My grandparents took me to London for the first time for my 10th birthday. My birthday is in July, but they saved the trip for December so we could go at Christmastime. I remember huge illuminated stars stretching down the street outside Hamleys, getting my photo taken outside the theatre before we went in to watch The Sound Of Music and choosing a snow globe that I still have today, Big Ben at its centre.
Christmas has always been my favourite time of year, and if my busy December diary allows it, I always try and get down to London in the run-up. My boyfriend Aidan and I are in Inverness and while our airport isn’t the biggest, the flights to London are frequent and cheap if booked in advance. On our most recent trip, we found what I think will be our new go-to hotel – and I couldn’t help but think how ideal it would be for a festive jaunt down south.
Melia White House is located by Regent’s Park, beside the exclusive Marylebone district. It’s grand from the outside and that is only amplified as you enter into the art deco reception. The hotel offers guests the opportunity to upgrade to The Level – giving you access to private spaces, exclusive benefits and personalised service – which we did.
Last time we stayed in London we chose cheap rather than cheerful when booking a hotel, so this was beyond a treat. Our Level Premium Room was large but cosy with a huge bed at its centre, warm lighting, funky artwork, burnt orange soft furnishings and a modern tiled bat.
