Deluxe Pillow Spots Offering Comfortable Family Friendly Luxury in London. The size of London makes family vacation planning at time confusing and we also know that no two families are alike so the perfect family friendly hotel list is not possible. My suggestions for deluxe pillow spots include 51 Buckingham Place, Athenaeum, Draycott, Hilton Green Park, and The Metropolitan.

How was the list assembled? So that I could feel more comfortable recommending places to stay in August my daughter and I tromped around the city with a list of family friendly places assembled from colleagues, friends, and families who love London. We looked at each of the properties below to make sure that each in its own way would work for a family urban adventure. In total we looked at 19 in a three-day span. The hotels and apartments span from deluxe to budget each offering a resting spot or home base for an urban adventure. Our deluxe choices are included below.

Westminster: 51 Buckingham Gate Taj Suites and Residences. Located in the heart of Westminster just a few blocks from Buckingham Palace itself, 51 Buckingham Gate is a stunning escape in the center of London. With a total of 85 luxury suites and serviced apartments, 51 Buckingham Gate aims to provide its guests with the absolute best in contemporary design and luxurious comfort. Each suite and apartment features color television, DVD players and other common amenities. On site there is a games room, a gym, a health spa, sauna and solarium, and riding/pony trekking is available. Family benefit: The obvious benefit space that provides a home-away-from-home atmosphere and the hotel staff is openly welcoming of children. Ask about en suite cooking classes for children. Bonus points: For those who are eco-conscious, 51 Buckingham Gate aims to be green and environmentally friendly, and this policy can be seen in action all over the property. The onsite Michelin starred Quilon Restarant offers out this world South Coastal Indian cuisine which is an absolute must for anyone staying at 51 Buckingham Gate, or even just passing through the neighborhood. Nearby sites include: The hotel is a few blocks south of Buckingham Palace and Green Park, and just up the road from Victoria Station. Within walking distance The Guards Museum, The Queen’s Gallery, Victoria Memorial, Westminster Cathedral, and St. James Park. Here’s the deal: 51 Buckingham Gate runs specials and exclusive packages all year long, some specifically tailored for the traveling family – make sure to check their website for the latest packages including an exclusive partnership with Hamleys Toy Store. Editor’s note: The hotel ambiance is both classic and earth friendly. If safety is a concern this location is an ideal choice not only because of its location in the city but also because each building is accessed from a gated courtyard. Location in the city: 51 Buckingham Gate, London, SW1E 6AF. Mind the gap: 51 Buckingham Gate is located within easy walking distance of St. James’s Park tube station. Make it happen. +44 20 7769 7766 and www.51-buckinghamgate.com
 
Mayfair: The Athenaeum. The Athenaeum offers the ideal combination of apartment amenities paired with hotel services. Located in Green Park/Mayfair within walking distance to a wide variety of points of interest for children of all ages, the property makes an excellent base for exploring London. Onsite 111 bedrooms, 12 suites, and 34 completely renovated apartments combine contemporary and traditional design with the latest technology from plasma-screen TVs Bose docking stations and complimentary high speed Wi-Fi access. The hotel has also opened a rooftop three-bedroom penthouse with panoramic views across London.  In addition guests may enjoy The Restaurant, Garden Room, and Whisky Room plus a spa, gym, hair salon and a 10-story high “Living Wall” created by internationally-renowned French architectural botanist Patrick Blanc. Family benefit: Before arrival the Athenaeum’s Kid’s Concierge gets in touch to determine the age and interests of the kids, so that upon arrival there is a toy box full of toys, books, game and DVDs, tailored to the age of the kids. The Kid’s Concierge continues to help families throughout their stay, securing tickets and handing out advice for enjoying London as a family. And at the end of a long day of exploration, cookies and milk are brought to your door. Bonus points: The Athenaeum will provide parents in need with “baby basics”: disposable diapers, bottle sterilizer and baby wipes, as well as organic baby products. Each evening, cookies and milk are included with turndown service, and children’s sized robes and slippers are available. Nearby sites include: The Athenaeum enjoys an unsurpassed London location in Mayfair, directly opposite Green Park and within walking distance of Buckingham Palace.  The hotel is close to Royal Academy of Arts, Trafalgar Square and Churchill’s Cabinet Rooms. Some of London’s best shops, restaurants, theatres, toy stores, booksellers and parks are within easy walking distance.  Location in the city: The Athenaeum, 116 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London W1J 7BJ. Editor’s note: Amid London’s fast pace the hotel offers a delicate respite for afternoon tea. Classic elegance with contemporary touches defines this property from the delightful espresso machines, fresh flowers and bath amenities to the secret elevator access between the apartments and the main hotel.  Checkout the hotel’s signature green “living wall”; save time for the spa.  Young children love the mascot a curious black dog with a story – ask the concierge.  Mind the gap: The closes underground station is Green Park, located just up the street. Make it happen. The Athenaeum +44 (0)20 7499 3464, toll-free 1-800-335-3300 or www.athenaeumhotel.com 

Chelsea: Draycott Hotel. This quaint luxury class hotel, situated adjacent to Cadogan Gardens, is well placed in central London and exudes warm decadent charm. The hotels boasts a perfect balance of luxury, privacy and location, poised between London's fashionable Chelsea and Knightsbridge. Guests will enjoy easy access to everything London has to offer via the underground rail system, which is located nearby.  The boutique style rooms are appointed with contemporary amenities that perfectly complement the exceptional decoration providing a stylish and visually pleasing traditional English ambiance. The on-site kitchen serves delectable cuisine in an alluring breakfast room, or in the guest’s suite. The hotel is also equipped with a vast selection of business facilities, specially designed for international travelers that demand first-class amenities. The Draycott Hotel is the perfect property for guests that want easy access to central London, and luxurious accommodation with first-class service. Family benefit: The Draycott Suite, spanning an entire floor of the Draycott Hotel, is a sumptuous two bedroom suite with two bathrooms, a guest cloakroom, a sitting room and fully equipped kitchen, allowing families to enjoy their London stay in comfort and luxury. Additionally the Garden View Deluxe Double’s at the Draycott Hotel have an adjacent single room, while other Deluxe Double’s at the hotel have adjoining bunk bed rooms. Bonus points: Draycott Hotel offers chauffeur service, a selection of DVDs and CDs, a Playstation, a computer for guest use, daily complimentary tea, biscuits, champagne and hot chocolate, as well as 24-hour room service. Editor’s note: Tucked on a family friendly side street in Chelsea this spot is only a two- minute walk to great shopping. Quiet, comfortable and classic the atmosphere of this boutique hotel is an ideal spot for three generations to meet and enjoy the city. The back side of the hotel looks on a delightful park like courtyard.  There is no spacious lobby or grand staircase but instead a series of vintage rooms each with its own story. Within minutes of arrival guests are made to feel at home with tea or juice in the library or parlor. Location in the city. Nearby sites include: There are  a number of small art galleries and museums such as Leighton House and Liney Sambourne House. The Royal Hospital is also nearby, as is the lovely Chelsea Physic Garden, Royal Geographic Society and the Museum of Natural History. Central London is only a short metro or cab ride away. Location on the planet: Draycott Hotel 22-26 Cadogan Gardens, Knightsbridge/Chelsea, London, SW3 2RP. Mind the gap: Sloane Square is the nearest underground station; ¼ mile/5 minutes walk away. Make it happen. Phone 020 7730 6466 or www.draycotthotel.com  

Mayfair/Green Park: The Hilton London Green Park. Tucked away on a charming side street away from frantic pedestrians and traffic, the hotel is between the leafy royal parks and the shops of Oxford Street. The contemporary rooms are bright and airy, with large windows and cool, calm tones – no two rooms are alike. Family benefit: Hilton Green Park has family suites as well as rooms with access to rooftop balconies almost unheard of in London.  A crib or extra bed is available upon request. The restaurant offers families both highchairs and a children’s menu.  Here’s the deal. Children 10 and younger eat and drink for free from the Hilton children’s menu, and children younger than age of 18 stay for free when sharing the room with parents. Dine in the contemporary restaurant or take tea in the pleasant conservatory space. Nearby sites include:  the hotel is a short walk from St. James Park, child friendly Green Park and Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, Spencer House and the shopping areas of Oxford Street and Bond Street plus a short jaunt to Trafalgar Square. Editor’s note: We have stayed at Hilton Green Park and the good fortune to enjoy drinks on our private roof top deck. The rooms are compact and efficient the staff consistently attentive. Enjoying tea in the Conservatory is a must. I think this property works best for travel with a baby when room to expand is not essential and is ideal as a one-on-one parent child escape. I always prefer urban hotel locations that are just off the grid of city stress and this one meets my criteria.  Location in the city. Within 50 minutes journey time from London's 2 main airports. The Hilton London Green Park.Half Moon Street, Mayfair, London, United Kingdom W1J 7BN.  Make it happen. +44-207-629-7522 or www.Hilton.com/GreenPark

Mayfair: The Metropolitan. Think black, white and fashionable add sleek, trendy and contemporary that describes the style of The Metropolitan - an easy match families looking to be at the center of what’s happening. Impressive floor-to-ceiling windows provide awesome views of London, and each room is decorated with contemporary elegant simplicity – soft whites, pear-wood paneling, suede upholstery, pure Egyptian cottons, and antique Asian furniture. Family benefit: The Metropolitan offers families staying at the hotel the opportunity to take advantage of their kid-friendly attitude with the Honey, I Brought the Kids Package. Upon arrival, parents are invited to relax with a complimentary bottle of champagne while the kids devour milkshakes, cookies and their very own ‘Children’s Box of Delights.’ The contents of the box vary with the age of the child, from teddy bears and jigsaw books to entertainment vouchers and a young person’s guide to London. Bonus points: Family rooms also feature Nintendo Wii, and complimentary kid’s bathrobes, and family tickets for the famous ‘London Duck Tours’ are also provided. Nearby sites include: Buckingham Palace, the Royal Academy of Arts, Trafalgar Square, and Churchill’s Cabinet Rooms. Some of London’s best shops, restaurants, theatres, toy stores, booksellers and parks are within easy walking distance. Editor’s note: Little kids will love the welcome goodies and look adorable in the tiny robes but teens will like the fashionable address and the chance to catch a glimpse of a star. Connected to the hotel but with its own entrance is Michelin-rated Nobu offering  Japanese-Peruvian cuisine for the modern generation. We had to good fortune to enjoy afternoon tea at Nobu. It was luscious, exotic and enchanting. Location in the city: Across the street from Hyde Park, and up the road from Green Park. The Metropolitan 19 Old Park Lane, London, W1K 1LB.  Mind the gap: The nearest tube station is Hyde Park Corner, but Green Park tube station is more convenient and located just up the road towards Piccadilly. Make it happen. The Metropolitan +44 (0)20 7447 1047, US Toll-free 1-888-272-3002 or www.metropolitan.london.como.bz