London Hotel Hopping – Sleeping Around!

Recent visits in London – new hotels, new restaurants, new exhibits – London Never Sleeps!

From my suite window, Charlotte Street- at the vibrant Fitzrovia neighborhood!

Two hasty jammed packed visits; in the future, I need a month or two for leisurely exploring. Staying specifically in two neighborhoods to experience two hotels: Fitzrovia for one of the Firmdale properties and Covent Garden/Strand for a wedding stay at The Savoy and a pop in visit to the new St Clement.

A client favorite, Charlotte Street, one of the charming Firmdale properties in London. These adorable clients and I overlapped dates, how lovely is it to meet a long-time east coast client in person and in London?! The delightful staff tucked us into a cozy room for cocktails and canapés.

Charlotte Street Hotel is a small luxury hotel located in the creative neighborhood of Fitzrovia, a minute’s walk from Soho and on the doorstep of the city’s most exciting theatres, bars, cafés and restaurants. Personalized by owner Kit Kemp’s fearless signature style, this intimate bolthole combines color, pattern and craft to create vibrant spaces that pay homage to the Bloomsbury Group – the influential circle of early 20th-century artists and writers who gathered just a few streets away in the townhouses of Bloomsbury. Taking inspiration from the Bloomsbury Group’s creative and colorful aesthetic, each of the hotel’s 52 bedrooms and suites is filled with character and luxury comforts. Designed by Kit Kemp, many take on a literary theme, inspired by the artists and writers who lived in the local area.

Combining the character and charm of a boutique hotel with five-star service and luxury amenities, each room offers Frette bed linen, 24-hour in-room dining. The lively Oscar bar and restaurant, spills out onto vibrant Charlotte Street, offers brasserie classics and modern European dishes, so much fun! Never a complaint about any of the Firmdale properties in New York or London, we adore them all!  

Highly Recommend!

New property facing the Thames in a dramatic setting, St. Clement, a new hotel at 180 The Thames in the center of London. Soft summer opening during construction, I popped in for a site inspection. Again, I’ve never wandered this city area. Soho House founder Nick Jones along with 180 developer Mark Wadhwa, and the interior design firm Eagle+Hodges have cornered the first hotel in the 180 The Strand location that directly intersects the Thames. Spectacular views, classic finishes, floor to ceiling windows, the gleaming hand-finished plaster walls, beg to be caressed as you walk through the soft carpeted halls. Workmen still finishing up for an official September opening, but what I saw, I liked!

St Clement, London

The highest category River Loft enjoys views stretching from the King’s residence in Westminster to the city’s entry at Tower Bridge, 180 The Thames represents the residential and hospitality evolution of the 180 Quarter.

Dining at the Café Clement was bustling despite a ‘soft opening’. All day café and bar from chef Danny Bohan with south facing terrace and garden seating, again, unparalleled views! Location Location Location!

Highly Recommend!

Morocco Journeys – My New Magazine!

I am excited to share some updates about our upcoming Journeys this fall, as we welcome six new guests to explore the rich and vibrant country of Morocco. These travelers come highly recommended by our valued clients, many of whom have returned for multiple visits, a testament to the unforgettable experiences we strive to create!

We are proud to work exclusively with a distinguished, female-owned Destination Management Company based in Morocco. Over five separate month-long visits, my personal explorations across the country over the last 6 years have deeply enriched my appreciation for Moroccan culture, people, history and culinary delights. As someone whose love language is wandering, these Journeys have truly fed my soul.

To ensure our clients receive the highest level of service, we have handpicked a VIP Client Liaison who travels alongside our guests. We carefully select our favorite guides in each city, knowing firsthand that a guide can make or break a trip. We expect from them deep knowledge, flexibility, and a good sense of humor. Indeed, we have not hesitated to part ways with guides who did not meet these standards!

I have a specific saying to our liaison, if a guide is ignoring my ‘request list’ …You might find it amusing, however, I always advise my clients, choose a memorable phrase to tell Mustapha, if it’s time to end the day…my personal phrase is: I hope I enjoy scrambled eggs later! Mustapha politely ends the touring for me.

Our global network of associates, many with over 12 years of experience, supports us on the ground to flawlessly manage complex travel logistics. Several of our guides are published authors and passionate experts in their fields, which adds unique value to every journey.

We believe that luxury today means having the precious time to share unique experiences with family and friends, immersing in new cultures. We take great care to understand your travel aspirations and craft what we call ‘Legacy Travel’—experiences designed to leave lasting memories and meaning.

Additionally, my adventures and discoveries throughout Morocco are now beautifully documented in a magazine that captures the essence of all my Journeys.

You can find the Magazine here: gwenbooks.com  Click on Morocco Journey Memories –A Collection of my Posts. Download and enjoy the adventure!