On the Road: London
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We know there are a million travel guidebooks out there, but we’ve created a handful of destination miniguides designed specifically for working girls on the go. So whether it’s a quick stopover for a meeting or a weeklong conference, here’s everything you need to know about…
London
Where to Stay
Expense Account: Claridge’s Hotel. Claridge’s has long been a favorite of wealthy—not to mention royal—guests. The art deco foyer attracts tourists from around the world, and their services, including letterhead and business-card printing, make business travel a snap. Rooms from £295/$600 per night. Brook Street, Mayfair; +44 (0)20 7629 8860; www.claridges.co.uk
Romantic Weekend: The Cadogan Hotel. Decorated with an abundance of leather, velvet, and silk, it would be easy to think that the Cadogan was designed strictly for saucy weekends. Whether you’re in the mood for an assignation in the drawing room or an aperitif in the bar, the makings of a once-in-a-lifetime weekend are all in place. Rooms from £255/$510 per night, though special offers may apply. 75 Sloane Street; +44 (0)20 7235 7141; www.cadogan.com
On the Cheap: easyHotel. If you’re not blinded by the shockingly low rates, you will be by the lurid orange decor! The good news is that the rooms are so small that most guests only sleep in them anyway. Guests can only bunk at the inn for a maximum of 10 nights, and housekeeping services cost extra. And if you suffer from claustrophobia, be sure to ask for a room with a view. Rooms from £25/$50 per night. Various locations throughout London; www.easyhotel.com
Where to Eat
Business Dinner: Rhodes Twenty Four. Named after its location—the 24th floor of London’s tallest building—Rhodes Twenty Four offers spectacular views topped only by the food created by celebrity chef Gary Rhodes. Start with the lobster omelet or, if you’re a vegetarian, go with the asparagus risotto. Finish off with the signature pudding plate. You’ll need to roll yourself out of there. Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street; +44 (0)20 7877 7703; www.rhodes24.co.uk
Hot Spot: Bluebird. Bluebird isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a veritable experience. A café, restaurant, courtyard, bar, and two private dining spaces all fight for room in this one location, but it never feels rushed or busy. Though still a firm favorite with ladies who lunch, the Bluebird gets a little funky when the sun goes down. Don’t miss the mojitos at Cocktail Wednesdays, when specialty drinks drop to just £5/$10 each. 350 King’s Road, Chelsea; +44 (0)20 7559 1000; www.danddlondon.com/restaurants/bluebird/home
Eating Alone: Yo! Sushi. It’s hard to decide which is better: the fantastic Japanese food or the fun conveyor belt upon which it’s transported. When you’re dining sans partner, sidle up to the bar and pull your plates off as they slide by. Don’t miss the sweet potato tempura or the firecracker rice. Various locations in London; www.yosushi.com
Where to Shop
Business Critical: Harrods. When a store is so big that it hands out maps, you know it’s got everything you could possibly need in a business emergency. Panty hose? Check. Briefcase? Check. Stationery? Check. Property in Dubai? Check. (Oh, like you’ve never thought of that.) It’s almost like they dare you to find something they don’t have. 87–135 Brompton Road; +44 (0)20 7730 1234; www.harrods.com
Date Night: Whistles. Whether you need a flirty skirt for the opera, a hearty sweater for a picnic in the park, or the perfect dress for a night out, Whistles has it. Be ready for everyone to demand to borrow your new wardrobe when you get back home. Various locations in London; www.whistles.co.uk
Techie: PC World. You’d be forgiven for believing that PC World only sells computers. In fact, it stocks a huge selection of peripherals, data storage, networking equipment, components, and cameras as well. The tech guys are also in-store to answer all of your questions, and can help you out when you get stuck. Data recovery may be a hefty £99/$200, but consider the alternative. Various locations in London; www.pcworld.co.uk
Where to Play and Primp
One-Stop Shopping: Camden Markets. With crafts, clothing, jewelry, bags, food, drinks, books, art, and more, there really is something for everyone at these historic markets. Chalk Farm Road; +44 (0)20 7284 2084; www.camdenlockmarket.com
Best Yoga Studio: The Life Centre. TLC is a nonmembership center that offers the widest range of natural therapies, yoga classes, Pilates workshops, and teacher training programs in London. Classes start as early as 6:30 a.m. and continue into the evening. Showers and changing rooms are available, though you’ll have to rent towels at £1/$2.00 per rental. 15 Edge Street; +44 (0)20 7221 4602; www.thelifecentre.com
Best Day Spa: The Sanctuary. Whether you want complete freedom to enjoy the facilities for the day, a preplanned selection of treatments, or just an evening of unwinding, the Sanctuary has a package that will suit you. The Calming Dry Flotation lets you experience the benefits of a flotation tank without getting wet. Or, if you’re really pressed for time, pick up some of the Sanctuary’s most popular products from any neighborhood Boots pharmacy. 12 Floral Street, Covent Garden; 0870 770 3350; www.thesanctuary.co.uk
Best Blow-Dry: The Blowdry Bar. For just £19/$38 and 30 minutes, you can saunter into the Blowdry Bar (located in the chic and cheap store Topshop) and pick from one of seven preset styles (including an updo). If you think you’ll be a repeat customer, make sure to make this known—every eighth style is free. 214 Oxford Street; +44 (0)20 7636 7700
Where to Do Business
Host a Meeting: The Royal Horticultural Hall and Conference Centre. Prove to your clients that your bloomin’ brilliant (har-har) by hosting your big event here. The entire place is wheelchair-accessible, and all rooms have PA systems with induction loops so no one need miss out on your presentation. Wi-fi access is also available throughout the venue. 80 Vincent Square; +44 (0)20 7828 4125; www.horticultural-halls.co.uk
Best Place for Printing and Copies: AO Copy. Based smack in the middle of London’s business district, AO Copy dedicates as much attention to a few sheets of photocopying as it does to larger corporate orders. Color printing, scanning, banners, design services, and finishing options are also offered. Unit A, 15 Bell Yard Mews, 159 Bermondsey Street; +44 (0)20 7403 9437; www.aocopylondon.com