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The Royal Horseguards Poshes Up With an In-House Harpist

Where: 2 Whitehall Court, London, United Kingdom, SW1A 2EJ

Strum it, sister

There are hotel amenities, people, and then there are Hotel Amenities. If we’re being bold, we’d venture to say that this fits into the second category.

As we strolled into the Royal Horseguards to take our Wimbledon tea last week, we were greeted by a doorman (ok), a receptionist (totally normal) and then a harpist. Yes, a harpist. Stationed in the corridor by the tea room, strumming her little heart out for the duration of the service.

We actually missed most of her performance as we opted to sit on the terrace outside (nothing against harpists, it was just nice weather) but even without enjoying her to the max, we were thoroughly tickled by her existence. Definitely beats the awkward silence as everyone tries desperately to be posh that you find elsewhere. Game, set and match to the Horseguards.

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Wimbledon Tea is Getting Served Up at the Royal Horseguards Hotel

Where: 2 Whitehall Court, London, United Kingdom, SW1A 2EJ

Game, set, tea time!

You may not have noticed, what with the World Cup and everyfink, but there is another big sporting thing going on at the moment – and it’s altogether more genteel than burly men running round after a ball.

Yes, people, it’s Wimbledon time. And if you’re in London but too busy glued to the football to make it down to SW19, you can get the feel of it by either switching on the telly with a cup of tea and some strawberries and cream (boring) or popping over to the Royal Horseguards on Embankment for a special Wimbledon tea (much more fun).

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A Fully Dressed Tree, Roaring Fire and a Christmas Discount at the Royal Horseguards

Where: 2 Whitehall Court, London, United Kingdom, SW1A 2EJ

Last time we heard about the Royal Horseguards in London, it was doing its bit for charity. Now we’re delighted to report it’s doing its bit for us as well, by knocking 30 percent off its rates over the Christmas season.

Stay between December 18 – January 17 and you can get 30 percent off the best available winter room rate. Not only that, but the hotel promises to be “lavishly decorated” over the hols, with a “roaring coal fire” and a “fully trimmed Christmas tree”. Fully trimmed? We thought that was for the turkey only.

The hotel’s bang on the Thames, so you should get an eyeful of the South Bank, which is always dressed up pretty for Christmas. And of course, there’s always the chance of a festive Secret Service ghost if you like that sort of thing.

To book, use code NNN27, and be warned - you'll need to pay up front and the rooms are non-refundable.

Hotel Re-Openings / London Hotels / Hotel Deals / → All Tags

London's Royal Horseguards is Reopening on the Cheap

Where: 2 Whitehall Court, London, United Kingdom, SW1A 2EJ

Normally when a hotel gets refurbished to the tune of £16 million in London, they try to make their money back by ramping up the price. Not so The Royal Horseguards, on the bank of the Thames. To celebrate its total overhaul, it’s flogging rooms for £129 including breakfast (a saving of over £200 on the rackrate). The offer’s valid March 31, just mention code MMM33.

And once you’re there, keep an eye on your fellow guests – the hotel claims it’s “known for its use by the Secret Service”, as they colonised the eighth floor during the Second World War.

While we can’t guarantee that your guys hang out there still, we do know that it’s just a block from 10 Downing Street, a five minute walk from the Houses of Parliament and round the back of various government buildings. So the chances of you bumping into a politician or a mandarin of some sort must be fairly high. A word of warning, though – ours aren’t as sexy as yours, so don’t expect any John Favreaus around…

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Luxury London Hotel Gets Refurb But We Want War Secrets

Where: 2 Whitehall Court, London, United Kingdom, SW1A 2EJ

Spending £16.3 million (US$26.4 million) on a refurbishment sounds like a fair bit for a 280-room hotel but the Royal Horseguards Hotel in London does seem pretty special.

It's an eighteenth century heritage-listed building and the revamp will include doing up all the rooms with modern techy stuff like free Wifi, iPod docks and plasma TVs, as well as adding a new restaurant and a new lounge.

But it's not really the refurb that gets us going at the Royal Horseguards--we're more interested in checking in to the eighth floor. Apparently it was used by the Secret Service during World War One and we're definitely keen to find some leftover war secrets.

Rates average around $420 at the moment but no word yet on if they'll rise after the renos are finished in (they promise) early 2009.

[Photo: Lesw]