The Strand Palace Hotel in London

What we once took for granted became the impossible as we headed into lockdown and the idea of even a short break disappeared out of reach.

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic we've wearily accepted the delay and cancellation of our much-needed holidays.

And where better to get back in the swing of things than our capital city.

And while it is open for business it is less crowded than pre-pandemic times as overseas visitors have yet to return in meaningful numbers and many office workers continue to work from home.

That means, however, that it can be easier to book a West End play or book a top restaurant as a treat and the shops are a pleasure to browse.

And if you are visiting London it is best to be in the heart of the action.

Sometimes it’s difficult to find a hotel in the capital which is luxurious, has a rich history, beautifully decorated and with the friendliest of staff.

However, set in the heart of our the city the Strand Palace Hotel offers comfort, sophistication and charm at reasonable prices.

Unwinding at the Strand Palace would be reason enough to spend a few days in London, but if you feel like exploring, the hotel is jusst a four-minute walk from Somerset House, five from the Royal Opera House, seven from the National Gallery, South Bank, and Covent Garden’s wealth of bars, restaurants and theatres.

And if you are visiting on business, it is within easy reach of the City.

The hotel is steeped in history but as very much a modern, stylish hotel offering all the comforts you expect from a top London hotel.

It welcomed its first guests in 1909 and its reputation has never ebbed over more than 100 years.

The hotel is passionate about its food and drink and offers a choice of restaurants and bars.

With a passion for provenance and a focus on impeccably sourced, top-quality ingredients, Haxells has something for everyone. You’ll find the menu is full of modern British dishes, served within a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere.

The a la carte breakfast menu has everything you’ll need to start your day off on the right foot.

Whether you consider yourself a wine connoisseur, a cocktail aficionado, or just enjoy a glass (or two), you’ll love the bar with its art deco-inspired atmosphere.

Joe Allen is located on the ground floor of the hotel, on the corner of Burleigh Street and has become known as the West End’s Canteen.

It is an authentic and atmospheric New York-style brasserie with a delectable selection of American food on offer from brunch to late evening dining. Guests are greeted by a live pianist every night of the week.

Inspired by the discreet, neighbourhood drinking dens of downtown New York, it is the perfect retreat for drinkers, diners, and pre and post-theatergoers.

Keep up with your fitness routine whilst you’re away in the free hotel gym. Packed with cardio and resistance equipment and free weights, you can unwind after a busy day in the capital at Strand Palace.

All guests over the age of 16 are invited to use the in-house hotel gym to exercise and unwind.

With a mix of equipment and weights, the hotel gym will cater to you whether you want to do a cardio workout, or if you want to give your muscles some strength training or toning exercises.

All the rooms, superior or deluxe, are stylish and comfortable and offer all the mod cons you need to a home-from-home stay in hte city.

Rooms are stylish and comfortable, and have good-sized bathrooms with Hans Grohe showers, and some have air-conditioning. Deluxe room 807, while not an especially big space, has a separate wardrobe area and features a Krups coffee machine, Bose speaker, complimentary minibar, bathrobe, White Company toiletries and a rather stylish ‘tumbling blocks’ tiled bathroom floor.

There’s something here for everyone so that no matter your reason for visiting, London is sure to delight.

Visit the stunning landmarks of Big Ben, the London Eye and the Tower of London, take in a show at the world-renowned West End Theatre District or make the trip to Buckingham Palace to get an up-close look at the world of our monarchy.

As a wise man once said, “when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life”.

The Strand Palace is within walking distance of Covent Garden, Charing Cross, Holborn and Embankment underground stations

Standard Superior Singles start from £76 a night and Standard Superior Doubles start from £134 a night, these pricings are subject to change depending on whether you book on a week night or weekend.