The Stafford Hotel Captures the Fairytale Charm of Christmas in London

From warm winter cocktails in the hotel's iconic American Bar to caroling in its candle-lit 380-year-old wine cellar, the package invites guests to experience the magic of Christmas in one of London's most fashionable and festively decorated hotels. Available December 24 – 27, 2012, rates start at $1,456, double occupancy, and include luxurious accommodations for three nights, full English breakfast each day, a four-course Boxing Day dinner and VAT.

Tucked in the heart of St James's, the 100-year-old hotel marks its Centennial year with a holiday celebration that blends Old World charm with the modern services and amenities travelers most appreciate. Adorned with more than 100 Christmas trees, twinkling lights and poinsettias, the hotel's refined, mulled wine-scented atmosphere mirrors the comfort of an elegantly decorated holiday home. Highlights of the four-day reverie include a Christmas Eve caroling in the hotel's 380-year-old Wine Cellar, a torch-lit stroll to a Christmas Eve service at the The Guard's Chapel and The Lyttelton's traditional Boxing Day dinner featuring roast leg of Elwy Valley lamb.

In addition to its Boxing Day dinner, the hotel's beloved restaurant presents an array of holiday dining options, including a sumptuous four-course dinner on Christmas Eve featuring foie gras and chicken livers, roast scallops, Monkfish Wellington and The Lyttelton Festive Tart, priced at $152 per person, and an elegant three-course Christmas Day menu featuring lobster minestrone, roast Goosnargh turkey with all the trimmings, and homemade Christmas pudding, priced at $224 per person.

For guests who wish to extend their stay, The Stafford is also offering a special New Year's Eve feast, an appropriate prelude to the spectacular display of fireworks on the banks of the River Thames.

Bookings can be made with the reservations team under reservation.london@kempinski.com or +44 20 7493 1119. Additional information about The Stafford London by Kempinski and images are available upon request.

The Stafford's American Connection: The Stafford's American Bar first got its name back in the 1930s, when transatlantic ocean-liner travel reached its peak, and most West End hotels in London renamed their bar ‘The American Bar' in an attempt to attract the business of the increasing numbers of North American visitors. These intrepid travelers brought with them such exotic drinks as Manhattans, Martinis, Sidecars and The Vanderbilt and so the cocktail era in the UK was born. The Stafford is one of the last two hotels in London to retain this moniker. During the Second World War, The Stafford also served as a club for American and Canadian officers stationed overseas who sought refuge in the hotel's 380-year-old Wine Cellar during the Blitz. This led to the formation, in later years, of the Better 'Ole Club whose membership includes guests recognized for services above and beyond the call of duty – one of its most famous members is HRH the Prince of Wales.

Today, The Stafford remains a favorite of visiting Americans who wish to celebrate the rich history that the United States and Britain share. While the hotel provides an authentic British setting, it has made a point of ensuring its overseas guests have all the comforts of home through a variety of little touches ranging from favorite foods and cocktails to the installation of 110 Volt plugs fit to American Standards in all guest rooms.

About: The Stafford London by Kempinski