historic and period london hotels: Cadogan, Hazlitts, Langham, Browns

Brown’s of Mayfair.

Opened in 1837, Brown’s Hotel has hosted both the politically influential and some of history’s most notable literary genuises. Theodore Roosevelt stayed here in 1886 and Rudyard Kipling completed The Jungle Book while a guest. Agatha Christie based her novel At Bertram’s Hotel on Brown’s. Created from a number of Georgian townhouses, the hotel remains one of London’s finest and most elegant hotels. More information and secure online booking is available via Expedia, www.lastminute.com and Mr & Mrs Smith | eBookers

The Cadogan Hotel

Built in 1887, the hotel was no more than ten years old when society was stunned by the arrest of Oscar Wilde who was staying in Room 118 at the time. These events were later the subject of John Betjeman’s poem “The Arrest of Oscar Wilde at The Cadogan Hotel”.

The hotel’s other salacious connection is to actress Lillie Langtry: it was in the building which later became part of The Cadogan that she lived between 1892 to 1897. However, even after the change of use from domestic residence to hotel, Lillie would stay in her original bedroom where she had courted the future King Edward VII. Expedia | www.lastminute.com | Superbreak | LateRooms

The Edward Lear

Located close to London’s main shopping area, Oxford Street, this hotel is comprised of two town houses dating from the mid 1700‘s. It was in the western of the two that the well-known artist and poet (of “nonsense verse”) lived during the nineteenth century. Expedia | LateRooms

Grim’s Dyke. Harrow, Greater London

Named after a nearby ancient earthwork and constructed in 1870 for the celebrated artist Frederick Goodall, the property’s most famous owner was William Gilbert, who took up residence in the house in 1890 until his death in 1911. During his twenty one years at Grim’s Dyke - and surrounded by his many pets - Sir William made many changes to the layout of its grounds, many of which are still observable today. Alas, one of his numerous creations - a large lake to the south of the house - was also to coast him his life. On May 29th 1911 he died attempting to rescue one of two local girls from the water. Expedia

Hazlitt’s 1718

It was here that one of the finest English essayists and literary critics lived during the latter years of his life. Indeed, William Hazlitt would almost certainly still recognise much of the interior of his former home, though no doubt be greatly impressed by the modern luxuries of this much sought-after boutique hotel. Early booking is highly recommended. Expedia | Mr & Mrs Smith

The Langham

Since opening on the 10th of June 1865, The Langham Hotel has hosted many of the world’s most influential figures. But it also has a secret history few are aware of.

Edward VII (who opened the hotel as Prince of Wales) remained a regular visitor throughout his life, and Emperor Louis Napoleon III spent much of his last enforced exile at The Langham. American journalist Henry Stanley also stayed while preparing his journey to search for Dr. Livingstone in Africa, and Noel Coward frequently ensconsed himself in a suite when working on his pre-second World War stage successes. Other artistic guests include Oscar Wilde, Mark Twain, Somerset Maugham, George Orwell, and composer Antonin Dvorak.

It is, however, The Langham’s place in history as the venue from which Winston Churchill, Charles De Gaulle and U.S. war correspondent Ed Murrow broadcast which is, perhaps, of the greatest historical significance. Expedia | www.lastminute.com | Superbreak

More period accommodation in London...

Academy, The. Boutique hotel in the Bloomsbury district having been built as five seperate houses in the 1770‘s. Tripadvisor | Expedia

Barn Hotel, The. Dating back to the seventeenth century, the hotel is located in 3 acres of gardens in Ruislip on the outskirts of London. It benefits from easy access to the city via the adjacent underground station. Tripadvisor | Expedia

Blue Bells Hotel. An 18th century residence in Notting Hill. Tripadvisor | Expedia | LateRooms

Cannizaro House. Named after the Italian Duke of Cannizaro who lived in the house in the early 1800‘s, the present day hotel can boast of being a country house hotel within London. Situated on the edge of Wimbledon Common. | Expedia | LateRooms

Copthorne Effingham Park Hotel, The. A country house hotel in extensive grounds. Located close to Gatwick airport. | Expedia | LateRooms | Hotel's Own Site

Draycott Hotel. A highly respected small romantic hotel in Cadogan Gardens Tripadvisor | Expedia

Fox Club, The. Formerly the home of the eighteenth century statesman Charles James Fox, the townhouse hotel is centrally located just off Piccadilly. Highly rated. LateRooms or go straight to The Fox Club website

Gallery Hotel, The. Situated in South Kensington, the hotel has been described as “living tribute to the art and artists of Victorian times.” Tripadvisor | Expedia | LateRooms

Grange Strathmore, The. A four-star hotel located in a Georgian townhouse. Formerly the home of the Earl of Strathmore, it is within easy reach of Hyde Park. Tripadvisor | Expedia | LateRooms | Hotel's Own Site

Hendon Hall. A 16th century mansion in the north London suburb of Hendon. Converted into a hotel during the early 1900‘s, it was used by the victorious England World Cup squad of 1966. Tripadvisor | Expedia | LateRooms

La Gaffe. Situated in Hampstead, this highly-regarded hotel dates back to the early 1700‘s when it is said to have been the home of a shepherd. Tripadvisor | Expedia | LateRooms

Langshott Manor. Part 15th and part 17th century, Langshott Manor is situated south of London and within 2 miles of Gatwick airport. Expedia | LateRooms

Leonard Hotel. Centrally located near to Marble Arch, this 17th century listed building offers four-star accommodation. Tripadvisor | Expedia

Lincoln House Hotel. A Georgian townhouse hotel benefiting from a central location close to Marble Arch. Tripadvisor | Expedia | LateRooms

Liongate Hotel. Built in 1721, the Liongate is located close to Hampton Court Palace. Expedia

Miller’s Residence. Situated in Westbourne Grove, Miller’s Residence is a country house-style hotel within central London. Tripadvisor | Mr & Mrs Smith | LateRooms

Millennium Hotel Mayfair. Right in the heart of London, this four-star Georgian hotel is said to be where Wellington’s victory over Napoleon was first announced. Tripadvisor | Expedia | LateRooms | Hotel's Own Site

Mitre Hotel, The Carlton. Located on the banks of the Thames and within a few hundred yards of Hampton Court Palace, the building dates back to 1665. Expedia

Montcalm Hotel Nikko. Tripadvisor | Expedia | LateRooms

Petersham, The. Mid 1800‘s country House-style hotel on Richmond Hill. Expedia

Portland Hotel, The. Centrally-located boutique hotel dating back to the Georgian period. Tripadvisor | Expedia

Prince William Hotel. An eighteenth century listed townhouse in a central location. Tripadvisor | Expedia

Red Lion, The. Situated around twelve miles to the west of central London and within easy reach of Heathrow airport, The Red Lion is said to have been patronised by King Charles I Expedia.

Rookery, The. A 250-year-old historic hotel located in Clerkenwell Tripadvisor | Expedia | LateRooms

Stafford Hotel, The. Features accommodation within former stables (The Carriage House) dating back to the eighteenth century. Tripadvisor

Wigmore Court Hotel. An eighteenth century building located in Portman Square, once said to have been the home of William Pitt. Expedia

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