Enjoy the best spots around Marble Arch

spa services in london

One of the major landmarks in central London, the Marble Arch has become synonymous with this part of the city and lent its name to the areas around it. A vibrant and beautiful location, it is popular with visitors and locals that visit the area for the many activities and shopping venues that are in close proximity to the attraction.

It is also where some of the most popular boutique hotels in London are located. If you are looking for a spa hotel in London, one such fine luxury property near the Marble Arch is the Montcalm Hotel.

Some of the best places to visit and things to do in the area are:

Montcalm Spa: There is nothing quite s relaxing and soothing as a visit to the spa. If you staying at the Montcalm Marble Arch hotel then you do not have to travel far, as the hotel’s spa is onsite. There are a host of health and wellness treatments to choose from and a massage will help to relieve any stress while leaving you rejuvenated and ready to set off on a tour of the city. Some of the facilities to enjoy at the hotel include a Jacuzzi, a steam room and plenty of other luxurious add-ons making a trip to the spa a delightful experience.

Wallace Collection: Just a short stroll from Marble Arch at Manchester Square is the Wallace Collection. Housed in the beautiful Hertford House it has a fabulous collection of art, furniture and pottery of immense beauty and significance.

Selfridges: If you want to shop at a British department store then head right along to Oxford Street’s iconic Selfridges store. Browse through the most famous brands at the legendary store that is among the largest of its kind in the city. There is an array of shopping options, eateries and boutiques that will keep you busy all through the day. From the biggest fashion labels to exquisite jewellery and accessories there are plenty of items to shop.

Sportsman Casino: If you feel lucky and do not mind placing a few bets then a visit to the Sportsman Casino should be right up your alley. Counted among the best casinos in the city, it is a lively and vibrant place where you will find seasoned gamblers and amateurs alike trying their hand at the roulette wheel or at the blackjack tables. Place your bet and just hope big although, remember the adage the house always wins!

Red Bike Tours: There are many ways by which you can enjoy a tour of London with Red Bike Tours one of the more unique in the city. Their tour company is just a short distance from the Marble Arch landmark. They have a team of knowledgeable guides that take tour members through the centre of the city and along the way brief them about the many attractions that are found across the city. A very unique and fun way to enjoy the beautiful sights of London!

London – The City that Doesn’t Sleep

London city at night

If you have been to London, you would know how intense it is with people constantly on the go. Whether you’re taking the tube or walking on the street, the hustle and bustle surrounds you so it may not come as a surprise to know that this intensity carries on into the night. While the streets may be quieter, the clubs and bars come to life and each one offers a new and exciting experience. There is something for everyone, if you just want a few drinks with some friends or whether you want to party hard until the sun rises, you can be guaranteed to find something in this glorious city where the fun doesn’t stop.

Take to the Clubs

London has named one of the greatest nightlife experiences in the world and most of its clubs have gained their reputation through its many celebrity visitors. Don’t forget that celebrities have a lot of money and so it can cost a pretty penny to enter these places, however, when you’re rubbing shoulders with Rihanna, Emma Watson or David Beckham, isn’t it worth it? Just under 30 minutes away from The Montcalm London Marble Arch lies Mahiki, a firm favourite amongst celebrities. This club has a fabulous reputation for one of the best night’s out in the city, however, you will need to prepare your bank account for a major hit as there are cocktails on the menu that cost a £50 each!

The Box is only a short taxi ride away from Montcalm Marble Arch Spa and it has seen many celebrities flock to its doors. If you want to rub shoulders with celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Zac Efron and Cara Delevingne, you need to put your name on the guest list and keep everything crossed that they will let you in. Another way is to book a table to watch the cabaret show that begins at midnight; this will set you back £1000 on a weekday night and over £3000 on the weekend.

Take a Trip to the Bar

Being a major capital city, London is littered with bars; from the classic pubs to impressive cocktail bars to high-end Champagne bars, there are many to choose from. After a day enjoying the Montcalm Marble Arch Afternoon Tea, head to Purl which is a bar that has transformed itself in to a speakeasy from the 1920’s. A password will be shared with you when you book either over the phone or online which will allow you access to its secret hideaway; from here you will be welcomed into a cosy bar reminiscent of the 20’s themselves. They serve delicious cocktails that heighten every sense and the prices are surprisingly standard, allowing you to enjoy the drinks and the atmosphere.

The George is a classic pub and it still has a whole host of its original features. Built in the 17th century, this pub still has its original windows that are etched with gorgeous detail, dark wood panelling that fills the interior and mirrors. The George is a homely, comfortable bar that serves proper pub grub, making it a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike.

Visit to the Grand and the Royal Places of London

Royal Places London

A visit to London is just like visit to the lands of the kings and queens. It is time that you take a look at the top royal London attractions. Here you get the chance to ride in the carriage made of gold and feel so grand. From the regal robes to the crown jewels and you can stay at the state apartment and feel like the royals. From the destination of the Grand Paddington Court you can visit the interesting London places and feel the pleasure to be at the stupendous city filled with glamour. At the place you get the sight of royal London and get a glimpse of the courteous London culture.

Tour to the Buckingham Palace

In London you can have a tour to the Buckingham Palace. This is the official residence of the Queen and it is known to have a total of 775 rooms. This is one of the several royal working palaces having the best existence at the present time. You have the State rooms of the palace so perfectly decorated. The state rooms are open to the visitors during the summer months and you can visit the royal palace at all times of the year to watch the occasion of the changing of the guards.

Exploring the Glamour of the Kensington Palace

Once you avail for accommodation Paddington London, you can plan for a visit to the Kensington Palace. The palace will let you have a glimpse of the past lives of the royal residents. Here you can discover the episodes from the life of Queen Victoria. One can be at the Victoria: A Royal Childhood and Victoria: Woman and Crown exhibitions. Here you can see the best of royal specimens and feel the essence of the place. Here you can take part in the courtly games at the King’s State Apartments. The place offers you to explore the style of Princess Diana.

The Royal Mews in London

A visit to the Royal Mews in London is sure to make you feel on top of the world. This was the royal stable at the Buckingham Palace and here you can find the royal and the historic collection of the royal carriages and the coach. You also get to see the cars in display mostly used for the state occasions. At the Mews the most dazzling of all is the display of the Gold State Coach and this has been used as part of the golden jubilee celebrations in the year 2002.

A Look at the Queen’s Gallery

In London you can be at the Park Grand Paddington Court Parking. From the place you can plan to visit the Queen’s Gallery at the Buckingham Palace. This is dedicated to the works of the art and this makes a part of the Royal Collection. The gallery was constructed in the year 1962 at the area of the Buckingham Palace and much of the edifice has been damaged due to the bombardment, and here you get to see the ruins of the chapel.

Must-See Tourist Spots in Rochester, NY

rochester

Situated in the north of New York state, Rochester is filled with history and culture, bringing many visitors to its city every year. This guide gives a list of must-see sites, giving tourists a comprehensive list to ensure they soak up every bit of what Rochester has to offer.

Eastman Museum & Mansion

The Eastman Museum is at the top of the list of things to do in Rochester because of its sheer importance not just to Rochester but to the world. George Eastman was the founder of the Eastman Kodak Company and he introduced photography not just to America but to the world. His stunning Colonial Revival mansion celebrates his life and achievements with exhibitions that explain the history of photography as well as harbouring many artefacts from Eastman himself. Not only is it a beautiful museum and gallery, many of the rooms have been restored to their former glory, giving every visitor a taste of what this grand house would have looked like when Eastman lived there.

The Strong National Museum of Play

Yes, you read that right, there is an entire museum dedicated to toys and playing. The Strong National Museum of Play is one of a kind as it is an amalgamation of an interactive children’s museum and a classic history museum. Naturally children adore this place, but it is a great place for adults to be cast back to their childhood with toys and memorabilia from Monopoly, Sesame Street, G.I. Joe, Atari 7800 and many more. The Strong is also home to the World Video Game Hall of Fame as well as the National Toy Hall of Fame which is a firm favourite with people of all ages.

As well as being an incredibly fun and interactive museum, The Strong holds the largest butterfly garden in the state in the Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden. Whether there’s sunshine or rain, this attraction allows visitors to explore the different species of butterfly as well as turtles, birds and reptiles. There is also an array of rides for little ones to enjoy such as the Strong Express Train and the Elaine Wilson Carousel. Just make sure you set a day aside to visit this amazing place.

Highland Park & the Lamberton Conservatory

Highland Park is famous for being one of Rochester’s most breath-taking spots. Situated a short walk away from the hotels in Rochester NY, it is nearly 20 acres of sublime maple, oak and pine trees set on glorious rolling hills. If you need a breather from the city, it is an ideal place to go, especially in the fall when it becomes a carpet of oranges, reds, golds and browns.

Also, on the site is Lamberton Conservatory, a stunning glass dome that was built at the beginning of the 20th century. Inside you will find a wealth of tropical plants and other flora which creates a lovely experience for the senses. It is a beautiful place to explore if you just need a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of Rochester city.

London on a City Break

Whether you plan to enjoy an extended stay in London or have something shorter in mind, say a weekend or a city break, the city nevertheless has a lot to engage visitors. From historical landmarks to cultural spots, the city is teeming with attractions and activities to enjoy on a trip.

Travellers looking for accommodation in central London will find the Sloane Square hotels well suited to their needs.

The San Domenico Hotel, London is located at Sloane Square just a stroll away from Kings Road and the best shopping and entertainment spots in the heart of the city.

Some of the fun things to enjoy on a mini-trip include:

Harry Potter Studio Tour: J.K Rowling’s famous creation Harry Potter has caught the imagination of young and old alike since it first hit the bookstores. Since then it has resulted in a series of blockbuster movie spinoffs that have been equally popular with the public. London has an inextricable link with Harry Potter with a number of movie series featuring several locations around the city. For all Harry Potter fans, there is no better way to spend a day, then by taking a Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio Tour. From visiting the sets of the movies to seeing the props, costumes etc. it is a very exciting trip. An ideal way for the family to spend an afternoon in the city!

ZSL London Zoo: Animal lovers especially the young ones will be thrilled with a visit to the ZSL London Zoo. A great place to visit with the family, the London Zoo does not only house an exotic menagerie of wild animals it also plays a crucial role in raising awareness of conservation. From African Lions to Egyptians Crocodiles there are more than 750 species of wild animals at the zoo. One of the highlights is the Reptile House that is home to some of the largest snakes on the planet.

The Coca Cola London Eye: Among the newer but most visited attractions in the city is the Coca Cola London Eye. It offers an exhilarating aerial view of the city and its prominent landmarks quite unlike anything else. It was initially built as a temporary installation to commemorate the millennium but caught the imagination of the visitors and locals. Now it is a permanent fixture that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors that come to take a ride aboard its glass pods. For a more luxurious experience, visitors can rent a private pod with champagne for special events or just to enjoy privacy.

Spend time at a Royal Park: When the weather is warm and pleasant outdoors there is no better way to spend the day outdoors, then a visit to any of the eight delightful Royal Parks in the city. Each one of them is unique and offers a range of activities and numerous attractions, making them ideal for an outdoor picnic with the family.  Pack a picnic hamper with a rug and set off for a wonderful day at the park with the kids in tow.

Explore the best of Regent Street

The West End in London, in particular, Regent Street is synonymous with the best of shopping venues. However, there is much more to the area than just retail therapy as it is also home to some of the best entertainment venues in London.

Travellers that choose to stay at any of the hotels near Sloane Square, London would find getting to Regent Street very convenient.

The boutique property at Sloane Square, San Domenico House, Chelsea, in London would be a great starting point from which to explore the West End and Regent Street. 

Some of the notable entertainment venues to visit are:

Regent Street Cinema: The origin of the cinema, in fact, was the very first place where moving images were displayed at Regent Street Cinema. An exquisitely designed building it was chosen by the Lumiere brother to showcase their innovative endeavour in 1896, well before anyone had imagined the concept of the cinema. This momentous event heralded the evolution of cinematography as we know it today. The cinema was shut for more than three and half decades until 2015. In the interim period, it was used to host university lectures. Since then it has been renovated and is now once again functional as a full-fledged cinema. Regent Street Cinema is the only of its kind to cover a wide variety of cinematic ranges from 16mm to 4K digital movies. The cinema also plays host to world film premieres, various movie-related events etc.

Ronnie Scott’s: Jazz lovers have one of the most iconic venues in London to visit for performances. It opened for business more than six decades ago with the club’s concept being to create a jazz venue by jazz aficionados in the city. Since its inception, it has enthralled millions of jazz lovers from London and across the globe. Some of the biggest names in the Jazz music industry from the US have performed at Ronnie Scott’s. Apart from becoming centre stage for jazz performers from the world over, it also opened up to other musical styles and genres. It has hosted major names in the music industry like Tom Waits, Eric Burdon and Jazz maestro  Glenn Miller to name just a few of the big-name performers.  Ronnie Scott’s remains the top live music venue to enjoy a gig when in the city.

London Palladium: While London has many iconic entertainment venues, the Palladium is right up there with the very best venues in the city. It is considered to be the finest theatre in the West End. Its illustrious heritage dates back more than 150 years along with the majestic building it is housed in was built in 1910. It has one of the largest and most posh auditoriums of the city’s numerous theatres. Over the decades it has hosted some of the greatest talents in show business including the likes of Judy Garland, Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra to name just a few superstars in some of the most extravagant and glamorous musicals ever produced. Watching a show at the Palladium would definitely be a highlight of a trip to the West End.

London’s Architectural Gems

London is a treasure trove of architectural wonders to behold featuring a variety of architectural styles. The Georgian style of architecture has had a tremendous influence on the architecture of buildings and landmarks that populate the city landscape. With rows of exquisite terraces that go on to sublime squares and stunning townhouses, the city has some of the most ornate architectural marvels in the country. These also include Roman and Greek influences that are a testament to the finest in classical architecture. For those with a keen interest in architecture, a visit to London would be a very exciting experience.

One such prime example is the San Domenico Townhouse Hotel, London at Sloane Square in Chelsea. A short stroll from Sloane Square tube station the San Domenico House Hotel London would be an ideal jump-off point for travellers visiting central London.

Some of the top architectural marvels worth visiting are: 

Benjamin Franklin House: A magnificent townhouse built in 1730, is just off Trafalgar Square and easy to travel to from the San Domenico Hotel at Chelsea. Benjamin Franklin the multitalented genius and founding father of America lived for 16 years at the property. This made his former home of immense historical significance and also was the first unofficial US embassy in the UK. The venue is open for visitors as a museum with most of the property and its furnishings retained from its original construction almost three centuries ago. The house is a major draw for visitors from all over the world and in particular with Americans, that come to tour the home of one of the most important men in American history.

Canonbury Square: Built originally in 1830, Canonbury Square is simply brilliant to look at with impressive little monochrome townhouses. There is a cosy garden in the centre where visitors can sit and relax with a cup of coffee while admiring the elegant backdrop all around. The square is particularly famous for having been home to the legendary writer Geoge Orwell. He lived at number 27 on its east side and bears a blue plaque inscription mentioning its former famous occupant. Orwell had moved from Mortimer Crescent at the West End when his residence was bombed during the Blitzkrieg in WWII. Scholars say that he completed two of his most famous works at the property 1984 and Animal Farm.  

Bedford Square: Located between the British Museum and Tottenham Court Road is an exquisite little piazza, Bedford Square that was created in the latter half of the 17 century. It derives its name from the Duke of Bedford and also was once the location of Bedford College, which was one of the select few institutions of higher education for women in the 1800s. While it is not accessible to the public, visitors can still admire the impressive architecture found all over the area. Built in the Georgian style, these edifices are delightful to look at and extremely well maintained. One of the highlights of these structures is their unique doorways that are made from the city’s own Coade stone brought from Lambeth.   

London Attractions to visit on a City Break

While London is a fabulous city to visit for an extended duration, travellers that do not have the luxury of a long holiday will find plenty of places to cover on a brief trip as well. Of course, for those on a flying visit to the British capital staying in central London would be the best option.

Finding accommodation in Chelsea, London would be ideal because of its location in the centre of the city. The benefit of staying at a hotel in Chelsea is its connectivity to the rest of the city and proximity to the best tourist spots. The San Domenico Hotel, Chelsea would be the ideal choice as it offers the best amenities and luxury at a budget-friendly price.

Some of the best attractions to visit on a brief trip include:

Visit the iconic Tower of London: With almost a millennium of history behind the Tower of London, it is one of the most iconic attractions to visit. Built in the Norman era, the fortress has served numerous purposes through its chequered history ranging from a penitentiary to being the repository of the Crown Jewels. Visitors can learn about the history of the tower and its many inhabitants by taking a guided tour conducted by the legendary Beefeaters (wardens of the Tower).

Enjoy a performance at The Globe: If you are a fan of William Shakespeare it will only be apt to watch a theatre performance at The Globe Theatre. It is a replica of the original theatre during Shakespeare’s time and hosts many of his classics performances. They have a busy schedule and the open air theatre experience adds to the charm of the venue.

Ride the Coca Cola London Eye: Despite it being a relatively new addition to the skyline, the Coca Cola London Eye has become a top draw among the numerous attractions in the city. Built to commemorate the new millennium it still rakes in the crowds in droves. Its location at the scenic Southbank area makes it a favourite with visitors looking to get one of the best aerial views of the city. There are different package deals available including having a private pod with champagne. A ride aboard the London Eye takes half an hour and is one of the best ways to get a unique perspective of London’s best landmarks.

Spend time at a Royal Park: London is not short of green spaces with its eight Royal Parks being its jewels in the crown. They are known for their exceptional beauty and popular attractions, so take your pick from any of the eight parks to spend some downtime at any of them. From the legendary Hyde Park to Kensington Gardens, these are fabulous places to spend some peaceful moments away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

See the best contemporary art at the Tate Modern: London is an arts and culture hub and when it comes to art galleries, London is definitely one of the leading cities. Art lovers with an interest in contemporary art visiting London can head to the Tate Modern. The gallery houses an exceptional collection of contemporary art by some of the leading modern artists from all over the globe.

Top attractions to explore in Belize

One of the few remaining pristine spots of natural beauty is Belize, located to the south of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. It is part of the Caribbean nations, with a cosmopolitan population of English speakers renowned the world over for its lush green forests, amazing white sandy beaches and plenty of outdoor adventures. Home to some of the best diving sites, its coral islands and cayes are among the finest in the Western Hemisphere.

With diving one of the most popular activities, travellers can choose from a host of diving resorts in Belize. These include special Belize dive packages including a trip to the popular Great Blue Hole the most renowned diving spot in the country.   

Some of the best locations to visit in the country include:

The Belize Barrier Reef: Spread across 190 miles, the Belize Barrier reef is the second most well- known reef after the Great Barrier in Australia. The star tourist attraction is renowned for snorkelling, scuba diving and draws the largest number of visitors. A major section is conserved by the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System that comprises of 450 cayes, seven marine areas and three atolls. The reef is also home to the world-famous Great Blue Hole, the leading diving spot in the country. 

Ambergris Caye: If you are looking for a tropical paradise where you can relax in comfort, enjoy the scenic beauty and be transported by golf carts, Ambergris Caye, the biggest of the islands of Belize is the place to visit. If you are looking for a classic Caribbean getaway Ambergris Caye is the place, just a short hop by ferry or plane from Belize City. With fabulous hotels for accommodation and world class white sandy beaches it is the ultimate Caribbean paradise to spend a sun-kissed holiday.

Caye Caulker: While it is not as scenic with stunning beaches like those found on Ambergris Caye, however the ambience combined with reasonably priced restaurants and bars making it a top draw with travellers to Belize. Visitors can travel by water taxi or a small plane from Belize City. While it is not exactly famous for sightseeing it certainly is a great place to soak in the Sun and chill out. Snorkelling and diving are the two most popular activities in the area. Its proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef offers access to the best diving locations in this part of the world.

Placencia: One of the top attractions with beach lovers is Placencia, which a narrow sliver of land covered with beautiful white beaches. The area covers 3 villages viz. Placencia Village, Seine Bight and Maya Beach. The most visited of the three is Placencia Village, which has a covered walkway for pedestrians called ‘the sidewalk’. There are numerous shops, restaurants and bars lining the sidewalk popular with visitors for souvenirs and knickknacks. The focal point around which all of the action takes place is the amazing natural beauty of the location. The lagoon in the area is home to a rich variety of wildlife including many bird species, dolphins, crocodiles and the adorable manatees.  

Why travellers must take a trip to the Pet Memorial Park in Calabasas in Los Angeles

Taking a holiday in the beautiful city of Calabasas in Los Angeles brings with it the chance to head to unique destinations. One of these is The Los Angeles Pet Memorial Park that was once the largest pet cemetery in the United States, which is now in New York. It is however still one of the most fascinating destinations for travellers heading to this part of the world. The main attraction is this is a shrine to all types of pets, and animal enthusiasts will adore visiting this incredible destination. This amazing cemetery is looked after well and it is a beautiful place to have a walk around to discover some of the pets of famous people.

The popular cemetery was founded in 1928 and is home to some of the most famous pets with owners including silent film legend Rudolph Valentino who had a Doberman Pinscher called Kabar. Interestingly one of the iconic MGM lions is buried alongside its best friend, which was a cat. The cemetery offers a 90-year-old mausoleum as well as a stand-alone crematorium. There are a long list of celebrities who have pets at this cemetery including Alfred Hitchcock, Lauren Bacall and William Randolph Hearst. This makes this destination quite an interesting place for cinema-goers who enjoyed watching films by these actors.

There are also many people from this generation who have pets that are buried there. The cemetery looks like a final resting place for humans, and many people probably think that when they approach it. The graves are much smaller and the plots are close together with rows of pet names. This is a very peaceful destination that allows travellers to relax and enjoy the outdoor setting. There are many wonderful hotels to stay in when taking a trip to this region, such as the Good Nite Inn West Los Angeles ideal for first-time guests.

The Good Nite Inn Calabasas is a wonderful residence that is an ideal base for exploring Los Angeles, as it is found just off Highway 101. It is perfect for travellers who are heading there for business or leisure, and provides amazing staff members who will help with every need. The spacious rooms have excellent amenities including a flatscreen television, iron and board and hairdryer, as well as free Wi-Fi internet to check emails or plan an itinerary. There is also free coffee and tea in the lobby area of the residence, and complimentary parking. There are also large accessible rooms available on the ground floor for guests.

This is definitely one of the best Good Nite Inns for travellers to check into when they head to this part of the world. The residence has an outdoor pool, non-smoking rooms and top business services such as a fax machine, copy services and a writing desk with a lamp in the rooms. There are also excellent bilingual members of staff always around to help with any query, or suggestions of where to go and how to get there. There are many excellent destinations for tourists to visit when they head to this residence, including Warner Brothers Studios Hollywood, the IMAX Theatre, Six Flags Magic Mountain and Santa Monica.