Valentines Day at The Washington Mayfair Hotel London

This year Valentine's Day didn't look hopeful, Kieran was scheduled to work both days of the weekend and I was scheduled to be sitting on the sofa eating chocolates reduced to clear. However at the last moment Cupid took pity and Kieran's work was cancelled- which meant that last minute ( under duress of me) he had to schedule a Valentines weekend to remember- and oh he did.

An hour on the computer and he as booked (using secret escapes) a lovely city retreat at the Washington Mayfair Hotel. A 4 star hotel tucked behind the back streets of Green Park. Upon entering the rotating doors we were greeted by warm staff who were so helpful and friendly through out our stay. 

The room was a large living room/ bedroom- and sadly larger than many Londoners apartments these days. 

Fresh decor, comfy beds, a mini bar and a sofa made this stay absolutely first class. 

For dinner we headed to I Robert restaurant across the road who accepted our last minute booking and wowed us with quality Italian food. The upstairs dining room is quaint and has an intimate renaissance feel perfect for couples. 

We drank at the bar, ate dinner laughed , drank some more and had over all the best valentines weekend I've had in the 3 years we have spent together.

Top marks Kieran, he works well under pressure. Who says last minute valentines plans don't work? X 

Booking details: 

Washington Mayfair Hotel 

http://www.washington-mayfair.co.uk

Secret Escapes: 

SecretEscapes.com

i Robert restaurant : http://www.irobert.london

Weekend Chill.

There is nothing like the sound of St Pauls bells on a crisp Sunday morning. After staying in the city for a quick indulgent city break, Kieran and I took to the east London Streets to enjoy the sun. Even if it did come with ice cold gale winds. Not taking any chances with the cold I went the whole 9 yards and just piled on those layers. I think I did a good job of remaining stylish, I wore cashmere fur lined cape as a scarf, because a regular scarf just wouldn't do and I didn't want to wear the cape under my jacket as it just makes me look fat. Wearing oversized capes as scarves is s good way to get a new fresh look and add an extra layer of warmth. I also wore my vintage fur hat for £40 second hand this is one of the best items I have brought, from Canada to Ireland to the UK this hat has kept me warm through so many winters. Both items were purchased from iconic London markets, the cape from portobello and the hat from a vintage shop in Camden market which sells a range of 2nd hand fur.

Cocktails at 45 Park Lane Hotel

Cocktails in a hotel lobby are a great way to get the tourist experience in London without actually spending half your rent in a hotel in London. I actually prefer hotel bars to the actual hotel room. The hotel bar is like dating before the relationship, the hotel is on its best sparkly behaviour, it's guests are at their most interesting and no matter what your budget, the decor is the same for the prince as it is for the pauper. That and the fact that when you stay in a hotel room, all you is sleep and shower- the essential boring stuff. In a hotel bar you talk, laugh, drink and drink some more.

So long as we are evaluating hotel bars the 45 Park Lane, is a great place to go. Set on actual park lane, we now enter premium Monopoly board territory.

I had always seen its impressive artists Art Deco exterior and wanted to go in, and so the other day, I decided I would.

The bar is upstairs, the seating is comfy, the colours warm and the art engaging.

The staff are friendly and come around with bowls and bowls of delicious butter salt garlic popcorn as well as offering great service.

I ordered my signature Margharita love, and being a tequila fanatic found it to be exquisite.

It had soft jazz playing in the lobby, and all in all - if this was a date with 45 Park Lane, I would certainly be up for a second, and perhaps even up for a hotel room...

         

Afternoon Tea At The Ham Yard Hotel

I have a friend called Maya who since I have known her has always been up to fancy things. Maybe I have become jaded from the city- I am too busy ushering tourists out of the way to stop and see what they may be looking at. My friend Maya on the other hand is the type who takes the effort to plan research and enjoy her city like she is on holiday. After growing a tad jealous of hearing of her fabulous excersions with other friends ( I mean she takes them to tea at the Ritz whilst we meet at Westfields) I insisted that I be included in her fabulous plans.

We decided on tea (how British) at the Ham Yard Hotel in Picadilly.

Tea in London can be quite expensive when we start to talk about the Ritz and so on. The Ham Yard Hotel is very affordable, if you want a civilised Saturday with friends this is your option. We both enjoyed nattering over scones and the best tea I have ever tasted (and I am an avid coffee drinker) £19.50. for Tea.

What was on offer:

Sandwiches, scones, cakes and desserts. It all tasted heavenly and the servers were so nice!

The Ham Yard Hotel:

A stunning hotel tucked away behind the heart of London's Piccadilly, the Ham Yard Hotel boasts a rare combination of being central yet refreshingly secluded. Down a cobbled street, in a mews you will find the entrance of the modern, artistic yet some how traditional hotel. It boasts a spa, bowling alley, fine dining, and of course a tea room.