Kiwi Curated
Live Like the British Royals
by Joy PecknoldWith Prince Harry off the market (you know, Meghan Markle, big wedding, May 19), the odds for the rest of us marrying into the British Royal Family become even more inconceivable. But commoners can still get a taste of their grand life, if only for the weekend. Herein, seven hotels in the U.K. with Royal connections.
Live Like the British Royals
A private estate for much of its life, Stoke Park was once owned by Queen Elizabeth I, between 1581 and 1603. The 50,000-square-foot building also has an illustrious history as a movie location for films such as Goldfinger, Bridget Jones’s Diary and W.E. about the romance between Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson. In Stoke Poges, it’s only 15 minutes away from Windsor Castle, the location of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding.
Live Like the British Royals
Just 20 minutes from Windsor Castle, Coworth Park is also a regular haunt for Prince Harry—he plays polo here. Their onsite Equestrian Center sets guests to hop on a horse themselves and explore their 240 acres of pastoral countryside. One feels extra good about a visit to their sustaibably-built spa which offers 100% organic treatments.
Live Like the British Royals
In Mayfair, overlooking Hyde Park, The Dorchester is where Queen Elizabeth got dressed for her wedding to Prince Philip in 1947. Prior to the big day, the hotel was also the location for Philip’s bachelor party (oh, to be a fly on the wall that night). The interiors have remained as lavish and English as they ever were.
Live Like the British Royals
The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London is where both Queen Elizabeth and her sister Princess Margaret first learned to dance. Not surprisingly, Prince Philip also frequented the place for both grown-up cocktail parties and tea time with Prince Charles and Princess Anne. More recently, Prince William and Kate held a pre-wedding gala dinner here. The award-winning spa and restaurant will make you feel like one of the family.
Live Like the British Royals
The elegant, esteemed Claridge’s has an extensive history with Royals. Queen Elizabeth has attended many events here, along with guests the Queen Mother, Princess Diana and King Hassan of Morocco. Splurge on vintage champagnes at Claridge’s Bar or a Michelin-starred meal at Fera. Afteroon tea is a must, naturally.
Live Like the British Royals
The name says it all. Commission by the British monarchy in the 18th century, the building that’s home to The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa was simply called The Crescent—that was until Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany paid a visit. The relaxation pool which overlooks the gorgeous gardens feels like a royal indulgence.
Live Like the British Royals
With Edinburgh Castle in view, The Balmoral is near the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which is the offical Scottish residence of the royal family where Prince Harry and Meghan visited in February. The Queen Mother was a regular for lunch here and loved the plain roast lamb. Fittingly, the hotel is located on Princes Street and also bears the same name as Queen Elizabeth’s private summer residence in Aberdeenshire.
A private estate for much of its life, Stoke Park was once owned by Queen Elizabeth I, between 1581 and 1603. The 50,000-square-foot building also has an illustrious history as a movie location for films such as Goldfinger, Bridget Jones’s Diary and W.E. about the romance between Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson. In Stoke Poges, it’s only 15 minutes away from Windsor Castle, the location of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding.
Just 20 minutes from Windsor Castle, Coworth Park is also a regular haunt for Prince Harry—he plays polo here. Their onsite Equestrian Center sets guests to hop on a horse themselves and explore their 240 acres of pastoral countryside. One feels extra good about a visit to their sustaibably-built spa which offers 100% organic treatments.
In Mayfair, overlooking Hyde Park, The Dorchester is where Queen Elizabeth got dressed for her wedding to Prince Philip in 1947. Prior to the big day, the hotel was also the location for Philip’s bachelor party (oh, to be a fly on the wall that night). The interiors have remained as lavish and English as they ever were.
The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London is where both Queen Elizabeth and her sister Princess Margaret first learned to dance. Not surprisingly, Prince Philip also frequented the place for both grown-up cocktail parties and tea time with Prince Charles and Princess Anne. More recently, Prince William and Kate held a pre-wedding gala dinner here. The award-winning spa and restaurant will make you feel like one of the family.
The elegant, esteemed Claridge’s has an extensive history with Royals. Queen Elizabeth has attended many events here, along with guests the Queen Mother, Princess Diana and King Hassan of Morocco. Splurge on vintage champagnes at Claridge’s Bar or a Michelin-starred meal at Fera. Afteroon tea is a must, naturally.
The name says it all. Commission by the British monarchy in the 18th century, the building that’s home to The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa was simply called The Crescent—that was until Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany paid a visit. The relaxation pool which overlooks the gorgeous gardens feels like a royal indulgence.
With Edinburgh Castle in view, The Balmoral is near the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which is the offical Scottish residence of the royal family where Prince Harry and Meghan visited in February. The Queen Mother was a regular for lunch here and loved the plain roast lamb. Fittingly, the hotel is located on Princes Street and also bears the same name as Queen Elizabeth’s private summer residence in Aberdeenshire.