Keeping on top of the hotel scene in London can be a tricky task. Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on:
The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences in Mayfair is sporting a new look. Following a renovation led by Martin Hulbert, the hotel has 134 new rooms and 10 new suites; it also transformed The Penthouse into The View, a members-style club accessible to hotel guests.
In guestrooms, visitors will find nods to the building’s Mayfair and Art Deco heritage (think: herringbone weaves, linen-lined wardrobes, silk-clad furniture and velvet cushions). Tip: As their name suggests, the Park View rooms offer the best views; for more space, opt for the Green Park Suites.
Good to know: The View offers long-haul guests a place to relax while their room is prepared or in advance of their departure. The lounge has a shower suite, free beverages and snacks prepared by Michelin-starred brothers’ restaurant, Galvin at The Athenaeum.
The renovation also touched upon the lobby, restaurant and bar, and residences; however, not all is new at the Athenaeum Hotel & Residences: The doorman, Jim — who has held the post for 25 years — remains, greeting old faces and new. Contact Stephen Fox (foxs@athenaeumhotel.com), director of sales.
The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London reopened in April. Days after reopening in June 2018 from a large refurbishment, a fire broke out on the roof, forcing the hotel to close again. Although its public spaces, such as the restaurants, entertaining and events spaces, debuted in December, the full hotel only just came back online. Now, rooms and suites have a new look by designer Joyce Wang, who took inspiration from the park location and the glamour of the “golden age of travel.” In-room highlights include marble bathrooms and, in the suites, libraries curated by London bookseller Heywood Hill. Notably there are two brand new penthouse suites.
A new, enlarged spa has 13 treatment rooms, an amethyst crystal steam room, a sanitarium and a vitality pool. Mandarin Oriental teamed up with Nescens, the Swiss brand that uses medical expertise on cellular aging. Contact Andrew Rein (arein@mohg.com), director of travel industry sales – London and Paris.
One Aldwych has reopened after a five-month closure. The Covent Garden hotel updated its guestrooms and suites, lobby bar and restaurant. Four suites were added and the bar is now separated from the lobby check-in area. The new restaurant, Indigo, is led by executive chef Dominic Teague. Contact Kriti Barr (kritibarr@onealdwych.com), revenue manager.
The Jumeirah Carlton Tower will close for an extensive renovation this fall through next summer. The refurbishment will cover a new arrival experience, the creation of a celebrity restaurant on Sloane Street, a rooftop health club and a spa with a 65-foot indoor pool. Room count will go from 216 to 188, making room for new Signature Suites and Junior Suites.
And, word is, LVMH will reportedly open a Cheval Blanc hotel in Mayfair, with a scheduled debut of 2022.
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