London: Which Luxury Hotel Speaks To You?
After spending almost 2-weeks 'across the pond' with SmartFlyer, my host travel agency, I both slept in and toured a multitude of hotels across the city, and one on the outskirts. And the verdict? I love this town! People are nice - British accents are positively captivating - the men are handsome - I'm obsessed with the diversity in the multitude of cultures and their cuisines - public transit runs smoothly - British humor is awesome - and the list goes on. And on.
Without further ado, please find my recommendations for every type of luxe traveler who is London-bound:
POV: You want to stay at a nice property in Mayfair - complete with wonderful service, a lively on site bar and restaurant, great toiletry products, etc. - but would prefer to spend the other 1/3 of your money per night on some serious retail therapy (vs. paying over $1,200/night on a hotel room at some of the neighboring properties).
POV: Money is not much of an object, you crave brand consistency, excellent service, high tech-everything, a Belgravia address, and some semblance of privacy. (Photos snapped by Leila Brewster Photography)
POV: You love a classic, especially one that has been reborn and refreshed. When the doorman assists you through the grand revolving doors at the entrance, you want to have your jaw drop and breath taken away by the grandeur of the lobby and common spaces. You want to really FEEL like you are in London! The idea of staying at a hotel that could very well be identical to its sister in Des Moines makes you cringe. (Hotel room photo credit: Forbes Travel Guide)
POV: You’d prefer to admire the city from your hotel room’s binoculars by way of floor-to-ceiling windows than by taking the risk of potentially getting stuck with a view of a brick wall or air conditioning units in Mayfair or the like. Anything under 35-stories is old-fashioned and child’s play. You love the brand consistency of the Asian chain, and would prefer not to be surprised by overly-frilly comforters, too many classic ‘color wheel’ hues, (gasp) carpeting, or an overwhelming amount of building history.
POV: You're looking for a true urban retreat. A sanctuary amongst the hustle and bustle. A boutique property that feels more like a super private member's club than a hotel. You crave color, worship design, and have an innate desire to be surrounded by whimsical beauty, all the while staying true to your grounded heart's center. The food and beverage program must also be top notch, as you may not even want to leave again once you’ve checked in!
POV: While you respect the Maybourne Hotel Group's collection of grande dame properties in London (The Berkeley, The Connaught and Claridges), you value space, light, floor-to-ceiling windows, and are positively giddy at the idea that you may be the first person to stay in a hotel room. The Emory, located next door to its big sister, The Berkeley, is not even fully completed, but its suites are some of the most gorgeous in town. If you crave privacy, low key luxury, and "modernist quietude," The Emory has your name on it. Embroidered, of course. (Photos courtesy of The Emory)
Red Carnation properties: The Rubens at the Palace, Hotel 41
POV: You're London-bound. Perhaps it's your first visit, or maybe it's your 10th. That said, when you travel abroad, you want the hotels you choose to exude the character of the city/town/country in which you're visiting. Excellent service and authentic dining experiences are of utmost importance (check out the photos, below), and you get a kick out of knowing that not one room within the building's walls is identical to the other.
POV: You're probably under the age of 40 - have deep pockets and travel often - boast an international Soho House membership - and define a hotel room merely as a sleeping lair. You worship Ian Schrager's innovative interior design, love a good hotel bar, and an onsite restaurant that’s hip enough for even the locals to frequent. Top-notch service and Le Labo toiletries are non-negotiables for you (even though you're never without your bottle of Santal 33), as is having the option to order that late night cheeseburger on the room service menu that makes staying here worth it, in and of itself.
POV:
1) You're a local planning a quick, romantic weekend away from the city with your paramour.
2) You're traveling with your family and are looking for a place with plenty of space: Golf for husband, a full-service spa for yourself, and more activities for your children than you could have ever imagined possible. The Grove is akin to a luxe sleep-away camp for the ages.
*Fun fact: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter is located just a 5-minute drive from The Grove!
I had the pleasure of getting to stay at The Grove for two nights in one of their newly-refurbished Mansion suites. I learned how to axe-throw, play golf, and talk myself out of being terrified of a dark-bottom indoor spa pool. The food and beverage facilities were outstanding, to boot. The staff almost had to pry me off-campus on the day of departure!