5 Star Workcationing

It is no secret that I like the finer things in life. I ruined economy class for myself when I first travelled business class in 2017, I call a certain well-known brand of fizz 'Shamepagne' and we all know how I like to go for drinks in high-end hotel bars. So...it was only a matter of time before my workcationing compass directed me into some of London's finer establishments. Let's face it, this is probably the regular vibe from now on...

My last two trips into London with my laptop have taken me into three very gorgeous but equally different hotels. Breaking from the style of my first two posts, I'm going to give you a little flavour of each below:

NoMad, Covent Garden

After discovering that a cute bar on Endell Street (Baudry Greene) that I'd recently had drinks in wasn't 'laptop-friendly' (side note - not sure if this was down to them not wanting the stereotypical 'orders one coffee during whole visit' remoter or whether they just prefer a no work, all play vibe), I was heading for One Aldwych. En-route I passed by NoMad and all my 'come hither' spidey senses went on full alert.

From the moment I walked through the door, I knew this would become one of my favourite workcation locations. The concierge directed me to The Library and once there, the host then showed me to a very comfortable high-backed chair with a table surrounded by bookshelves. The Library was busy with a mix of hotel guests and business meetings. There was a suitably hushed level of conversation and after feeling slightly self-conscious for 5 mins or so, I settled into checking my emails.

As expected, the bathrooms are pure perfection. This is one beautiful hotel and I made a mental note to come back for lunch in the Nomad Restaurant. On this occasion, I opted for a glass of white wine (Arinto) and a light snack (delicious seasoned fries with ketchup and mayo dips). The by-the-glass wine options are limited which was probably a good thing. I spent a very peaceful afternoon working from my little corner and as most of the other patrons departed after lunchtime, I had the area pretty much to myself.

With my headphones in and just the occasional check-in from the host, I was lost in my little world of work until my friend Kelly arrived for a pre-theatre drink. I definitely recommend the English sparkling wine over the Arinto but that's a personal taste thing.

Total spend - £68

Good to know - be sure to check in with the Library host on arrival. I saw one guy just walk in and they don't like that.

Great Scotland Yard Hotel, Whitehall

There is no shortage of top tier hotels in the Whitehall area of London and I've been intrigued to see how Hyatt have transformed one of the capital's most historic buildings (Great Scotland Yard) into a hotel. The answer to this is very well. The hotel has a boutique feel, with some interesting GSY memorabilia and art in the public areas. The bathrooms are gorgeous, each stall is decorated with a different wallpaper and I couldn't resist taking a pic of the loos themselves. The staff were very welcoming and I was shown to The 40 Elephants bar and given a very comfortable banquette seat with table.

For the first time since I started my weekly workcations, I finally came across a decent by-the-glass wine menu (someone ring that bell for me!) at GSY. So with a glass of Cloudy Bay and a light hummus and pitta bread lunch, I worked away a very chilled afternoon surrounded in custodial history.

As is often the way in my world, as I was leaving the hotel, I found myself having a random convo which seemed to have been destined. This time it was with the lovely concierge Mohammed. He is understandably super proud of his workplace and he asked if I knew about the secret bar in the hotel. I did not and clearly I needed to see it...

I won't let the secret out, go see for yourself at one of the jazz nights on offer via this link.

Total spend - £57

Good to know - The 40 Elephants bar is named after an infamously glamourous and decadent all-female crime syndicate operating in London from around 1870 to 1950.

Corinthia, Whitehall

The Corinthia has long been on my list and what else is there is say other than WOW OOOSHING WOW! I have found my spiritual home and quite frankly never wanted to leave. I dreamt of being one of those moneyed types who reside in one of the suites for years and become the subject of an infamous hotel urban myth. I headed to Kerridge's Bar & Grill and spent a lovely late afternoon into early evening working and watching London's finest come and go. The service is superb as you'd expect and my buttermilk chicken burger, chips (chunky, crispy and I'd guess at quadruple cooked - if that is a thing...) were sublime. My Sacred Pink Grapefruit G&Ts were served in some serious crystal glassware and I was in fact, living the MF dream.

What are the bathrooms like, I hear you ask. Well, the ones I found were very classic and elegant but I'm sure they are hiding some more impressive alternatives somewhere and I will keep you updated on that...

Total spend - £76 (plus a very indulgent £34.50 cocktail in the gorgeous Velvet by Salvatore Calabrese)

Good to know - be prepared to not want to leave, dress well (this is a 'go to look and be looked at' kind of place) and make sure you head to Velvet, it's a luxurious slice of heaven with one stunner of a cocktail menu and some very beautiful people.