Destination Spotlight: London

London sneaks up on you. A vibrant metropolis bustling with the energy of incredible diversity, the city is truly a global center for commerce and culture. Home to 7.2 million people and spread out over a great distance, London manages to be massive and manageable at the same time. Virtually every neighborhood has its own style and appeal from tony Knightsbridge where Harrod’s and Harvey Nichols appeal to shoppers worldwide, to the hustle of the City with its sharp-suited corporate titans, to the edgy, artsy charm of Notting Hill. History holds hands with the Future, a relationship that’s beautifully on display from the Millennium Eye, an enormous ferris wheel on the banks of the Thames. The view from the top showcases many of London’s greatest highlights, like the classical facades of Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London, to the innovative blue beacon of the iconic Tate Modern. A little touristy? Yes, but absolutely worth it. For more destination information and trip-planning resources please visit www.visitlondon.com.

Where to Stay:

Hidden in plain view on Buckingham Palace Road is one of the city’s premier intimate luxury hotels, “41”. Outside, a discreet plaque is the only indication that you’ve arrived at the right place and not a private residence. Once inside the elegant foyer, an elevator whisks you up to the 5th floor, where all of the 20 suites are located. Exquisitely decorated in black and white, with only one desk to give away its true identity, the atmosphere suggests a private club rather than a hotel and the service is perfection. Guest rooms aim to delight you the thoughtful details like thick fluffy robes and the weather forecast at turndown, beautiful fresh fruit and flowers, as well as a lit fireplace to welcome you back each evening. Be warned, you may find it hard to leave.

Getting There and Around:

Most international flights arrive and depart out of either Heathrow or Gatwick Airports. Regional flights and smaller carriers will also use Stansted and City Airports.

Thanks to an abundance of options, getting around London is easy. The Tube and bus routes provide an extensive network of destinations. Also readily available are the famous London cabs, http://www.visitlondon.com/travel/

Check It Out: London Top 10
Malcolm Hendry, General Manager of 41

1. Stroll along the South Bank of the Thames from Westminster Bridge to Butlers Wharf.

2. Take a boat ride to Greenwich and back.

3. Picnic on Hampstead Heath.

4. Go shopping on Sloane Street, Kings Road and Knightsbridge.

5. Go to a top Premiership football match.

6. Discover the Old City of London by foot, from Fleet Street to Monument.

7. Afternoon Tea at Fortnum and Mason, www.fortnumandmason.com

8. Be entertained by the Street Performers/Buskers in Covent Garden on Sunday afternoon, www.conventgardenlife.com

9. AGo to the Opera at The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, www.royalopera.org

10. Cocktails at Tower 42, www.tower42.co.uk