London

What can be said or written about London that hasn’t been said or written a thousand times before? Standing on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia. It is one of the world’s leading financial centers, a leading global city and a world cultural capital with more international visits than any other city in the world. With strengths in the arts, entertainment, fashion, finance, commerce, media, healthcare, education, tourism and now the restaurant capital of the world, all contributing to its prominence.

Headed by one of the oldest Royal Households in the world with its famous rituals and ceremonies, London has a diverse range of peoples and cultures with a population of over 8 million people, speaking over 300 languages. London contains four World Heritage Sites: the Tower of London, Kew Gardens, Palace of Westminster (including Westminster Abbey) and the historical settlement of Greenwich. Other famous landmarks include Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral. London is home to numerous museums, galleries, libraries, sporting events, beautiful Royal Parks and other cultural institutions, including the British Museum, National History Museum, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe and over 40 West End theaters. You may be surprised to hear this but most of London’s major museums and art galleries offer free admission.

London boasts world-renowned shopping facilities, as one of the leading capitals of fashion London leads the way with top designer outlets and edgy street style. All this accessible by the oldest underground railway network in the world.

Local business etiquette and customs

In the UK we are fortunate to live in a tolerant multi-racial society, so there are no special
cultural considerations in terms of dressing appropriately. You can’t go wrong with basic  business capsule wardrobe – dress, or smart tailored trousers and blazer. An invaluable tip would be to leave stilettos at home or else wear comfortable ballet flats and change into your towering heels on arrival at your destination. London’s cobbled roads are a killer on your ankles!

Tipping – Whether, and how much, to tip in London is not without controversy. Visitors, from the U.S. in particular, tend to be more generous than locals.  Tipping in restaurants is standard practice, as long as no automatic service charge is added to your bill. Leave 10% to 15% if you’re happy with your server. There’s absolutely no need to tip black taxicab drivers. They charge you extra for each item of luggage, and for standing in traffic — and earn more than most Londoners. Tipping in bars and pubs is practically unheard of.  In upscale hotels, porters expect around £1 per bag, even if you have only one small suitcase. Leave your maid £1 per day if you’re happy with the cleaning.  Some barbers and hairdressers expect 10% for a good job, but again you’re not obliged. Tour guides may expect £2 for a job well done, although it’s not mandatory. Theatre ushers don’t expect tips.

Newspapers & Magazines – The city’s “local” daily newspapers are both free. Metro appears first-thing in the morning (weekdays only), and is distributed at Tube stations across the capital. The Evening Standard, appears on the streets from lunchtime onward, 5 days a week.

Smoking — On July 1, 2007, smoking was banned in all indoor public places, such as pubs, restaurants, and clubs.

Taxes — All prices in the U.K. must be quoted inclusive of any taxes. Since January 1, 2011, the national value-added tax (VAT) has stood at 20%. This is included in all hotel and restaurant bills, and in the price of most items you purchase.  If you’re permanently resident outside the E.U., VAT on goods can be refunded if you shop at stores that participate in the Retail Export Scheme — look for the window sticker or ask the staff.

Toilets — Also known as “loos” or “public conveniences,” these are marked by PUBLIC TOILET signs in streets, parks, and Tube stations.  We would recommend you find well-maintained lavatories in all larger public buildings, such as museums and art galleries, large department stores, and railway stations. It’s not always acceptable to use the lavatories in hotels, restaurants, and pubs if you’re not a customer, but we can’t say that we always stick to this rule.

Dining

Great deals can be found on websites e.g. Bookatable or OpenTable – just enter the area e.g. City of London, West End, Mayfair and your search will bring up a multitude of choices for all budgets and many offers also.

Female friendly hotels

THE SAVOY  *****

From the moment the doors opened in 1889, The Savoy has helped create memories for generations of guests and colleagues. From that first kitchen job that led to international gastronomic success to families gathered together for Afternoon Tea to celebrate a special occasion, everyone has their own Savoy story. You don’t just stay at The Savoy, The Savoy stays with you. Enjoy the Beauty & Fitness with its 24-hour gym, pool, sauna and steam room, or unwind in the treatment rooms. Luxury in-room amenities by Penhaligon’s and healthy menu options really add that special touch Book here

41 LONDON  *****

Voted the number 1 hotel in the UK by TripAdvisor, and with a prestigious Forbes Five Star Rating, this exquisite hidden gem and peaceful hideaway overlooks the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace and is minutes from Victoria Station. The famous Executive Lounge is where guests are invited to ‘plunder the pantry’ and indulge in fresh savoury and sweet temptations around the clock.

Each of the 30 individually styled luxury rooms and suites are designed with a stylish black and white décor inspired by French cartoonist SEM, with rich mahogany paneling, large white orchids, scented candles, and polished marble and brass. Nothing is too much trouble for an exceptional team that greet guests like royalty.

Member offer: Quote promotion code MaidenVoyage to enjoy a room upgrade (subject to availability), early check in and late check out (subject to availability), welcome drink and breakfast and complimentary wifi. Book here

THE CHESTERFIELD MAYFAIR LONDON  ****

Red Carnation’s first hotel in Mayfair is quintessentially British, with a true sense of traditional ambience that is alive and well today. The property exudes classic charm and its own individual personality, in an exclusive location minutes from Bond Street, Piccadilly and the Royal Parks, close to many of the capital’s most iconic attractions.

The 93 deluxe guest rooms and 13 luxurious suites are beautifully and
individually designed, with unique artwork, fine fabrics, comfortable beds and plenty of thoughtful touches. Featuring 2 AA Rosette fine dining, an Original Sweetshop themed Afternoon Tea, the best Dover sole in London and molecular cocktails and Gin tasting experiences, a passionate team never fails to exceed guest expectations with faultless service.

Member offer: Quote MaidenVoyage to enjoy a room upgrade (subject to availability), early check in and late check out (subject to availability), welcome drink and breakfast and complimentary wifi Book Here

THE EGERTON HOUSE LONDON  *****

In the heart of Knightsbridge, on a quiet street overlooking private gardens, discover this enchanting boutique townhouse hotel. Moments from Harrods and the V&A Museum, a passionate team welcomes each guest like family.

Discover a cosy and welcoming home away from home experience with a unique character and beautiful traditional style. Enjoy a delicious breakfast, Afternoon Tea by the fire or try one of Esley’s famous martinis accompanied with delicious homemade snacks. The royal treatment is extended to families and pets – our popular Doggy Afternoon Tea gets plenty of tails wagging!

Throughout the hotel, the walls are graced with original artworks and the 28 individually designed rooms exude every imaginable comfort with effortless elegance.

Member offer: Quote promotion code MaidenVoyage to enjoy a room upgrade (subject to availability), early check in and late check out (subject to availability), welcome drink and breakfast and complimentary wifi. Book Here

Travel and transport

London travel information is available on www.tfl.gov.uk  and you can obtain information including routes and maps.  The Journey Planner on the website an invaluable tool for planning your journey.

The choice of transportation is huge, but remember to get your best value on the Underground and London buses with an Oyster Card.  An Oyster card is certainly the option for everyone using London tube, trains, and buses as the cash fares are much higher.  Oyster is a plastic smartcard you can use instead of paper tickets. You can put “pay as you go” credit on it and either keep it for your next journey to London or obtain a refund of the £5 deposit at the end of your stay.   Drinking of alcohol on London’s public transport network is forbidden, and on-the-spot fines have been issued to transgressors.

If you, do opt for a taxi, then be safe and ensure you pick a licenced black cab.    Addison and Lee (a very reputable and reliable firm of licenced minicabs) have an excellent mobile app.  Using Android and iPhone GPS systems there is no need to type in your address, simply use the “Find my location” button and the phone will find it for you.  All mobile bookings will receive an SMS and email confirmation containing a description of the car and its registration plate and notification of its arrival. Uber is of course great.

The Thames Clipper water taxis are a great way to get from A to B whilst enjoying the sights on the river at a fraction of the price of a tourist boats.  More information can be found on the TFL website above.

Don’t forget the Emirates cable car which runs between Excel and Greenwich O2 Arena.

Barclays Cycle Hire is cheap in and easy, you can hire a bike, ride it where you like and return it to any docking station.   Take care though on London roads as the traffic is very heavy and there are many accidents, often not due to the fault of the cyclist.

Women’s network and events

.Maiden Voyage’s partners, IWant2Network offer membership for the best professional networking groups and meetings, locally, nationally and all over the world. See what’s happening in London and join IWant2Network here.

Safety and emergency services

London is generally a safe city to visit, as long as you do not put yourself in unnecessary danger, so the usual common-sense rules apply; don’t leave your handbag open or easily accessible (pick pocketing is rife) and don’t leave yourself in a vulnerable position after an evening out (and perhaps few drinks) so pre-plan your journey home at the end of the evening, either book a licensed taxi or know exactly your route back to where you are staying – tube trains do not run all night, so make sure you know when the last tube train is departing if you are relying on that as your mode of transport at the end of the night.

Pickpockets: As in most large cities, pickpockets and bag snatchers like to prey on unsuspecting visitors. These thieves often work in pairs or small groups and operate in the busiest areas of London.  You might be surprised to hear these thieves are often children.   A widely used ruse for thieves is to come into a bar/restaurant, put a map on the table over your mobile phone, ask for directions to distract you and then walk off with your phone.   At a cafe table, someone may engage you in conversation while their accomplice snatches your bag from under your chair.

Road Safety: You will be safe crossing the road in London. We have lots of traffic lights to control the traffic and most have a pedestrian light system for people waiting so when you see the green man it’s safe to cross. Jaywalking is not a crime in London.

Emergencies — Dial tel. 999 for police, fire, or ambulance. Give your name and state the nature of the emergency.

Hospitals — There are 24-hour, walk-in Accident & Emergency departments at the following: University College London Hospital, 235 Euston Rd., London NW1 2BU,  St. Thomas’ Hospital, Westminster Bridge Rd. (entrance on Lambeth Palace Rd.), London SE1 7EH.

Police — London has two official police forces: The City of London police whose remit covers the “Square Mile”; and the Metropolitan Police (“the Met”), which covers the rest of the capital.   Losses, thefts, and other criminal matters should be reported at the nearest police station immediately. You will be given a crime number, which your travel insurer will request if you make a claim against any losses.