London Olympics 2012 – A glimpse of what is to come

Regarded to be the world’s foremost sports competition, the Olympics are a major international event, not only in the field of sports.  The Olympics Games are held only four years, with winter and summer games alternating.  This year, 2012, London would have the privilege to host the Summer Olympic Games. This would be the third time that England’s capital has hosted the modern Olympics, after 1908 and 1948.

It would definitely an exciting feat as more than 200 nations as set to participate in the games.  Residents, supporters, and tourists would definitely be astounded by the energy. There would be more than athletes playing; there surely would be records to be broken.

The Opening Ceremony has been set on July 27. This would mark the XXX Olympiad.  At the Olympic Stadium, a parade of athletes has been set. Along with the parade, there would also be speeches, flag rising, and oath taking. Of course the Opening Ceremony would not be complete without the ceremonial torch and lighting of the Olympic Flame. These are events that any sports enthusiast would surely not miss.

Aside from the Opening Ceremonies, supporters will surely mark their calendars for the games which they follow like football, swimming and basketball.  Spectators would enjoy cheering for athletes who compete in 26 different sports, break down into 39 disciplines. There are many sports which nations compete in people would definitely want to watch, tickets are already on sale. Like the football games will take place on the Wembley Stadium and Millennium Stadium.

Nevertheless, sports enthusiasts would most likely go for Games Travelcard that would help them travel within London on the days of the sporting events.  This Games Travelcard has access to public transportation such as the London Underground (Tube).

London has much more to offer than champion runners in the track or swimmers battling in the water. There are walks and guided tours being offered specially for the London Olympics. Among them provide morning walking tour that has professional city guides that will lead spectators to amazing views of the Olympic Stadium and Aquatics Centre.

The highlight of the games would be, of course, the awarding ceremony. The Victory Ceremony expects to award 805 medals in the Olympics and Paralympics. The London 2012 Olympic medals have been exclusively designed for the event and are produced by the Royal Mint headquarters in South Wales.

However, the Olympic Games do not end with the Victory Ceremony. The Closing Ceremony has been scheduled on August 12.  Just like the opening ceremonies, there are traditions which the closing ceremonies follow.  There would a march of the athletes and speeches.  There would be a flag rising, Greece to honour where the Olympic Games originated, the host country’s flag, and the Brazil, as it would be the next venue for the Olympics. To cap off the games, the flame which has been burning in the cauldron from the start of the Olympics would be put out.

Hotel prices during the Olympics are believed to soar. A great alternative to expensive hotel rooms would be to opt for a vacation rental. London hideaways offers a selection of affordable furnished apartments. Centrally located and within easy reach of the Olympic village these holiday rentals will provide a home away from home with amenities not found in a hotel. Think more space, a washer/dryer, internet access, private balcony or terrace.
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London Hideaways is an entity of Charming Hideaways Ltd, and is registered and based in London. Katia Provencher is the Director of Charming Hideaways, and has several years experience in the vacation rental and tourism business, including being vacation rental owner herself and also having been a long-term resident of London.
For further details on London Hideaways vacation rentals, please call + 44 (0)208 144-5883, via Skype vacation-rental, email contact@london-hideaways.com or visit www.london-hideaways.com

Thinking of going to Paris for a short break? Charming Hideaways also offers properties in the City of Lights. contact Paris Hideaways via contact@paris-hideaways.com or visit www.paris-hideaways.com

London’s antique shopping – Discover London antique markets

London is not just about Shakespeare, the lovers he wrote about or the kings and queens of England who ruled wether loved or hated by their subjects. With these notable men and women comes a rich history which the capital of England is filled with. These persons may be long gone, but their stories are still alive, and the memories that they left are cast upon the items that once belonged to them.

London is a place for rich with arts, culture and history. But London offers more than that. We are not talking about shopping on the main high streets of the The Big Smoke but rather, as some tourists often find, go off the beaten track and take home valuable antiques from London’s notorious antiques malls and shops.

London is one of the best European cities to go antique shopping as it provides collectors and dealers from all around the world alike English antiques and collectables lovingly kept and cared for through time. There are many London antiques markets to visit when it comes to antique hunting in London .

Among them is London’s famous Alfie’s Antique Market. What once used to be an old department store now houses a wonderful collection of different antiquesand collectibles that amaze collectors, shoppers, tourists, interior designers and even celebrities. Alfie’s has been known to be one of the best dealers for antique from paintings and furniture to vintage fashion, clothes and accessories. Alfies antiques is located near the Edgware tube station.

If silver is more to your taste then London would definitely be the place to be, as the world famous silver vault would fill your need. The Silver Vault has been supplying antiques for over 50 years now, and has been known as the finest and largest centre for silver antiques in the world. Some say that if you are looking for silver antiques the best bet would be to look in the Silver Vault, if you cannot find it there then you simply cannot find it anywhere else.

Located at the West End, the Grey’s Antique Mall is a 19^th century terracotta type building which provides collectors and tourists the best antiques and beautiful old things. It accommodates as much as 200 dealers who are all open on Mondays to Saturdays. It offers different pieces from different periods such as Edwardian to Art Nouveau.

Camden Passage has been known to antique collectors and interior designers as one of the richest places for great antique finds. The last 40 years, Camden passage has provided buyers hard to find antique furniture, jewelries and paintings among others. The best days to come are on either Wednesdays or Saturdays. Get off at Angel tube station and make your way towards this little side street right off of Upper street, Angel area’s most commercial street.

A historic street, Kensington Church street is one stretch of road where collectable fans and antique buyers can find over 60 antique dealers selling quality goods. It provides collectors with jewellery, porcelain, silver and gold, pottery and ceramics, paintings and other works of art, lightings and chandeliers, furniture, antique clocks and many more goods.

Of course coming to London in view of dong this sort of exclusive shopping will require a nice place to come home to every evening and a considerably larger amount of space that a generic hotel room would provide.

London hideaways - Martini - one bedroom apt in Fitzrovia

This is why selected a vacation rental in London instead of a cramped hotel room may be the  idea to keep in mind. London Hideaways is one agency offering a great selection of apartments throughout London. Choose a two bedroom in London West End or a charming one bedroom near Alfie’s Antiques, London Hideaways has many choices, in various sizes and for every budget.

Enjoy your trip to London!

London Primrose Hill, Celebrity sightseeing

There are many London spots which offer a majestic view of the British Capital. However, for some who would also want a little star-sighting, nothing could then compare to Primrose Hill.

The awe inspiring, stunning panoramic views of London on top of Primrose Hill which offer unobstructed view of all of West London.

Primrose Hill and London city view

Since the 1800’s, Primrose Hill has been noted as a village that houses artists and writers. However, development in the arts over the years, seems to have caught up with this gentrified residential village. Recently, Primrose Hill has been a place to call home of famous celebrities, actors and actresses. These famous names have been a big crowd drawer, as many tourists and even London Residents come to visit Primrose Hill to catch a glimpse of their favourite celebs.

Among those living in Primrose Hill are Academy Award winner Rachel Weisz, supermodel Kate Moss, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and his wife Jools, actor Jude Law, director Tim Burton and his wife actress Helena Bonham Carter, couple musician Gavin Rossdale and Gwen Steffani, and supermodel Agnes Deyn.

Apart from being home to these artists, this London hotspot has also served as location for famous films such as V for Vendetta, Bridget Jones Diary, Breaking and Entering, and many more.

One would not need to travel unguided, as there are tours that are being offered. The tour takes visitors alongside the homes of singer Amy Winehouse, writer Sylvia Plath, actress Rachel Weisz among others. It also provides a quick stop in famous Britpop pub where top names such as Pulp, Oasis, Blur and Amy Winehouse used to perform. Pussycat Dolls, Lily Allen, Razor light’s usual rock and roll pubs are also often included in the tour’s itinerary.

Primrose Hill Village, celebrity haunts

Most London travellers who wish to stay  in one of the London’s premier vacation rentals should look into London Hideaways. The agency offers A selection of wonderful furnished apartments within easy reach of Primrose Hill and Camden town and Camden Market.

Primrose Hill Village also utilizes its artistic notoriety by housing arts and music events. Primrose hill is brimming with museums and art houses. Showcases of some of Primrose Hill’s artists and residents’ works are often shown.

A great travel destination, it does not only give a breathtaking view of the city, it also leaves visitors with simple and fun-filled souvenirsof their trip to London. From the little cup cake shop off of Princess street to the Michelin starred deli and Famous gastro-pub, this can be an authentic London day out, local style.

And when in Primrose hill, also head for Regent canal where you can enjoy secnic views into Little Venice, another fanastic neighborhodd of West London.

London Hideaways - 2 bedroom London apartment in Fitzrovia - Irresistible

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London Hideaways is an entity of Charming Hideaways Ltd, and is registered and based in London. Katia Provencher is the Director of Charming Hideaways, and has several years experience in the vacation rental and tourism business, including being vacation rental owner herself and also having been a long-term resident of Paris and London.

For further details on London Hideaways or Paris Hideaways vacation rentals, please call + 44 (0)208 144-5883, via Skype vacation_rental, email contact@london-hideaways.com or visit www.london-hideaways.com.

Christmas holidays in London: a selection of great activities.

It’s that most wonderful time of the year. After all, Christmas is that only time of the year when we are allowed take a break off from work and get to spend quality time with our family. Some spend their holidays at home, while others go on a trip. However, if you are one of those wanting to escape the everyday scene, London might just be the perfect place to chill for the Christmas Season. London hideawayswill tell you why so.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

The lights are just spectacular. No other city in the world could come comparable to the way London lights up on to celebrate the birth of our Saviour. The beautiful decor of lights switch on in the West End, and this has been a tradition and a landmark occasion each year. The Trafalgar Square and the Covent Garden also shows a bright parade and this adds to the capital’s festivities and cheers.

Get to enjoy Classical music. A world renowned concert and operatic them would be performing nothing but the best classical piece of composer Mozart. What more way to put class in to your Christmas than by listening to Raymond Gubbay over an evocative candle-lit style setting.

Have fun with the kids in Hyde Park. Set to be London’s number event returns, the Hyde Park feature new attractions for this years Christmas season. It has different rides and attractions that includes acircuses and a giant observation wheel. From the family friendly Zippo Circus, the circuses featured this year are the Christmas Cicrus nad the Cirque Extreme. The park also has a skating rank, said to be the biggest in the UK. Children can skate, as there is no age limit for skaters, and even those in wheelchairs could even be seen on the rink. SO what more are you waiting for?

Skate all day.Visit the National History Museum and get to see the different animals on display like at the Darwin Center Cocoon.

Skating in London : Great Christmas activity

Admission is free. After being left at awe by nature, try skating at the outdoor rink. The 1,000 square meter rink outside the museum is perfect for twirling making those figure eights. The backdrop of the building and the tree lights gives a festive ambience. For those non-skaters, they can munch on snacks and foods at a nearby Cafe Bar and get to enjoy the view of the platform.

The Bazaars are all around. Christmas Shopping is not over even after you have bought your family and friends gifts. People are still busy looking around things for the presents that they have forgotten to buy—and even for themselves. This is where London comes in, with many bazaars and markets to help you geet around.

With all these, and more attractions, London is the perfect place to spend the Holiday season. Now you need a vacation rental in Londonto come home to after these great London outings! Book now at London Hideaways and reserve yourself a furnished holiday rental to spend a magical vacation with your loved ones.

London vacation rental: Casablanca in Fitzrovia

Visiting London with Kids

Traveling with kids can sometimes be stressful, but choosing the right way to travel and the right destination can make it fun and turn it into a memorable family getaway.

Choosing a suitable destination for a family holiday comes down to selecting the right places and activities to do so that everyone finds something to enjoy and discover. London is one of those fantastic destination and London Hideaways has a list of great ideas and outings to fill you with.

When planning ahead for the right accommodation, considering a London furnished rentalis a great alternative to congested hotel rooms when traveling with children. We have written a full article on the benefit of choosing a vacation rental when traveling in London with a family which you can read here.

Agatha holiday apartment in London Fitzrovia

There is much to see when visiting London on holiday, here are some great ideas for days outings:

Experience the London Dungeon. Kids of all ages will surely enjoy this haunted house located just below the London Bridge. It is not only fun, it also educational trip, that is not museum like, as it has been based from scenes in history. Tourists will get to go through live action sequence, special effects and rides depicting historical moments in London such as the plague, the great fire of London, Jack the ripper’s murder and the Tudors.
London Dungeon: 28-34 Tooley Street, ph 020 7403 7221, metro: London Bridge (Jubilee Line)

Be overwhelmed by the animals at the London Zoo. The world’s oldest scientific zoo, the London Zoo will surely amaze you and your children as it is houses at least 755 animals and 16,802 individuals, such as meerkats, birds, and penguins. The zoo also puts up many attractions, such as the butterfly paradise which holds countless species of butterflies and moths from different regions, and the Giants of the Galapagos which inhabits three Galapagos tortoise. The zoo is located at Regent’s Park, London.
Regent’s Park: Ph 020 7722 3333 metro: Great Portland street)

Go for the ride of your life at the Chessington World of Adventures. Located at Southwest, London, the Chessington World of Adventure is a well known theme park and zoo. It first started out as a zoo, which still accommodates diverse species like gorillas, lions, tigers, sealions, and reptiles. The theme park began its operation on 1987. Be taken aback and scream for your life with dragon rides, swinging pirate ships and roller coasters.

See the sea creatures London aquarium. The Sealife London Aquarium has a large number of visitors, about a million each year. It is all because of the astounding collection of aquatic species which resides at the aquarium, visibly seen in an ocean tunnel. Among those which live here are crocodiles, seahorses, jellyfish, and butterfly goodeids. It also has a robotic fish which adds to the tourists’ fun. Sealife London Aquarium is located in Central London near Waterloo station on London South bank.
London Aquarium: Westminster Bridge Road, ph: 0871 663 1678

Shop around in London. Cap off your visit to London with a shopping trip. Where else but to one of the famous department stores, Harrod’s in Knighstbridge near Chelsea  and the famous Albert Museum Surely your kids would love the toys, playthings that can be seen and bought here. Every member of the family needs a trip to Hamley’s store to buy souvenirs and memorabilia also located downtown London.
Hamley’s: 188-196 Regent Street, ph 0871 704 1977 metro: Oxford street

Victoria and Albert Museum, London England

Use the public transportation and take a tour of London. Go anywhere from your London-Hideaways holiday apartment as you can take pleasure in the incredible bus system in the British capital. Children below ten years old can travel free on buses, trams, Dockland Railway (DLR), trams and London Overground, as long as they are together with an adult with a valid pass or ticket. Preteens and teenagers aged 11 to 15 can also travel free on the tube, London Overground and the DLR. An oyster photo card for them to travel complimentary is necessary and information can be found at any London underground station.

So next time you take time off with your kids, do take in to mind London Slow Travel style and get to experience the wonders and diversity of England’s capital with your family. London-Hideaways can arrange your perfect London apartment getaway.

10 free things to do in London

This is a list of 10 great things to do while discovering London. And it doesn’t cost a penny!

1.Tate Modern and Tate Britain are exceptional national art galleries housing some of the finest artworks in the world-my fave. 2.All of London’s major museums are free, but most offer some special exhibitions for a fee. 3. Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens in Regent’s Park is a favorite spot in London and free-take a picnic. 4.Trafalgar Square is one of Britain’s greatest visitor attractions and was designed by John Nash in the 1820s and constructed in … Read More

How to avoid rental scams in London

Renting a vacation apartment can save you loads of money on your trip to London, but added stress of scrutinizing the rental agency for scams is an inevitable part of making your final booking. Arranging for an apartment from abroad without being able to see it in advance, dealing with people you have never met and paying large sums of money internationally, as well as possible language and cultural barriers mean that there are certain risks involved with booking a vacation apartment in London.

The pros still far outweigh the cons, but London Hideaways Vacation Rentals provides top tips for avoiding rental scams.

1. Trust Your First Instinct

If you feel like you are being scammed, you probably are. If you feel like something isn’t right, it isn’t.  You should feel 100% comfortable with your booking, as where you stay in London can affect the success and enjoyment of your vacation.

2. Payment – Never pay through Western Union or any service to an unnamed supplier.

Western Union immediately pays the payee and the money is out of their system and off their hands. If there is a dispute later, you will not be able to find out who the money went to if you have paid through Western Union.  There is no good reason why the vacation apartment rental agency should not have PayPal, accept cash on arrival, or accept personal check for the deposit.

3. Payment – Security Deposit

Some companies require full payment of the apartment as well as the security deposit, while others only require a partial payment and security deposit before your arrival. If you are not comfortable with paying in full before arrival, there are plenty of agencies who do not require this.

Several scams occur around the deposit. Either you may not get your deposit back for the smallest of reasons, or there may be added charges which were not made clear in the initial booking, such as cleaning fees – which with any quality agency should already be built into the price.

One excellent approach to deposit payment that trustworthy agencies employ is pre-payment of the deposit by check. You write out the security deposit in a check in your currency which you supply the owner upon arrival. The check is then only cashed should damage be caused to the apartment by the renter, otherwise, the check is never cashed, and you must not wait and worry until your security deposit is repaid into your account.

4. Check Contact Details on the Website

A quality vacation rental agency will supply all necessary contact details on their website: phone number, email address, and a contact person. If the agency is anonymous, do not trust them. Even if the apartments offered are real and available, why rent from a non-personal, faceless agency when there are agencies who will supply you with contact details from minute one.

You can also check the registrar of companies at www.societe.com and do a search to see if the company exists.

Or check www.whois.domaintools.com to see if the contact details for the owner of the website match the details you have been given or are displayed on the website.

5. Google, Google and Google some more!

If you are being offered an excellent rate and are hesitant to pass up a great deal (that is, after all, the whole point of apartment rentals), search the name of the agency online –in Google and on travel blogs and forums. If it is a scam, someone will have reported it somewhere. See below for a list of links on the subject.

Also, make sure to check the address of the apartment. If possible, check both the number and the street address and make sure that if the apartment does exist, that it is in the district / location you are being told it is in.  Additionally, scrutinize the pictures you have of the apartment carefully, and make sure that the information given about the apartment match what you see in the pictures.

6. References

References are a tricky gray area. On the one hand, an agency might be willing to provide you with references from previous renters. On the other hand, should this be an attempt at a scam, then the references may just be in cahoots with the scammer, and be providing false information to you as well.

Third party travel websites such as Trip Advisor and Fodors forums are much more reliable, as forum participants will act as references if they have stayed with the company and will certainly share negative experiences with rental scams as well.

7. Get Personal

If the agency is customer focused and offers quality apartments, then their phone number is on the website for a reason – use it. Call and ask questions in as much detail as you need. You have the right as a costumer to find out what you are purchasing beforehand, and a trustworthy agency will be happy to discuss with you your requirements, needs, areas of choice and any additional information you require.

Renting a vacation apartment in London can be an excellent experience and save you a significant amount of cash on your European adventure! By trusting your gut and doing the necessary research on the agency and the apartment of choice, you will be in a much better position to avoid any scams or surprises with your London vacation apartment rental.

Helpful websites

SCAMWARNERS FORUM

Trip Advisor – London Forum

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g186338-i17-k1149021-Fraud_Apartment_Rentals-London_England.html

www.whois.domaintools.com

www.societe.com

www.london-hideaways.com

Much ado about volcanoes and airplanes

Katia Provencher - Charming Hideaways

A word of encouragement from us at Charming Hideaways:

The largest setback in Charming Hideaways’ eight year history came in the form of an Act of God : volcanic ash billowing high in the atmosphere terminated flights to and from Europe’s largest airports.

As a result of this volcano eruption in Iceland, we were unwillingly part of the domino effect of trip delays, cancellations and disruptions .

You, our clients mean a great deal to us and although this was an unavoidable disaster you must rest assured that Charming Hideaways is working towards helping you recovering your vacation dreams.

Over the last few days we have been liaising with all the owners of Paris and London vacation rentals affected by this situation and are working hard to adapt, extend or reschedule accommodation stays where necessary.

Covent Garden Loft

We will of course continue to supervise the situation and ensure that no one is left stranded until this problem subsides. We are happy to see the willingness to help out shown by the owners and their flexibility in trying to meet their guests new travel imperatives.

Although we can all recognize that these incidents are few and far between, we would nevertheless like to remind you again that although travel insurance is not mandatory it is a good thing to have. As outlined in our FAQ page, our partner ADAR insurance may help you recover part of the money paid towards your vacation rental in London or Paris if your trip was interrupted, delayed or cancelled.

Agatha

Please remember that over the next week, it is advisable to check the status of your flight with your airline. We also recommend that your find out about their policy concerning this situation. Some companies like Air Canada offer the possibility to refund or reschedule your trip immediately or keep the ticket and rebook dates at a later date giving you time to think it over before rescheduling.

As always Charming Hideaways wants to remind you that we are here to assist you with any questions you may have relating to your stay in one of our vacation rentals. On behalf of all of us here at Charming Hideaways, thank you for your understanding and continued business.

Katia Provencher

Director, Charming Hideaways Ltd
www.london-hideaways.com www.paris-hideaways.com

Recommended readings:

• Iceland Volcano Disrupts Flights Across Europe, Threatens Weekend … – By Alex Morales and Steve Rothwell April 16 (Bloomberg) — Air services across northern Europe will be disrupted into the weekend after a cloud of ash from a volcano in Iceland shut dozens of airports in the UK, France and Scandinavia.

• Malaysia Airlines flights to UK and Europe disrupted | Michigan … – Click below to get your lodging early and ensure a great Michigan Beach Vacation. Due to airport closures across the UK and Europe as a result of volcanic ash from Iceland, Malaysia Airlines’ flights have been disrupted. Those booked on affected flights are advised to watch out for updates on www.

London Hideaways talks about tea!

Afternoon Tea in London

There is nothing more quintessentially English than a good cup of tea. In fact, along with bulldogs, bowler hats and red telephone boxes, tea drinking has come to symbolize the very essence of the British experience. When traveling to London you may want to indulge yourself in this genteel ritual, so London Hideaways has a few tips to ensure that you will have a memorable tea drinking experience.

First a bit of history about the English Tea trade:

Tea came to Britain in the 16th century when Dutch merchants first imported this Asian beverage from China. The Chinese had been drinking tea for centuries (with limited supplies of clean water, boiling it with aromatic leaves was a good way to ensure a safe and tasty drink).

By the 17th century, tea drinking was in fashion throughout Europe and British entrepreneurs were quick to capitalize on the trend. The famous Twinings company established a warehouse in London in 1706 and is still in business today.

Twinings: London’s oldest Tea shop

The distinctive clipper ships are a product of the British tea trade. Built for speed, these sailing vessels would stock up on Chinese tea and race home to be the first with the new harvest.

The most famous clipper of all, the Cutty Sark, has been preserved and can be visited in Greenwich just east of London.

Fortnum and Mason is another institution which  opened just a year after Twinings, in 1707, selling to the royal household and the local gentry. When in London, visit “Fortnums”, as they are known, and see the liveried shop assistants.

In fact, one of London’s best-loved institutions also has it roots in the tea trade. In 1834, Henry Charles Harrod opened a tea wholesaler in the East End. Today Harrod’s in London’s Knightsbridge is one of the world’s most famous department stores.

The world’s taste for tea made many men rich and helped establish Britain as an international commercial powerhouse. And, of course, where there is money to be made there is money to be taxed: it was Britain’s taxation of tea in the 1700’s that helped fuel the American independence movement!

English tea times:

In Britain there are different tea drinking occasions associated with different times of day.

• For instance, elevenses is a morning tea comparable to a coffee break.
• Low tea is an afternoon meal that may include sandwiches and scones (the name originates from the habit of enjoying the meal in low armchairs!)
• The famous English cream tea may feature scones and clotted cream, marmalade and lemon curd.
• Royale Tea is a social occasion that includes champagne or sherry served before the tea. Perhaps the most well known tea drinking occasion
• High Tea. It started as an evening meal for laborers and typically might include meat and potatoes (really more of a dinner than tea). These days, you may enjoy High Tea at two in the afternoon. It is a fairly elaborate meal with cake, biscuits and pastries.

Tea etiquette:

Mostly followed during Victorian days, it still has its importance in some Etiquette and English Schools and circles, here are a few light hearted tips.

London’s Ritz serves one of the best London Afternoon tea

When sitting down to tea, place your purse on your lap or behind you on the back of your chair. Unfold your napkin and place it in your lap (should you need to leave the table, place your napkin on your chair). Put sugar in your cup first, then a lemon slice if you wish. Milk goes in after the tea is poured. Lemon and milk are never used together and cream is never added to tea. Do not stir in a circular motion – gently move the tea back and forth with your spoon. Never leave your spoon in your teacup – leave it on the saucer behind the cup. Split scones horizontally with your knife and add cream and lemon curds to you plate. Spread the cream and curds on your scone before each bite.

It is a misconception that polite tea drinkers extend their little fingers when holding a cup (although it is a good practice to handle food with only three fingers).

Enjoying tea in London

First be aware that no self-respecting tearoom will use tea bags, always loose leaves.

When in London you may want to indulge in the tradition of tea at the Ritz – the world famous hotel that overlooks Green Park and Buckingham Palace in the distance. It gained popularity in English society in the early 20th century as a place where ladies could enjoy a meal without a chaperone. These days the Ritz welcomes everybody. The tea sandwiches and cakes are world famous!

Served in the spectacular Palm Court,  Ritz Traditional Afternoon Tea offers a choice of several varieties of tea, finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones, jam and clotted cream and a range of delicate pastries, combine to make for an unforgettable afternoon. Although there are five sittings every day, booking at least twelve weeks in advance is absolutely essential, especially for weekend bookings. There is a formal dress code in its public areas. Ritz London

The English Tea Room of Brown’s Hotel in Albemarle Street, Mayfair serves an excellent Afternoon tea. This fine, traditional hotel was founded in 1837 by James Brown, butler to Lord Byron and his wife, who was Lady Byron’s maid. Their hotel quickly became a meeting place for the local nobility and today is frequented by a wide clientele carrying on the tradition of enjoying English afternoon tea.

Curious about tea?

Watch this video on high tea etiquette     

When in London visit the Bramah Museum of Tea and Coffee, 1 Maguire Street, Butler’s Wharf

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London Hideaways is an entity of Charming Hideaways Ltd, and is registered and based in London. Katia Provencher is the Director of Charming Hideaways, and has several years experience in the vacation rental and tourism business, including being vacation rental owner herself and also having been a long-term resident of London.
For further details on London Hideaways vacation rentals, please call + 44 (0)208 144-5887, via Skype Parisrental, email contact@london-hideaways.com or visit www.london-hideaways.com.

Recommended reading:

• Tea Party Etiquettes – Some Dos and Don’ts - Many of us are not going to be in a situation that requires knowledge of proper tea etiquette and what to do and not to do when invited for a tea party, but who knows! And if you want to host a little tea party of your own then it makes …

• Hosting A Tea Party! - High Tea Victoria Traditional English high tea. High tea in Victoria, BC according to traditional custom of English British High Tea with a recipe for …

London Hideaways guests talk of the benefits of a London rental

London Hideaways has run a survey with their clients to find out what makes them choose a vacation rental over a hotel stay during their trips to London.

We asked our guest to give us their opinions on the benefits of apartment rentals as well as any of the downsides. Here is a compilation of interesting points made by our clients which we believe can help you weigh your options when choosing which type of accommodation is most likely to suit your style when traveling to London for a holiday.

FIREFLY - Colorful eccentric designer 2 bedroom near Kings Cross and Bloomsbury

There is a belief that visitors to London who opt for a hotel stay will often see much of their holiday budget being spent on accommodations alone. London Hideaways guests found this to be rather true. For the same rates as a typical hotel, an apartment rental provided them with more value for their money and more choices regarding sizes and style. Cleaner and quieter, rentals have the added benefit of a kitchen. Our guests found that they could save money by dining at home rather than in restaurants every day. Even London studio, the smallest sized vacation rentals, is often larger and better equipped than a simple single standard London hotel room.

Hotels may provide breakfast and, if you are lucky, a little kettle in each room. Our London Hideaways clients state that this simply does not match up to the pleasure of doing your morning food shopping in the markets of London and meeting back “home” with friends and loved ones for a convivial meal.

Tips from our guests: If you are on a budget but want to avoid the terrible one/two star hotels of London, consider a vacation rental outside of the first zone of London. By renting in the Battersea, you are next to Chelsea and Knightsbridge is a short distance too.

An apartment like Eternity may be a perfect choice at a very affordable rate. Hoxton Square is also kissing the border of Shoreditch – a hip and happening place in central London.Opting for a 2 bedroom like Firefly can be an excellent way to save money, while being steps from Bloomsbury.

An area like Tower Bridge will put you close enough to enjoy Tower Hill and Saint-Paul’s Cathedral. Consider a property located near a beautiful market called Othello or Hamlet, a one bedroom – 1-bathroom accommodation practically on the Thames river banks.

AGATHA - Stunning one bedroom in the heart of Marylebone

When choosing a London vacation rental you will have access to amenities that would be impossible to obtain in any place other than a 5 star London palace. A two bedroom apartment in Earls Court with its own garden such as Twelfth Night or a gem like Duchess, a Tower bridge penthouse with a terrasse overlooking London’s skyline are real treasures and will make a London vacation unforgettable.

It is no secret that fans of short-term rentals are travelers with a taste for things private, charming and personal. If you like to do things your own way, at your own pace without rigid hotel rules, curfews, impersonal service then a vacation rental is for you. Not your first time in London? Some of our guests suggest that when traveling with friends in London, a personal home away from home adds amazing value and a richer experience to your stay. Entertaining friends in your London home with a great meal prepared in a fully stocked kitchen can make for an unforgettable evening…

Whether you are traveling with adults only, children or are just a group of friends looking to spend a fun time abroad, London Hideaways caters for large and small groups. We asked families what made them opt for a vacation rental rather than a hotel suite.

ETERNITY - Designer loft, trendy and stylish near Shoreditch London

As you can imagine, for a large family a single London hotel room will rarely provide sufficient accommodations every one. You can choose to pick two room and cross your fingers that they will be on the same floor, relatively close to each other, safe, and if very lucky, adjoining one another. But there is always a price for this sort of “luxury” and with little children this avenue is not even a valid option. Being confined in the small space of one hotel room presents a problem for little ones who have nowhere to roam and may very well turn the trip sour.

On the other hand traveling together is a great way to reduce costs by allowing everyone to share one lodging together. A vacation rental is the best solution for this type of vacation.

Some apartments welcome up to 6 or 7 guests with 3 bathrooms and separate toilets. South Kensington’s Concerto is a very good example of this, as is Delicious, a luxury hideaway near the Portobello Market and Notting Hill. The benefits of this type of London rental are numerous; each guest will enjoy an intimate space to retreat to, while social gatherings can be made in the living room or meals enjoyed in the kitchen. Separate bathrooms allow guests to make use of the sink and bathtub in different rooms without creating traffic in the morning.

Of course, with individual rooms at a London hotel you may get individual bathrooms, bedrooms and privacy at night since everyone is separated, but let’s not forget that you sacrifice the pleasure to spend time together and share a unique experience in a relaxed way – the very reason you opted for a family/friend vacation in the first place.

DUCHESS - Splendid Penthouse with private terrace in Tower Hill

One of our guests who has a family of three young children suggests that one the plus side of a London Hideaways rental is not having to dress the kids up and race down to the breakfast lobby of a hotel before the morning meal wraps up. This is perk that is hard to ignore!

So you are sold on the idea of vacation rentals? In our next article we feature the benefits of renting via an agency rather than through private owners… Read what our guests have to say about this!

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