In partnership with Red Carnation Hotels
With the introduction of the new BA Heathrow connection, it is now much easier than it was before to get to London alongside Aurigny’s City & Gatwick routes, which means more of us are taking the opportunity to pop over to the UK capital than ever before. And whether you are going solo for work, getting away with the family or enjoying a city break with friends, where you stay is a huge part of the success of your trip.

We all know and love The OGH here in Guernsey, whether we visit for afternoon tea, a tipple with a widesweeping (and arguably the best) island view on the terrace, a quick coffee meeting, dinner with friends or a luxury spa moment, we know that quality is guaranteed. However, many of us do not realise that is part of the wider Red Carnation Hotels network or, indeed, just how wide that network is. On a personal level, Stef has definitely enjoyed their Cape Town location, The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, on more than one occasion when visiting family - and Tracey has already added the new Edinburgh property, 100 Princes Street, to her bucket list next time she heads home to Scotland. (And, naturally, we both have Ashford Castle in Ireland on our lists!).
Red Carnation boasts 6 properties in London alone, each unique in their own way, all of the high standard and familiar touches that you would expect from the group, just like The OGH. So we thought we would give you a quick intro to each one so that you can be better aware of the capital’s offering for your next trip.

Celebrating their 40th year this year, The Chesterfield is a classic British hotel. Timeless & elegant, you can enjoy an afternoon tea or a tipple with a view at Stanley’s rooftop bar. The hotel is very close to Bond Street’s shopping & restaurants, as well as close to lots of green spaces with three Central London parks on its doorstep. For those feeling sporty, the hotel has its sports buddies offering where you can be paired with a member of staff who knows the local area well to go for a run or to play tennis with etc. Accommodation-wise, there are quite a few options for families with connecting rooms and wings. The nearest station is Green Park. For Guernsey connections, a short drive to Victoria will connect you to Gatwick, or you can jump in a taxi to Heathrow in about 45mins. London City is also convenient from Bond Street on the Elizabeth Line (or around 30mins in a taxi).

An absolute sanctuary in the heart of Kensington, near Kensington Palace and the Royal Albert Hall & museums, not to mention all of the Central parks for a jog or stroll. Enjoy afternoon tea at the hotel or a cocktail in the elegant Stables Bar. Perhaps most excitingly for those of us into our spa features, The Milestone’s new Wellness Club, exclusively for hotel guests, features an infrared sauna, cold water immersion, resistance plunge pool, fitness studio, and treatment room with a resident spa therapist. (yeah…we’d never want to leave). But if and when you do, Heathrow is just a 30-40 minutes away by taxi, so definitely a good choice if you’re flying BA.

Just a five-minute stroll from The Victoria & Albert Museum and The Natural History Museum, and 10 minutes from the best shopping in Knightsbridge at Harrods and Harvey Nichols, The Egerton places London’s most iconic landmarks at your feet. Once you have shopped and explored, retire to the hotel’s bar and lounge area where you can enjoy a coffee or cocktail. Their martini experiences come highly recommended from the team, and sound like the perfect way to spend the early evening. With no formal restaurant, this is also where you can order hearty British dishes and enjoy the ambiance of this peaceful retreat in the city. There is also the option of in-room spa treatments alongside many personal touches that could make this a home from home for frequent travellers. If you want to get active, Red Carnation’s Sports Buddies programme here also pairs you with staff members for company. And again - for airport access, Heathrow is your best bet, just a 35-45min drive away.

For a Royal London experience, The Rubens is right opposite Buckingham Palace, and offers a royal afternoon tea, in-room spa treatments and impeccable service. Shopping & theatre shows are close by, as are many of the parks for a morning stroll. They also have the Sports Buddies offering if you want some company or a partner to rally with. It’s an opulent hotel offering a variety of accommodation options. And if you’re coming with children, their family wings include really thoughtful extras including games, a cookie-and-milk turndown service (can you imagine?), child-sized robes and slippers, and activity sheets so the kids will be happily entertained and pampered like kings & queens too. In terms of travel options, Victoria Station offers the Gatwick Express, which is the quickest way to get back for a flight to Guernsey. London City is also a short taxi away in good traffic.

Consistently ranked among the top hotels in the UK on Tripadvisor, Hotel 41 is a peaceful retreat with a private members club feel thanks to its sophisticated black and white design. The members' club feel is reflected in the Executive Lounge where you will find a graze all day, around the clock complimentary dining offering - from a ‘help yourself’ ice cream fridge and snack area, to evening canapes and a very clever Plunder the Pantry concept where you can help yourself to a tempting array of salads, cheeses, cold meats or fish, desserts, as well as a comforting hot dish of the day, perfect for those coming in late from a meeting withour set dinner plans, ideal for the discerning business traveller. The hotel also boasts a historic lounge & dining area, as well as the hotel collection's Sports Buddies scheme, meaning you’ll have an elegant stay whether travelling alone or with others. Nearby Victoria Station connects you to Gatwick or London City really easily if flying with Aurigny.

Located in quieter Bloomsbury near the British Museum and Kings Cross & Holborn for business connections, The Montague is a joyful blend of tradition and character. Enjoy nearby shopping and theatres around Covent Garden, before returning to the hotel’s al fresco garden terraces and the infamous Leopard Bar. Overlooking the private Montague Street Gardens, the hotel is also home to the Bloomsbury Bees and allows you to enjoy green space in the city. Indoors, you will find a simple gym with Peloton bikes, the usual Sports Buddies offering, in-room spa therapies and yoga mats for your use. This more central hotel connects well to London City with the Elizabeth Line, but equally you can get to Heathrow or Gatwick from Tottenham Court Road.
You can find out more about Red Carnation’s London offering, as well as their hotels further afield, including The OGH here at home, at redcarnationhotels.com.
Image credits: Red Carnation Hotels

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