The pursuit of an amazing family hotel in London, that crucially won’t break the bank, could be an arduous task. Luckily for you, I’ve found an incredible spot in the Double Tree London Victoria. Not only is it in an amazing location just minutes walk away from Buckingham Palace, but this family hotel really understands city breaks with kids and makes for an ideal sightseeing base in the heart of London Westminster.
The Room
We stayed in one of the family mezzanine rooms, which consists of a downstairs bedroom with two double beds and an upstairs mezzanine lounge area. We were really taken with the spaciousness of our room and ability to have a proper space to relax after a day of sightseeing. The kids bed was made up with safari print bedding and laden with treats for little visitors: a cuddly teddy, mini bath robe, bedtime story book, card games and Childs Farm bath amenities suitable for sensitive skin.
The bathroom had a sleek waterfall shower and Crabtree and Evelyn amenities where no amounts had been spared. For us, the space really catered to families, with TVs in each room that were streaming prepared (and offered auto log out on checking out) large amounts of luggage storage so you can properly settle into the space. It’s these details which make all the difference after long days seeing the best of the city.
The Food
We enjoyed the family afternoon ‘Ticket to Ride’ afternoon, dinner and breakfast in the hotels’ Terminus restaurant. Starting with afternoon tea (an absolute London steal at £15.95!!), Ticket to Ride was based around the family board game and reflected the hotels location with views into the historic Victoria Station. Afternoon tea consists of an adults cream tea, served with tea and coffee and a full children’s afternoon tea complete with cookies, scones, cheese paninis, ham sandwiches and an array of delicious cakes and brownies. You also get a large table set up with the board game so it’s an amazing entry level afternoon tea for your family!
Dinner was exactly what you need from a family hotel in London – brasserie style and grill food with ‘mini’ versions for your minis! We had a delicious burrata salad, halloumi fries and steak…. Sadly our appetites couldn’t stretch to the sticky toffee pudding I very much had my eye on! Breakfast was similarly delicious – offering a wide breakfast buffet as you would expect from an inner city hotel, but also à la carte options such as pancakes and eggs Benedict.
I have worked around the Victoria area for around 15 years and the change in the food scene in that time has been incredible. If you have the energy after a long day of walking to venture out of the hotel the local eateries won’t disappoint: Bone Daddies, Timmy Green, The Ivy, Shake Shack, Sticks ‘n; Sushi, Harry’s Victoria…. The list of great eats within a 5 minute walk is endless!
Amenities
The hotel location is *the thing* although it does offer a handy fitness suite. Being located in zone 1, Victoria puts this hotel very much within walking distance of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Trafalgar Square. Not only that but it is next door neighbours with the Wicked and Hamilton West End theatre shows, making it super convenient to take in two of the most lauded shows in the city.
How to get there
The hotel is co-located with Victoria train station, meaning it’s not only serviced by the underground and overground but also at the origination or termination point for the Gatwick Express! London is being ever developed, so one thing to note is that some buildings are part way through construction – we weren’t disturbed by noise but it’s one thing to note on the approach if it looks like some buildings are a work in progress – they are!
When to go
London is charming all year round but I personally love summer in the City in July and August and of course, Christmas in London is not to be missed.
Length of stay
The great thing about the Double Tree London Victoria is that you can dock in for a quick one night pit stop, or genuinely bed in for a lengthy sightseeing week in London. We were really struck by its homeliness!
Overall
As a Londoner, I have tuned in over the years to the spots that would really be worth staying in to make the most of a break in the city. But not only is the location of the Double Tree London Victoria incomparable for a sightseeing hotel in London, but the level of thought that goes into making it a great family holiday means that I can absolutely recommend it as a city base. Prices start from £155 but the average stay is around £250 per night which also makes it great value for the location!
That Holiday Mum x
[Hosted Stay]