is one of the great historic landmark hotels of London. Located just off Berkeley Square in the exclusive Mayfair shopping district, Brown’s Hotel comprises 117 rooms including 29 luxury suites, and caters to the discerning traveler looking for exceptional personal service and care during their stay.

Brown’s Hotel has attracted more than its share of celebrity admirers throughout the years, including authors Rudyard Kipling, who finished the children’s classic The Jungle Book during a stay at Brown’s, and Agatha Christie whose 1965 novel At Bertram’s Hotel was set in a fictional version of Brown’s Hotel. Brown’s has a scientific history as well. It served as the site for the International Niagara Conference, an early discussion of electrical standards that established AC current as the standard form for electrical transmission. Additionally, Alexander Graham Bell made the first successful telephone call in England from Brown’s Hotel London during a demonstration of his new invention.

Thoroughly renovated and remodeled during 2004 and 2005, Brown’s Hotel maintains its stately dĂ©cor and status as the first hotel ever opened in London. During its many years of operation, Brown’s Hotel has seen many changes in ownership; early in its history, Henry Ford purchased the hotel and left his own indelible stamp on the building, installing electric lighting and one of the first lifts in England to transport guests up and down within the hotel. The newly redesigned Brown’s Hotel still features the stucco exterior and stately entrance that have characterized the building since 1889. Rooms and suites are air-conditioned and include internet connections, mini bar service and a personal safe for storing valuables.

Brown’s Hotel offers fine dining at the Albemarle, one of the most exclusive and elegant restaurants in London. The Albemarle serves an eclectic menu of traditional English fare alongside seafood and locally-sourced foods, making it a wholesome choice for the whole family. Art buffs will enjoy the works on display at the Albemarle, which features pieces by preeminent English artists including photographs, paintings, and line drawings. Other shopping and dining opportunities are available throughout the Mayfair district, which is noted throughout London for its commercial venues.

When planning your trip to Brown’s Hotel, you may wish to consult www.hotelmap.com in order to locate nearby attractions and help you determine the best routes to your chosen destinations. The site also offers online booking and comparison shopping and, best of all, www.hotelmap.com offers a price guarantee so that you can be certain you’ve obtained the best possible price for your room. While a stay at Brown’s Hotel will never be cheap, www.hotelmap.com can help you make it a little more affordable.

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Hotels Around Gordon’s Birthplace
Gordon’s birthplace in Woolwich, a suburb of London, is commemorated by the General Gordon Square located in the heart of this small community. A number of London hotels in the area offer accommodations to travelers. Many of the hotels in London offer special rates for weekend excursions or extended stays; especially for tourists who want to take in a number of attractions in a short amount of time, finding hotels in London that are centrally located is crucial. Try the Hilton Dartford Bridge – a 4-star luxury hotel close to the M25 and the Bluewater and Lakeside shopping centres. It has air-conditioned rooms, an indoor pool and a gym, sauna, whirlpool and steam room. It’s also just 5 miles from Ebbsfleet International Eurostar station – which will whisk you into Paris in 3 hours. All the rooms at the Hilton Darford were refurbished in 2009.

Gordon's Statue at the Royal Engineers Museum

Hotels Around Chatham and The Royal Engineers Museum
Charles Gordon began his career in the Royal Engineers, and many of his personal possessions and memorabilia are on display at the Royal Engineers Museum in Chatham; located to the east of London, it is within easy traveling distance by train or automobile. Items on display include some of the silks and gifts Gordon was given by the Chinese government in return for his services to the Emperor during the Second Opium War and the Taiping Rebellion. While in Chatham, visitors can also visit Brompton Barracks, the location of the Royal School of Military Engineering, and view the statue of Gordon astride a camel that graces the entryway to the barracks. Accommodations in the area range from a very respectable 4 stars and ratings to 2 stars – giving a broad range of hotels to choose from depending on your style choices and budget. One of the most popular hotels is the Bridgemoor Manor. This is a modern hotel with many amenities and comforts. The Bridgemoor Manor is within an hour to central London and set in the beautiful Kent countryside. Great suites are available at affordable rates or choose connecting rooms for close proximity to family.

Hotels in Trafalgar Square Near the Ministry of Defense
A statue of Gordon that once graced Trafalgar Square now can be found on the Victoria Embankment in front of the Ministry of Defense facility. The statue was the subject of much controversy in the 1940s soon after it was removed from Trafalgar Square; Winston Churchill argued eloquently but unsuccessfully that the statue should be returned to its original location, citing Gordon’s great popularity and the invaluable services he had provided to the British government. Nearby London hotels include the Royal Horseguards, the Trafalgar Hilton, and the Citadines Apart’hotel; this area offers unique advantages to those traveling in the area to explore Gordon’s history since many of the best hotels in London are located in this popular area and historic attractions are clustered around Trafalgar Square.

Gordon’s death in the Sudan is still a subject of discussion among historians. He died at the hands of warriors of the Mahdi, a self-proclaimed redeemer of the Islamic faith who attracted a sizable following of true believers. William Gladstone, the British prime minister at the time, delayed repeatedly in sending aid to Gordon in repelling the military advances made by the Mahdi, and was consequently blamed by many for Gordon’s death. This created significant problems for Gladstone’s administration because Gordon was regarded as a hero by many in England, and eventually contributed to the collapse of Gladstone’s liberal government. The movie “Khartoum” depicted the events leading up to Gordon’s death. A full-sized effigy of Gordon now is displayed in St. Paul’s Cathedral and a bust of the military hero is present in Westminster Abbey as well; Gordon was a devout Christian, though some of his views might seem rather unorthodox by modern standards.

London contains many reminders of this beloved British warrior. Tourists interested in exploring the history of Charles Gordon will find a number of hotels in London close to the memorials of this legendary figure. Try Booking.com to get the best rates on London hotels, ensuring that you get the most out of your foray into England’s rich military history.

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The name Winston Churchill is nearly synonymous with London history. Churchill was the most recognizable face of the British nation during World War II, engaging in diplomacy and representing the spirit of determination that characterized the British fighting man of the time.

Churchill spent much of his political career in London; as a result, many London hotels can boast that Winston Churchill spent time within their walls, and quite a few display Churchill memorabilia or photographs from his various stays. Winston Churchill’s Britain can be relived in the Cabinet War Rooms, The Churchill Museum and the Imperial London War Museum. Each offers visitors a chance to experience London during the war including the living conditions in London during the Blitzkrieg, replicas of bombed storefronts, bomb shelters, and the authentic sights and sounds of the time period.

London World War II Museums and Winston Churchill

“The The first London museum of its kind, the Churchill Museum covers all ninety years of Winston Churchill’s life, divided into five chapters: his early year’s as British Prime Minister starting May 1940; his later years; his childhood; his early political career and the period famously known as the ‘Gathering Storm’.

The Churchill Museum uses cutting edge technology and unique media displays to chart the life of Winston Churchill, including a fifteen metre long ‘Lifeline’, which visitors can touch to access a digital ‘filing cabinet’ of Churchill’s life, categorised by time.” . . . London Pass

Located completely underground, the war rooms were constructed after World War I as a preventive measure in case of aerial attacks. Work on the facility was begun in 1938 and completed in late August 1939, just in time to allow Churchill and his cabinet to work in relative safety during the worst of the air raids of World War II. After the war, the underground chambers were left sealed and undisturbed until the entire facility was declared a historic site in 1948. Today, the museum and war rooms offer a glimpse of the inner workings of Winston Churchill’s government during one of the most trying times in London’s history. Guests holding a London Pass can visit this historic site at no additional cost, making it an outstanding value as well.

Churchill Hotels
The Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill is notable for being one of  Winston Churchill’s favored watering holes during his time as Prime Minister. The lovingly preserved bar is exactly the same as it was when Churchill frequented this London hotel during the 1940s; today, the Churchill is one of the classic London hotels, with numerous amenities and luxurious extras for its guests. The afternoon tea at the Montagu, the Churchill’s on-site restaurant, offers traditional menu items including Pol Roger Champagne, the favored beverage of Winston Churchill. Guests will pay a price for the cachet of the Churchill name, however; this London hotel is one of the priciest in the area.

Winston Churchill is also associated with Brown’s Hotel, which lays claim to being the oldest of all London hotels. Founded in 1837, it served an exclusive clientele for its afternoon teas; Queen Victoria and Winston Churchill were among the guests for these formal affairs. Queen Elizabeth II also enjoyed the hospitality of this exquisite London hotel; the Presidential Suite at Brown’s features an archival photo of Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth exchanging pleasantries at an event held at Brown’s.

Of course no visit to Churchill’s London would be complete without a stop to admire the dramatic statue of the statesman in Parliament Square just opposite Westminster Palace. A number of deluxe London hotels are concentrated in this area, allowing admirers of Winston Churchill to obtain accommodations close to the attractions they want to see most. Sites like www.booking.com can provide information on London hotel room rates and availability and proximity to these attractions. For sightseers and history buffs alike, London hotels can be found in nearly every price range and in every part of this legendary city; book early for best rates and selection.

London’s cosmopolitan appearance belies its role as one of the most historic sites in all of Europe; as the seat of England’s government, it has borne witness to momentous events since its founding over 2,000 years ago. While numerous exhibits, museums, and landmarks are available to tourists seeking a closer connection to the city’s rich history, one overlooked aspect of London’s history is found in its hotels. London hotels have been the setting for scandal, seduction, secret assignations, and even scientific endeavors. Here are some of the most notable hotels in London, along with hints on how to book the perfect room for your stay.

Brown’s of Mayfair

Brown’s is reputed to be the oldest London hotel still in business. Established in 1837, the hotel is known for being the site of the first successful telephone call in England in 1876. Besides Alexander Graham Bell, Brown’s has hosted such well-known guests as Agatha Christie, Rudyard Kipling, and Teddy Roosevelt, and today is one of the most established luxury hotels in London. For best rates, www.HotelsCombined.com offers travelers up to huge savings over the regular cost of a stay.

Edward, Prince of Wales - later Edward VIII

Langham

A truly historic London hotel, the Langham served as the setting for the secret trysts of King Edward VIII with the twice-divorced socialite Wallis Simpson; Edward later abdicated in favor of his younger brother in order to marry the scandalous divorcee. The Langham also hosted BBC broadcasts by Winston Churchill during World War II, and was a favored retreat for Noel Coward, Somerset Maugham, and Oscar Wilde. Today, the historic rooms of this London hotel can be reserved through www.hotelscombined.com or by contacting the hotel directly.

Savoy Hotel

The name Savoy is synonymous throughout the world with fine dining and deluxe accommodations, and the Savoy London Hotel is where this famous reputation first took root. Created in 1889 as an adjunct to the adjacent Savoy Theatre, the hotel was financed with the profits from the masterworks of Gilbert and Sullivan, the joint proprietors. One of the most glamorous hotels in London, the Savoy has always been ahead of its time; it was the first London hotel to feature elevators and electric lighting. The ubiquitous Oscar Wilde spent a portion of his time at the Savoy, and it has long been the favored hotel of the British Royal family. The Savoy is one of the most popular hotels in London.

As of this writing (January 2010), The Savoy continues its massive restoration and is expected to reopen some time in 2010.  According to its website:

“The Savoy’s restoration programme is one of the most ambitious undertaken in Britain.  Costing over ÂŁ100 million, it involved the complete building, including the courtyard, all the public areas and guest rooms.”

Cadogan

The Cadogan makes a virtue of its reputation for scandal as the site of illicit liaisons between Lillie Langtry and the future Edward VII; the married actress was the unofficial mistress to the prince for almost three years. This historic London hotel was also the scene of Oscar Wilde’s famous arrest for gross indecency in room 118, now a shrine of sorts to his memory. The Cadogan commemorates these notable guests with rooms and suites devoted to the celebrities; the Lillie Langtry, Oscar Wilde, and Edward VII suites are designed to reflect the tastes and time periods of their namesakes. One of the most exclusive London hotels, the Cadogan offers occasional discounts or special guest packages; for more discounts, www.hotelscombined.com offers comprehensive information on special offers, room rates and availability. By choosing one of these unique London hotels, travelers can enjoy a history-making vacation of their own.

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Queen Elizabeth I

London is the largest city in Europe and boasts a rich and varied history. One of the most important periods in that history is the Elizabethan era, a period when England saw profound cultural and societal changes under the reign of Elizabeth I.

With careful planning, a trip to London can provide tourists with the chance to relive some of the most important events in Queen Elizabeth’s life by visiting the sites where those events took place. Elizabeth’s London was quite different than the bustling metropolis of today; commerce centered on the river and the transportation options it provided for merchants. London was rich by the standards of the time, with numerous shops and opportunities for enterprising merchants.

A number of contemporary hotels in London offer accommodations to travelers seeking a taste of Elizabethan culture and history; some of the most important attractions are listed below, along with notable hotels in London that are located nearby.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey
The first stop for many travelers on their Elizabethan tour will, of course, be Westminster Abbey. Elizabeth was crowned Queen there on January 15, 1559, and was buried there in 1603 next to her sister, Queen Mary Tudor. Guests seeking reasonably priced hotels in London near this historic landmark will find the nearby Sanctuary House to be one of the most comfortable and affordable hotels in London; other reasonably priced London hotels within close proximity of Westminster Abbey can be found on sites like HotelsCombined.com. Just across the Westminster Bridge, and close to Westminster Abbey, is the Marriott County Hall and the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge. These are great locations, being adjacent to the London Eye and the London Aquarium. The Marriott is right on the Thames and located in what was once “County Hall” – a majestic building erected in 1922 and once home to the Greater London Council.

The Tower of London

The Tower of London
The Tower of London is another must-see stop on a tour of Elizabeth’s London; it was the site where the princess Elizabeth was held and interrogated for three months during the reign of Mary Tudor, and the place where Elizabeth’s mother Anne Boleyn was beheaded. One of the major tourist attractions in London, the Tower is said to be haunted by a number of notable ghosts; Elizabeth certainly felt that this was true, and avoided the place almost entirely during her reign. A number of London hotels are located conveniently close to the Tower, including the Hilton Tower Bridge Hotel; this deluxe hotel is within convenient walking distance of the Tower of London and offers cheaper rates on weekends. Also, be sure to check The Tower Hotel.

The Rubens Ceiling at Banqueting House

Whitehall Palace
Whitehall Palace was the setting for some of the most extravagant banquets and social gatherings in Elizabeth’s England. Today, all that remains of Whitehall is the Banqueting House; the rest of the palace was destroyed by fire in 1698. The remaining hall features stunning paintings by Peter Paul Rubens on the interior ceiling and today serves as a national monument open to the public from Monday through Saturday each week. (Note: The Ruben’s painted ceiling was not installed at the palace until 1636 and, therefore, was not on display when Elizabeth I was alive. It is said, however, that it was the last thing Charles I placed his eyes on before being beheaded just outside of the room.) The Banqueting House is also available to lease for private functions; this may limit public access at some times, so it’s best to call ahead for tickets. For accommodations in this upscale area, some of the finest hotels in London are located nearby. The Trafalgar Hilton offers a full range of amenities for guests; travelers can obtain the best rates for this and other hotels in London by visiting the HotelsCombined.com website.

The Globe

The Globe

The Globe Theatre on the banks of the Thames was an important center for social life in Elizabeth’s London; William’s Shakespeare’s plays were performed for nobles and peasants alike in this grand venue.

Today, a reconstruction of the theater is located on the very spot where the original Globe once proudly stood. The original Globe gained prominence during the reign of Elizabeth I, and the reconstruction was dedicated and opened by her royal namesake, Elizabeth II, in 1997.

Guests to the theater can obtain first-rate lodgings at one of the London hotels located close by allowing travelers to make the most of their tour of Elizabeth’s London. You might enjoy Express by Holiday Inn Southwark. which is within walking distance to the Globe and easy access to the Tate Modern. The Milennium Bridge provides accessibility directly to the other side of the Thames, St. Paul’s and The City.

The Hotels in This Article:
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