Where to stay…
Twenty six
This original Anderby chalet on the coast
dates from the 1950s and has been given a smart modernist makeover. Just the
place for a romantic seaside retreat, it sleeps up to five but works just as
well for two. Twenty six near Skegness, Lincohnshire. Enq anderbycreek.eu. From
$682.5 per week.
Burgh Island and hotel
Don’t forget your best dress if you’re
staying at Devon’s finest at Deco hotel, once frequented by Noel Coward and
Agatha Christie; guests still like to dress for dinner here. Burgh Island
Hotel, Big bury on Sea, Devon, Enq burghisland.com. Doubles from $600, half
board.
The Berkeley
Check in to one of the stylish suites at
The Berkeley Louis Vuitton fashion trunk full of antique accessories to dress
up in. the Berkeley, London SW1. Enq the-berkeley.co.uk. doubles from $412.5,
room only.
The
Berkeley hotel, London
Rum doodle
A decadent B&B in the Lake District,
Rum Doodle is named after one of its owners’ favourite 1950s books, The Ascent
of Rum Doodle. It’s decorated in discreet retro style, with vintage suitcases
and, in the Jungle Room, wallpaper taken from old maps. Rum Doodle, Windermere,
Cumbria. Enq rumdoodlewindermere.com. Doubles from $127.5, B&B.
The Cadogan
The one-time home of 19th-century
actress and royal mistress Lillie Kangtry, this is famous as the place where
Oscar Wilde was arrested. Both have suites named after them. The Cadogan,
London. Enq cagogan.com. Doubles from $268.5, room only.
Little chert
Dig out your Bida maxi-dress for a stay at
this one-bed, turquoise and orange 1970s hideaway on the Isle of Wight. It was
built as a guest annexe for a house, and both are available as holiday rentals.
Little Chert, St Lawrence, Isle of Wight. Enq nationaltrust cottages.co.uk.
From $274.5 for two nights.
Claridge’s
This iconic landmark is the grande dame of
vintage hospitality. For optimum decadence, ask for one of the original Art
Deco rooms. Claridge’s, London W1. Enq claridges.co.uk. Doubles from $382.5,
room only.
Pool house
It’s hard to avoid themed tour packages
based around the Titanic, but if you want to enjoy turn-of-the-century style in
a more graceful form, try this small hotel. The owner’s father was a cousin of
the ship’s captain, and it contains tasteful Titanic memorabilia. Brad Piit was
also a recent guest. Pool House, Poolewe, Ross-shire. Enq pool-house.co.uk.
Doubles from $412.5, B&B.
Cliveden
Part National Trust property and part
hotel, this vast Berkshire pile is the place to play out your Downton Abbey fantasies.
Former guests include every British monarch since George I, not to mention
Winston Churchill and George Bernard Shaw. Cliveden, Taplow, Berkshire. Enq
clivedenhouse.co.uk. Doubles from $315, room only.
Cliveden,
Berkshire
The Savoy
Built in 1889, the Savoy was a pioneer in
electric lighting and en suite bathrooms, but it’s best known for its mix of
opulent Edwardian and Art Deco interiors. Spruced up during a renovation ending
in 2010, it’s now back to exceedingly glamorous form. The Savoy, London WC2.
Enq Fairmont.com. doubles from $439.5, room only.
The
Savoy Hotel
