Finally, London is opening up to the world, and holidaymakers aren’t skipping a beat when it comes to planning their next luxury trip to the city. Having been one of the most visited places globally, London is gearing up for a summer like no other. Hotels across the capital have put in place the latest Covid-19 protocols to make visitors feel at ease during their stay in the city. However, Theatreland and the rest of the entertainment scene came to a standstill as shows were cancelled due to growing concerns about spreading the virus within crowds.
So finally, after two years of lights out, the stages in theatre paradise are ready to draw the curtains open. Visitors looking to enjoy the best of arts and culture in the city can book a luxury stay in the heart of Theatreland.
Theatre District of London
Theatreland to the West of London, better known as the West End, is undoubtedly one of the most-visited parts of the city. Drawing factors to this end of the capital are the numerous tourist attractions. These include Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, The London Eye, and more. In addition, crowds flock here to enjoy the many lively restaurants and bars in the area and the vibrant commercial theatres attracting visitors from different parts of the globe.
The term Theatreland owes its name to the numerous internationally acclaimed theatres located in the area. These range from top mainstream theatres to more private ones offering an intimate setting. There are over 38 theatres in the city, making the West End’s theatre district comparable to New York’s Broadway. One of the oldest theatres in the area is The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, commonly known as Drury Lane. The establishment dating back to 1663 is located in Covent Garden in a building facing Catherine Street.
Like most buildings in London, several theatres feature Victorian or Edwardian construction characteristics. Already this is enough to give visitors a treat. The three largest theatres in London Theatreland are The Apollo Victoria, the London Palladium, Coliseum Theatre, with favourites like Theatre Royal Drury Lane and the Royal Opera House following closely.
Hotels near Theatreland
For decades, London has been the centre of arts and culture, attracting artists and performers from across the globe. The city is home to hundreds of museums and galleries showcasing the works of international creatives. Visitors make their way to the British capital to experience the diversity London has to offer.
It is presumably safe to say that a stay in this part of the city doesn’t come cheap. The West End is a popular spot for mansion viewing, with some of the most expensive houses in the world located here. Hotels in this area offer visitors a glimpse into the high life by providing guests with luxury accommodation surrounded by world-class attractions and the likes of royal palaces.
After spending months in lockdown for many of us, a treat at a luxury West End hotel comes well deserved. The centrality of properties in Theatreland is perfect for holiday and business travellers. Most of the top accommodation spots are positioned to give you direct access to theatres, attractions and public transportation. Theatreland is best accessed by public transport. Unfortunately, traffic in London can be a nightmare, particularly in this part of the city. Another downfall is the lack of availability in parking spaces and the costs involved in city parking. Nearby tube stations include Piccadilly Circus, Oxford and Kings Cross, to name a few.
Boutique-style hotels are favoured for offering a sense of exclusivity while reassuring guests of the security most luxury mainstream hotels provide. For business travellers, selecting hotels with corporate amenities while giving you a relaxed feel are often prefered. In times of uncertainty where people turn to work from home, finding a hotel with workspace and fast broadband internet could work to your advantage. Enjoy quality time with the family and treat your partner to an in-house spa treatment while you catch up on work.
A day in Theatreland
A stay in the West End means starting your day off with a delicious English breakfast to fuel you for the day ahead. Most top hotels in the area offer a selection of complimentary services with your room stay. Alternatively, you can check this ultimate London West End Stay Package for the best bed and breakfast deals. After sampling incredible hotel food, head out for a shopping experience on Oxford street. A visit to Regent’s Park makes for a relaxing afternoon before making your way to one of the nearby theatres.
London Theatreland offers long-running shows allowing visitors to not miss out on some of the best stage productions. Interestingly, the world’s longest-running show – Agatha Christi’s Play, takes place at the St Martin’s Theatre. The show has been entertaining visitors since 1952 and started at the Ambassadors Theatre before making its way to the current home.
Unlike plays, musicals tend to last for longer duration; this is with the exception of plays like The Mousetrap. Popular must-see productions include Les Miserables at the Queen’s Theatre and the all-time classic -The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre. Another one to book your tickets in advance is the Blood Brothers at the Phoenix Theatre.
To end your experience, head to one of the many world-class restaurants in the area. The city’s gastronomy attracts foodies looking to sample an array of dishes bursting with flavours from different parts of the world. Hotels in this part of town have a sense of understanding when it comes to producing quality food that compares with some of the top surrounding restaurants. Most luxury hotels make use of local and organic produce, ensuring diners get the best of what London has to offer.
When planning a visit to the city, advanced hotel booking is recommended for getting the best available rates. Peak times in London are over the summer months and major holidays like Christmas and Easter period.
