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Late Checkout is TQE’s travel vertical. Whether you’re seeking an Eat Pray Love moment of your own, or a wholesome family sojourn, we hope you embark on an adventure requisite of a late checkout below.
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Some travel routes demand a pit stop, whether you want one or not. In my case, there were zero direct flights from Los Angeles to Crete during summer, so I got a little creative with my route to avoid those peak-season fares. And since it was my second time visiting the Greek island, I decided to stack a city I’d never been to and treat it as an extended layover. A micro vacation, if you will.
The plan was to land in London for two nights, head to Crete to float in the sea for a while, then circle back for two more nights in the city before flying home. I figured it would be a convenient layover – nothing more. But by the time I returned for that second London leg, I was rested, slightly sun-drunk, and finally adjusted to the time zone. And instead of trying to "do London" in one frantic blur, I decided to zoom in. I booked a hotel in Mayfair and let the neighborhood set the pace – no big itinerary, just two days to see what the city does best when you keep things local.
Before You Start: Maximize Experience, Not Landmarks
Eight hours in London won’t get you far, but 48 hours in one neighborhood can take you surprisingly deep. Lucky for you, Mayfair is compact, richly detailed, and practically made for the flâneurs of the world. Obviously nothing is binding you to its exact perimeter, but resist the urge to criss-cross the city – staying local lets you savor more and sidestep the blisters. In my experience, a memorable trip isn’t about checking off landmarks but immersing yourself in the culture without a stressful itinerary. That’s especially true for short visits (three days or less), when jet lag and delays can unravel even the best-laid plans.
Where to Stay: A Wilde-Worthy Home Base
The Mayfair Townhouse
If you’re only staying for 48 hours, don’t overthink it – just book The Mayfair Townhouse. Nestled on Half Moon Street (a location with deep LGBTQ+ history and literary roots), the storied Townhouse feels like the love child of a members-only club and a Wildean fantasy. You're just steps from Green Park, Piccadilly, and the Royal Academy – but if you're staying here, don’t be surprised if you linger longer indoors than expected.
This 172-room boutique property is spread across 15 restored Georgian townhouses (seven of them listed buildings) and is steeped in Mayfair lore. It’s posh and proper on the outside, but the decor inside (by Goddard Littlefair) is full of elegance, irreverence, and plenty of cheeky detail—like the 25,000-crystal peacock perched in the lobby.
Rooms and suites come stocked with Dyson tools, Nespresso machines, and a complimentary mini bar (yes, really), with select suites offering private patios and panoramic West End views. If you’ve ever singed your ends on a hotel hair dryer from the last century, you’ll understand why I nearly wept at the sight of an in-room Dyson. Beauty editor–approved.
Downstairs, the Dandy Bar serves up theatrical cocktails in a moody, members-club atmosphere (minus the gatekeeping), while the Club Room handles all-day dining in a relaxed, residential lounge setting. Don’t miss the breakfast service, where a generous spread of options are laid out each morning—with a cappuccino it’s the perfect start to your day.
Rates from £252/night. Dog-friendly.
What to See: Royal Rituals, Arcades, and Art That Pushes Boundaries
Even with limited time, Mayfair makes space for culture and classic British spectacle. There are plenty of sightseeing configurations one could devise, but (in my humble opinion) these offer the most flexibility without feeling precious. Add them onto your map’s saved locations and use them to fill in any gaps of time – like between your must-sees or meals.
Royal Academy of Arts
Founded in 1768 and still run by artists, the Royal Academy blends tradition with boundary-pushing exhibitions—recent shows have featured Marina Abramović, Ai Weiwei, and Tracey Emin. Its collection includes student work across centuries, including a rare replica of The Last Supper believed to be painted by da Vinci’s pupils. Entry is free for qualified students, and the museum shop is a design-lover’s dream.
Changing of the Guard
Yes, it’s peak tourist fare, but is an experience worth making the effort for. Watch the ceremony at Buckingham Palace (a short walk from Mayfair) and lean into the pomp of it all. For planning purposes, you can get the full breakdown and schedule here – but word on the street is to aim for the morning displays and get there 30 minutes early for a good spot.
Piccadilly Circus
A quick stop for an iconic photo and a reminder that London contains multitudes – this is Mayfair’s chaotic side. I popped into the massive Boots at the Circus (think CVS on steroids) to grab a few beauty buys I can’t get at home – Kent brushes, UK Lash serum, the works.
Burlington Arcade & Royal Arcade
These glass-roofed arcades feel like the posh blueprint for the shopping malls I grew up with – except here, shoeshiners wear top hats, and the shops have centuries of history. I wandered in out of curiosity and ended up chatting with the team at Swaine London, who’ve been making umbrellas for royalty (and Bond films) for over 200 years. Turns out, if it’s quiet, shopkeepers are happy to share their stories – just ask.
Where to Eat: Mayfair Icons, Hidden Bistros, and Michelin Heat
Coming into this trip, my Mayfair dining knowledge was…theoretical at best. But with a bit of research and the help of Riyas Kallan, the excellent concierge at The Mayfair Townhouse, I ended up with a hit list that delivered more than just good meals – it offered an education in British indulgence. There are still a few places I didn’t make it to, but that’s what return trips are for, right?
Pro tip: Reservations go fast, so try to book ahead – especially for Kitty Fisher’s.
Kitty Fisher’s
Just around the corner from The Mayfair Townhouse, Kitty Fisher’s is the kind of spot that feels like a local secret – even though everyone’s trying to get a table. The candlelit bistro is named after an 18th-century courtesan-slash-celebrity, and was once a Georgian-era bakery. Now, it’s cleverly reimagined into two stacked, incredibly snug floors. Space is tight, staircases are narrow, and the staff maneuvers it all with balletic precision.
Standouts included the wood-grilled wing rib steak with brown sauce, wild mushroom risotto, and the famous crispy potatoes that lived up to my server’s hype. The endive salad makes a noble attempt to offset it all. Request a table downstairs to dine among remnants of the building’s former life – and give yourself the gift of a short walk home if you're staying at the Townhouse just around the corner. I clocked over 30,000 steps that day and still considered skipping the nightcap in favor of bed.
Bentley’s Oyster Bar
An old-school British seafood institution that’s been shucking oysters since 1916 – and still somehow feels like a hidden gem. Since it was a rare 70° and sunny kind of afternoon, I opted to sit outside, but made a mental note: the cozy bar inside, with its marble counters and old-world charm, looked like the perfect refuge for a rainy London lunch.
I started with warm soda bread and seaweed butter (that I’m still reminiscing about), followed by a dozen local oysters, a bright chicory, pear, walnut & pomegranate salad, and a surprisingly excellent yellowfin tuna tartare – a California classic treated with the reverence it deserves. Tack on a glass of champagne if you feel so inclined (I did) to let it inspire an inevitable post-lunch retail stroll.
The Ivy (Marylebone)
After wandering through Regent Street, Marylebone’s outpost of The Ivy Brasserie practically summoned me to regroup, recaffeinate, and reset. It wasn’t on my itinerary, but with the sun out and my feet protesting, it felt like the perfect spontaneous detour.
Ogling its enormous and maximalist space(lush upholstery, mirrored walls, and vibrant art on every surface), I slid into a seat at the glowing stone-topped bar and ordered their Afternoon Tea Blend, which arrived just as the brunch crowd hit full champagne-fueled chatter. It’s not a hidden gem by any means, but it is a beautifully styled breather with prime people-watching and a very good cup of tea.
AngloThai
As I made my way to the restaurant, the after-work crowd had fully clocked out – tailored trousers, loosened ties, and pints in hand, spilling onto the pavement outside every pub. Then came AngloThai: a Michelin-starred oasis tucked quietly into the chaos, offering a completely different energy.
Its tasting menu bridges fiery Thai flavors with hyper-seasonal British produce – a must if you're craving a break from Mayfair’s cream-sauce routine. Standouts included crispy pork belly with chili and plum, airy brioche to mop up a blazing jungle curry, and a coconut ash cracker topped with local crab and caviar that nearly stopped time. As someone who frequents L.A.’s Thai Town for comfort staples like pad see ew and coconut curry, I loved seeing familiar flavors reimagined through a fine-dining lens. The menu rotates with the seasons, but their Thai-rooted and locally sourced ethos holds steady.
What to Buy: Souvenirs Worth Packing a Bigger Bag For
Thanks to new de minimis import regulations, most UK brands can’t ship to the U.S. without triggering customs duties. In other words: now is the time to buy in person. Mayfair and its nearby neighborhoods are a playground for heritage labels, niche perfumers, and the kind of things worth making room for in your carry-on.
Penhaligon’s
Eccentric and unabashedly British, Penhaligon’s is the kind of perfumery that leans all the way into its lore. Their “Portraits” collection is built around aristocratic caricatures – each fragrance paired with an elaborate character story (like The Coveted Duchess Rose or Lord George).
The boutique itself is worth a visit: elegant displays, polished counters, and cheeky British charm in every detail. The latest scent release, The Cut, nods to Mayfair’s own Savile Row and tailors’ craftsmanship. You’ll leave with more than a fragrance – you’ll leave with a story.
RIXO
Colorful, curated, and very tempting. RIXO is known for its vintage-inspired prints and effortlessly romantic silhouettes, and its boutique is just as maximalist as the clothes. Think heavy drapes, curved chaise longues, and visual merchandising that deserves a slow circuit of the space.
Their fall collection had me eyeing this leopard-print coat I definitely didn’t have room for, but I ended up choosing a lightweight embroidered blouse better suited for L.A.’s 95-degree “fall.” If you’re into standout pieces with staying power, this is a must-visit.
Mulberry
While most U.K. shoppers may take Mulberry for granted, it’s a quieter luxury brand that’s still relatively under-the-radar in the U.S. Their flagship store is a polished showcase of classic satchels, new-season leather, and British craftsmanship that feels timeless rather than trendy.
I spotted Londoners with every shape imaginable – petite crossbodies, roomy totes, and the iconic Bayswater. Their “Made to Last” ethos shows in the leathers that only get better with age. It’s a smart splurge if you’re looking for something luxe but not overly loud.
Liberty London
Just outside Mayfair proper, but it’d be rude not to go. Liberty’s Tudor exterior gives way to a labyrinthine department store that blends fashion, beauty, homewares, and holiday decor into a total aesthetic fever dream.
I started at the top floor (holiday wonderland in full swing) and worked my way down. The beauty hall rivals any American department store, and their namesake floral prints are everywhere – from pajamas to tote bags. I forgot to pack my PJs, so I grabbed a Liberty-print cotton set that makes me feel put-together every time I wear it. I also took home a little sample of their Tana Meadow Eau de Parfum – soft, floral, and impossible to forget
Gray’s Antique Market
Closed on weekends, so plan ahead – but Gray’s is a must for anyone who loves jewelry, oddities, and old-world craftsmanship. Two floors of independent dealers show off Georgian rings, mid-century modern silver, and Victorian-era trinkets that blur the line between beautiful and a little creepy (deer-tooth earrings, anyone?).
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or try things on – the vendors here are often experts with stories to tell. I learned more about mourning jewelry in 15 minutes than I had in a lifetime. While you can certainly throw down some pounds on some very fancy jewels, I found plenty of pocket-friendly pieces – like smaller charms and chains. Any piece of jewelry would make for a truly unique and historied keepsake.
Fortnum & Mason
Technically a grocery store, spiritually a museum. Fortnum & Mason’s multi-level setup is filled with tea, chocolates, biscuits, and preserves that feel far too pretty to eat. You will get overwhelmed – just embrace it.
I recommend grabbing a takeaway scone and tea on the lower level, then perusing with purpose. I left with a tin of their Royal Blend and a bag of lemon sherbet candies that I carefully rationed to last through my flight home.
Honorable Mention: Magg’s Bros. Rare Books
Sadly closed during my weekend window, but this rare bookstore came highly recommended by a local who swore by its eclectic catalog – and even alluded to its more risqué offerings during certain eras (yes, allegedly including prostitution directories for the Mayfair elite).
Even from the outside, it’s enchanting. I spotted a first edition Beatrix Potters’ Tale of Squirrel Nutkin in the window and immediately felt like I was peeking into a collector’s secret stash. Next time, I’m making a weekday appointment.
Final Thoughts: Mayfair, Distilled
You’ll come home smelling better, dressing sharper, and maybe carrying a bag full of books and bergamot. But more than that, you’ll leave with something rarer: a slowed-down, hyperlocal glimpse of London at its most refined – and most human.
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