Luxury London Weekend Break Itinerary – Hotels, Dining & Experiences
As much as I love creating long-haul and complex journeys for myself or my clients, I also appreciate a simple short city break — and London is always the perfect destination. From Edinburgh, it’s just over an hour’s flight with British Airways to either Heathrow or London City Airport (with plenty of other airlines and regional airports available). Each visit gives me the chance to explore new hotels while returning to some firm favourites, try exciting restaurants, discover spa and wellness experiences, and of course, enjoy London’s cultural scene — from world-class museums to unforgettable theatre performances.
Where to Stay – London’s Luxury Hotels
In this blog, I will feature two hotels:
Sanderson London
The Mandrake
In this itinerary, discover Dining, Spa & Cultural Highlights:
Restaurant / Dining - Yeni booked again
Spa & Wellness - Damu Spa at The Mandrake
Museum & Theatre - V&A East Storehouse & Evita
How to Unlock VIP Perks by Booking with The Private Traveller & Fora Travel
When you book your London weekend break through The Private Traveller, in partnership with Fora Travel, you’ll enjoy exclusive VIP benefits at many of the city’s top luxury hotels — all at the same publicly available rates you’d find online.
Typical perks include:
Complimentary daily breakfast for two
Room upgrades (subject to availability at check-in)
Early check-in & late check-out (where available)
Hotel or resort credit (often $100 / £85+) to use towards dining, spa or other experiences
Welcome amenities tailored to your stay
These benefits are available through special partnerships such as Virtuoso, Marriott STARS & Luminous, Hyatt Privé, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Belmond Bellini Club and others.
It means you get all the advantages of booking direct, plus an added layer of insider access, personal recommendations and perks — at no extra cost.
Luxury Accommodation Highlights
Where to Stay in London - Sanderson
If you’ve read some of my blogs on London before, and with such a high dominance of five star luxury hotels in the centre of London it can always be a hard choice in choosing where to stay. I did stay at The Sanderson before last year, but it was a very quick overnight stay and I didn’t get a chance to really fully explore the hotel, or make the most of a longer weekend stay.
I was therefore keen to go back and try for a longer stay, and try out a different room/suite, so this time we’re booked into one of their Loft Suite Terrace. As well as being the biggest suites in the hotel. Although the Loft Suite, and Loft Double Double, are bigger overall; I thought it would be good to have the terrace, especially when the weather is scheduled to be good. There is also The Penthouse suite, covering the whole of the top floor, with both a king and queen bedroom.
Suites come with extra benefits like:
“Rejuvenate with a Cannaray UK bath melt and lip balm, enjoy complimentary minibar treats, and unlock 20% off at all our food and drink outlets with your personal VIP card. Stay active with a Central London running map and in-room yoga mat, or simply unwind using your Dyson hair dryer and multi-styler before heading out—your dedicated concierge is just a message away. Plus, we’ve got your wardrobe covered with complimentary dry cleaning, pressing and shoe shining.
VIP benefits when booking with The Private Traveller & Fora Travel under the agent only Accor Preferred program include:
Daily complimentary breakfast for 2, per room
VIP Welcome
$100 USD credit to be spent on property (conditions defined at check-in)
Early check-in & late check-out (upon availability)
Upgrade at time of check-in (upon availability)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Hotel | Sanderson London |
| Address | 50 Berners Street, London W1T 3NG, United Kingdom |
| Nearest Tube | Oxford Circus (approx. 5 mins walk) |
| Nearest Airport | London Heathrow (LHR) – approx. 45 mins by car |
| Rooms & Suites | 150+ rooms and suites, designed with Philippe Starck’s signature style |
| Dining & Bar Options | Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea, The Restaurant at Sanderson, Long Bar |
| Spa & Wellness | No longer have Agua Spa - small gym only now |
| @sandersonlondon | |
| Website | sandersonlondon.com |
| TripAdvisor Ranking | #356 of 1,129 hotels in London (as of September 2025) |
| Visiting | September 2025 |
Sanderson London – History & Design
Opened in 2000, Sanderson London was one of the city’s original boutique design hotels, created by hotelier Ian Schrager (the co-founder of Studio 54 in New York and pioneer of the boutique hotel movement). The building itself dates back to the 1950s, originally serving as the headquarters of the Sanderson wallpaper and fabric company. Its industrial modernist shell was reimagined by Philippe Starck, who transformed it into a playful, contemporary hotel that helped redefine London’s hospitality scene at the turn of the millennium.
Today, Sanderson remains known for its whimsical interiors, eclectic art pieces, and one of the most famous courtyard garden spaces in central London. The hotel is now part of the Ennismore collective, a lifestyle hospitality group majority-owned by Accor, ensuring it continues to benefit from both boutique creativity and the global reach of a major hotel brand. Over the years, it has become a go-to destination for visitors looking for something stylishly different — whether that’s enjoying its reinvented Afternoon Tea inspired by Alice in Wonderland, or simply soaking in the creative energy of Fitzrovia.
Things to Do in London
Looking for the best things to do in London on a weekend getaway? This curated itinerary combines spa and wellness at The Mandrake, theatre in the West End, cutting-edge art at the new V&A East Museum, and a gourmet sightseeing tour aboard Le Grand Bus.
A luxury weekend in London isn’t just about hotels and fine dining — it’s also about unique experiences, culture and a touch of indulgence. Here are some highlights we’re including on this trip:
The Origins Pool at Damu Spa, The Mandrake Hotel
Hidden away inside the boutique Mandrake Hotel, the Origins Pool at Damu Spa is an exclusive wellness experience that blends modern design with ancient healing rituals. Guests can immerse themselves in a tranquil pool surrounded by lush greenery and holistic energy, perfect for unwinding after a busy day exploring the city. It’s one of London’s most talked-about new spa offerings, adding a sense of sanctuary to your stay.
Evita at the West End
A London weekend is never complete without the theatre. On this itinerary, we’re heading to the West End to see Evita, the iconic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical that tells the story of Eva Perón. Performed in one of London’s historic theatres, it’s a show filled with unforgettable songs and powerful performances — the perfect way to spend an evening in the capital.
V&A East Museum – London’s New Cultural Landmark
The V&A East Museum, part of the Victoria and Albert Museum’s expansion into Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, is a new cultural hub in London. Unlike the original South Kensington galleries, V&A East focuses on contemporary culture, design and creative expression, with innovative exhibitions and interactive displays. It’s a must-visit for those who want to experience the cutting edge of London’s art and design scene.Le Grand Bus – Parisian Flair in London
For something fun and different, Le Grand Bus brings a taste of Parisian style to London’s streets. This retro double-decker offers gourmet dining and champagne as you tour the city’s landmarks, combining sightseeing with a luxury culinary experience. It’s a playful yet stylish way to rediscover London from a fresh perspective.
Additional Accommodation Options – Where to Stay in London
As I’ve said, there’s always a huge selection of luxury hotels in London to choose from. Although I won’t be staying here this time, The Mandrake is an intriguing boutique option — and it’s only a few minutes’ walk from Sanderson London, making it ideal for combining the two.
The Mandrake Hotel – Fitzrovia
Opened in 2017, The Mandrake is a five-star boutique hotel set within a converted Victorian building in Fitzrovia. The property is known for its bold, artistic interiors, eclectic design, and lush central courtyard filled with hanging jasmine and passionflower plants. Its 34 rooms, three luxury suites and one penthouse have been designed with a dramatic flair, blending rich textures with curated artwork.
The hotel also features YOPO Restaurant & Bar, serving South American-inspired cuisine, along with one of London’s most atmospheric terraces. For those interested in wellness, The Mandrake is home to Damu Spa, where the Origins Pool and a programme of alternative therapies provide a holistic, almost spiritual twist on the traditional London spa experience.
With its intimate size and creative ambience, The Mandrake has become a favourite among travellers looking for something unconventional yet luxurious in the heart of London.
Why Book with The Private Traveller & Fora Travel
When you book with The Private Traveller, in partnership with Fora Travel, you’ll enjoy exclusive VIP benefits at many of London’s top luxury hotels — all at the same publicly available rates you’d find online.
Typical perks include:
VIP welcome amenities on arrival
Complimentary daily breakfast for two
$100 USD hotel or resort credit to spend on dining, spa or experiences
Room upgrades (subject to availability)
Early check-in and late check-out (when available)
Beyond the perks, I’ll design a bespoke luxury itinerary tailored to your interests — from hotels and restaurants to spas, museums and theatre. Every detail is personalised and perfectly planned, with my direct support before, during and after your trip.
As a bonus, if you book a London weekend break with me, I’ll send you my newest personalised London guide — packed with insider recommendations from my own tried-and-tested experiences, including museums, galleries, restaurants, afternoon teas, wellness sanctuaries, and unique things to do .
London Museums
Art Galleries
Historic & Landmark Sites
Gardens
See London Differently
Iconic London Theatres
Spa & Wellness
Restaurants
Afternoon Tea
Plan Your Own Journey with The Private Traveller
Wherever you’re heading next — London or beyond — I’ll make sure your journey comes with exclusive access, insider tips and unforgettable experiences.
Stay Connected & Be Inspired
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Planning your own London weekend break or another luxury escape? Drop me a message or comment — I’d love to hear your ideas and help design a trip that’s perfectly tailored to you.
