| some upgraded rooms offer free-standing baths, ipod docks or thames views. suites add separate living areas. 6 miles from heron quays dlr station, this high-end hotel in the canary wharf financial district is 2. overlooking the river thames and 0. the bright, airy rooms include limestone bathrooms and luxe linen, as well as free wi-fi, flat-screens and minibars. 6 miles from tower bridge. check-in time: 3:00 pmcheck-out time: 12:00 pm. other amenities include a high-end spa, a fitness centre, access to a health club with an indoor pool, and a business centre, plus meeting space. there's a stylish restaurant, plus a cocktail lounge with afternoon tea, and terrace seating overlooking a garden
Heathrow Airport 59 min
The Shard (17 min)
87-floor glass skyscraper with a jagged peak, with restaurants, offices, hotel and viewing platform. The British Museum (21 min)
Huge showcase for global antiquities, including Egyptian mummies and ancient Greek sculptures. St. Paul's Cathedral (17 min)
Churchyard and gardens outside Saint Paul's cathedral, with a floor-plan of the original building. The National Gallery (21 min)
Trafalgar Square art museum whose masterworks trace the development of Western European painting. London Bridge (17 min)
Concrete pedestrian and traffic bridge that gave a major railway station its name. Westminster Abbey (20 min)
Protestant abbey hosting daily services and every English and British coronation since 1066. Tower of London (8 min)
Centuries of bloody history around a medieval castle, home to Crown Jewels and iconic Beefeaters. Borough Market (18 min)
Huge market under the railway lines, for British-reared meat and artisanal baked and dairy goods. Hyde Park (28 min)
Huge green space, home to Diana Memorial Fountain, with boating and swimming in the Serpentine lake. lastminute.com London Eye (20 min)
Huge observation wheel giving passengers a privileged bird's-eye view of the city's landmarks. Palace of Westminster (20 min)
Neo-Gothic masterpiece and seat of the UK government. Guided tours on Saturdays and in summer. Tower Bridge (9 min)
Panoramic views from high level walkways and behind-the-scenes access to original lifting machinery. Big Ben (19 min)
16-storey Gothic clocktower and national symbol at the Eastern end of the Houses of Parliament. Trafalgar Square (19 min)
Nelson's Column rises above this iconic square's LED-lit fountains, artworks and lion statues. Buckingham Palace (22 min)
Visitors can tour the palace's opulent private and state rooms or watch the changing of the guard. | 
