a trip to Windsor Castle . After watching the Windsor version of the Changing of the Guard ( slightly smaller in scope than Buckingham Palace ’ s but much easier to see up close ), we perused the sprawling 900-year-old complex as Deborah shared insights on things like the castle ’ s unique building techniques ( bits of flint were embedded into the mortar to help ward off invaders ) and the meticulous details of Queen Mary ’ s childhood dollhouse ( which had , no lie , features like hot and cold running water and working toilets and elevators ).
The iconic Tower Bridge , not to be confused with London Bridge , opened in 1894 and is used by 40,000 people and nearly 21,000 vehicles per day . Photo : visitlondon . com / Antoine Buchet
London Lodgings Fit for a Queen
Because I ’ m obsessed with hotels , I stayed several nights each in three different hotels during my London birthday extravaganza . The most modern of the bunch was the InterContinental London Park Lane , whose generic exterior doesn ’ t exactly ooze English architecture , but the floor-to-ceiling windows in my suite did look out toward Buckingham Palace and the daily procession of the Horse Guards prancing by on their way to their royal posts . The view from the Club InterContinental Lounge — a private floor for executivelevel guests — was even better , stretching all the way to Parliament and Big Ben . I probably spent more time in the lounge than I did in my room , from reviewing the day ’ s itinerary over breakfast each morning to enjoying hors d ’ oeuvres and a glass of bubbly each night before bed .
More traditional and historic than the InterContinental , The Milestone Hotel resides in an old Victorian townhouse dating back to 1883 . My suite had a massive canopied bed and a lovely view of Kensington Palace , but my favorite feature was the giant brass clawfoot tub off to the side of the living area , where I could luxuriate in a sudsy bath and watch TV at the same time . The standout feature at The Milestone , though , is the service . It ’ s the sort of place where they eerily anticipate your every need before you even knew you have it , and where the doorman , front desk clerk , and even a random staffer you ’ ve never seen before will always greet you by name .
My final accommodation was the boutique Egerton House Hotel . With just 28 rooms , it was the smallest of the three and had more of a neighborhood feel . My lovely room had a bonus sitting area with its own half bath and a cozy terrace . We made a point to visit the hotel bar for one of its famous martinis , but you can also sign up for one of its martini masterclasses and take your drink-making skills back home with you .
Planned to Perfection
Having a personal tour guide wasn ’ t the only thing my travel advisor arranged for that made my trip extra special . She made dinner reservations for us at Mango Tree , an upscale Thai restaurant with a special pre-theater menu that ensured we made it to our show at the Gielgud Theatre on time . She arranged for us to have afternoon tea at the legendary Savoy hotel , where I discovered the heaven that is clotted cream . She filled my itinerary with tidbits like “ check out the new fashion statements on Carnaby Street ” and “ pop over to the Goring Hotel just behind Buckingham Palace for afternoon drinks .” Knowing what a hotel freak I am , she arranged for me to stay at not one , not two , but three different hotels ( see sidebar at left ). A bouquet of roses , giant slice of chocolate cake , and other birthday goodies mysteriously showed up in my hotel room on my big day . And she introduced me to my favorite cure for jet lag — a perfectly timed massage at the hotel spa just a few short hours after initial touchdown .
Needless to say , a trip like this isn ’ t something you do every year , or even more than once in a lifetime , but sometimes , when the occasion ’ s right , you have to go big or go home .
Jill Becker ’ s travel writing has appeared in dozens of magazines and websites , including more than 25 stories for CNN . com .
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