How to Experience London Like a VIP

London is a fantastic city to visit when you’re in the mood to indulge yourself in total luxury and many of the city's most opulent districts will be sure to make you feel like a VIP. Whether you're on the lookout for great shopping, fantastic entertainment or fine dining, this guide should set you on the right track for upgrading your next trip to London with a taste of the high life...

Enjoy a night at the theatre

London's theatre scene is famous around the world, and with good reason. The West End has developed an enviable reputation for excellence, showcasing many of the most respected figures in the global theatrical scene as well as fostering plenty of home-grown talent. There are lots of ways to upgrade your theatre trip when you're next staying at hotels near Hyde Park, including purchasing special VIP and hospitality tickets which include everything from better seats at your chosen show, to a champagne reception or a meal before the performance itself.

To make the most of these opportunities, we recommend booking your tickets in advance – this will help ensure you get access to the best hospitality packages and don't miss out on the bestselling shows in the city.

See the sights

With such a wealth of great architecture and history at your fingertips, it’s time to start exploring London's most iconic tourist attractions. There are many luxurious properties to set your sights on, including the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace. London's palaces are mostly open to the public during the summer months, but you can also enjoy a stroll along the adjoining Mall all year round, or stroll around Kensington Gardens to discover more of the heritage behind this popular destination.

If you want to experience great views, then you can either head for the Shard and take in the scenery from the top – or see the panoramic London skyline by taking a spin on the London Eye. There are ways to upgrade to a VIP experience by renting your own private capsule or adding a glass of champagne to your ticket, which is a lovely way to treat someone special and also enjoy a little luxury treatment.

Experience London's nightlife

There are many different ways to enjoy a night out in London, but if you're in the mood for the VIP experience, then you're in luck! While we may not be able to get you on the guest list of some of the city's most popular venues, there are many incredible bars near Hyde Park where you can get a taster of the VIP lifestyle.

Dine in style

You'll never be short of great dining options while staying in London, with every possible taste catered for and plenty of incredible Hyde Park restaurants right on your doorstep. To experience London's true culinary flair without leaving your hotel, head for the restaurant and bar, where you can experience daily dishes in beautiful surroundings, sue to make you feel like a true VIP.

With ornate, Edwardian-style touches, the theatre bar also provides visitors with a gateway to a more elegant time, and there's everything from appetizers to main courses to choose from, alongside an equally impressive selection of wines and beers.

For an added touch of luxury, you can indulge in some freshly-made cakes each afternoon, a fantastic way to experience afternoon tea at your own pace.

Dress to impress

Few VIPs like to be seen without looking their best, so to make yourself feel like a celeb during your stay in London, be sure to always dress to impress. This doesn't have to break the bank. There are lots of great shopping districts in London (such as the ever-popular Oxford Street) where you can pick up some high street finds which make you look and feel fantastic.

Shop like a royal

Fortnum & Mason is one of the city's true heritage brands, formed in the 1700s. Today, the store caters to everyone from celebrities to the Royal Family, as well as stocking products sourced from Prince Charles' own Highgrove Estate. This is the perfect space to pick up a few luxury treats to enjoy during your stay in London, or even some very special gifts for people back home.

Visit a luxury shopping district

If the great British high street doesn't appeal, why not go for something more luxurious? There are several affluent areas of London which cater to a high-end clientele, so whether you've come ready to shop at some of the big luxury brands or simply want to upgrade your window shopping, you'll have the chance to do both! There are lots of designer names to choose from, so we recommend enjoying a breakfast around Paddington before setting out for a day of luxury shopping. For big labels, go to districts such as Bond Street for everything from Rolex watches to Tiffany and Cartier jewellery.

Browse a famed department store

It’s not just individual stores which can help you to upgrade your experience in London, however. Some of the most popular spaces for retail therapy are the city's department stores – most prominently the likes of Harrods, Selfridges and Liberty London. At each, you can either browse yourself or indulge in a range of VIP experiences such as hiring a personal shopper – sure to help you pick out some great pieces while also feeling very special indeed.

Every one of these stores carries its own history and style, and stocks everything from perfume through to fashion, home décor and even speciality food.

Take a trip to Madame Tussauds

A tried and tested way to make you feel like you're mingling with the rich and famous, Madame Tussauds is arguably the world's most popular wax museum. Here you can rub shoulders with plenty of real VIPs, as well as grabbing some photographs and discovering more about the glamorous side of the city.