How to Travel Like a Royal in London
The legendary Bond Street in Mayfair. (Photo: Getty Images)
London was just voted the 2015 Top Tourist Destination by MasterCard’s Global Destination Cities Index. But there is one neighborhood that stands out from all the rest. Home to Britain’s most expensive property in terms of price per square foot, the London neighborhood of Mayfair is one of the U.K.’s most exclusive areas to live, work, and visit. Residential real estate there goes for over £5000 ($7600) per square foot and the neighborhood has been a sort after location for the world’s richest looking to call London home. Mayfair is also a popular shopping and dining territory for Britain’s young royals and their aristocratic friends.
The area has an interesting history: It was named after the annual 15-day-long May fair that took place from 1686 to 1764, on the site that is now Shepard Market. It was banned by local aristocracy who argued that it was drawing the attention of undesirable people from poorer parts of London. Much of the area was initially developed in the late 17th and early 18th centuries as a highly desirable residential community which grew because of, and alongside, small burgeoning trade and craftsman businesses such as furniture makers. These days, much of the freehold land is now owned by The Crown Estate — as in The British Royal Family.
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So as a visitor to this magnificent and historic London borough, how can you make the most of your time and truly live like a Royal? Yahoo Travel suggests spending your time in a few of these places, all of which have been given the Royal stamp of approval in one form or another.
Stay at The Mayfair Hotel
Sleep in some truly luxurious digs at the Mayfair Hotel. (Photo: Mayfair Hotel)
If you are looking for luxurious decor, impeccable service, and a perfectly central location, The Mayfair Hotel is by far the neighborhood’s best choice. Situated just off Piccadilly in the heart of Mayfair, this spectacular and historic property was first opened by King George V in 1927. The legendary 404-suite hotel boasts a discreet spa, a world-class fine dining restaurant, a private cigar room, it’s own screening room, a casino, and one of the capital’s top hotel bars. The Mayfair Hotel regularly plays host to some of London’s most extravagant society events, but even just sitting in the lobby sipping some English Breakfast Tea makes for the most indulgent people-watching experience. Rates start from around $460 a night.
Go truffle tasting at Charbonnel et Walker
Nibble on some delicious chocolatey treats at Charbonnel et Walker. (Photo: Lee McCoy/Flickr)
Just a short five-minute walk from The Mayfair Hotel, on the corner of the famous Royal Arcade, is Great Britain’s most revered chocolatier, Charbonnel et Walker. Founded in 1875 at the encouragement of King Edward VII, the original store opened on Bond Street and has remained there ever since. Now holders of the Royal Warrant (which means they are of a certain quality and can display the royal arms), they are one of only a couple of chocolatiers to Queen Elizabeth. Guests to the store can sample some of the truffle offerings, many of which are still made by the same 19th century recipes and process. Do not leave without trying the dark chocolate sea salt caramel, or their best selling Pink Champagne Truffle. Heaven.
Find your signature scent at Penhaligons
Everyone needs a signature scent. Find yours at Penhaligons. (Photo: Norio NAKAYAMA/Flickr)
Another holder of a Royal Warrant (since 1903), Penhaligons is an English perfume house that was founded in the 1860s and is now a favorite of both Charles, Prince of Wales and Prince Philip, The Duke Of Edinburgh. Situated on the historic Burlington Arcade, it was established by William Penhaligon, who was appointed as Barber and Perfumer to the Royal Court of Queen Victoria. The store’s highly trained staff will treat you to a personalized scent experience where you can sample their signature scents, discuss your own scent profile, and even create your own signature scent.
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Take in an exhibition at The Royal Academy
Browse the ever-changing art on display at The Royal Academy. (Photo: Royal Academy of Arts/Facebook)
For 247 years, The Royal Academy of Arts has been London’s premiere exhibition space, showcasing the world’s finest sculpture, painting, photography, architecture, and film from both new and distinguished artists — from Michelangelo to Tracey Emin. It is unique in that it’s an institution run by established artists and architects and financed purely by ticket sales and private donations. The Academy is located inside Burlington House, a stunning Palladian style mansion that was built in the 1660’s on the north side of Picadilly in Mayfair, originally as a private residence. It has since been changed and added to several times but was bought by the British government in 1854 before becoming home to the Royal Academy in 1867. Art enthusiasts can tour one of the many temporary exhibitions, visit the extensive gift shop, stop for tea at the Keeper’s House, or simply take in the building’s spectacular architecture. Tickets are $17 (£12), $15 for seniors (£11) for adults, and free for kids under 16.
Take tea at Fortnum and Mason
Live like royal-tea at Fortnum and Mason. (Photo: Fortnum & Mason/Facebook)
Known as the Queen’s grocer, Fortnum and Mason has been tied to the Royal household for centuries and still holds two Royal Warrants to both the Queen herself and Prince Charles. The store has become world renowned for its loose leaf teas and picnic hampers which they have distributed to high society events such as Ascot Races and the Henley Regatta since the Victoria era. These hampers can now cost anywhere from £35 to £25,000! That’s around $35,000. But visitors to the historic store who don’t fancy dropping an annual salary on a picnic basket can still immerse themselves in British culture by partaking in the most civilized of pastimes - afternoon tea. The store has four restaurants, the most iconic of which is the Diamond Jubilee Tea Parlour, opened by Queen Elizabeth herself in 2012. For 40 GBP ($56) visitors can indulge in an array of perfectly formed finger sandwiches, homemade scones with jam, patisseries, tea cakes and of course Fortnum and Mason’s own tea blends served from a solid silver tea service. It is the most luxurious was to spend an afternoon.
Dance the night away at Mahikis Nightclub
Mahiki is pretty much the hippest tiki bar ever. (Photo: Mahiki/Facebook)
For the visitor looking for some exciting night-time indulgences, head to the famous Mayfair hotspot Mahikis. A favorite of Princes William and Harry, along with a whole host of other famous faces, this Polynesian-themed nightclub pegs itself as “the ultimate party destination.” Situated just blocks from The Mayfair Hotel, this swanky joint surprisingly has an “open door” policy and has steered clear of installing V.I.P. rooms — meaning you actually rub shoulders with celebrities and even royalty! Grab dinner at the nearby Hakkasan or Nobu to up your celeb-spotting chances.
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