Paddington and the Draycott Hotel

London’s posh Draycott Hotel woos kids this winter with a Paddington Bear Experience, timed to coincide with the Paddington 2 film, which opened in the United States in January. The package includes a welcome gift; on-property, kid-friendly activities, and a menu of curated adventures around the city linked to the iconic bear’s popular children’s books.

For those not familiar with the story, based on the A Bear Named Paddington stories written in the late 1950s by Michael Bond, Paddington leaves his home in the Peruvian jungle for London, where he learns to love his new life in the city and his new adoptive family, all while teaching everyone he meets the value of kindness and optimism along the way. He also has adventures at well-known locations around the city, as he tears around town dressed in his signature red hat and blue coat.

© Draycott Hotel

Playing on that theme, the Draycott welcomes young guests with their own talking Paddington Bear present and entertains them with a Paddington-themed miniature high tea with special treats (Hint: Paddington loves orange marmalade sandwiches, so don’t be surprised to see them on the menu). A traditional English afternoon tea also is available for adults who want to try classic scones and clotted cream, among other highlights.

© Draycott Hotel

The concierge will also help families take advantage of Visit London’s Paddington Bear Day Out for Families itinerary, which incorporates locations from the book and the films, offering insider tips on fun things to do at each location.

Settings kids will recognize from the stories include Paddington train/tube station, Little Venice, Regent Street, South Kensington and Piccadilly Circus. Of course, the concierge can also suggest other family-friendly activities in London, including famous parks, museums and other landmarks.

© Draycott Hotel

Many of the hotel’s family suites include fireplaces, adjoining bedrooms, separate kitchenettes, garden views and enough elbow room for kids to play.

The 35-room, 5-star Draycott Hotel, located off toney Sloane Square in Chelsea, occupies a posh townhouse comprising three, restored, red-brick Edwardian homes. The overall feel is exclusive without being stuffy, so your family can feel special — but not intimidated.

The Paddington Bear Package is subject to availability and can be booked through the reservations team or on the website with the promotional code PROPAD.

Guests also receive complimentary hot chocolate for children and Champagne for the grown-ups each evening, free juice, homemade biscuits and unlimited WiFi during their stay.

For updated rates, itineraries and other information contact the Draycott Hotel at reservations@draycotthotel.com.

© Draycott Hotel