King Charles III's coronation weekend is rapidly approaching, and we can already taste the strawberries and cream and envisage the jugs of Pimms as the nation gathers to celebrate the moment His Majesty is crowned.
There really is no better place to be to mark the milestone weekend than in London. With hundreds of royal landmarks to explore, coronation-themed events popping up across the city, the best royal-approved afternoon teas and an unbeatable atmosphere, why wouldn't you want to experience the capital over the royally-good weekend?
New data from Expedia revealed that hotel rooms in London are being snapped up by Americans heading across the pond, beating Brits to the top spot in hotel search rankings for the coronation. Hot on their heels are royal fans from the UK, Canada, Germany, France and Australia. Expedia also saw a 34 per cent increase in searches for hotels following the news that Prince Harry will be attending the coronation.
Where is King Charles III's coronation?
King Charles and his wife, Queen Consort Camilla, will be crowned at Westminster Abbey on the morning of Saturday 6 May. The historic three-day spectacle includes a majestic coronation service rooted in tradition and ancient ceremonies.
The King and Queen Consort will arrive at Westminster Abbey in procession from Buckingham Palace, known as 'The King’s Procession'. After the service, the royals will return to Buckingham Palace in a larger ceremonial procession, known as 'The Coronation Procession'. Once at Buckingham Palace, the King and Queen Consort, accompanied by senior members of the royal family, will make a much-anticipated balcony appearance.
HELLO! has rounded up the very best places to stay across the coronation weekend, from the hotels with the best views of Buckingham Palace to the best royal packages to indulge like the King...
SHOP: King Charles III coronation memorabilia: From mugs to tea towels, ornaments & more
Best places to stay in London over King Charles' coronation weekend
Shangri-La, The Shard
London Bridge, SE1
Top Review
"The best hotel we’ve ever been to, it was amazing from the very first moment we entered. The room, the bathroom, the pool, the sauna, the restaurants were all perfect. Can’t fault the service."
If you're hoping to catch a glimpse of the colourful flypast for King Charles' coronation on Saturday 6 May, there's no better place than from London's tallest hotel. Shangri-La occupies eighteen floors of The Shard, Western Europe's tallest building.
Guests can soak up the picturesque panoramic skyline views overlooking the River Thames, with beloved landmarks such as the Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, Borough Market and St Paul's Cathedral within close distance.
St James's Hotel & Club
St James's Hotel & Club, SWA 1LS
Top Review
"This is the height of boutique luxury hotel. The staff were very nice and bent over backwards to make sure we were happy. In addition to the plush comfortable room, the mattress was the most comfortable we have ever slept on. This is the place to go if you want the Royal treatment."
Tucked away on Park Place is St. James's Hotel & Club, a delightfully chic hotel that has mastered the art of delivering the royal treatment.
The hotel's famous St James's Suite promises views of Big Ben and the peaks of Buckingham Palace, whilst the Victorian England influence on the interiors add to the timeless elegance of this sought-after boutique hotel.
William Drabble's Michelin-starred restaurant, Seven Park Place, is what really gives the hotel its glitter. The Gourmand menu is culinary art at its finest, with elegant French cuisine and expert Sommeliers delivering a perfect combination of seasonal dishes and wine.
For those looking for the ultimate luxury over the coronation weekend, the hotel is just a 15-minute walk away from Westminster Abbey, where the King is due to be crowned.
Claridge's Hotel
Brook Street, London, W1K 4HR
Top Review
"I had a wonderful experience at this hotel. The room was beautifully decorated and very comfortable. The staff were attentive and made me feel right at home. I especially loved facilities, which were a perfect way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing. I would definitely stay here again."
There's a reason why Claridge's is often referred to as the 'annexe of Buckingham Palace,' having hosted the royals on a number of occasions. Situated in affluent Mayfair, home to all many of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie's private member's clubs, this elegant art deco hotel makes for the perfect weekend of royal-inspired indulgence.
100 Queen's Gate Hotel
South Kensington, London, SW7 5AG
Top Review
"This hotel is feels very much like London. Smart, adventurous, luxurious and functional. The rooms are immaculately designed. I love the decor, paintings and features. The attention to detail is truly remarkable, such as the globe in the room, patterned bathroom floor and traditional style phone."
If dining like a royal and sleeping like a King lure you into temptation, we've found the perfect place… For an unforgettable experience complete with five-star luxury, situated in the heart of London's romantic Kensington, 100 Queen's Gate Hotel is located on Queen's Gate, one of London's most sought-after addresses.
Just a stone's throw from Kensington Palace, the Horse Guards Parade and Buckingham Palace, you'll be immersed in all the coronation action when the best of London's royal attractions are within walking distance.
The Landmark
Marylebone Road, London, NW1 6JQ
Top Review
"We stayed at this incredible hotel for the weekend, myself, wife and two children. Right from the moment we were welcomed into the hotel by the brilliant doorman and concierge team, the experience throughout the entire stay was nothing short of flawless."
If the white marble bathtub or the plush super-king bed isn't enough to tempt you, The Landmark is the perfect place to enjoy a weekend of royal-inspired fun. Start your day with a quintessential British breakfast in the hotel's iconic Winter Garden Restaurant before heading off to explore London and finishing the day in the stylish neighbourhood bar Great Central, while sipping the Queen’s favourite cocktail.
The Landmark might pride itself on luxury, but it's a great hotel option for the little ones too - they will be greeted by their very own Landmark teddy bear.
The Goring
Belgravia, London, SW1W 0JW
Top Review
"Simply superb, from the staff to check in, dinner and the rooms old school elegance and class. The Goring is a benchmark for how things should be done. I can’t find a fault, it's now our go to hotel now when staying in London."
This five star hotel is particularly close to home for the royals, located just minutes from Buckingham Palace. The Goring is the only hotel awarded a Royal Warrant for hospitality services and has a rich royal history; it famously hosted the Princess of Wales in its Royal Suite the night before her wedding in April 2011.
The Clermont
101 Buckingham Palace Road, Westminster, SW1W 0SJ
Top Review
"This hotel was in the PERFECT location for everything we wanted to do and see for our trip. You can get from the hotel to Victoria Station without going outside, and Buckingham Palace is a stone's throw away. We couldn't have picked a better home base for our trip."
In search of a perfectly located hotel to enjoy King Charles' coronation weekend? You simply can't get more central than The Clermont. Combining modern comforts with Victorian opulence, this Grade II listed railway hotel is in the heart of the of London Victoria.
JW Marriott Grosvenor House
Park Lane, Mayfair, SE1
Top Review
"This hotel is wonderful, 5 star luxury at its best. Highly attentive staff and nothing too much trouble. Central to Hyde Park and a lovely walk to the West End and all the main tourist attractions."
If you're looking for a slice of luxury over the coronation weekend, you can experience a taste of the lavish royal lifestyle at celebrity-favourite Grosvenor House. Located on Park Lane in Mayfair, Grosvenor House offers luxury accommodation with the "privacy, comfort and generous living space of a contemporary Mayfair residence".
The hotel overlooks Hyde Park and is just over a mile away from Kensington Palace, the Prince and Princess of Wales' official London base.
From April, guests can also enjoy delectable Afternoon Tea inspired by both king and kingdom. Seated in the elegant surroundings of the Park Room, reminiscent of a majestic stately home and set against a regal backdrop of Royal Hyde Park, you'll beging your afternoon of sweet treats with a glas of Ridgeview English Sparkling Wine, originally served at King Charles' first state banquet.
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