Kimatni D. Rawlins
Nestled within the eclectic energy of the Bloomsbury sector of Central London lies a quaint 4-star boutique hotel dignified for luminaries, social elite, executive travelers, vacationing families, and urbane officials seeking intimacy and opulence for their stays, meetings, events, and appointments. As a distinguished member of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection (RCH) — an award winning group of 14 4-star and 5-star luxury properties — The Montague on the Gardens offers their patrons impeccable guest services, VIP experiences, and heart-warming residences all within the context of innate British charisma.
The short journey to England came at the behest of my wife as a stopover in route to Paris, France for our daughter’s 12-year-old birthday weekend. The objective was to fly to London From Washington, D.C. for an astounding two days and then travel a few short hours on the Eurostar to Paris for a week. Awakening the cultural awareness of our daughters is a key aspect of parenthood and global travel allows them to bring educational teachings into reality. We first researched the offerings from RCH and decidedly opted for The Montague. Located at 15 Montague Street, London WC1B 5BJ, it is situated within the London Borough of Camden just footsteps away from the British Museum. Known for its intermix of beautiful garden squares, swanky residential real estate, healthy cafes, and literature focused businesses, Bloomsbury was ideal for our expectations.
After crowding into the small, antiquated elevator our greeter led us to the imperial chambers where we were immersed with opulence of the highest scale. The Guvnor’s Suite, like all of the hotel’s suites, infuses nostalgic designs with modern comforts. It featured a grand master bedroom separated by a glass partition and door; a second room down the hall with twin beds and its own bathroom; a dining room/conference room with a large table with placements for six (but it could easily handle ten); a garden room (glass sunroof with shades) replete with a couch, lounge chair, palm tree, BOSE sound dock, and TV; a walk-in kitchen with appliances; and a terrace for relaxation or reading of any one of the array of historical books the room provides. We unpacked, settled in and took showers and baths. The adult room consisted of a work desk, integrated bathroom with a traditional exterior tub, retractable curtains, and a very comforting king bed. After a cup of tea and Belu Water — the UK’s first Carbon Neutral bottled water — it was time for a nap in order to adjust to the time difference.
Of course everyone awoke as hungry as lions so we changed and prepared for a late lunch and tour of the British Museum to explore the dynasties of the Egyptian (Kemetic) Empires. Culinary experiences can be had at Blue Door Bistro, Terrace Bar and Cigar Lounge, or either of the 2 Conservatories overlooking an enlightened garden square. Specifically at dinner, unbridled pleasures of fine dining to the auditory rhythms of a live pianist and delectable spirits create charming memories. For lunch we indulged with the vegetarian club sandwich, noodle soup, and the chopped mixed salad with Vinaigrette dressing. Also note the hotel brews Starbucks signature coffee and hosts leisurely afternoon tea by appointment. Clientele may also utilize The Wood Deck for BBQs or the function rooms for weddings, private parties, or special events for up to 200 guests. Some of The Montague’s esteemed business guests have included LinkedIn, Google, and Facebook to name a few.
The family walked off our meal through town while the girl’s imaginations were captivated by red telephone booths, double-decker buses, retro taxis, and distinguished British accents. We covered 4 miles sightseeing before ending up at the British Museum, a cultural refuge of historical achievements since 1759. My youngest was reading about Pharaoh Tutankhamun for the summer so the cultural experience was defining for her learning curve. Next we stopped for dinner at itadaki zen, a Japanese Macrobiotic restaurant, before returning to The Montague. Back at the suite a surprise welcome gift left by guest relations satisfied our soul. Since we are vegans they created a diet specific basket of fruits, breads, and treats for the kids. How thoughtful!
Please do me the favor of researching RCH and their wondrous hallmarks before your next journey to London. I ascertain that visiting www.MontagueHotel.com will precipitously intensify your desires for that much needed vacation. My family certainly enjoyed our most memorable stay in England to date.
