The Grandeur of Wimbledon

On certain levels, the All England Club at Wimbledon can be as stuffy as an allergic nose in pollen season. However, beyond the required white for players and staid Centre Court, the tournament is a venerable event as regal as the monarchy itself.

So ingrained is Wimbledon into Brits that even legendary afternoon tea takes a backseat to volleys and 120 mph serves during the tournament's Fortnight, held annually in the last week of June and first week of July. Cab drivers excitedly discuss the matches and yearn for the day when the boorish but brilliant John McEnroe intimidated meek officials with periodic outbursts.

Tennis enthusiasts accustomed to the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament in Queens, N.Y. might experience a bit of culture shock when hopping the pond. Wimbledon, with its pristine, manicured grass courts and famed strawberries and cream, is conducted in stark contrast to the U.S.Open, which is renowned for its raucous environment and matches that often extend through the night into early morning.

While fans dress in an array of attire for the U.S. Open, ranging from khakis to camouflage most Wimbledon guests favor a tidy, casual look. Optimists bring along sunglasses, although London is known to be rainy. The grounds of Wimbledon resemble a global food court, with enough choices available to satisfy all palettes. Scones, fish and chips, hot wok, pizza, deep-fried chicken and plenty more are available at reasonable prices.

Since the first championship in 1877, Wimbledon has evolved from an exclusive garden party into a.must-see tourist attraction for world travelers and it now draws close to 500,000 people annually. For those escorted to the Royal Box to those who queue, Wimbledon hosts two weeks of pomp and circumstance not to mention two weeks of bitter frustration for Brits, who still long for their first male champion since 1936.

Visiting London in June without attending Wimbledon is considered sacrilegious and hotel rooms are as coveted as Beatles memorabilia. However, enterprising travelers can still ensure a trip to the world's most prestigious tennis tournament, complete with tickets and hotel, through several high-end tour companies. Of course, be prepared to pay top dollar for the privilege of seeing Roger Federer unleash his mighty forehand.

Tourists to London who failed to negotiate tickets ahead of time can still enjoy the action by waiting in the queue line which begins around 5 a.m. on the hallowed grounds of Wimbledon. It's actually a fun experience and a great way to meet and talk with locals who wait all year for the tournament.



Tennis fans who prefer luxurious amenities can choose accommodations at the players' hotel, the Millennium Gloucester, located in the fashionable South Kensington area which offers direct access to Wimbledon and central London. The Millennium Gloucester Hotel features 610 elegant and spacious guest rooms, three restaurants and combines a convenient location with a sense of style and character.

Situated next to Gloucester Road underground station, this hotel is perfectly positioned for visiting many of the British capital's greatest attractions. They include nearby Hyde Park and the Natural History Museum. Guests of the hotel have access to a range of facilities that will help to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay, such as 24-hour concierge and 24-hour room service, theater and tour reservations, and laundry and dry cleaning services.

Sample Indian cuisine at the hotel's Bombay Brasserie Restaurant whose signature dishes include lamb kebabs on sugarcane candies and paperwali machchi (chargrilled fish fillets with freshly ground peppercorns wrapped in parchment paper). The Bugis Street Brasserie, a Singaporean and Chinese themed restaurant, serves such gourmet delicacies as slow cooked minced pork ma po tofu and Taiwanese style chicken which is slow cooked with ginger and garlic served in a hot pot. Early risers can enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at South West 7 where a variety of classic English breakfast items are available, including Best back bacon, Cumberland sausages, hash browns, grilled tomatoes, baked beans, mushrooms, choice of fried or scrambled eggs.



One of London's best kept secrets, the Bentley Hotel is discreetly hidden in the residential area of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea providing that feeling of being home away from home. Only minutes from exclusive shopping at Chelsea's Kings Road and a stroll to Knightsbridge's world famous Harrods, the boutique hotel offers the best of both worlds; relaxation and indulgence.

With 64 luxuriously decorated bedrooms, restaurant, spa and gym, cocktail lounge and more, The Bentley London may be the perfect choice for the Wimbledon tourist. Selection of suites include a range of in-room amenities and special facilities such as leading technology, a personal safe, internet access and virtually all the expectations of a five star hotel. Exquisite designs, materials and colors imbue every room and suite with its unique and personal charm. All rooms are spacious, peaceful and beautifully furnished. The bedrooms also combine timeless elegance with classic luxury. Large bathrooms, walk-in showers and Jacuzzis are a feature in all the marble-lined bathrooms.

After a day at the All England Club, travelers can return to the Bentley Hotel for a bit of pampering. The Le Kalon Spa is an oasis of serenity and rejuvenation which promotes relaxation and luxury with its grand marble interior, intricately hand painted walls and soothing color palette. Choose from a selection of treatments including traditional and cutting edge therapy, all in the surroundings of a beautiful sanctuary. The world outside will seem light years away. The Bentley is very popular with some of the players as well as guests traveling to experience Wimbledon especially from the States and Asia, in part because of the oversized rooms and suites the hotel boasts and the luxurious additional amenities such as the spa and the restaurant and bar.

To sample Wimbledon's magnetic atmosphere up close and personal, look for a bed-and-breakfast in the quaint town of Wimbledon itself, within walking distance of the complex.

Soak in the sights and frequent the restaurants, pubs, and bakeries and you'll likely cross paths with a few players. Stop by the quaint Le Piaf for some delectable French bistro cooking and you might even bump into former Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova who's been known to dine there.

By its very nature, Wimbledon is a time honored event that never fails to capture your imagination no matter how many times you return. Combined with the luxury that London affords, a visit to Wimbledon is an experience that always inspires.