The city of London is now packed with luxury hotels and the slowdown in the growth of premium accommodation is showing little sign of stopping, with thousands more rooms being added to the capital’s portfolio between now and the end of the decade. Read on to find out about the latest luxury hotels to have opened in the city and what’s new for 2020.
2023
Raffles London at The OWO
The brand’s first foray into the UK market, Raffles London occupies a prestigious Grade II listed property; the Edwardian-era Old War Office, which you may recognise from appearances in multiple Bond films. This rich heritage and grand facade has informed the interior makeover by 1508, with palatial decor that includes plenty of nods to Raffles’ far Eastern roots. Inside, there’s a cinema, a huge Guerlain Spa, 120 bedrooms and suites, 85 branded residences and 11 restaurants and bars. A spectacular rxooftop restaurant and bar provides iconic views of Whitehall, The Mall and Buckingham Palace.
The Peninsula London
A stately property at the heart of Belgravia, Peninsula London will be neighbour to the poshest of all the capital’s pads; Buckingham Palace (book a room that looks over the palace gardens). And the Royal connections don’t end there, the mid-century-inspired staff uniforms are being designed by Jenny Packham, a favourite of the Princess of Wales. Bedrooms here — all created by Peter Marino — will be equipped with Dyson hair dryers, state-of-the-art phone chargers, “valet boxes” and honey onyx marble bathrooms with mood lighting and music on demand. Lifts in the hotel will be able to accommodate cars and there will be a fleet of Rolls Royces ready to chauffeur guests within a 20-minute radius. Its restaurants include the rooftop, Brooklands, by Claude Bosi.
1 Hotel Mayfair
The highly anticipated 1 Hotel Mayfair is due to open this summer and will set the benchmark for sustainable luxury in London. The UK and European brand flagship is located on Berkeley Street overlooking Green Park and will comprise 181 guest rooms and suites over nine stories with nature and sustainability intertwined into every aspect of its design, layout and service offering. Facilities include a restaurant by two Michelin-starred chef Tom Sellers, a neighbourhood coffee shop, signature bar, bespoke fitness centre and Bamford Wellness Spa.
The Emory
First came Claridge’s, The Connaught and The Berkeley; now The Emory joins the Maybourne Hotel Group’s London portfolio. Close to Hyde Park Corner on Old Barrack Yard, it has a sail-like architecture. Guests can expect a different aesthetic on each floor, with separate designers (including Rigby & Rigby, Alexandra Champalimaud, André Fu, Pierre-Yves Rochon, Rémi Tessier and Patricia Urquiola) brought in to create an individual identity at every level. Meanwhile the dining offer is in the hands of Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Encompassing four floors all beneath ground, a wellness centre includes a 72-foot pool, while a rooftop residents-only lounge proffers 360-degree views .
Mandarin Oriental Mayfair
Found on Mayfair’s oldest square, the Mandarin Oriental’s north and south towers (connected by a glass core) have been created by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners. Light floods into the residences designed by Thomas Juul-Hansen. Each contains bespoke fittings and clever details, such as folding panelled doors hiding kitchen cabinets, and custom-made stone kitchen islands that double as dining banquettes. On the lushly-planted rooftop, guests can drink, dine and catch some rays together beside a long narrow pool. In-room dining is also available and the residences are all serviced, providing a home-from-home experience.
The BoTree
The Dutch design firm Concrete, has been tasked with creating an eclectic aesthetic that blends retro with modern, while showcasing using natural textiles, at The BoTree. Found where Mayfair meets Marylebone, it has two destination restaurants — one on the rooftop — a live music club, a cinema room and a fitness centre. Each bedroom boasts a reception area, with sliding panels leading to sleeping and lounge spaces; upgrade to a suite for a lounge, a balcony and your own bar and with an integrated cocktail station. The BoTree’s service ethos is described as intuitive and personalised.
2024
Park Hyatt London River Thames
Marking the first-ever Park Hyatt property in London, this hotel will be part of the One Nine Elms development, a mixed-use twin skyscraper building in the making. It’s on track for a 2024 opening, set to occupy the first 18 floors of the “City Tower”. The ground floor will accommodate boutiques and restaurants; the first floor, a spa and pool; the second, a meeting and events space including a huge ballroom; the fourth floor, a terrace; and the 17th floor, a clubhouse with epic city views. 203 bedrooms and a secure executive wing for ultra VIPs, will be spread in between.