A trip to London is usually one for the books. It’s a great option for history lovers, whether interested in combing through art at the Tate Modern or diving into the sordid world of Jack the Ripper. There’s architecture galore to be found around every corner, along with cutting edge new eateries.
If you’re planning on walking around or navigating by bus, then chances are you’ll be even more exhausted when you finally make it back to your hotel room.
London isn’t for the faint of heart. Not only does it have a dizzying number of attractions, but they’re spread out across many parts of Greater London—an area that covers over 600 square miles.
If you find yourself unable to leave your hotel room thanks to fatigue, then you might be feeling a little bit of FOMO, aka the Fear Of Missing Out. In reality, getting plenty of good rest is the best way to prepare for the next day’s adventures.
And, as it turns out, there are plenty of great ways for you to unwind without having to leave your hotel room. Here are our top suggestions.
Kick Back with a Game
Gaming is more portable than ever before. Even if you didn’t lug your Steam Deck or Switch to London with you, you’ll have plenty of options available straight from your smartphone. Even more competitive games have now been adapted for mobile, including Call of Duty and PUBG.
There are also other options, including poker—which you may have seen on offer around London. Using a smartphone, you can easily sign up and start learning the basics of how to compete online.
Or, if you’re already a poker buff, you can kick back and enjoy a few table games straight from your hotel bed or couch.
Order Room Service
Depending on where you’re staying, you may have access to room service. Though London is known for being expensive, it’s still worth it to splurge on a little delivery. After all, the city is known for its elevated service and its long list of boutique hotels, many of which go above and beyond to create a tasty menu for guests.
Take a Long Bath
Room service is a luxurious option for anyone—but a bath is a classic option that will help you physically recuperate after a day of shlepping through London. Along with its hustle, the city is known for being a little dirty. In other words, a long and relaxing bath is a great way to get cleaned up while also enjoying a soothing atmosphere.
Depending on where you stay, once again, you may even have access to an in-house spa. If that’s the case, then we recommend checking out the services. Some spas offer different pools for floating, which means you can reap the benefits without forking over too much money like you would for a facial or massage.
Call Home & Connect
If time zones don’t prevent you from calling home, it’s a great opportunity to catch up with your loved ones. After all, it’s normal for all the excitement of a trip to get boiled down into a few stories after someone returns home. Those who call home throughout their trip are more likely to pass on smaller details and all the funnier stories that have happened in between the more memorable moments.
Watch Your Favourite Movie
Just like playing games, it’s easier than ever to watch your favourite movies and TV shows while on the road. Given the ubiquity of streaming platforms, you’ll probably be able to find a few favourites straight from your hotel television. However, if that’s not the case, then you almost certainly have a Wi-Fi connection that lets you stream from a laptop or smartphone.
That means you should be able to stream a title that relaxes you. Even better, you might have access to some entertainment that you normally don’t at home, as licensing and streaming rights change in every country.