*We enjoyed a two-night press stay courtesy of Citadines for the purposes of reviewing. As always, all words, thoughts and opinions are entirely and honestly my own*

Dog Friendly London

Nothing compares to the place that feels most like home and it had been way too long since we had been to our favourite stomping ground, London. The unprecedented craziness of 2020 so far had put paid to that but as the world steadily re-ignites again, first trip on the agenda was to our beloved big smoke. We lived there for many fulfilling years, our eldest being born in Hackney, so we are intrinsically linked to this wonderful metropolis.

We have become (head over heels crazy) dog owners this year, with the fluffball boss of our family coming everywhere with us. Not so easy in Central London though with the lodgings on offer often more pigeon friendly than for pooch. This is where our favourite apart’hotel brand comes in – Citadines.

 

 

Having previously enjoyed a fantastic weekend in one of their other centrally situated locations, Holborn, I was delighted to learn they were also actually canine convivial and wanted us to come and put that to the test. Two bedroom private duplex within the comfort and security of fully serviced amenities? Don’t mind if we do! It’s the perfect child and dog friendly solution for families with all the space we need, coupled with cosy luxury.

Covid-19 has undoubtedly metamorphosed the landscape for the travel industry this year and Citadines have risen to the transition. With the Ascott Cares stringent safety & hygiene measures in place, it acts like a clinical cocoon within which you can access the ability to enjoy the constraint free comfort of your own home from home.

London is an enthralling place to be at the best of times, but right now, it is emerging like the proverbial phoenix from the flames, after suffering the coronavirus cull. The streets are depleted of the usual hordes of tourists but each paving stone enunciates their history and vibrancy louder and more proudly than ever before.

I’ve taken up running lately, something that I have unexpectedly found gratification in. Taking my lycra clad self to the streets of one of the worlds most famous cities, breezing past iconic landmarks gave me an injection of joie de vivre that I haven’t felt for quite sometime. Living like a local once more, thanks to the neighbourhoods of Citadines, I jogged past Buckingham Palace, soared across Westminster Bridge and looped around the Embankment and London Eye, taking in all it’s modern splendour, feeling like a native once more.

 

A few short steps away are parks galore, granting green space grandeur among the historical concrete facades. Embankment gardens was a real serendipity, with an outdoor gym which the kids loved as well as a traditional play park. Manny loved meandering around the park being fussed over by everyone he met, then relaxing on one of the numerous benches, watching the world go by.

We enjoyed a sumptuous Thai takeaway banquet delivered by Deliveroo one evening from nearby award-winning Thai Square restaurant – that’s the beauty of having your own apartment, the freedom of choice.

Next day we lunched al fresco in the sunshine at Tutton’s, Covent Garden which is also dog friendly when sitting outside. In fact Manny made quite a few canine friends there. Such a vibrant place with lots going on, but with the current added bonus of fewer crowds.

We found a delightful (if a tad pricey!) gelato boutique, Amorino, which curates its best selling ice creams into signature frozen roses. This was such a lovely treat and of course, entirely insta-worthy!

Next day, a spot of shopping was necessary for me, well it’s been a while! I nipped off for a bit and popped to Chanel to get myself some new sunglasses, something tangible to remember the weekend by. Meandering up past Trafalgar Square, on to Piccadilly and through Burlington Arcade, choc full of luxury names such as Manolo Blahnik, Strathberry, Lalique, Eres and Laduree!

Joining the fam once more, we also spent a wonderful afternoon into evening reacquainting ourselves with the South Bank, always buzzy & brimming with life. Manny was mesmerised by the skater kids and the riverboats.

The kids were delighted to find their favourite frozen yoghurt place – Snog –  had a retro London bus serving up treats.

 

I can’t recommend Citadines highly enough, it’s faultless for us. You can stay from one night to several months depending on your needs, it really does cater for everyone.

Let me know your thoughts, would this be a great choice for you to?