With so many options in the city, it’s not a surprise that London has long been a destination for business and leisure travelers from around the world. Not only is London a global tech hub and financial capital, but its world-class airports boast direct flights to 400 global destinations. That diversity is reflected in a city where more than 200 different languages are spoken. Add to that more than 1,000 enticing meetings and events venues, 857 galleries, 215 free museums and 270 theaters, and it’s easy to see why there’s something for everyone in London.  

 

Why London 

  • London is the most connected city in the world, with more than 1,300 daily flights arriving and departing from the city’s two major airports, Heathrow and Gatwick. 

  • Historic yet cosmopolitan city made up of distinct neighborhoods. 

  • 71 Michelin-starred restaurants are found throughout London. 

 

What’s New 

  • The Elizabeth Line, London’s newest rail line, opened in May 2022, connecting London Heathrow Airport to the city center and beyond. 

  • A £200 million project (about US $250 million) increasing ExCel London’s venue capacity for conferences and events to 270,000 square feet is expected to be completed in October 2024.  

  • The 140-year-old Olympia London is in the throes of a £1.3 billion (US $1.65 billion) regeneration, expected to be completed in 2025, that will transform it into a state-of-the-art conference facility that will also feature a new theater and music arena.  

 

There are plenty of options when it comes to things to see and do in London, as well as places to grab a bite to eat, or host a power lunch or dinner. Here, we look at a few spots to pique your interest. 


SEE


 

London - See

 

The Crown Jewels 

See the Crown Jewels, including the Coronation Regalia, most recently worn by King Charles III and Queen Camilla in May 2023, in a refreshed display at the Tower of London, where they have been protected since the 1660s. More than 23,000 gemstones adorn the more than 100 objects in the exhibit, including the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross, the Sovereign’s Orb, the Coronation Spoon and St. Edward’s Crown, which is only used to crown a new king or queen during the coronation ceremony. The Crown Jewels are among the nation's most precious treasures.

 

The National Portrait Gallery 

After three years of renovations, the National Portrait Gallery in Trafalgar Square reopened last summer, unveiling its most extensive transformation since 1896. Within, the Gallery holds a collection of more than 220,000 works, 11,000 of which comprise the Primary Collection. In addition to its impressive permanent collection, the Gallery hosts temporary exhibits highlighting the exceptional works of outstanding photographers and artists. The Gallery is available for special events like breakfasts, receptions and dinners. 

 

ABBA Voyage 

Make a night of it at ABBA Voyage, a cutting-edge production during which digital avatars of the Swedish rock stars perform their hits. Created by ABBA themselves, the 90-minute concert takes the stage seven times a week in its own purpose-built arena, and is a must for ABBA fans everywhere. 

 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services 

 


DO 


 

Destination London - DO

 

Lift 109 

Take Lift 109 and soar 109 meters (360 feet) to the top of the northwest chimney of Battersea Power Station for awe-inspiring, 360-degree views of the London skyline. Long an iconic building, the building and its chimneys were built in the 1930s and operated as a power station until the early-1980s. Now the building and its surrounds make for a terrific day out in a new neighborhood filled with restaurants, bars, greenspaces and more. Or book Lift 109 for an exclusive event that will really wow your clients. 

 

Frameless 

Impress your clients with an immersive art experience at Frameless in Marble Art. Walk through the four galleries and be surrounded by 42 masterpieces from the likes of Monet, Van Gogh, Cezanne and Klimt. New in 2024, art historians give Frameless Art Talks to dive deeper into the stories behind the works of art, with a different topic each month. For a truly memorable experience, Frameless is available for private events.  

 

Afternoon Tea 

It’s not a trip to London without experiencing a traditional afternoon tea. While you can find offerings in myriad spots across the city, one to consider is the Orangery, built in 1704-05 next to Kensington Palace. Queen Anne entertained and hosted parties in the Orangery, and you can, too. The space was recently refurbished and is reopening March 2024. 

 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services 


EAT


                                                                 

Bebe Bob

 

Bébé Bob  

The highly anticipated sibling to London’s famed Bob Ricard, Bébé Bob opened in Fall 2023 in Soho with a décor inspired by the Golden Age. The menu? “Any main course the customer wants as long as it is chicken or chicken.” A fine selection of caviar, truffle fries and cauliflower, and a delicious variety of desserts are some of the items that round out the menu. Bébé Bob may very well be “the most glamorous rotisserie out there.” 

 

Jamie Oliver Catherine Street 

Jamie Oliver returns to London with his new restaurant, Jamie Oliver Catherine St. in Covent Garden. The lunch and dinner menu is a celebration of Britain’s food culture, featuring dishes like Scotch Egg, Fish Stew, Beef Pie, and Scampi & Chips served alongside pastas and steaks, with vegan and vegetarian options, too. The restaurant is available for private dining and events. 

 

Fazenda 

Indulge in an Argentinian and Brazilian steakhouse dinner at Fazenda in Bishopsgate. The selection of meats and sides blend century-old flavors and cooking techniques with a contemporary spin, and the restaurant’s non-meat and plant-based dishes ensure everyone will enjoy their meals. Three private dining rooms can accommodate from eight to 20 guests, and Fazenda can host receptions for up to 450. 

 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services 


STAY/MEET


 

Just as London has something for every meeting planner and attendee, so does ALHI and its trio of exquisite properties. Host your guests at Europe’s first “Grand Hotel,” The Langham, London; treat them to innovative dining at Nobu Hotel London Portman Square; or live the park life at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington. 

 

Nobu London

Nobu Hotel London Portman Square 

With 249 guest rooms and suites, and 8,000 square feet of meeting and event space, there are plenty of options when it comes to hosting your event, from an intimate board meeting of four to a memorable reception for 700, catered by Nobu, inspired by Chef Nobu Matsuhisha himself, of course. 

 

 

Royal Garden London

Royal Garden Hotel 

Nestled in the Kensington neighborhood beside Hyde Park, this 394-guest room and suites hotel is positioned to make your event one to remember. The rooms were recently renovated. In addition to the 11 event spaces that total more than 9,500 square feet of meeting and event space, plan an unforgettable dinner at Min Jiang on the 10th floor of the hotel with stunning views of the London skyline.   

 

 

Langham London

The Langham, London 

The buzzing West End is home to this iconic hotel which has been a part of the city scene since 1865. The “Grand Hotel” features 380 elegantly furnished guest rooms and suites, as well as 23 event venues covering more than 27,000 square feet. Treat your guests to teambuilding with Sauce by The Langham cooking classes; dine on menus overseen by Michelin-starred Chef Michel Roux, Jr.; and when spring and summer arrive, the Courtyard Garden is a terrific spot to host up to 200 guests. 

 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services