{"id":640285,"date":"2025-12-18T13:23:20","date_gmt":"2025-12-18T13:23:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/640285\/"},"modified":"2025-12-18T13:23:20","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T13:23:20","slug":"im-a-christmas-shopping-mum-of-3-this-london-spot-is-best-choice-for-frazzled-parents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/640285\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018I\u2019m a Christmas shopping mum of 3 \u2013 this London spot is best choice for frazzled parents\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

Christmas shopping in London can be joyful, merry and full of laughter\u2026 but it can also be jam-packed with frenzied shoppers, chaotic and stressful, especially if you plan to visit for a spot of shopping in the city at the weekend.<\/p>\n

My latest stay though fought through the madness and resulted in a relaxed festive break \u2013 yet I wasn\u2019t staying on the outskirts of the city. Instead, I located myself right in the heart of the action \u2013 minus the children.<\/p>\n

I booked a two-night break in the Park Plaza London hotel, located at Westminster Bridge. The hotel chain does have plenty of other London hotspots to choose from and further afield options too like Cardiff and Croatia, but with front-row views of the Houses of Parliament and just steps from the London Eye and Westminster Abbey over breakfast, this felt like the perfect spot to unwind at the busiest time of the year.<\/p>\n

\"I<\/p>\n

I stayed in the centre of London when I did my Christmas shopping<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The hotel is right beside famous landmarks including Big Ben<\/p>\n

Any parent will know, finding precious time to spare during the holidays is tough so nailing the Santa lists in one swoop is a dream come true and there\u2019s no place better than London.<\/p>\n

I stayed in a stunning and luxurious one-bedroom suite with terrace room at this vibrant South Bank location, that came complete with 55m square foot \u2013 minus toys across the floor space \u2013 an actual kitchenette with cooking facilities, the comfiest of kingsize beds and a bath Cleopatra would be impressed by. This does have a sofa bed and single bed too if you\u2019re inclined to bring the little ones on your shopping spree.<\/p>\n

\"I<\/p>\n

I stayed in a stunning and luxurious one-bedroom suite with terrace room -Credit:Matthew Shaw<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The views from the room were incredible -Credit:Matthew D. Shaw<\/p>\n

The soft mood lighting in the suite also provided ample relaxing and afternoon nap opportunities and with two large TVs to choose from, there was no battling the husband for screen time of my choice.<\/p>\n

Stepping outside the room though, the chilled vibes didn\u2019t stop. We chose to eat in the award-winning Brasserie Joel for some Mexican food and cocktails \u2013 don\u2019t skip on the L&L Royale. A delicious fizzy blend of champagne with lychee liqueur and lavender syrup. But you can also opt for the Primo Bar or Ichi Sushi & Sashimi Bar, a fine dining Japanese sushi-style restaurant. There\u2019s also Illy Caffe for a much-needed coffee on the go situation amidst the shopping.<\/p>\n

Soothe those weary feet with a visit to the Mandara Spa onsite offering the most beautiful treatments including the Balinese massage and a 15-metre indoor pool \u2013 ideal for a busy mum looking for some festive TLC.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The hotel is the perfect spot to unwind at the busiest time of the year -Credit:Matthew D. Shaw<\/p>\n

My suite also came with the lovely addition of Executive Club access meaning that breakfast is much quieter in a gorgeous tree and plant-lined area away from the hustle and bustle of too many guests. I could also pop in at selected time for pastries and coffee and between 5-7pm there are canapes and a wide variety of wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks.<\/p>\n

The canapes were substantial and you can enjoy as many as you fancy, plus numerous drinks, meaning this is a budget-friendly way to kickstart an evening in the Big Smoke.<\/p>\n

Staying here is easy too. You\u2019re just a six-minute walk in one direction to Waterloo station, or an eight-minute walk towards Big Ben for Westminster Bridge station.<\/p>\n

Fancy a festive stay and want to treat the kids too? Book the Family Experience package, which includes:<\/p>\n