Evening Standard

Minibreak magic — without having to leave London Taj Hotels

Forget about going abroad, hotels in the city are perfect for an autumn treat

- Suzannah Ramsdale

THE ever-changing quarantine rules put the kibosh on your Mediterran­ean dreams and you left it too late to bag the last Cornish campsite pitch. But all is not lost. London’s hotels have a smorgasbor­d of tempting packages to ease you into autumn. Here is our pick of staycays in the greatest city in the world.

The Mitre, Hampton Court

New kid on the block The Mitre is making the most of its waterfront location with a jolly Messing About on the River package. The two-night stay includes tickets to Hampton Court Palace, afternoon tea, a champagne boat trip, cocktail masterclas­s and two dinners in the hotel’s restaurant­s.

⬤ Messing About on the River package, starting from £950

The Hari, Belgravia

Arrive in style with a compliment­ary transfer from any London train station (or airport) in a Mercedes E-Class. Then, once you have checked in and been given a free upgrade, make the most of a £50 credit gift card at the hotel’s Italian restaurant Il Pampero.

⬤ Travel with Us package, starting from £320

The Standard, King’s Cross

The London outpost of LA favourite The Standard has much to tempt you back. For a limited time, get three nights for the price of two, or recover from a hellish year with the Suite Selfcare package, including a 60-minute massage, a facial and a mani or pedi, gym access and use of the in-room Peloton bike.

⬤ Packages start at £323

The Connaught, Mayfair

Make the most of a quieter London with The Connaught’s all-access package. Think personal appointmen­ts at Matches, VIP shopping at Selfridges and private tours of top art galleries.

Oh, and you’ll get as many free cakes as you can handle.

⬤ The Connaught, starting from £550

With two locations in the heart of London (Buckingham Palace and St James’s Park), Taj Hotels have been thinking hard about how to show the city some love. Key workers get special room rates, family reunion bookings will be treated to a free afternoon tea, and all guests at St James’ Court get a 30 per cent discount until the end of December.

⬤ Thank you to our heroes, starting from £130 per night

The Mandrake, Fitzrovia

You’ve been through the wringer so what could be better than a Soul Reset package at this zen hotel. The Mandrake’s

Spiritual Concierge Service will nourish mind, body and soul with crystal bowl sound healing, gong therapy, cacao ceremonies and Chroma Yoga. ⬤ Soul Reset package, starting from £300

The Prince Akatoki, Marylebone

The Taste of Japan package includes sake cocktails and a sushi masterclas­s. You’ll even be given some traditiona­l Ikebana flowers to take home. Really, who needs internatio­nal travel?

⬤ Taste of Japan staycation, starting from £229

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 ??  ?? What a trip: the Connaught, left, Suzannah and a friend on The Mitre’s boat, and The Standard, below left
What a trip: the Connaught, left, Suzannah and a friend on The Mitre’s boat, and The Standard, below left
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