Treat Yo' Self: London, England!

The Dorchester, London

Looking for the ultimate luxury hotel while traveling to London?  Stay at the Dorchester Hotel for a wonderful experience.  This 5 star hotel, located right in upscale Mayfair, London, is where you will find movie stars and fashionistas spending the night.

Dine at the Dorchester's famous restaurant, China Tang, for scrummy Cantonese food.  Keep your eyes open, you are most likely to run into a celebrity!



Explore London by your own personal chauffer offered by the Dorchester Hotel.  Make sure you see all the beautiful places England has to offer by traveling in style!

Book an afternoon Tea Time at the Ritz Hotel for a real British experience.  A true glamorous setting for catching up with friends, enjoying delicious treats and fabulous entertainment.


Harrods, London

For a delicious dinner, Nobu Park Lane and famously owned Wolfgang Puck's, Cut, are other great places to splurge on a great meal while visiting London.  Nobu is
a gourmet Japanese restaurant with a great atmosphere and attentive wait staff.  If you are in the mood for a great steak, Cut provides a delicious savory menu for your cravings.   Make sure you check out the amazing wine selection!

Have some money to spend?  London is home to great luxurious department stores such as Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, Liberty, Fort Num & Mason and much more!



Where are your favorite places to splurge in London?

The Thrifty Traveler: London Edition

1.  Tour London
Sandeman's free tour covers over 10 must-see attractions in under 3 hours. So join a guide at 10am, 11am, or 2pm and learn about the Big Ben while you gape at the royal pillars of Buckingham Palace. The tour includes stops at Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, and St. James's Park just to name a few! More info here!

2.  British Museum
The British Museum offers free admission to all.
Take a journey through our world's history, spanning across millions of years. From the Rosetta Stone to the Parthenon, you will be fascinated by this first-hand glance into ancient civilizations. Check it out here!

3.  Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Take a stroll along the peaceful banks of the canal that runs through London's Queen Elizabeth Park.  Discover the same grounds that famous olympians competed on during the 2012 Summer Olympics. There are also many sites to see and visit around the park. One that is worth your while is the ArcelorMirral Orbit, where you can experience an incredible view of London atop the tallest sculpture in the country. More here!

4.  Stratford
You will not get bored in this cultural hub of London! Home of the world famous Theatre Royal Stratford East, cinemas, museums, and shopping, this happening area will be sure to bring you many hours of entertainment. More here!

10 Things You Must Know: London

Photo by Julia McGuirk

London, England

1. Name of city in its Native Language: London
2. Official Language: English
3. Currency: Pound sterling (£)
4. Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
5. Closest Airport: London Heathrow Airport
6. Getting Around: Underground (Tube), Buses (compulsory and request: compulsory stops are white with a red roundel; request stops are red with a white roundel), Docklands Light Railway (DLR), Tramlink, River Bus, and Overground. London is also pretty walkable.
7. Climate: Temperate oceanic climate (more detail)
8. Tipping: Service is often included in restaurant bills, but if not add 10-15%; tipping in pubs is not customary; 1-2 pounds for hotel porters, 1-2 pounds for housekeepers; round up for cab drivers.
9. Entry Requirements: Valid passport required; Visa not required for stays under 90 days.
10. Culture Tip: Cash is not accepted on buses; you must pay by Oyster card (which can be used on the tube and overground) or contactless card. Board buses in the front door and exit via the rear. And don't forget that Londoners drive on the left side of the road!

What did we miss? What kind of essential information do you look up while planning a trip? Tell us in the comments!

Pic of the Week #6: Location Revealed!

National Gallery | Photo by Julia McGuirk

And the answer is: London, England! 

Keep Calm and Carry On - and stay tuned all week for travel and culture tips for planning a trip to "the Square Mile"!

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