This month, we’ve got the latest hotel openings, hotel deals and news of how London’s hotels are preparing for the fashion crowd to hit town.

Don’t forget, if you’re planning a (very) last-minute Valentine’s break in London, check out the capital’s romantic hotels.

New openings

First up, the ibis Styles London Excel (formerly Custom House Hotel) has re-opened following extensive refurbishment of its bedrooms and public spaces. The hotel is handy if you’re in London for a conference, as it’s located next to ExCeL Exhibition and Convention Centre. It’s also an easy journey to The O2, Westfield Stratford City, the Olympic Park and Greenwich.

Luxury hotel ME London opens next month in Marconi House, the original home of BBC Radio. The hotel features 157 guest rooms, including 16 suites and a two-storey penthouse. The hotel’s hotspot will be the Radio Rooftop Bar and Restaurant, offering panoramic views over London.

London Fashion Week

London Fashion Week is on its way and official hotel partner The May Fair is sporting illustrations by designer Manolo Blahnik on its façade from today until 19 February to celebrate.

St James’s Hotel and Club are launching a gluten-free afternoon tea in time for Fashion Week. Indulge for £19 (or £34 with a glass of champagne). Available from 15 February.

Special offers

Last chance to book a two-for-one Detox Spa Day at the London Marriott Hotel County Hall. The deal includes use of the hotel’s gym and a 60-minute power plate session; access to the Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room; plus a 60-minute Dr Murad treatment. £125 for two people. Offer available until 28 February, for reservations call +44 (0)20 7902 8023 or email mhrs.lonch.theclub@marriotthotels.com

Apex City of London Hotel is offering two complimentary travelcards with their London Unlimited package on stays before 14 April. Rooms from £131 per night. Find out more

Enjoy a free airport transfer from Heathrow or Gatwick for stays before 15 March with onefinestay. The company offers holidaymakers the chance to live like a local by staying in a Londoner’s home while they’re out of town.

Extra, extra

Cheval Residences will be opening a new set of serviced and non-serviced apartments, Cheval Three Quays, in 2014. The apartments will be within walking distance of Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and The Shard.

More hotels in London

The Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show at ExCel

Indulge your nautical side at this world-renowned boat show, which brings the best sailing brands, displays and personalities under one roof. You can marvel at the gorgeous boats on display, buy sailing essentials from the experts and even have a go at a range of water-based activities in the On the Water pools. Tickets start from £16, and for extra maritime fun you can follow your visit with a trip to St Katherine’s Dock, where you’ll be able to view the newly-launched Clipper 70 and chat to members of their round-the-world racing crews. 12-20 Jan

Chris Ramsey: Feeling Lucky, at the Bloomsbury Theatre

Don’t miss Edinburgh Festival star Chris Ramsey, who brings his unforgettable brand of comedy to the Bloomsbury Theatre this weekend. This show, Feeling Lucky, follows his sell-out 2012 tour Offermation and is sure to include the trademark humour that has endeared him to audiences of Celebrity Juice, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, and 8 Out of 10 Cats. Tickets are £15. 11-12 Jan

The London Ice Sculpting Festival, Canary Wharf

Chill out at the incredible London Ice Sculpting Festival, which demonstrates both the beauty and potential of frozen water. Extended to three days for the first time, it offers not only the chance to watch the world’s best ice sculpting teams, but also to have a go yourself in once of the many workshops. In addition, visitors can marvel at the Northern Lights laser show, place Ice Chess and participate in fun family activities. Entry is free. 11-13 Jan

Arenacross at The O2

Fans of motocross racing will love this high-octane indoor version, which condenses the best thrills of the outdoor sport into something smaller in size yet just as spectacular. As well as thrilling races, there will be incredible motocross action from the huge ramps, off which Europe’s best freestyle riders will perform astounding feats of aerial gymnastics. This event is the first in the 2013 UK Arenacross series, and tickets start from £19 for adults. 12 Jan

The London International Mime Festival, Various Venues

Fifteen companies from around the world will be participating in this diverse and thought-provoking festival, which this year promises everything from aerial acrobatics to psychedelic puppetry. Choose from amazing shows such as punk circus at the Southbank Centre, enchanting mechanical puppets at the Barbican, or the renowned Ockham’s Razor opening the festival with acrobatics a the Platform Theatre. 10-27 Jan

This weekend is all about expanding your horizons. You can browse through an enormous selection of contemporary art, try some of the world’s rarest rums or dip yourself into the world of chocolate.

RumFest at London’s ExCel Centre
More than 400 rums are available at this two-day event, which is the world’s largest celebration of rum culture. Not only do visitors have the chance to sample some of the world’s rarest rums, but they can also enjoy tropical food, live music, interactive workshops and spectacular demonstrations from some of the world’s best bartenders. Tickets start from £20 and include sampling tokens. 13-14 Oct

Frieze Art Fair, Regent’s Par
This colossus of the contemporary art fair world is now in its 10th year, and still the best place to find new work by the world’s leading modern artists.  More than 170 art galleries from around the world are represented, offering more than 1,000 artworks for sale. A ticket (£27) also provides access to the programme of talks and screenings, as well as the special Frieze Projects. Ranging from a field of incense to some zany dining experiences, the latter are sure to add an extra-special dimension to your experience! If you prefer your art a little less modern, however, seek refuge in Frieze Masters, the neighbouring show that provides a new perspective on historical art. 11-14 Oct

Chocolate Unwrapped at the London Film Museum, Covent Garden
Chocolate-lovers will be in heaven at Chocolate Unwrapped, the delicious culmination of London’s Chocolate Week. Not only can you meet some of Britain’s best chocolatiers and sample their products, but you can also enjoy demonstrations, talks and film screenings dedicated to all things cocoa. Tickets start from £5 for children and £10 for adults. 13-14 Oct

 The BFI London Film Festival, Various Venues
There’s something for everyone at the 56th BFI London Film Festival, which features more than 250 films from throughout the world. Watch the latest animated short films, attend a celebrity gala or pick from one of the festival’s seven categories to suit your mood. Visit the festival website for film times and tickets. 10-21 Oct

Richard Hamilton: The Late Works, National Gallery
Considered by some to have created the first work of Pop Art, Richard Hamilton is one of Britain’s greatest artists. The late painter and collage artist was planning this free exhibition before he died – head to the National Gallery to see his specially-designed exhibition space, late works and final, unfinished, masterpiece. Until 13 Jan

London will be getting its own cable car this summer, in time for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Emirates Air Line will open at midday on 28 June, allowing passengers to cross the Thames in just five minutes.

The cable car will travel between two terminals: The Emirates Greenwich Peninsula, near The O2, and The Emirates Royal Docks, close to Royal Victoria DLR station and ExCeL. It will be in operation seven days a week during the summer, ferrying up to 2,500 people per hour in each direction.

Passengers with Oyster cards can touch in to take a flight for £3.20. Passengers without Oyster or Travelcards pay a slightly higher cash fare of £4.30. There’s also a frequent flyer pass, and a 360 Degree Tour option for passengers who want to make a round trip.

The cable cars offer a great view over East London, with sites including the Olympic Park, Canary Wharf and The City.

All cabins are wheelchair accessible and each cabin can accommodate up to two bikes.

Find out more from Transport for London’s website.

Yes, we’re all excited about the Olympics. And the Queen’s Diamond Jubliee. And the London 2012 Festival.

But that’s not all we have to look forward to in London next year! Just when you thought London was already chock-full of thousands of exciting attrations, we bring you news of a few more… (And a couple which, while not new, are being revamped and restored in time for next year.)

1.    Cutty Sark Reopening, Spring 2012
The world’s last tea clipper will reopen in Spring next year. If, like me, you’ve been following the amazing diaries of the conservation of this incredible vessel, you’ll be pleased to know there’s not long to wait! You can get a sneak peek of things to come on their website.

2.    Kensington Palace Reopening, 26 March 2012
Another reopening I’m really looking forward to in 2012 is Kensington Palace. Again, I’ve been following developments at the site on their fantastic blog, and I can’t wait to see the revamped palace in all its glory come March. The gardens will be improved, as will accessibility, and they’ve got an exciting calendar of exhibitions and events  for 2012 to celebrate all the changes.  

3.    Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio Tour, from 31 March
Another piece of excitement for London next year is the new Warner Bros Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. Book now, and you can go on a behind-the-scenes walking tour of the film studios where the Harry Potter series was made.

4.    Emirates Air Line, from Spring 2012
Whether it’s used as a genuine transport link, or more of a tourist attraction, the cable car across the Thames, (called the Emirates Air Line), will also be ready next year. Linking The O2 and ExCeL, with the promise of stunning views across London, this will be one of the coolest new ways to travel in London next year…

5.    Tate Modern’s Oil Tanks, from Summer 2012
If Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall isn’t enough for you, then this summer you can get even more art at the iconic riverside gallery as Tate opens its newest space. Part of the London 2012 Festival, the Oil Tanks are two 30-metre wide and seven-metre high concrete chambers. Inside, there’ll be space for installations, performance art, films, lectures and more.

What attractions are you looking forward to seeing in 2012? Let us know in the comments below.

Madelene Yeshin
All my theatre highlights took place at The National, from Danny Boyle’s mind-blowing production of Frankenstein, to the hilarious One Man, Two Guvnors and finally to the beautiful, romantic and funny play by Daniel Kitson -It’s Alright Now, until Later. On the food front, I had an incredible dining experience at Heston’s Dinner in Knightsbridge, and dicovered a new favourite Oxford Street eatery at Riding House Café - perfect for escaping the shopping crowds. Finally, my most bizarre experience of the year was rowing across the roof of Selfridges on an emerald lake courtesy of Bombas and Parr.

Lettice Kemp
My 2011 highlights included following the craft trail at the Thames Festival, seeing Milton Jones’ stand-up show, being utterly terrified by Daleks at the Doctor Who Experience, visiting the Tower Bridge Exhibition, watching Arthur “Rory” Darvill in Doctor Faustus at Shakespeare’s Globe and attending Knit Nation for the first time. Tapping into the trend for shocking Christmas jumpers, I took a one-day knitting class at Loop and mastered Fair Isle knitting. I also took a silver clay class at the London Jewellery School and a lampshade making class at The Make Lounge, both of which I heartily recommend. Best of all was South Pacific at the Barbican: just beautiful and dreamy.

Aly Garvey
There were some gorgeous exhibitions in London this year including the Glamour of the Gods at the National Portrait Gallery which I loved. Degas and the Ballet at the Royal Academy of Arts was fantastic too. I enjoyed dinner at two of London’s most well-known restaurants, the OXO Tower and the Rib Room which have both had refurbishments this year and reopened looking better than ever with food and drinks to match.

Hannah Collingbourne
After seeing Shrek The Musical, my friend declared, “That’s the best thing that’s happened to me all week!”. I have to agree; in fact it was one of my top events for the whole year. Audience members of all ages left the theatre with a smile on their face. If you need cheering up in the dark winter months after Christmas, I’d recommend a visit to Shrek.

Lisa Williams
Walking along the Southbank with all the beach huts, beach and drinking Pimms on the roof top garden bar during the Southbank Centre’s Festival of Britain was fantastic. I was also lucky enough to go to The O2 to watch the ATP Tennis semi-final matches, which was truly inspiring. Next would be my preview trip of the Harry Potter tour which is opening in March – I just couldn’t believe how much detail had gone into making the sets! Finally, my trip on the Orient Express: being treated like royalty, drinking champagne and eating divine food while pottering around in a beautiful train… what a year!

Jenny Owen
From the swashbuckling Pirates exhibition, to the beautiful and delicate paintings of Degas, it’s been a great year for soaking up some culture in London. I spent hours at the Mirá½¹ exhibiton at Tate Modern, and now we have the Dickens exhibition, which I think really deserves all the hype. Other stand-out moments included visiting The Ritz (every bit as decadent as I’d imagined); touring the Tower of London by night and visiting beautiful Lancaster House during a rare public opening.

Lianne Kolirin
Matilda was unquestionably the highlight of my year in London. The kids loved it too, but you don’t need a little one in tow to appreciate this musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic. I also enjoyed visiting World Travel Market over the autumn. Practically every country around the world occupies a tiny corner of the enormous ExCel exhibition centre. It’s so huge; you could spend a whole week taking in the atmosphere. Earlier in the year, I saw John Bishop compere a comedy benefit in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall. So many great acts, so many laughs. Best of the bunch was Seann Walsh, who is definitely a face to look out for in 2012.

Tom Butler
2011 has been a great year for discovering new spaces in London, from inside the former Commonwealth Institute as part of Open House London, to the Eden Project-designed Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden & Bar for the 60th anniversary of the Festival of Britain. I’m glad this beautiful, grassy rooftop will be back in 2012. Other highlights included a Q&A with author Kazuo Ishiguro at a screening of Never Let Me Go in February (the venue, the Ritzy in Brixton, had an incredible year of events celebrating its 100th birthday), and Hackney Wicked in July. Finally, the best single moments were the decision to award the 2017 World Athletics Championships to London, and the discovery of (possibly) London’s best burritos at Picante Mexican Grillin Victoria – both are a fantastic result for the city.

Zoe Craig
There have been some great shows in London this year. Highlights for me included the brilliantly acted plays Clybourne Park, Frankenstein and The Westbridge; and classy musicals Crazy For You, Matilda and Betty Blue Eyes. Best of the lot was One Man, Two Guvnors – a wonderful script, a fantastic cast, and whole lot of fun. I also loved seeing the new Penguin Beach at London Zoo earlier in the summer.

What were your highlights of 2011? Let us know in the comments below…

Two for One Tickets to Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model Live: A great offer for a glamorous day out. Fashionista’s won’t want to miss this three-day fashion, beauty and shopping event at ExCel in October.

Two for One Dirty Dancing Theatre Workshops: You’ve seen the film and watched the live show, now it’s time to dance the dance! Pick up a few moves with dance steps and routines set to music from the successful live show (various dates throughout 2011).

Kids’ Premier League Football Tickets for £1: Enjoy a family day out at Craven Cottage as Fulham FC take on Blackburn Rovers. Kids tickets are just £1!

The multi-talented Mayor of London Boris Johnson today turned his hand to Boccia, the uniquely Paralympic sport, in celebration of the two-year countdown to the start of the Paralympic Games.

Joined by Paralympian wheelchair basketball player, Ade Adepitan, Johnson played the game – which is similar to bowls – on a full size Boccia court in Trafalgar Square.

The London 2012 Paralympic Games kick-off with the Opening Ceremony on 29 August 2012. Boccia will be played at London’s ExCeL during the 2012 Paralympic Games, with seven gold medals up for grabs.

If you fancy yourself as the next Boccia star or you want to see the GB Boccia gold medalists Dan Bentley, Zoe Robinson and David Smith in action, head to Trafalgar Square this morning.

Just when you thought hosting the London 2012 Olympic Games was exciting enough; plans for a stunning £25 million cable car crossing of the Thames have now been unveiled.

The privately funded cable car would transport up to 2,500 people an hour in a five-minute crossing between the Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks.

The 50 metre high construction, which spans the river, would enable a quicker link between the O2 Arena and the ExCeL Centre – both Olympic venues.

London Mayor Boris Johnson said:

“A cable car spanning the majestic Thames would not only provide a unique and pioneering addition to London’s skyline, but also offer a serene and joyful journey across the river.”

He added: “Passengers would be able to drink in the truly spectacular views of the Olympic Park and iconic London landmarks whilst shaving valuable minutes from their travelling time.

“It would also provide a much needed enhancement of cross river options to the east of the city.”

The cable car has been a successful mode of transport in a number of cities including Rio de Janeiro, Cape Town and Barcelona.

It sounds fantastic! Are you as excited about this new scheme as we are?