The Best of London from Two Four Seasons Concierges

Updated July 13—On Thursday, July 12, @FourSeasons hosted another instalment of its popular #bestofcity chats on Twitter, this time featuring two knowledgeable London Concierges. During the chat, George Murray from Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane and Jamsheed Pocha from Four Seasons London at Canary Wharf answered questions about the city’s best shopping, entertainment, dining and where to best enjoy the upcoming Summer Games. Here are some of their top picks:

Tips for Enjoying the Olympics

Best Way to Navigate Olympic Events
GM: The website Get Ahead of the Games has the most accurate up-to-date info on London transport.
JP: Renting a bicycle from Barclays Cycle Hire is a breezy way to speed through central London streets—but do be careful. The Docklands Light Railway will take you straight from the Olympic Stadium and to central London in a matter of minutes, but avoid peak times as it can get busy.

Most Anticipated Event
GM: Beach volleyball at Horse Guards Parade and the 100 metres final at Olympic Stadium for the unique venues.
JP: The opening ceremony is rumoured to be truly spectacular and will definitely go down in history as it is taking place across five London boroughs and neighbourhoods.

Best Local Athletes
GM: Cyclists Sir Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton, and all of Team GB. Plus, I’m excited to see Jamaica’s Usain Bolt possibly beat his world record.
JP: Mo Farah and Phillips Idowu.

Best Spots to Watch Events Outside of the Olympic Grounds
GM: The Hyde Park big screens and other live sites. There are big screens at pubs and other places as well.
JP: At One Canada Square in Canary Wharf on the terrace of the parlour restaurant and bar, which has huge indoor and outdoor screens.

Best Place to Watch the Road Events
GM: The Mall and Park Lane for the road events. The Park Lane Hotel is a two-minute walk from the route.
JP: The Victoria Embankment along the river and The Mall. You can watch many of the water-based events on the Thames by the embankment. Tip: Choose a spot closer to Blackfriars where you can enjoy events with Big Ben and Parliament as a backdrop. Although it may be crowded, watching events take place right in front of Buckingham Palace will certainly be memorable, such as the volleyball tournaments at Horse Guards Parade.

Best Place to Escape the Crowds
GM: Hampstead and Highgate has a village feel, wonderful walks and great views—perfect for picnics. Also, watch the Games on TV! This is how 90 percent of the Olympic audience will experience it.
JP: At Four Seasons Canary Wharf’s River-View Treatment Suite. Also try to avoid peak travel times in the mornings and early evenings.

Best Olympic-Related Events Not to Be Missed
GM: The London 2012 Festival will have fantastic performances, live concerts and events from June 21 through September 9.
JP: The torch relay—it will be going through all 33 boroughs of London from July 20–27 and will be carried by 8,000 people by the time it arrives at the Olympic Stadium.

Best Olympic-Themed Spa Treatment
GM: Yes, we have “Spa like an Olympiad” which includes three treatments: Go for Gold, Silver Stones and Bronze Essentials.
JP: We have great Thames River-inspired spa treatments featuring the Organic Pharmacy products.