If you want a Christmas in London where someone else handles the cooking, Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites & Residences in Westminster has put together a full festive programme. The address itself has pedigree: the buildings trace back to the Elizabethan era, were rebuilt in 1897 as redbrick townhouses for the political and social set, and later converted into a hotel. Family crests at the gates and a Shakespearean frieze in the courtyard nod to that history, and past guests have included Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth II and Nelson Mandela.
The suites are the main draw. Several were designed with partners such as Sabyasachi and Jaguar Land Rover, so expect interiors with real character rather than generic five-star beige. Every guest gets a pillow menu to choose from, and Taj butlers are on hand around the clock. There are multiple dining options on site, and Christmas is when they pull out the stops.
TH@51 runs special menus on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day featuring roast turkey and herb-grilled lobster, then hosts a New Year's Eve evening with live entertainment. Kona serves a Midwinter Night's Dream Afternoon Tea, and if you'd rather do things your way, the hotel can curate a private dining experience for your group. Outside, the courtyard gets strung with Christmas lights, which makes it a decent spot for an evening drink before heading out.
Location does a lot of work here. Buckingham Palace is effectively next door, and the hotel positions you well for London's festive street lights — Mayfair's displays are a short walk away, and Regent Street's famous installations are easy to reach. St James's Park is on the doorstep for a post-lunch walk.
Who is this for? Families who want the Christmas dinner without the washing-up, couples after a splurgy end-of-year city break, or anyone combining a festive trip with Westminster sightseeing. Book Christmas Day and New Year's Eve dining early — those sittings fill up at most London hotels.
Via Elite Traveler.
