Hotel Cafe Royal - The Guestbook

“ A haunt of intellect and daring.”

Max Beerbohm

2 - THE GUEST BOOK

- MAP -

THE GUEST BOOK - 3

Introduction London, as beautiful, inviting and inspiring as it is, is also ruthless and unforgiving. To make a name for yourself here, you must be spectacular, as inspiring as the city itself; you must make yourself an essential part of London’s heritage. And more than anything, you must be unforgettable. Café Royal, in a little over a century, has achieved all of these things.

It is unsurprising, therefore, that so many spectacular, inspiring and unforgettable people have spent time within the walls of Café Royal. From rock stars to royalty, this is an institution that has nurtured creativity, provided refuge and hosted iconic parties for some of the world’s greatest characters.

Characters whose impact on history is undeniable. Few accolades speak louder than this.

Its location, too, has been a great contributor to its longevity, nestled as it is between Soho and Mayfair. For there’s no risk of Hotel Café Royal becoming out of touch, so vibrant and forward-thinking is the Soho area. Neither will this property lose sight of its heritage, of its deep connection to the history and charm of London whilst it sits on the doorstep of Mayfair. Most importantly, though, Hotel Café Royal boasts a location that continues to delight its enamoured patrons, who need only take a few steps from their luxurious rooms before they’re swallowed by the best of this glorious city.

Read on and let us formally introduce you to Hotel Café Royal; the only choice for those seeking modern luxury in London.

- INTRODUCTION -

THE GUEST BOOK - 5

Beautifully Composed Hotel Café Royal has a history as rich and vibrant as the city of London itself, a history that has been defined by the pioneering minds and artistic visions of its colourful patrons. Each one saw London in a different light, and it is a city illuminated by their unique lens on life that we’ll show you now.

With seven of the world’s greatest minds as your guide, you’ll be awed by the glamorous architecture on the same streets that inspired the most illustrious names in writing, you’ll marvel at the beauty of the world’s most extraordinary paintings, follow in the footsteps of music’s rock royalty and be seduced by cutting-edge cinema. You’ll discover a city whose urban landscapes are a sculpture in itself, one where you can dance to your own unique rhythm, create your own unforgettable moments and carve your own place in its eminent history.

From sporting legends to Hollywood sirens, literary masters to royal idols, come and see London through the eyes of the people that have helped shape not just an iconic hotel, but our entire world.

The old and the new are notoriously difficult to blend successfully yet Hotel Café Royal creates a beauty out of tension, and strives to have the best of both worlds where heritage meets contemporaneity, this is why we say Hotel Café Royal is ‘Beautifully Composed’.

- BEAUTIFULLY COMPOSED -

6 - THE GUEST BOOK

Elizabeth Taylor’s City of Style

Lay eyes on London for the first time and you’ll be astounded by a unique urban beauty. This is a city that has been lovingly carved from stone, a city that has been decorated with iconic statues and carefully preserves its historic venues. A city that, ultimately, takes immense pride in its appearance. And who better to align this glamourous architectural wonder with than Elizabeth Taylor, the personification of old-world glamour herself? For this is a lady whose appreciation for English heritage led her to spend most of her time in the country’s iconic capital and while away many an evening in the adorned rooms of Café Royal.

If we may, Elizabeth’s London is a London we’d like to introduce you to…

- ARCHITECTURE, ELIZABETH TAYLOR -

THE GUEST BOOK - 7

Suite & Hangout

Stay... ...in the Empire Suite. It’s the largest in the Hotel Café Royal portfolio and couldn’t be better suited to those for whom appearances, design and a little self-indulgence mean everything. The décor oozes sophistication and marries the hotel’s historic details with haute modern tastes seamlessly. A carrara marble bathroom will invite you to take your time beneath a rainfall shower whilst the scenic city views afforded by the large windows will remind you of the beauty that lies in wait beyond the hotel walls.

Unwind... ...in the Ten Room, Hotel Café Royal’s beautifully restored dining room. The menu, like the room in which it’s served, combines traditional and contemporary styles to provide a delectable feast. Alternatively, you can re-live the quaint charm of Elizabeth’s day with a classic cream tea.

- ARCHITECTURE, SUITE & HANGOUT -

8 - THE GUEST BOOK

Discover the London of... ...unashamed vanity and irrefutable sophistication. Be met by your personal shopper in the lobby of your iconic hotel and fill them in on your personal style and guilty pleasures. Then allow yourself to be whisked off to Bond Street and Regent Street where you’ll discover a world of boutiques and one-of-a-kind designer items, all the while appreciating the architecture that imbues the area with its renowned beauty and class.

A nightcap Laden with shopping bags, relax back at Hotel CafĂŠ Royal with a Tanqueray 10 cocktail, comprising of Tanqueray 10 Gin, fresh Thomas Henry Indian tonic, cranberries and fresh lime. In keeping with the theme of glamour and appearances, this cocktail is a true work of art that really does taste as good as it looks.

- ARCHITECTURE, SUITE & HANGOUT -

THE GUEST BOOK - 9

Virginia Woolf’s Literary London

Perhaps one of the biggest beneficiaries of London’s inspirational beauty, of its mysteries and histories, are the writers that have lived within its borders.

Prodigious minds that have penned their greatest works after wandering down iconic British streets and convalescing in grand Victorian buildings.

Virginia Woolf is one such writer; her London being one of literature, of discussing bold imaginings with her Bloomsbury Set and continuously putting pen to paper. And like many great minds of the early twentieth century, Virginia Woolf often found herself at Café Royal, surrounded by the like-minded. By people that, much like the hotel they frequented, were determined to become an integral part of London’s history. In this, Woolf, and Café Royal, succeeded.

Now, allow yourself to discover the very same London that continues to inspire literary greatness…

- WRITING, VIRGINIA WOOLF -

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.�

Virginia Woolf

THE GUEST BOOK - 11

Suite & Hangout Stay... ...in Hotel Café Royal’s stunning Celestine Suite, where vast open spaces are illuminated by the natural light of large windows overlooking London’s Regent Street. Nowhere affords such clarity of mind as this bright and airy suite. Filled with stunning luxury furnishing, this is the perfect place to nurture your inner literary legend…

Unwind... ...at The Club at Hotel Café Royal, the heart of London’s creative scene, where you’ll rub shoulders with writers, artists, musicians, athletes and entrepreneurs from all walks of life.

- WRITING, SUITE & HANGOUT -

12 - THE GUEST BOOK

Discover the London of... ...history and literature. Spend the day exploring the narrow cobbled streets of London’s West End as you make your way up to the wonderful Hatchards Piccadilly bookshop. Founded in 1797 by John Hatchard, London’s oldest bookshop has supplied the libraries of many a royal household and continues to offer the very best in the worlds of fiction and non-fiction. Next, watch the sun go down through the windows of Covent Garden’s Poetry Café, where poetry readings are hosted daily.

A nightcap After a day on your feet, return to Hotel Café Royal for a Fifty Pounds. Made up of Fifty Pounds London Dry Gin, 1724 tonic and fresh berries, this is the flawless concoction to help an active mind completely unwind…

- WRITING, SUITE & HANGOUT -

THE GUEST BOOK - 13

Edward VIII’s Romantic Playground

With a history stretching over 2000 years it’s no wonder that London is peppered with statues of great icons both past and present. They stand guard within ancient landmarks and parks, proof of the city’s rich historical legacy and artistic achievement. One Café Royal regular often immortalised in stone or bronze was Edward VIII, however he was one royal monarch who, like many of Café Royal’s guests, broke away from the mold. This fashion-forward, jet-setting king renowned for his dashing looks and charm famously sculpted his own destiny in 1936 when he resigned from the crown to marry the woman he loved.

His tale was cast as one of the greatest love stories of our time and his London is a playground of romantic possibility.

Wander London’s enchanting and whimsical spaces and you too can carve your own path through the city…

- SCULPTURE, EDWARD VIII -

14 - THE GUEST BOOK

Suite & Hangout

Stay... ...in the statuesque Tudor Suite. Here modern luxury is given the royal treatment with walls molded in Tudor panelling encasing a magnificent green dining table and an alabaster bathroom, both chiselled entirely from marble. Intimate corners filled with velvet sofas and plush couches invite luxurious lounging fit for a king.

Unwind... ...at London’s first dessert restaurant in The Café of your wonderful hotel. Here you’ll be free to chisel your way through an exquisite tasting menu and some delicious wine pairings. Let’s just say your sweet tooth will be immensely satisfied.

- SCULPTURE, SUITE & HANGOUT -

THE GUEST BOOK - 15

Discover the London of... ...romance and serenity. Cast aside the pressures of the city bustle and let your own passions be your compass as you explore the beautiful green of London’s magnificent royal parks. Cast your own path along the leafy promenades and discover London’s sentimental side with a leisurely horse drawn carriage ride through Hyde Park, take to the water in a rowing boat along the Serpentine or pause for a picnic under the shade of an oak in Green Park.

A nightcap Return from your wanderings for a well-deserved thirst-quencher at the bar. The aptly named Britannia Mocktail has been sculpted with fresh raspberries, blueberries and blackberries and finished with a dash of caramel and ginger ale. A drink that’s sure to give your day a royal finish.

- SCULPTURE, SUITE & HANGOUT -

“I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best.�

Oscar Wilde

THE GUEST BOOK - 19

Oscar Wilde’s Cultural Canvas

To create an artistic masterpiece you first need a place where you can truly be yourself, and London is a city that not only embraces creative freedom but inspires it. For centuries, London has been curator to the world’s art scene, its galleries big and small welcoming with open arms both the great names of old and the ambitions of the new. Of the many artists to have called the city home, no one typifies London’s artistic philosophy more than Oscar Wilde. A true custodian of the artistic spirit, in London Wilde was able to explore his decadent artistic endeavours to the fullest. Every day he could be found in Café Royal – to drink, to dine or to meet a lover – for London was his creative haven and, like so many other artists, the Café Royal was his refuge.

Let us paint the portrait of London’s incredible art for your own eyes...

- PAINTING, OSCAR WILDE -

20 - THE GUEST BOOK

Suite & Hangout

Stay... ...in the Oscar Suite of course. As you would expect of a suite dedicated to one of the greatest patrons of art, everything about the Oscar suite is crafted with aesthetic flair. The oversized marble bath begs long artistic ponderings as you soak, while the golden Sienna marble dining table is the perfect setting to dine and discuss your new found creative passions. Your personal butler will be on hand to make sure your every spontaneous artistic whim is catered for.

Unwind... ...in ornate splendour in the new Oscar Wilde Bar. Formerly the renowned Grill Room which Wilde himself once frequented, care has been taken to restore its Grade II listed setting to a new level of opulence befitting of its namesake’s decadent tastes. Admire the artistic line and beauty of the period Louis XVI detailing over a suitably hedonistic afternoon tea.

- PAINTING, SUITE & HANGOUT -

THE GUEST BOOK - 21

Discover the London of... ...artistic endeavours in every shade and hue. With the Hotel Café Royal as your base, you can take your pick from some of the capital’s finest galleries. Tour Soho’s edgy modern art houses, visit the world-renowned auction houses of Mayfair and St James’s and marvel at the National Gallery’s prized collections. For historic pieces in an opulent setting head to the Wallace Collection or enjoy an after-hours visit to the Royal Academy of Art to see new masters in the making.

A nightcap Wilde was known for his bold and particular tastes, and the Absinthe Journey served in the Green Bar is sure to inspire the palate of any cocktail aficionado. Mixed with ingredients such as cinnamon syrup and Lillet Blanc, you’ll truly be walking in the footsteps of Wilde by sipping on one of these delectable masterpieces.

- PAINTING, SUITE & HANGOUT -

22 - THE GUEST BOOK

David Bowie’s Sound of Soho

London has always sung to its own bold tune. One that has rocked boats, set new trends and dared to be different. From intoxicating jazz to iconic pop and furious rock, no other city can lay claim to a mightier musical heritage than this city of sound. Nestled as it is on Soho’s borders, London’s gritty musical heartland, naturally Café Royal has always held the beat to this thriving scene, playing host to the glittering parties and eccentric characters to whom Soho was their muse. It was in Café Royal’s Grill Room that king of rock David Bowie chose to lay to rest his dramatic alter-ego, Ziggy Stardust. Nicknamed ‘The Last Supper’, it was a careerdefining moment attended by the rock royalty of the day, and Café Royal was a stage where musical legends could be themselves.

Come and soak up the sounds of Soho and find your own beat in its historic musical landscape…

- MUSIC, DAVID BOWIE -

THE GUEST BOOK - 23

Suite & Hangout Stay... ...in the Dome Penthouse. The copper domed rotunda which tops this Penthouse Suite crowns the Soho skyline making it the perfect choice for people who want to make a statement. With a sprawling 291 square meters to play with, you’ll have plenty of space to channel your own rock legend as you watch the city play its urban symphony below.

Unwind... ... in true Bowie style by hosting a ‘Last Supper’ of your own within the ornate Pompadour Ballroom.

A beautiful space that’s Grade II listed; this is sure to be a night you’ll remember for a lifetime.

- MUSIC, SUITE & HANGOUT -

24 - THE GUEST BOOK

Discover the London of... ...reverberating rhythms. Narrow streets loaded with buzzing cafés, iconic recording studios and legendary clubs – surrender yourself to the electric sights and sounds of Bowie’s Soho. Browse the vintage guitar shops of Denmark Street and amp-up on some caffeine at La Giaconda - the coffee bar where a teenage Bowie would replay dreams of future fame. When evening falls and the night becomes a flurry of neon, head underground on Frith Street to Ronnie Scott’s where world-class jazz goes on until late.

A nightcap Feeling inspired and alive with the vibrant rhythms of Soho’s sounds?

Head to the bar and wind-down with a Monkey 47. We promise that the Monkey 47 gin, Fever Tree Indian tonic and an orange peel in this finely-tuned cocktail will be enough to make your taste buds sing.

- MUSIC, SUITE & HANGOUT -

THE GUEST BOOK - 25

Brigitte Bardot’s Metropolitan Muse

Perhaps it’s the city’s grandeur, its self-assured air or simply its raw beauty that attracts the world’s most accomplished luminaries. Either way, London has been the love and muse of many a movie-maker and aspiring starlet over the years.

Take Brigitte Bardot, for example, the iconic sex symbol of the 50’s and 60’s, who frequented the most exclusive London establishments, including Café Royal. Brigitte’s London was one of glamour and glittering success, and in choosing to be a patron of Café Royal, she chose to associate herself with an establishment loved by many an iconic creative before her.

Now allow us to shine a spotlight on a side to London fit for history’s most glamourous personalities…

- CINEMA, BRIGITTE BARDOT -

“Every age can be enchanting, provided you live within it.�

Brigitte Bardot

THE GUEST BOOK - 27

Suite & Hangout Stay... ...in a beautiful Regent Suite, where you can expect nothing short of perfection in both design and décor. You’ll enjoy impressive views over some of London’s best loved landmarks as well as a personal butler service should you really wish to pamper yourself.

This is accommodation that oozes glamour and sophistication and you need only lay eyes on the English fumed oak and rusticated Portland stone that decorates the Regent to know you’re in fivestar heaven. Oh, and the most important bit? The huge expanse of wardrobe space, of course…

Unwind... …at the hotel’s well-known Café, the perfect place to enjoy the European café culture that Brigitte knows so well, under the watchful gaze of some of Hotel Café Royal’s most famed patrons and the leading faces of film.

Spend the afternoon feasting on coffee and cake as you admire the golden Sienna marble that makes this café so incredibly beautiful.

- CINEMA, SUITE & HANGOUT -

28 - THE GUEST BOOK

Discover the London of... …fame and fortune as you enjoy a private walking tour of Soho to learn about the area’s rich past and present. Many a celebrated film and rock star has had a deep appreciation for Soho, its palpable air of creativity and unrestricted freedom, so you’ll enjoy wandering streets so different to those of Mayfair, which lie just a stone’s throw away. When evening comes, stop by at BAFTA (British Academy for Film and Television Arts) in Piccadilly for a drink or one of their events and enjoy a spot of people watching.

A nightcap For a final lift, try the no frills Beefeater 24 cocktail. Comprising of Fentiman’s Tonic, Grapefruit and basil, it has been carefully choreographed to provide the perfect end to your day.

- CINEMA, SUITE & HANGOUT -

THE GUEST BOOK - 29

Muhammad Ali’s World Stage

You only have to glance at the ever-evolving skyline to see that London is a city in constant motion. It has remained one of the world’s great capitals because it has continuously moved forward with its own fearless rhythm, driven by the ambition to be the best. So it’s no wonder that, from classical to contemporary, it’s attracted the world’s best dancers to its stage. It is a fighting spirit shared by the Hotel Café Royal and its guests. Guests such as Muhammed Ali who would regularly attend the black tie boxing bouts frequently held at Café Royal. He didn’t become heavyweight Champion of the World by standing still, instead he triumphed over opponents with his own dance inside the ring. For Ali, London wasn’t just a city, it was an arena for showcasing his finest performances.

Step inside Ali’s London and discover the dancers taking the world’s stage by storm today...

- DANCE, MUHAMMAD ALI -

30 - THE GUEST BOOK

Suite & Hangout Stay... ...upstairs in the grand Club Suite, where the decor puts on a grand performance with gold gilding making pirouettes across red columns, the ideal setting for those who prefer life in the limelight. The original features make a bow to the hotel’s French heritage and walls are pinned with portraits of Napoleon, another great fighting spirit who altered the rhythm of their time. For a slower pace, the stunning white carrara marble bathroom offers a soothing space to re-charge.

Unwind... ...in the Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre where you can slow down your tempo with a menu of luxurious treatments and massages and re-focus your mind with a guided meditation or hydro-treatment in London’s first calming Watsu pool.

- DANCE, SUITE & HANGOUT -

THE GUEST BOOK - 31

Discover the London of... ...exhilarating movement and restless energy. London’s fast pace waits for no-one so get ahead of the game and kick start your day with an invigorating early morning work-out with your own personal trainer before heading out for a morning stroll in St James’ Park, watching city life limbering-up as you go. In the afternoon, enjoy an exclusive front row seat to the champions of modern dance as you go behind-the-scenes in a rehearsal at the Royal Academy of Ballet, one of the heavyweights of London’s dance scene.

A nightcap No cocktail will go better with this alluring side to London than the Half Hitch, a delicious concoction of Half Hitch gin, 1724 tonic and cinnamon - this tipple looks pretty in a glass but packs quite the punch.

- DANCE, SUITE & HANGOUT -