On September 15th, detective fans around the world will celebrate the 125th birthday of famed mystery writer Agatha Christie. And there will be no better place to toast to the acclaimed author than at the Draycott Hotel in London, which boasts Edwardian touches that would charm anyone—even Hercule Poirot.
Located right off of London’s Sloane Square, the Draycott is filled with period details like high ceilings, rich fabrics, Victorian antiques, and in-room fireplaces. There are plenty of modern touches, too, like complimentary WiFi and iPod docking stations, which makes the hotel the ideal place to take a trip through the past without giving up contemporary conveniences.
Each room of the hotel is decorated in homage to the theater and the big personalities that have walked the boards on London’s stage. (Think: Noel Coward, Vivien Leigh, Peggy Ashcroft.) Designed by interior designer Rupert Lord the theme rooms reflect the actors’ personalities without being overbearing, like the Gertrude Lawrence suite, which is as elegant and graceful as the actress herself. Appropriately enough, one of the rooms is dedicated to Margaret Rutherford, who is best known for bringing to life Miss Marple, Christie’s whip-smart and prim little old lady detective who outsmarted everyone she came across. Christie dedicated the novel The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side to Rutherford in recognition of her work.
The Draycott offers afternoon tea and homemade biscuits at 4 p.m., champagne at 6 p.m., and bedtime hot chocolate and biscuits at 9:30 p.m. Any of those options would be a lovely way to end a day spent walking the Agatha Christie tour of London before heading out to a performance of Christie’s The Mousetrap, which is celebrating its 63rd year in London’s West End, making it the longest running play in the world.
Guests of the Draycott also have exclusive access to the tranquil Cadogan gardens, which would be the perfect spot to curl up with a good mystery on a sunny afternoon.
