Hotel Openings

This month, Blackfriars has gained two new hotels: Ibis London Blackfriars and Novotel London Blackfriars, which both opened on 1 October.

Ibis London Blackfriars is a new build and the new flagship for the economy hotel brand. Ibis London Blackfriars features 297 comfortable bedrooms with free WiFi, Freeview TV and USB docking stations. There’s also a communal “living space” where guests can relax and socialise.

Novotel London Blackfriars is another new build, with 182 guest rooms. This four-star hotel is all about the technology, from self check-in desks, to a virtual concierge, and electronic shower privacy screens. Hotel restaurant Elements serves up British-European cuisine and offers TV tables and iPads to entertain lone diners.

Coming Soon

Hot on the heels of ibis London Blackfriars, ibis London Shepherd’s Bush opens on 15 October. The hotel offers similar facilities to its sister hotel but in West London.

Coming to London this November, the first new InterContinental hotel in the capital for 36 years. InterContinental London Westminster will be located in Queen Anne’s Chambers, a former government building opposite St James’s Park Tube station. It will feature 256 guestrooms, including 44 suites; a smoke house restaurant and bar; and a lounge named after Emmeline Pankhurst.

Drinking, Dining and Partying

The Montague on the Gardens is bringing some Christmas cheer to its outdoor Wood Deck by turning it into a ski lodge complete with pine cones, falling snow and reindeer. The Montague Ski Lodge will be open to guests, parties and visitors from 20 November to 31 December. Book a personal pass for £20 and enjoy three vodkas from a choice of 12 and a tasting platter, but hurry as many days are already fully booked.

Guests at One Aldwych can enjoy some R&R in the hotel’s new private lounge. The area is fully serviced with a changing menu throughout the day; coffee table books chosen by designer Paul Smith; and iPads, newspapers and magazines. Watch the video to find out more:

Hotel Vegas is offering the ultimate New Year’s Eve party. Hosted by Pacha London and The Grosvenor Hotel, revellers can party all night at the club and then stay at the nearby hotel for just £110 per person (£220 per room based on two people sharing). Not bad as club tickets alone cost £45 each, and breakfast and late checkout is included. Book tickets

Extra, Extra

• A new restaurant, The Oceanic, has opened at Radisson Blu Edwardian Heathrow, serving up steak and seafood in Art Deco surroundings
• St Martin’s Lane hotel is showing an exhibition of work by artist Beatrice Boyle until 29 October
• The Melia White House hotel is hosting an Italian food festival from 15 to 29 October. Visitors can sample dishes from North East Italy at the hotel’s bars and restaurants, including antipasti from £1.50 per dish

What else?!

Happy New Year from all at www.visitlondon.com…

Danny Boyle, director of hit films like Slumdog Millionaire and Trainspotting, and Artistic Director of the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games loved the show on 31 December.

He was so impressed, he’s thinking of using a similar firework display for the Opening Ceremony.

“The fireworks at New Year’s Eve were amazing, weren’t they? There was this big debate, should there be fireworks [at the opening ceremony] or not because they’re not very green. I’m sure they will after New Year.” 

If you’re a fan of Boyle’s work, don’t miss his new film, 127 Hours which opens this week in London, or check out his first play for the National Theatre, Frankenstein from February.

If you’ve survived the first morning back at work (at least the sun’s shining in London!), why not take a little break from all that January planning and enjoy the spectacle from last Thursday night.

New Year’s Eve certainly went with a bang in the capital! Did you see the fireworks? Let us know what you thought of the show.

We’ve done all the legwork for you, and found some brilliant New Year’s Eve clubs that still have tickets available. We can’t promise how long for though, so gather your friends and book your tickets now:

• Ministry of Sound NYE Live at The O2
  Make sure your New Year’s goes off with a bang at this huge night in Greenwich with sets from Calvin Harris, Eric Prydz, Justice and Deadmau5.
• The Last Days of Decadence
  Just because it’s nearly 2010, doesn’t mean you can’t pretend it’s 1929! Party vintage stylee with live accordion, electro-swing and cabaret favourite Dusty Limits in Shoreditch.
• Big Chill Bar
  If you can’t stand pricey clubs on New Year’s Eve, drop into the Big Chill Bar which has free entry all night and special guest Mark E.
• Taman Gang
  Go upmarket at pan-Asian restaurant Taman Gang. Join the post-dinner party for burlesque, celebrity hosts, and a champagne pyramid to count down to 2010. Dress code is glamorous so don’t hold back!
• Fantasy Island NYE at Camino
  Enjoy the carnival atmosphere with the best Balearic beats at Spanish bar Camino. Featuring big bass lines from Latin Dub Sound System, DJ Cosmo and resident DJ Richard Norris. There’ll even be “outdoor activities” in the courtyard (fingers crossed it doesn’t snow!)

New Year’s Eve in London is always a fantastic night.

Whether you’re watching the fireworks on The Thames, clubbing or enjoying a small house party with some close friends, it’s always one of the best nights of the year.

London has so much to offer to help you celebrate 2010. You can take a cruise on the Thames for top views of the fireworks, eat at a restaurant with a view, or just party at one of London’s many, many New Year club nights.

We want to know what you’re up to this Thursday? Let us know in the comments below. Have a fantastic time and remember, kids, stay safe!