| opposite the natural history and science museums, this chic, edwardian-era hotel is a 6-minute walk from gloucester road tube station and 15 minutes from knightsbridges designer shops. upgraded rooms have nespresso coffeemakers. the contemporary rooms and suites feature bespoke beds, flat-screen tvs, ipod docks, tea and coffeemaking facilities, and free wi-fi. check-in time: 3:00 pmcheck-out time: 11:00 am. some also offer terraces or private balconies. there's an outdoor terrace, and a contemporary 24/7 bar area with a fireplace and club chairs
Heathrow Airport 31 min
St. Paul's Cathedral (22 min)
Churchyard and gardens outside Saint Paul's cathedral, with a floor-plan of the original building. lastminute.com London Eye (19 min)
Huge observation wheel giving passengers a privileged bird's-eye view of the city's landmarks. The National Gallery (14 min)
Trafalgar Square art museum whose masterworks trace the development of Western European painting. Trafalgar Square (13 min)
Nelson's Column rises above this iconic square's LED-lit fountains, artworks and lion statues. Buckingham Palace (10 min)
Visitors can tour the palace's opulent private and state rooms or watch the changing of the guard. Kensington Palace (12 min)
Royal palace and gardens, with exhibits on former residents like Queen Victoria and Princess Diana. Palace of Westminster (15 min)
Neo-Gothic masterpiece and seat of the UK government. Guided tours on Saturdays and in summer. Victoria and Albert Museum (9 min)
Blockbuster exhibitions and permanent decorative arts collection, with design shop and ornate cafe. Westminster Abbey (15 min)
Protestant abbey hosting daily services and every English and British coronation since 1066. Big Ben (15 min)
16-storey Gothic clocktower and national symbol at the Eastern end of the Houses of Parliament. Natural History Museum (4 min)
Landmark museum of animals and natural phenomena, with hands-on exhibits and animatronic dinosaurs. Hyde Park (13 min)
Huge green space, home to Diana Memorial Fountain, with boating and swimming in the Serpentine lake. The British Museum (19 min)
Huge showcase for global antiquities, including Egyptian mummies and ancient Greek sculptures. Tower Bridge (29 min)
Panoramic views from high level walkways and behind-the-scenes access to original lifting machinery. Tower of London (25 min)
Centuries of bloody history around a medieval castle, home to Crown Jewels and iconic Beefeaters. | 
