If you are planning on doing some London business travel, make sure that you follow December travel tips and London transport updates to make the most of your visit. With flexible bookings, early bird offers, and vital amenities that will make any business trip to London productive and comfortable, why not stay with Crown Group of Hotels and enjoy peace of mind alongside the festivities?
What’s Different About Business Travel in London During November & December?
London business travel during November and December is a different experience compared to the rest of the year. Festivities are in full swing, and people from all around the world are visiting the UK’s capital to soak it all in. This distinctly seasonal atmosphere means that streets and shops are bustling, prices are higher, and there are a wide variety of festive events and shows that everyone should get to experience at least once.
Some key differences in business travel in London in November and December may include:
- Peak corporate demand – year-end meetings, planning sessions, and conferences make diaries busier for anyone visiting London for business. There is also greater competition for central accommodations and meeting spaces, so there could be cancellations and delays
- Festive travel pressures – Christmas markets, shopping events, and seasonal shows increase footfall across the city and bring tourists from all over the world. Expect journey times and availability of transport to change, and trains and buses to be busier than usual
- Shorter daylight hours – dark mornings and early sunsets can make travelling around London feel completely different, and more people will seek out safe, convenient locations and well-lit routes to get between hotels, offices, and event venues in the mornings and late afternoons
- Higher hospitality engagement – the need for client entertainment rises significantly in November and December. It is common for restaurants, bars, and private dining rooms to book up quickly and leave fewer walk-in spots for visitors and travellers
- Weather considerations – the cooler temperatures mean travellers will favour hotels offering reliable heating, comfortable lounges, and seamless in-house dining to avoid going outdoors where possible. Visitors will also seek out cosy restaurants and other venues
- Higher costs – increased prices of hotels, flights, and even everyday items will hit during November and December. Visitors may need to be prepared to spend more than they would at other times of year
How Will London’s Holiday Season Affect Transport, Flights and Trains?
The holiday season in London brings more travel disruptions than usual, delays, packed transport, and higher costs in some cases. With more people in the city during November and December, you can expect public transport to be busier than normal, with buses and Tubes packed with locals and tourists getting across the city.
Due to weather and technical reasons, there may also be more delays during this time of year. Buses and cabs are likely to get caught in congestion during rush hour, and trains may run into technical difficulties depending on the tracks.
For flights, you can expect to see higher prices at any peak tourism period. However, you do not need to worry about increased fares for public transport. The same cannot be said for Ubers or taxis, due to higher demand and increased congestion.
When Should You Book Hotels in London to Avoid Holiday-Price Surges?
Whether for London business travel or tourism, if you are visiting the capital during November or December, we strongly recommend booking hotels weeks or months in advance wherever possible. Here at Crown Group of Hotels, we offer early bird options for travel throughout the year that can save you considerable amounts of money.
The more in advance you can book accommodations, the less you will typically have to pay. However, please remember that not all hotels do this, and there may be limitations on when discounts are active along with blackout dates.
How Can You Stay Productive and Comfortable During a Holiday-Season London Trip?
To stay productive and comfortable during a business trip in the holiday season, you will need to plan ahead, use hotel workspaces, and make sure to book accommodations with fast Wi-Fi, a desk, and anything else you might need, such as a quiet zone or decent soundproofing.
As London can get cold this time of year, we also encourage you to double-check that your hotel room has reliable heating to ensure that you remain comfortable no matter the weather outside. Any hotel should be understanding of any needs you might have, such as not disturbing your stay to allow you to be productive during your stay.
Below are some tips for staying productive when visiting on a business trip:
- Optimise your workspace and desk area (clutter-free, minimise distractions, etc)
- Use hotel amenities such as Wi-Fi and beverages
- Try to stick to a routine that works for you
- Make use of quiet zones or noise-cancelling headphones if needed
- Keep plenty of (healthy) snacks available to fuel your work
- Take breaks when you need them and enjoy the surrounding festivities
Should You Extend Your Work Trip to Enjoy London’s Festive Atmosphere?
If possible, you should absolutely extend your London business travel so that you can enjoy the city’s festive atmosphere — but only if finances allow, and you have the energy for it! It doesn’t matter if you are visiting only for the weekend, or plan to use this time for an anniversary special, there is so much to soak in during the holiday season, and it’s well worth exploring.
What Should You Make Time to See if You Extend Your Trip?
If you do choose to extend your trip and have time to spare for fun and excitement, consider visiting the West End, taking in the various Christmas light sets, visiting Winter Wonderland Hyde Park, and even visiting free attractions like museums!
Check out these options if you are extending your London business trip:
- Take in West End shows like Disney’s The Lion King, A Christmas Carol, Nutcracker, or Les Misérables
- Visit free attractions like museums and art galleries
- Enjoy light shows or special events being put on, like the Neverland Light Festival or Luxmuralis: The Angels Are Coming!
- Saunter through festive Christmas light displays such as Christmas at Kew or the Chelsea Winter Illuminations
- Have a fun-packed day at Winter Wonderland Hyde Park
- Attend festive parties, masquerades, or balls (new ones every year!)
What Are Common Corporate Travel Risks Around Christmas?
When planning for London business travel in the festive season, remember that there are always risks of delays (for both transport and meetings), overbooked events and hotels, and challenging weather that could wreak havoc.
Please be aware of the following risks that could put a damper on visiting London around Christmas:
- Travel disruption and delays
- Event disruption
- Overbooked events and hotels
- Packed events
- Accommodation shortages
- Difficult weather
What Practical Tips Should You Follow to Mix Meetings, Work and Festive London Experiences?
Want to make the most of your London business travel? Follow these practical tips to stay on track and have the best experience during your trip:
- Book accommodation, meetings, reservations, and ticketed events well in advance
- Make use of everything the hotel has to offer, like quiet zones, desks, and free Wi-Fi
- Prioritise your schedule to utilise the limited daylight and better weather conditions
- Choose a well-situated hotel like Crown Group’s hotels for easy access to key locations
- Take breaks when needed to enjoy the festivities the city has to offer this time of year
How Can Crown Group Hotels Make Your London Business Trip Easier This Holiday Season?
Make your business trip to London stress-free — book your stay with Crown Group of Hotels today and enjoy comfort, convenience, and seasonal peace of mind on your next corporate visit. London business travel doesn’t have to be stressful, and when you stay with us, you get to enjoy some of the best locations across the city and easy access to the rest.
Stay with Crown Group of Hotels at Mabledon Court Hotel, Bloomsbury Palace Hotel, Hatton Garden Hotel, Arran House Hotel, Hotel Cavendish, or Great St. Helen Hotel, and please read through our booking and privacy policies and terms and conditions.
