Once a famous department store known as Derry and Tom’s, the building on which the gardens are situated, is now owned and managed by Virgin who have re-vamped the three full sized gardens which boast a running stream, ducks, fish and flamingos! Seventy fully grown trees only add to the wonder of this unusual experience. The Rooftop Gardens are open to the public on special dates and are well worth a visit. Staying in London hotels gives the visitor an opportunity to see many unusual and unique attractions

London Hotels and Parks:

London was built upon parkland and some of the parks which are so popular today were once the playgrounds of Kings and Queens. Kensington Gardens is one such place and if you are lucky enough to stay in the vicinity you will be amazed by the plethora of fabulous London hotels with views of the beautiful green landscape. With stunning banks of flowers during summer and many mature trees, the gardens also boast sunken gardens and are famous for their connection with Peter Pan who’s statue is situated in the park as a memorial to the much loved author J M Barrie and as a tribute to the character himself. Other famous parks in London are not to be missed and Hyde Park is a must-see attraction; lying adjacent to Kensington Gardens and separated by the Serpentine River, Hyde Park is the larger of the two and is famous for Speakers Corner and also for is stunning rose garden. These parks are enormous and by dedicating a day or two to seeing the highlights any visitor will be certain to fall in love with the calm and beauty of them, an antidote to the rush and excitement of city living they remain an oasis of calm within a busy world city.

London Hotels - Choosing a Location for your Break

Historical London Hotels:

Your experience of London and equally of London hotels during a city break will to a large degree depend on the location of your accommodation; although the quality of London hotels varies to such an extreme that it is almost impossible to compare one trip with another. Staying in the West End can often be a great idea with regards to accessing London’s famous landmarks but it won’t always guarantee great facilities. Hotels which are situated in smaller buildings can often be more quirky in nature and if historical buildings are a passion then you may find it preferable to choose one of these in favour of a more reliable but less interesting chain hotel. London is studded with beautiful little Georgian squares where elegant three storey buildings overlook small, well laid out gardens; these once housed the rich merchants and business people of the city though many are now converted into hotels and afford the casual visitor a chance to see and to experience first hand the wonderful architecture of the city.

London Hotels in Outlying Boroughs:

If your stay is to be longer than a weekend then it’s worth considering choosing an outlying borough for your accommodation. The London transport system is excellent and so visitors will find that they are easily able to access points of interest such as Buckingham Palace, Covent Garden Market and West End theatres. Staying in one of the London hotels in a fascinating area like Hampstead, Camden or Greenwich will give the tourist a completely different experience to those who choose accommodation in the more obvious locations such as Covent Garden or Trafalgar Square.  Greenwich is particularly interesting, the home of some wonderful independent shops and market stalls, an entire weekend could easily be whiled away here and since London Hotels tend to be placed in convenient locations for those who are not familiar with the city, there will be no problems should you choose to venture further afield.

London Hotels in the City Centre:

If you do decide to choose accommodation which is right in the thick of things, then you will find that there are almost too many places of interest within the few square miles that is central London with which to fill your time. Museums, galleries, historical houses, wonderful shopping and fashionable nightlife are all part of what makes the city such a special place and there are more than enough London hotels situated within a stone’s throw of some of the country’s best loved landmarks to ensure that your stay is a memorable one. If you’re staying in London for a week or more as many visitors do, it’s often difficult to fit in even half of what London has to offer in terms of entertainment and days out; be sure to plan your must-see locations and your most longed for experiences but leave one day free for a long meandering walk; some of the best kept secrets of the city are those which are happened upon by accident; if there is one great thing about utilizing  the many fabulous London hotels it’s that getting lost is difficult as you’re never far from a tube station!

London Hotels and Markets

Famous Markets and London Hotels:

London is renowned for its fabulous markets and many of them are close to some of the best London hotels and shopping districts. If you’re someone who enjoys a more quirky shopping experience than the larger high street stores offer, then you will enjoy exploring London’s numerous and often historical markets. The city is studded with interesting markets of all sizes and there is something to suit all tastes from unusual vintage and designer clothing to specialist antique markets. Wherever you decide to stay your choices will be vast if you’re a fan of markets as they are spread pretty evenly throughout the city.

Up West: London Hotels and Portobello Market:

Portobello Market is situated in Notting Hill in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Many wonderful London hotels are easily found in the area as it is a mostly well heeled and stylish district. If you are an antiques buff then a visit to the Portobello Road on a Saturday will thrill you, many shops and stalls here are piled high with everything from jewellery to pottery and even furniture. The streets are picturesque and it takes little effort to spot the famous faces in the throng as this area is popular with celebrities. If vintage clothing and home-wares are your thing then you won’t be disappointed as there are many other corners in this area which are home to numerous shops and stalls specialising in vintage collectables. Even if you’re not big on shopping it’s will worth spending a morning along this street as the atmosphere is wonderful, add this to a great selection of coffee shops and cosy pubs and you have the recipe for a great time!

London Hotels and the East End Markets:

It’s not just the West end which has some great markets; London Hotels in the East End have become more popular as this once typically working area has been gentrified and made fashionable by the artists and cultural movements which were initially attracted by cheap rental opportunities. East End markets which are popular include Spitalfields Market and Columbia Road flower market; both of these are wonderful places which typify the East End in some way. Staying in any of the trendy London hotels in the vicinity of Spitalfields will put you in a great position to walk along to the market and enjoy the wonderful goods on offer there, from one-off handmade jewellery and accessories to freshly brewed coffee and pastries the market has the makings of a perfect Saturday morning. If you’re a fan of all things green and leafy and don’t mind rising early, a visit to Columbia Road flower market is a must. This narrow street of terraced houses is an ordinary residential street during the week, but every Sunday a change takes place and the road is stuffed to the brim with high quality fresh flowers and plants. Cheap to buy and gorgeous to behold, this is a must-see event which all flower lovers should experience. Arrive early to bag the best bargains!

North London Markets:

North London has many markets but perhaps the most famous would be Camden Market which is actually at more than one location. The Stables contain many unusual and ethnic home-wares plus jewellery and clothing. Contained within old stables and arches, this is a great option if the weather is bad. There are many food outlets within and something to suit all tastes from falafels to fry-ups there is a huge array of food and snacks on offer. Further along Camden High Street lies another market area, this one is not under cover but sells wonderful, unusual clothing; many young designers sell their hand made garments here for far less than they re worth and you can often pick up a great one-off outfit at knock down prices.

South London and Greenwich:

Staying in London hotels south of the river is a unique London experience. It is in South London that you can find Greenwich, home of Greenwich market which is as picturesque as the rest of the area. Greenwich has a fascinating maritime history which is reflected in the shops and pubs locally, a visit to Greenwich and its quirky shopping centre gives a newcomer the impression that they’re miles away from London when in fact, Trafalgar Square is less than 30 minutes away by bus! Greenwich market is great for unusual gifts and home-wares. Finish off your trip with a walk through Greenwich Park with its stunning views of London and a visit to the Cutty Sark which is moored in the dry dock.