Lights, Camera, Action: How London’s Iconic Hotels and Palaces Became Movie Stars
In this article, we explore the most glamorous and exclusive destinations in London. In this edition, we take you on a tour of some of the city’s iconic hotels and palaces, and show you how they have become movie stars in their own right. From the Savoy to the Ritz, from Somerset House to Hampton Court Palace, these places have hosted celebrities and royals, and have been featured in countless films and TV shows. Whether you are looking for a historical experience, a cultural adventure, or a relaxing retreat, these places have something for everyone. Join us as we discover the secrets and stories behind London’s movie star hotels and palaces.
The Ritz London is another iconic luxury hotel that has been the setting for many films, such as Notting Hill, The Parent Trap, and Casino Royale. It is a luxury five-star hotel located at 150 Piccadilly, in the heart of Mayfair. The hotel is known for its luxurious rooms, suites, and apartments, as well as its afternoon tea, fine dining, and live entertainment.
It has over 111 rooms and 25 suites that are all decorated in the Louis XVI style. The famous Palm Court is where guests can enjoy the traditional “Tea at the Ritz”. The Ritz has many amenities for their guests to use and explore, such as three restaurants, a bar, a spa and six private dining rooms.
The Savoy Hotel is a five-star luxury hotel, situated on the banks of the Thames, has hosted many celebrities and royals over the years. The Savoy has 267 rooms & suites, either decorated in Edwardian or Art Deco style. The amenities offered to guests are endless, such as a spa, fitness centre, golf course & several restaurants/bars.
The range of dinning options for guests is amazing with fine dining at Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill to casual & relaxed at The Orangery or to Italian cuisine at San Marco. It has also been featured in several films, such as The Italian Job, Notting Hill, and The Duchess.
Somerset House is a stunning neoclassical building that overlooks the River Thames. It has been used as a filming location for movies such as Sherlock Holmes, Love Actually, and The Duchess. The building houses a variety of cultural and artistic events, exhibitions, and festivals throughout the year.
It has been the official residence of the Queen of England, the office of the Admiralty and home of the Royal Academy of Arts. Somerset House is now a public space for contemporary arts and culture with a diverse and dynamic programme of exhibitions and events.
Stoke Park is a five-star luxury resort in Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire UK, which over 49 rooms & suites. The resort offers a range of facilities and services, such as a 27-hole championship golf course, a spa and wellness centre with (indoor pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot tub and a variety of treatment/therapies), tennis court and three restaurants serving different cuisines and styles. Stoke Park has been the setting for many famous films such as Goldfinger, Tomorrow Never Dies, Bridget Jones’s Diary and Layer Cake as well as the successful Netflix tv drama, The Crown.
Kenwood House is a former stately home located on the northern boundary of Hampstead Heath in London. It was the former residence of the Earls of Mansfield during the 18th and 19th centuries but is now a public space, owned by English Heritage who run contemporary arts and culture classes here.
Guest can actually explore this amazing historical building and take a look at their world-renowned collection of painting. These painting are by artists such as Vermeer, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Turner and Constable. However, Kenwood House is no stranger to Hollywood as it has been featured in many different films over the years, such as Mansfield Park, Venus and Notting Hill.
Hampton Court Palace is a historical royal palace in London, located on the River Thames. It has a mix of Tudor and Baroque architecture and is famous for its gardens, maze and art collection but also being the former home of King Henry VIII. The palace is now managed the Historic Royal Palaces charity, who preserve several unoccupied royal properties.
Hampton Court Palace has seen it fair share of celebrities with many tv and film productions being filmed here over the years. The highly successful Netflix series Bridgerton and its spin off series, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story were both filmed here using many different areas of the grounds for exterior shots through the shows. Also many star-studded films were shot here, such as The Favourite, The Great, Pirates of the Caribbean, Vanity Fair plus many more.