As its name would suggest, The Royal Horseguards Hotel is a place steeped in military history. Not only was it used as a headquarters by MI5 and MI6, it also housed secret tunnels used by Winston Churchill and, in WWII, was home to the American Embassy and the Air Training Corps. It more than looks the part too, with its French château-style, Grade 1 listed building that’s situated on Enbankment and which overlooks the Thames. Suffice to say, few hotels can boast such a storied and rich heritage. As if that wasn’t enough, the building has also been featured in a slew of movies including Skyfall and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 2).
Still, those certinaly aren’t the only reasons to stay at The Royal Horseguards Hotel. There’s also the impeccable service – if you’ve got kids then you’ll be pleased to hear the hotel is partnered with the imaginatively named nannying service, The Hotel Nanny, which offers “bespoke childcare” (for when ready to wear just won’t cut it) – and, of course, the incredible rooms and suites. All of the hotel’s rooms are handsomely decorated and beautifully appointed, but if you really feel like treating yourself then opt for The Tower, one of London’s finest suites. With an awe-inspiring, 270 degree view of London, gilded decorations and even a grand fireplace, it’s about as luxurious as they come.
Hotel dining can often be disappointing, but fortunately at The Royal Horseguard Hotel the in-house restaurant is seriously impressive. Named One Twenty One Two after the famous telephone number of the hotel’s former neighbour, Scotland Yard, the double AA Rosette winning restaurant serves up the best in modern British cuisine. The pan roasted quail is delicate and sensitively seasoned (highly recommended) and is followed up nicely by a slow roast belly of pork served with a fiery mustard mash: true English fare at its best. Not satiated? Then head to the hotel’s Equus Bar where you can enjoy a cocktail named after Churchill or George Bernard Shaw. British icons if ever there were ones – rather like The Royal Horseguards Hotel.