Things to do near Kensington

In this age of constant work pressure and fast approaching deadlines, people do not tend to get that much time in hand to spend some quality time with the family members. However, if it has been quite a long time that you have not taken a vacation and truly desire to get away from the regular chores of daily lifestyle then all you need to do is to find yourself a captivating travel destination that will eventually make thing wondrous for you to enjoy and get enthralled by. If it has been quite some time that you have not gone out on a holiday and truly wish to make the best of your monuments then you can choose to pay a visit to the British capital.

London is a fabulous travel destination which will thoroughly entice your attention in such a way so that you would feel captivated all the time. London vacations are meant to make you feel energized all the time. There is everything in the English capital which you would love to see in a city. There are gardens, palaces, open spaces parks and many other interesting travel attractions that are aimed at making you feel truly majestic all the time.

If you are finding it hard to choose an appropriate place to stay over at London city then you can surely consider to put up at the The Montcalm Luxury hotels . The Kensington district is well crammed with everything that you need to see and explore while vacationing in London city.  

It is all about how brilliantly you look ahead to enjoy the vacation that will eventually matter to the most. If you are in Kensington then you are staying among some of the richest and wealthiest people in the whoel wide world as Kensington is a posh neighborhood which is filled with shopping sites, beautiful parks and buildings. There is a lot of stuff to ponder your attention upon while in Kensington and some of them are completely free of cost. There is absolutely no dearth of free sights and attractions in the city of London and most of them are positioned in Kensington district. The large museums and art galleries are free for the public. If you wish to spend some of your time in the museums, looking at the various exhibits then you must consider to visit the museums and art galleries. You do not have to worry about the restaurants as there are several eateries around the Kens Kensington district where you can get some great food items.

Do not forget to miss out on the absolutely incredible Natural History Museum which happens to be one of the spellbinding buildings in London city. Find the staff members and know about everything that you wish to learn. A he ice rink is structured outside the Museum during winter which makes it all more fabulous. 

There are several famous sights and attractions including the Natural History Museum and Kensington Palace. It is no wonder that this is an incredibly popular destination in whole of London. If you do not have an itinerary and truly wish to explore every single attraction in a blissful affair while holidaying in London city then you must consider pondering some of your attention on the following list of places of interests. This will make things easier for you.

Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain: Whether you wish to enjoy a swim in the Lido, rollerblade or capture some precious moments of the Fountain, everything is made to be available in none other than the premium breathing space of London, Hyde Park. Over here, you will also find the Speaker’s Corner, Serpentine Lake and many other interesting travel sites. The Hyde Park happens to be the largest Royal Park in the whole of London city. 

Kensington Gardens: It once used to be the private gardens of Kensington Palace. This is where you can start the Diana Memorial Walk that will take you on a fabulous 7 mile journey while taking a leisurely stroll through the beautiful green spaces that include Hyde Park, St James Park and Green Park. Do not forget to explore the Kensington Gardens where you will find the Serpentine Gallery, Peter Pan Statue, huge Albert Memorial and the Diana Princess of Wales Playground. It also feels terrible to explore the formal avenues of trees along with the Italian Gardens that will make you feel enriched the whole time. 

Kensington Palace: If you wish to immerse yourself in Royal History then all you need to visit is the Kensington Palace. You would love the idea of exploring the magnificent State Apartments along with viewing the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection that dates back from the 18th century.

Holland Park Avenue: You would love the idea of enjoying interesting vintage clothing boutiques that await you on the enriching Holland Park Avenue and Portland Road. You can come over here and shop for enjoying the blissfulness just the way the locals do.

Leighton House Museum: It was the former house and studio of Lord Leighton, the Victorian artist Frederic. You need to take a tour and you get to see some of the most interesting 19th century buildings with a sumptuous marble tiled interior. 

Kensington Roof Gardens: Staying at M by Montcalm Shoreditch London Tech City will also make you feel a lot more exquisite throughout the time that you choose to spend in London. Make the most of the panoramic views over West London where you can dine in the exclusive restaurants and eateries around.

Make sure to arrange things ahead of time so that you can truly enjoy every bit of the trip in a blissful manner. London has got all of it that it takes to enrich your spirit of vacation in a truly fascinating manner. Planning in advance will ultimately let you enjoy every bit of the tour in a captivating manner.

BEACH SIDE FUN

For those familiar with the buzzing metropolis known as the city of London, especially for those who live there or spend a lot of time there due to work, a getaway from the hustle and bustle of that hectic city life every now and then must be an absolute must. In order to distance yourself from the chaos of the city, however, you do not have to go very far from the city of London itself. The British coast offers some great retreats and get aways for those looking for absolutely any kind of vacation away from the London sky line. If you happen to be staying at the Montcalm hotels in London the staff will be happy to help you plan a short trip out of the city to these idyllic shores. Getting here is quite simple too. All you have to do is hop on to one of the trains heading out of the many London train stations and you will reach your destination soon enough.

1.  Margate  - Just 2 hours away from the city this hipster beach side town has some famous claims to its name including T S Eliot writing part of The Wasteland during his time here and Turner having painted the town. There is also a vintage amusement park called the Dreamland that is tones of fun to visit regardless of how old you are. Follow it up with some delicious grub from Fort’s Café (which also serves a yummy mac and cheese and scrumptious breakfasts) or some pizza with a view at the British Pizza Co on the sea front and some good Kentish cider at the alehouse called The Lifeboat. It’s a great place to do some vintage shopping as well.
2. Southend – on – Sea  - Home of the world’s longest pier, this once happening town that has been featured in many famous magazines including Vogue and the Rolling Stones is now a quiet retreat. You could also visit the amusement park called Adventure Island or the Sea Life aquarium. Well worth building up an appetite for are the burgers at places like Mangetout an Henry Burgers. For those who enjoy a good drink you will be spoilt for choice in this town. There is The Pipe of Ports which has yummy pies and delicious wines along with some rare port wines. The Crooked Billet, Ye Olde Smack and The Peterboat are also great places to knock back a few. To try some Essex classics like the Canvey Island iced tea sneak into the inconspicuous Black Cat, a cocktail bar tucked away behind a pizzeria in the town.
3. Whitstable – This picturesque sea side town must not be visited without a camera in hand. With a strong fishing industry, along with a strong smell of it, this peaceful town is a sea food hoggers paradise. The Whistable Oyster Fishery dishes up some delicious crustaceans and molluscs. The town even hosts an annual oyster festival. To wash it all down, sit back and enjoy a drink at the local Michelin starred pub called The Sportsman. This is also a great town for boats men and wind surfers to visit.
4. Hastings – Nicknamed “the new Brighton” this sea side get away is boasting one of the most happening piers in the country. It hosts farmers markets and film festivals often enough and has a great refreshing energy to the entire place. The Jerwood Gallery is a stunning place to visit and is currently running an exhibit of Quentin Blake and Lowry. Tuck into some deliciously fresh seafood at Rock a Nore Kitchen and enjoy many a drink at the aptly named First In Last Out bar.
5. Broadstairs – In less than 2 hours after your departure from London, you can find yourself at this stunning and dramatic coastline. The most happening time to visit this place is during the Dickens festival every year (where people suitably dress up as characters created by the iconic writer) or the Folk Week music festival that takes place towards the end of August every year. A great place to catch some stunning sunset views is Peens Café Bar that also has a delicious fare that you can order from. Wyatt & Jones is a great place to tuck into some delicious sea food right by the sea shore to the sound of lapping waves. An absolute must not miss after you have feasted is Morelli’s ice cream which has become quite famous off late.

The Marble Arch by Montcalm London is an ideal stop over in the city en route to any of these destinations. Pack your beach wear and head out to the coast to soak in what little British sun you can and enjoy the sand and the surf on these serene shores.

A FOODIES PARADISE

If you are hungry and the butterflies in your tummy are becoming uncontrollable there is really no better place to find yourself than on the streets of London.  Being such a cosmopolitan place the city of London has plenty to offer in terms of cuisines and dishes and brings to the table every imaginable form of delicious treat that you could wish for. The restaurants and eat out joints are available in large numbers and one really is spoilt for choice especially if you happen to be staying at the Montcalm Luxury Hotels.

At every turn there is an appetizing opportunity waiting with its doors wide open. The city offers a range of cuisines for every budget. For those with truly gourmet taste there are 66 certified Michelin star restaurants that will allow you to tuck in to real feasts and experimental delights cooked up by the very best in the culinary industry. Absolute must stops for true foodies looking for the ultimate gastronomical delights include Gymkhana in Mayfair, City Social in Liverpool Street, The Clove Club in Shoreditch and Fera in Mayfair just to name a few of the many places that can blow your mind and wow your tummy.

One thing you will have to get used to though is the wait. All of these restaurants are really great and lots of people do want to get in. The system of table reservation has been done away with at most of these places and almost all follow a no booking system. This means that waiting in queue is just part of the outing and your meal and the experience is just that much better. Even the wait is now made interesting. Take for example your wait at Barrafina in Soho, where you get to order drinks and snacks while waiting for your table to be freed and readied. At 10 Greek Street the waiting service takes place at the pub next door where you can knock back a few drinks until you are called to your ready table.

Using its extensive history to the fullest, the city of London serves it all up on a platter, with cuisines from the east to the west and everything in between, London is the place to try authentic dishes from around the globe as well as some fabulously innovative fusion food. Step into the famous chef’s Gordon Ramsey’s Maze to have your taste buds truly wowed with some exotic flavours and fusions. A delicacy that must not be missed is oysters. Brought to the United Kingdom by the Romans and initially the food of the working class this humble dish has left its mark on the culinary world. In Spitalfields you can check into an oyster masterclass or enjoy oysters and cocktails at the Hix Bar in Soho.

For those in a hurry  or on the go London has plenty of street food to offer as well. There are some great weekly food markets that offer every type of cuisine from Japanese to Scottish delicacies, such as Broadway, Borough or Chatsworth Road in east London. Food trucks, especially KERB, are available in plenty all across the city, quite literally on every kerb and can fill your hungry stomach with great food on the go.

For those Saturday night revelers who wish to wake up late nothing beats a lovely Sunday brunch and London is the place to really tuck into one. Head over to maetro chef Jason Atherton’s  Berners Tavern for some sumptuous pancakes and for some unique fusion food try the bacon naans at Dishoom in King’s Cross.  Shoreditch and Covent Garden also offer some great options.  All of these are located near London City Suites By Montcalm.

To take in the best of British tradition in a culinary way a high tea is an absolute must.  The Langham’s Hotel allows you to sit back and enjoy a traditional high tea in real style in the luxurious Palm Court and its exquisite ambiance.  Cakes, pastries, scones, finger sandwiches and freshly brewed tea all make for the most sumptuous meal in the middle of the afternoon.

Whatever you wish to eat, whatever your mood may be, whatever portion size you want and whatever your pocket will let you; London will allow you to indulge your taste buds to the brim and then some more with extra portions. The sheer volume of what you can choose from will make London worth staying in for weeks on end and you are sure to never have your tummy complain or be bored.

Make the most of your trip to the city and along with all the other sights plan your eating joints into your itinerary. It will make your entire journey traipsing around the city that much more appetizing and you will quite satisfied and satiated by the end of every day.

Shopping on a Budget in London

London is well-known for its designer stores and luxury boutiques but amongst these pricey shops are many low cost retailers that allow you to buy great clothes, accessories and homewares while shopping on a budget.

If visiting the capital to experience the shopping centres in London then below are some shops to look out for on your travels where you can shop in style without breaking the bank. Most popular hotel the montcalm luxury hotels  accommodation in London is near to the city’s tube stations so the following shops are easily accessible via public transport throughout the city centre.

·         & Other Stories

This is a fashion brand, owned by H & M, that offers women a wide range of chic work wear, shoes, bags, accessories and beauty products to create their own personal style or story. & Other Stories started as a beauty line 3 years ago and quickly came onto the shopping scene as a fully-fledged fashion brand. Stocking looks for the urban industrial to the softer, feminine style there is something for every woman who is fashion savvy with prices kept as affordable as possible. This store is rated number 5 in ‘Time Outs’ list of the 100 best shops in London. The nearest tube station to & Other Stories is Oxford Circus.

·         Muji

Muji is a Japanese concept store that sells low cost practical items and neat storage solutions for the home office and wardrobe. They sell useful gadgets and stationary to bedroom furniture and furnishings. They have a particularly good quality kitchenware range and their clothing range, for men and women, is worth browsing if you are looking for a simple wardrobe. The main branch in London is near to Covent Garden tube station.

·         Tiger

Tiger is a new store near Tottenham Court Road tube station and is a Danish brand that sells brightly-coloured plastic accessories you never knew you needed. There is an exciting range of kitchen and home accessories as well as amazing and fun party bag fillers, kids’ toys and back to school equipment. Seen as a really posh pound shop, a trip to Tiger is definitely worth making.

·         Zara

This womenswear store is a Spanish high street store and is the main store women use to look for that catwalk inspired outfit for a fraction of the cost. The store, on the corner of Bond Street and Oxford Street, is Europe’s biggest Zara store and has been well established in the Capital for over a decade. Zara use high quality products and materials and low prices that won’t leave you feeling guilty for treating yourself to the latest style. Zara is an international brand with over 700 stores in 70 countries and is a very strong competitor for the higher priced designer brands.

·         Beyond Retro

This store has 12 years of experience in selling vintage clothing for both men and women with vibrant 20^th century fashion. They have 9 stores between England and Sweden and each store has its own treasure trove with its own unique style. Beyond Retro is also part of a global movement and recycles upwards of 500,000 items of clothing each year to bring new purpose to excess clothing and accessories. If you are a festival teen or trendy twenty-something then you will be amazed at Beyond Retro’s selection.

·         Monki

Monki is a store that many say ‘puts a smile back into fashion’. The brand came about by 3 friends dreaming of a different world of fashion that by working together they made come true. With fabulous clothes at low prices, this new store in Soho is popular with young women looking for that high-fashioned budget wardrobe. Monki is number 51 in ‘Time Outs’ list of the 100 best shops in London.

·         H & M

H&M offers fashion and quality at the best price and is particularly popular with teens who want a huge choice of pure fashion to fill their wardrobes. With this Oxford Circus H&M having a complete makeover turning 3 floors into a massive 6 floor store containing a vast amount of changing rooms on each floor, modern music and a well-stocked shoe boutique, many shoppers have an enjoyable shopping experience in what is probably now the best fashion store on Oxford Street. 

·         Absolute Vintage

This store is located on Shoreditch High Street offering great vintage items of clothing shoes and accessories for both men and women. Starting as a market stall in Portobello, the company progressed to having concessions in many designer stores across the country which has led to them now owning 3 stores across London for those people looking for unique vintage gear that has been hand-picked from around the world due to its time lasting quality and era defining design. Clothes start for £1 in the bargain bin and a whole outfit can easily be purchased for under £100. Some items need to be inspected to ensure their quality although there is a huge selection to look through to find that perfect item.

·         Decathalon

This warehouse sized London store is best for bargain running gear and cycling equipment. You will also find reasonably priced equipment for mainstream ball sports as well as swimming, surfing, fishing, horse-riding and many other popular sports.  Decathalon is a French brand and this store in Rotherhithe holds London’s biggest collection of sports equipment.

·         Primark

This Primark store in Marble Arch opened in 2001 and is laid out over 3 floors. The clothing lines and footwear are on trend and well within budget for women, men and children and you can fill huge paper bags with clothes and still have change from £50. Being so cheap has its downside for this store though with queues always long and changing rooms always full resulting in a not so pleasant shopping experience but it’s a small price to pay for the bargains you will discover. 

A tea at park lane will refresh your mood

Park Lane hotel London has long been well calculated to be one of the premier locations in England’s capital. The congregation of Park Lane hotels in the vicinity boasts of five-star accommodations, which are without doubt fitting for the a variety of royal attractions surrounding it. London has always been on focus for its various carnival and its monuments. Getting yourself a place in London according to your need is the best part to choose, you can choose from a wide range of luxury hotels London. There are hotels according to your calm which gives you the unsurpassed conveniences and makes your stay enjoyable. The hotels here are to give you the best and enjoyable stay with various facilities.

The streets of London are crammed full during the springs and the summer and can be lovely. Tourist spots are burgeoning with tourist from all around the world, in a reliable weather or in unreliable condition. The hotels here are booked in advanced, so it better if you get your stay booked in advanced. These luxury hotels provide you with the best services. The service begins from the point you land in London which gives you a pick up and drop services from the airport, so that you do not need to go on probing for the hotel you booked.

At Park Lane, tourists would be able to naturally arrive at key points of interest in London such as Hyde Park, it is stated as one of the major park of the city and noted for being a vast preferred for relaxing walks, carriage rides, and horseback riding during the Regency period. A well well-known landmark going along the park lane on its west border would be the Queen Mother Gates, which are also referred to as the Queen Elizabeth Gates. Also there are extraordinary Park Lane hotels in this area.

The hotels hold a 24 hours cafeteria, a restaurant where you can enjoy different types of cuisine. All the rooms have an AC and are fitted with heater which can keep you warm during the winter season. There are many extraordinary packages and deals provide to make your stay comfortable. They offer you discounts on different holiday’s packages and business stay. The offers are valid as per seasons and provide you with different facilities. The rooms give you sense of home feeling, with latest amenities so that you can enjoy the best out of it. These luxury hotels provide you with the fit centre. Helps you get and easy access to the net with a 24*7 broadband service so that you are connected with the world. All the rooms are fitted with LED screen and the bathroom are well equipped with the latest amenities. If you are confused in what require, the expert will surely help you and guide you with your requirement.

The hotel is well designed with a grand entrance and has a big lobby. The streets of park lane are crowded with tourist. The park lane hotels london afternoon tea is more enjoyable and gives a taste to freshen. Which keep you on your move on a touring spree? You can enjoy different type of flavored tea that helps you get the taste of real park lane London.

These hotels are situated close to a lot of renowned spots and help you discover London easily. The rooms of the hotels give you a sagacity of the British style of living with many facilities available in the room. If you are planning a business trip these hotels give you the services you can choose out for. These hotels are best for a business class stay as they help you if you have a meeting, conference or a business party. The staff here provides you service with a smile and is well trained. These hotels also provide you with holiday package which helps you from the time you check in till you airport transfer, touring the city, helping you taste special types of cuisine, airport transfer and many more things. You will certainly enjoy the facilities made available by the hotel.

Not only the museum or heritage sites or the tallest tower, London is also known for its most excellent street food in the entire European country. It is called a ecstasy for food devotees. The city holds many restaurants and street food outlets that will make your mouth watery. There are a variety of markets that are famous for the street food, if you visit London you must try the street food which gives you the best taste and makes your taste buds seek for more. You can walk to the whisky mist where you can enjoy the best malted alcohol and taste few best cuisines as an appetizer. The meet bar is another best place to get going with. The baroque playboy club in London is another place to visit on the park lane. If you are willing for some fun then you can check out the winter wonderland a place to enjoy with the family. The bar 45 is another option for the alcohol lovers to enjoy the best malted whisky.

You can get yourself comfortable after a long day touring with a massage. There are various spa that help you that give you the best body massage and many other services. The park lane has many things that you can get yourself comfortable. A day could be less to explore or even a week. Park lane in London offers you the best stay in luxury hotels, taste world class cuisine, a shopping market to shop and many restaurants and pub that give you the taste on the city. The hotels here are affordable and give you a pleasant and relaxing time.

First Trip to London: Best Place to Stay

If you are visiting London for the first time then you probably have a long list of attractions that you wish to visit during your time in the capital city.  In 2013, London saw over 16 million tourists descend on the city throughout the year and with so many varied and diverse sights to see, it is very easy to discover why.  For first-timers, making sure that you stay somewhere which is centrally located, and will allow you easy access to the many attractions on offer is usually high on the list when it comes to determining which accommodation you choose to book.

That said, the attractions in London are generally quite spread out, which means that as long as you stay somewhere which is within central London then travelling around the city to various locations shouldn’t be too difficult, especially with the underground system being as comprehensive as it is.  Additionally, many of the attractions can be found within the oldest part of the city; the area which is known officially as the ‘City of London’ including Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Museum of London and Guildhall Library to name but a few.  There are a number of great hotels within a short distance of the ‘City of London’ including the Montcalm Hotel London; a 5 star boutique hotel which offers a luxury stay in the heart of the capital city.

However, we know that choosing a hotel is not as simple as just choosing a place on a map and so we have gathered together some top tips for how to choose the best place to stay when visiting London for the first time:-

Budget
There are thousands of hotels in London which serve a range of budget from the cheap hostels to the 5 star boutique hotels such as the Montcalm Hotel London.  The first port of call you should make when looking for somewhere to stay in London is work out your budget.  How long is your trip and how much money do you have to pay for accommodation?  Once you have this is mind, it will make searching for a hotel much easier.

Location
This is really down to personal preference.  London’s vast range of hotels means that you don’t need to stay further away from the centre of the city in order to get good value for money.  If you are struggling to choose a location to narrow down your search then it might be worth making a list of all the attractions you want to visit whilst in the city, plotting them on a map and seeing if there is a location which links them all.

Amenities
Unless you are staying at the most basic of hostels, you will no doubt find that there are many great amenities on offer within your hotel.  Even the 2 star hotels will offer a clean, comfortable stay and if you are planning to be out exploring the city during the day, then all you really need is a decent place to sleep at night.  If you have a preference when it comes to certain facilities being available within your hotel, then check the star rating (although bear in mind that star quality doesn’t always indicate hotel quality in the UK and it is always worth checking out a hotel’s website before booking to make sure you get what you are expecting).

Getting Around
As mentioned above, London has a comprehensive underground tube system and it also has a number of other great public transport links so travelling around the city shouldn’t be too complicated.  If you buy a prepaid oyster card for the duration of your stay it can also work out relatively cost-effective as well.  For first time visitors to the city, then making use of the Big Red Buses which are a very common sight around London is a great way to ensure you can visit the most popular tourist attractions.  You purchase a ticket and then are free to hop on and off the buses as much as you like.  Quite often you can also get a discount for entrance to the attractions when you buy your bus ticket.

Once you have decided on your preferred hotel then make use of comparison websites to ensure that you are getting the best value for money.  It is also worth checking the hotel’s own website as quite often you might find deals, such as 3 nights for the price of 2 which won’t be advertised elsewhere.  If your trip isn’t for a while it is also always worth signing up to the hotel’s newsletter as often deals and offers are included here which aren’t found elsewhere.

Many comparison websites will also show you hotels of a similar quality to the one you are looking at and it might be that you find a better priced hotel, which is of the same standard as your preferred choice.

Finally, we would recommend booking well in advance of your trip.  This is when the best deals are to be found and if you are working to a tight budget, then it is advantageous to book as soon as reasonably possible.

It will also eliminate the risk of disappointment if your preferred hotel is not available on the dates you have chosen.  London is a busy city and there are numerous events which take place throughout the year.  If you choose to come at a popular time, then the best hotels will sell out quickly, sometimes a whole year in advance.

If you aren’t particularly bothered about the exact dates for your visit then it might be worth checking out www.visitlondon.com which can advise of popular weekends and dates throughout the year, and ensure that you can book your visit to take place outside of the times when the city will be even more populated than usual.

You want the best spa deals in London? Look online!

With the pace of modern life becoming increasingly hectic every day, there comes a time when we need to take time out and enjoy some R&R (rest and relaxation). To make the most of your holiday trip you will need to do a bit of research to find the best available spa hotels. It is has become a lot easier thanks to the Internet! When you are going to spend money, it is only natural to want your money’s worth and even if you working with a tight budget it possible to find excellent spa resorts and hotels, which give promotional offers and discounts for booking online. One way of ensuring you are always aware of the best deals is by subscribing to free online newsletters that offer special discounts and additional features to subscribers.

When it comes to the best spa deals London is the city to be in. And the best time to get the juiciest discounts is by travelling during the off-season. The atmosphere may not be as vibrant and electric as in the regular season, but if you want to save close to half the cost then this is the period to visit. Spa hotels offer the best deals during this time, as like with standard hotels the occupancy rates tend to dip, which is not good for any business. Another good time is to skip the weekend and visit a spa on a weekday. You could check in on a Monday and check out on a Friday which will spare you the rush as well as save a fair sum of money.  

By searching online you will find a spa that is suited to your needs and your budget. You could choose to search for one either by amenities on offer or by location. You could conduct a price and facilities comparison (most travel sites offer these nowadays) and then decide which best suits your budget and your needs. You could even check sites that offer you a virtual tour of the place. It will give you an idea as to how your room will look, those who will be offering their services to you and you can also request for a quote to stay at the hotel. Staying at a spa hotel will save time on stepping out of the hotel to look around for a suitable spa facility. Why take the trouble when you can get all at one place and that too at a reasonable cost?