Usually teeming with tourists, this year we’ll have London to ourselves. From a chic camper van road trip to a restorative wellness staycation, we’re all going (down the road) on a summer holiday,
says Suzannah Ramsdale
You want all the luxury touches of a hotel but, boy, are you ready to hit the open road and breathe in that sweet country air. The best of both worlds comes in the form of the Hoxton Hotel’s camper vans. New for summer 2021, each VW T6 van comes with Roberts radios, Blank toiletries and Origin coffee, as well as a BBQ for dinners outdoors, bikes for off-road adventures, camping chairs for picnic stops, snacks for the road, and a fridge crammed with free beers, wines and soft drinks.
The Hoxton has also created the perfect itinerary of secret local spots, secluded beaches and restaurant recommendations in Kent and East Sussex, and has pre-booked all the campsites en route. Recover from the adventure with the final night in any one of the Hoxton’s London hotels. 27 May to 27 Sep. From £795 for four nights for two adults
A sensible Londoner always has a rainy day contingency
plan ready to deploy. This summer, head to The Standard where they’ll stock your room with complimentary rosé when the great British weather does its worst as part of its ‘When It Rains, They Pour’ package. Mates rates and complimentary rooms are available for those wanting to staycay with their extended party posse and there’s late-late night room service for when you just aren’t ready to call it a day. From £199
Check in to Birch for its Midweeker and get four nights for the price of three. Set in 55 acres of countryside on the fringes of London and with a new natural lido opening this spring, this concept hotel is just the place to recharge after the year from hell. Restless types will be occupied with its packed roster of workshops and masterclasses which cover everything from life drawing to spoon carving and pottery making. We’ll meet you on the lawn for a morning wild yoga session. 12 Jul to 30 Aug. From £390
Time to (finally) hit the town, but what to wear? Page 8 hotel has teamed up with the By Rotation app to launch the UK’s first in-room fashion rental concierge. From £5 per day, hotel guests can borrow and wear pieces from cult brands like Rixo, Ganni and Jacquemus. Pick your favourites before you arrive and there will be a curated lookbook waiting for you to choose from when you check in. Packing is so last season. Rooms from £152
Straighten out your WFH hunch and smooth those new stress lines with a Zen escape to The Ned on one of its new Wellness Wednesdays. The package includes a night in one of The Ned’s large rooms, a one-hour body consultation, a 60-minute Cowshed massage, use of the hotel’s heated swimming pool and unlimited gym classes and in-room goodies. From £500