Located in the most perfect location I can imagine in London, step out to one of the most luxurious, beautiful spots in the City – at the Sloane Square Hotel. The shopping, the river views, the fabulous market; Chelsea has so much to offer and an absolute must visit when in London. The Sloane Square hotel couldn’t be more perfect for a family stay, the staff were all so charming and helpful with the kids, they really made us all feel at home – and we could have quite happily moved in!
Lets talk location, situated just a 1 minute walk from the Sloane Square underground, surrounded by fantastic bars and cafes including The Botanist (where we had a very nice lunch) & Cote Brasserie. Stroll just up the road and you’ll find yourself on the iconic Kings Road, one mile of stylish boutiques, galleries & restaurants. There is so much to see and do in the area, explore the little backstreets, take in the stunning architeture, find a little spot for a glass of bubbles and do some people watching – Chelsea is very special…and pricey – but you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy it.
The hotel was great value, super friendly and comfortable and the breakfasts were amazing; continental with fresh croissants, juices, smoothies. The staff couldn’t do enough for us they were just wonderful and brilliant with the kids. Make sure you book in for their afternoon tea, perfect for the kids they were in heaven, sat in the gorgeous bay window of the breakfast room, I was in heaven too!
We had a fantastic time exploring some of our favourite places in London, so we have put together our tip top list of recommendations for a fabulous trip with the children:
1. Chelsea Market! Visit the fine food market, open on a Saturday from 10am until 4pm. On a nice day you can choose from one of the many local food stalls and take a perch the green – makes for a lovely, cheap lunch and it means the kids can play whilst you soak in the Royal Borough. We bought some cannolis from Casa Cannoli, a Sicilian specialty – absolutely delicious! You’ll find the market at The Duke of York square, just a 5 minute walk from the hotel.
2. The London eye- Has to be done! Little tip – (If you shop at Tesco you can use your vouchers to book your London eye experience.) The kids had the most amazing time, the view of London from the Eye is just spectacular and something the kids will never forget!
3. Covent Garden – There is a really special feel to Covent Garden, with the street performers, the stunning Piazza and not to mention the shopping! There are so many gorgeous places to eat, both al fresco and in the market building. We dined at a charming little French Café in the market building, Chez Antoinette, think Croque Monsieur and Lemon Tarts. You also absolutely MUST get an ice cream from Venchi, a chocolate and artisan gelato haven – the most delicious ice cream of all time! Make sure you also visit Laduree for some Parisian macarons to take away for later – I could go on!
4. Notting Hill – I could spend a full day just exploring the streets in Notting Hill, the rows of colourful houses, quirky shops and charming little cafes – truly stunning! To save you some time – to get a glimpse of some of those iconic pastel houses just go right behind the underground station on Hillgate Street.
We did our research, and we were told that we without a doubt had to go The Farm Girl Cafe, WOW it did not disappoint! They serve the most amazing breakfasts, cakes and coffee – the Strawberry and Banana loaf was to die for. We can also recommend Pizza East, a traditional Italian restaurant serving the most delicious Pizzas, extremely family friendly! Stroll up and down Portabello Road and just explore, shop, people watch and fantasize about one day living there, one of my favourite places in the world!
Just one more thing..if you, like me, are a huge Notting Hill movie fan, you can find Hugh’s blue door on 280 Wilbourne Street!
5. Afternoon Tea at The Sloane Square Hotel – We had a very special experience, sat in the stunning bay window in the breakfast room, listening to the piano music, overlooking the square, we were served the most wonderful afternoon tea. The hotel catered for the children excellently, with a selection of sweet treats, cakes, scones and my personal favorite, the Happy Hippo! To watch the kids tuck in, taking in the view and enjoying the crisp prosecco, this is certainly one to book in for!
We had a blast in London, in fact we loved it so much we are already planning our next trip! I couldn’t recommend the Sloane Square Hotel highly enough, location, value for money, so welcoming, fantastic food – a 5 star experience you won’t regret for a second!
For more pictures and stories about our London trip visit our instagram page: http:www.instagram.com/thebigdreamsfamily
