Hundreds of thousands of discerning travellers flock to the centre of the UK capital each and every year in search of rich culture, high-end retail, balmy weather and incredible restaurants – so here are our highlights for where to stay when you’re in “The Smoke” this summer...
1. THE JEWEL IN THE CROWN
It was summer 2012 when the UK was dishing out gold medals to the world’s most impressive Olympic athletes, but a very different kind of jewellery had already made waves in the capital just a few months earlier in the shape of Bulgari Hotel and Residences. The iconic luxury house opened a Knightsbridge hotel that pays tribute to its silversmith origins and Britain’s noble manufacturing traditions with an understated, elegant aesthetic.
The 85 rooms and suites feature exquisite detailing throughout, such as custom made silk curtains with patterns inspired by some of the classic Bulgari jewellery designs, and bed side table lamps by Bulgari’s silver candlesticks. The silver theme continues right through the hotel into the restaurant and bar with hand crafted Italian detailing such as two stunning handcrafted solid silver Bulgari chandeliers in the Ballroom, creating a dramatic centrepiece.
Open exclusively to day spa guests, members and guests of the hotel, the 2,000sqm spa spread over two floors of the Bulgari Hotel has been crafted from onyx, oak and Vicenza stone. Highlights of the spa include 11 private treatment rooms and one double spa suite, complete with its own steam room, Jacuzzi and private treatment room; a 25m swimming pool, created from Vicenza stone and featuring a shimmering green and gold mosaic; and a 150sqm fitness area with a fully-equipped, state of the art, Technogym gymnasium.
And, if the weather doesn’t hold up (it’s London, after all), the hotel celebrates its silver screen heritage with the luxurious 47-seat Richard Attenborough screening room, with cinema-quality sound and vision and an exclusively- curated library of more than 200 new and classic films available to guests. The screening room is also capable of hosting press events, advanced screenings, film premieres and is of course available to hire for private events.
BULGARI HOTEL AND RESIDENCES
SW7 1DW
+44 20 7151 1010
www.bulgarihotels.com
2. THE OTHER TOWER OF LONDON
A Knightsbridge establishment for over 55 years, Jumeirah Carlton Tower offers luxurious accommodation and generous hospitality in the heart of one of London’s most fashionable shopping districts. A modern British hotel with unrivalled leisure facilities, Jumeirah Carlton Tower attracts cosmopolitan business and leisure guests from the UK and all over the world. The hotel offers 216 rooms and suites, individually styled with a calm and contemporary feel, together with dining in the Chinoiserie lounge, The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant and The Club Room.
On top of its premium location, the hotel is noted for its fine dining and exclusive Peak Health Club & Spa. With an unrivalled panorama of the capital, The Peak is the ultimate urban retreat which boasts a fully equipped gym and two fitness studios offering over 70 classes a week, as well as spa treatment rooms, sauna, steam rooms, Jacuzzi and a 20-metre indoor stainless steel swimming pool.
Jumeirah Carlton Tower is the proud owner of many luxury suites, including its high-end Royal Suite. The Royal Suite offers a truly elevated standard of living, wowing guests with a King Size bed, butler service, truly breath-taking view over Knightsbridge and a modern kitchen with a 10 seat dining room table, as well as many other amenities designed to give guests a Royal service.
JUMEIRAH CARLTON TOWER
SW1X 9PY
+44 20 7235 1234
www.jumeirah.com
3. AN ICONIC ADDRESS
High ceilings, elegant décor and a timeless British aesthetic, The Royal Horseguards Hotel is a calm, spacious and welcoming retreat in the heart of London. Each and every room is equipped a vanity set, an iPod docking station with Bose surround sound, complimentary soft drink mini bar and fine Egyptian cotton bed linen to sink into after a day of work, play or simple city exploration. The classic look and feel is paired with tech touches – even e room safe has a built-in plug socket so you can charge your laptop while keeping it secure.
A host of rooms provide Thames views, with accessible and family rooms also available – sleeping three – while the signature suites each boast a completely individual style. One Whitehall Place at The Royal Horseguards Hotel is also one of London’s most prestigious and majestic event venues, with four rooms licensed for civil ceremonies. An elegant Victorian masterpiece with ornate sculptured ceilings, a grand marble staircase and glittering chandeliers, the hotel is perfectly located on Victoria Embankment with stunning views over the River Thames and London Eye, for a wedding to remember forever.
THE ROYAL HORSEGUARDS HOTEL
SW1A 2EJ
+44 800 330 8090
www.guoman.com
4. THE CAT’S CRADLE
Five-star heritage just footsteps from Buckingham Palace, Mayfair and many of London’s greatest landmarks, Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences was once the home of Lords and Ladies of the Royal Court. It now provides its guests with some of the most spacious and luxurious accommodation and finest personal service in London, featuring Taj’s acclaimed Golden Keys Concierge Service. Three palatial townhouses overlook a private courtyard, with each offering suites of individual character, with a choice of one-, two- or three-bedrom suites, larger residences with up to six rooms and four suave signature suites.
One such abode is the two-bedroom Jaguar Suite, a triumph of British design overseen by the carmaker’s own design director, Ian Callum, featuring bespoke furniture, artwork and displays, with subtle references to Jaguar’s timeless design style and aesthetic, no doubt familiar to those who know and love the legendary marque. The sleek design apartment alludes to both classic and contemporary Jaguar models, from the legendary 1960s E-type to the state-of-the art C-X75. Sleek wood panelling greets guests on arrival and Jaguar damask lines the bedroom walls, with intriguing design features evident throughout – from the minimalistic clean-fuel fireplace referencing the shape of the brand’s hallmark rear window, to the finest leather that lines the cars, ebony veneer doors and custom-made Jaguar wallpaper.
Foodies won’t have to hit the road, however, with three sumptuous restaurants available within the hotel, including the Michelin-starred Quilon and two bars, stocked to quench any degree of thirst. Kona, open for breakfast and dinner, offers an innovative interpretation of the colours, flavours and vibrancy of European cuisine while the recently refurbished Bistro has something for everyone with its international favourites. The new menu is full of fresh, locally sourced produce and includes delightful dishes such the ‘Traditional London platter’, as well as comforting Indian favourites and indulgent desserts.
TAJ 51 BUCKINGHAM GATE SUITES AND RESIDENCES
SW1E 6AF
+44 20 7769 7766
www.taj51buckinghamgate.co.uk
5. LONDON LIVING
Grosvenor House Suites by Jumeirah Living offers a luxurious and sophisticated lifestyle at London’s most exclusive address, Park Lane. No detail has been spared in the appointment of these stylish and contemporary suites. From daily maid service to state of the art technology, fully fitted kitchens stocked with fine crockery, cutlery and glassware, 24 hour Concierge, 24 hour in room dining and a discreet entrance with residents-only access.
Starting from 45sqm, our studios and one bedroom suites are ideal for shorter stays, while the two to three bedroom suites offer extra space for those staying longer. Ranging from 158sqm to 223sqm, our London Suites are perfect for families who will enjoy the spacious open-plan living. Each suite features three to four bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and views of Hyde Park or the rooftops of Mayfair.
The well-appointed Penthouse Suites range from 368sqm to 448sqm and feature four to five generously sized bedrooms, private lift access and spacious interiors to entertain or relax. The exclusive designer boutiques and art galleries of Mayfair are right outside our doorstep, while the world famous Selfridges and Harrods are just a short walk away.
GROSVENOR HOUSE SUITES BY JUMEIRAH LIVING
W1K 7TN
+44 20 7518 4444
www.jumeirah.com
6. THE BELGRAVIA BOUTIQUE
Located in London’s chic Belgravia district with its cobbled streets, historical mews pubs and luxury stores, Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel is one of London’s top boutique hotels with 88 guest rooms and suites. Offering outstanding value in such an exclusive residential area, the hotel is known for its warm hospitality, charming al fresco dining and access to unrivalled leisure facilities.
The relaxed Lowndes Bar & Kitchen offers guests all-day dining from its modern British menu in comfortable surroundings with a heated patio providing outside seating year-round. The Terrace, which is open in summer, offers a perfect antidote to the bustle of Knightsbridge’s busy stores and a welcome social hub for the Belgravia neighbourhood. Dotted with comfortable sofas for lounging, as well as high tables with either warming fire places for cooler evenings or built-in ice buckets to keep your bottle cool, The Terrace is the ideal destination for a sunny al fresco lunch, dinner or a weekend barbecue feast.
Guests have complimentary access to all facilities at Jumeirah Carlton Tower, located a two minute walk away, including The Peak Health Club & Spa. On top of this, Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel offers complimentary bicycles for its guests to use during their stay.
JUMEIRAH LOWNDES HOTEL
SW1X 9ES
+44 20 7823 1234
www.jumeirah.com