London’s Ultimate Kid-Friendly Hotel

The sensation of feeling your child’s heart beating against your chest as you gently drift into sleep is surely one of the most unique and intimate sensations in the world. Then they roll over, stick a foot in your ribs and fart in your face, and you wonder why you didn’t book an extra bed when planning your night away. Luckily for me, as this exact event – quite literally – blew over me, there was enough space in our huge bed for me to roll the snoring brat an arm’s length away before rolling over and grabbing a breath of unpolluted air before once more entering the world of nod.

We had bedded down for the night in our suite at the Montague on the Gardens and, after what had been an equally exhilarating and exhausting day, were much in need of a good night’s sleep.

It’s an annual tradition that me and the first-born, a little man who has now reached the grand old age of Five, take off for a night for some serious Mummy-Son bonding time. Having enjoyed a golfing break in the sticks, then an overnight zoo visit in Hampshire, this year we decided that a trip to the Big Smoke was just the ticket.

Being a special break I wanted to book something that would really make an impression, and was recommended the Bloomsbury hotel by several in-the-know parents who would never dream of compromising comfort for convenience when it comes to travelling with tots.

Check-in is, without doubt, a dull experience for everyone. It’s bad enough when you’re approaching 40 – it must feel like forever when you’re five-years-old.

To be fair, there was a minimal wait when we arrived at the Montague, but as I set about the business of signing forms and booking meals, The Boy was whisked off to his own Reception Desk where he was invited to complete his own little Check-In. I eavesdropped a few remarks – Arsenal, macaroni cheese and Mr Men were all discussed – and as we both finished he was handed a piece of paper. “This is your hotel treasure hunt”, he was told. So we set off to count pianos and drawers in the various rooms as we made our way to our suite.

Having completed the task at hand, we arrived at our bedroom door with a code. This code was quickly entered into the safe and a certificate was found, promising a reward when handed into reception.

Booking a bed for the night in town can often mean just that – a place to rest your weary head before a day of sightseeing – but from the moment we entered the Montague on the Gardens the focus was on providing fun for my pint-sized pal. Staff face’s lit up when they saw him, and all greeted him by his name. He beamed as Mustafa the Porter enquired after the latest Arsenal score, and turned a delicate shade of pink as Georgia on reception handed him a bag full of Pick n Mix as a prize for completing the activity trail. Indulging young guests and meeting them on their level was a trait shared by all the staff we encountered during our stay, and one which I greatly appreciated.

The hotel itself is in a prime location. Just off Russell Square, it faces the British Museum, sits in the shadow of Centre Point, and is within easy walking distance of the West End as well as the beautiful seven acre space of Coram’s Fields park and playground which also boasts sand and water parks, three football pitches and a small petting zoo.

The decor at the Montague on the Gardens is, er, different. As you enter you are greeted by the bold dark oak reception giving a traditional London townhouse feel. Through the arch you enter the lounge area where guests languish on the shabby chic sofas while helping themselves to complimentary tea, coffee and hot chocolate. The restaurant is bright and open plan, and the conservatories are a little like you’d expect at a wealthy old aunt’s country estate. The Leopard Bar is worthy of its name and wouldn’t look out of place in a scene from Only Fools and Horses. Ceiling to floor is adorned with leopard print, as are the menus, and even the staff’s waistcoats, but it’s this kitsch decoration that gives the whole building its character, and makes it an enthusiastic assault on the senses for visiting kids. Much more interesting than anything minimalist, or matching!

After a few hours of exploring the local area we took our seats in the hotel’s bright ‘tearoom’ conservatory for our eagerly anticipated Afternoon Tea. His, a Little Prince option comprising jam and peanut butter sandwiches, a vanilla cupcake and ice cream sundae, mine a Safari special complete with a signature cocktail created using Amarula cream liqueur and decorated with leopard spots.

Sandwiches were freshly made and the scones were second-to-none, particularly the ever-so-fruity fruit ones. And when it came to cakes there were no complaints either. My young companion whisked a macaroon off the tray before I could say sugar rush, and I shovelled rum cake, a banana and cream lollipop, and a red velvet cupcake into my mouth as if my life depended on it.

Washed down with several cup sof deliciously aromatic Apple and Elderflower Green tea, followed by an Earl Grey, the entire occasion was utterly decadent and thoroughly enjoyable.

Once we were rested after the afternoon’s business of eating we adjourned to the Leopard Bar and The Boy was greeted by his first name once more by all the smiling staff. Luke, a particularly charming Irish bar manager, invited him round to the serving side of the bar and proceeded to give him an impromptu cocktail masterclass. Lime was squeezed and pineapple juice poured (all while I sipped a crisp glass of house wine – produced on the estate belonging to the hotel owners) and the finished article was carefully poured into a brightly

coloured Mr Men cup – bought especially by hotel staff for my Mr Men mad Little Man. I’m not sure I’ve ever witnessed such sheer pleasure spread across his face so frequently.

Having consumed our cocktail (well mocktail) and wine, we retired for the evening to our room, read six more Mr Men (yes really) and, after much rib kicking and flatulation (and that was just me…) we finally got some sleep.

At breakfast the the Royal treatment continued for my little Prince, and elevenses exceeded all expectations as his Highness was given his own personal cupcake decorating class. There really seemed no end to the hospitality and indulgence for The Boy. “It’s a very special team here,” Georgia, my son’s favourite receptionist told me. “We love kids and we love making them feel special. The family who own the hotel like to employ people who treat guests as their own, it really is an enjoyable place to work. And let’s face it, when kids are happy, their parents are happy. If we give the young ones something to do, it means Mum and Dad can take five and enjoy themselves too.”

And that’s what makes the Montague on the Gardens work. It’s grand, it’s fancy, but it’s also personal. It’s a home from home for travellers from all over the world, and it’s the kitsch charm and individual efforts of the staff that will see us returning time and again.

• Classic Double Rooms at The Montague on the Gardens start from £215 per night, including a £50 dining credit, complimentary Wi-Fi, taxes and fees. See montaguehotel.com  for more details, call 020 7637 1001. Address: 15 Montague Street, London WC1B 5BJ. Nearest stations Tottenham Court Road and Russell Square.