London’s Winter Wonderland

Just before Christmas, I was in London for a few days. Although it was cold, the city was alive with people getting in that last minute shopping or simply wandering the streets gazing at the myriad of beautiful Christmas decorations.

There was an amazing Winter Wonderland set up in Hyde Park with something for the whole family. There were rides for the kids, yes even the adult kids. There was no shortage of places to eat and drink too. You could have nearly every kind of food imaginable. I particularly like the charcoal grilled German sausages with mustard. Don’t forget to wash it down with a frosty mug of beer or my favorite, hot mulled wine. Out of the 4 days I was in London, I visited the Winter Wonderland 3 times!

I love visiting London at any time of the year. I’m not too keen on British food, but I do like a proper steak and ale pie. Never you mind though…In London every kind of food is available.

As a frequent traveler I’ve come to appreciate a certain standard of service. That’s why I will stay in a Marriott hotel anytime there is one nearby. In London I often choose the Marriott Marble Arch. It’s proximity to Oxford Street, Hyde Park and pretty much anywhere you need to be makes it a great choice.

This time, since it was cold outside, I decided to have a nice hot and relaxing soak in their jacuzzi. Boy it was everything but relaxing! When I got down to the pool area I was confronted with a swimming pool full of mothers and their babies. Man was it loud! Imagine 8 ladies in the pool with 8 screaming babies. Yes I mean screaming. I’m not sure the babies were even enjoying being tossed into the air and splashing down like a space capsule into the water. I could swear I saw fear on at least one of this poor tike’s faces.

When I asked the pool attendant about this, she informed me that the young lady holding the session had a contract with the hotel to use the pool everyday. When I asked if they were hotel guests, she replied no.

Obviously I don’t choose a hotel simply based on their pool, but as a hotel guest it would have been nice to know BEFORE I booked my room.

Overall I would still have to say that the Marriott Marble Arch IS a good choice for London, but if you’re considering booking there, I would suggest calling the reservations department and asking about such things.