LONDON, FOUR WAYS

Four London stays for GCC guests, in four unique locations, for business, leisure or as is the trend, both WORDS GEMMA GREENWOOD

THE BILTMORE MAYFAIR

BACKGROUND

e Biltmore Mayfair is the rst UK property to launch under Hilton’s LXR Hotels and Resorts. Formerly Millennium Hotel London Mayfair, it has undergone a multi-millionpound redevelopment spearheaded by award-winning interior design studio Goddard Littlefair, emerging as a luxurious ve-star hotel with a stately presence in a desirable location in London.

LOCATION

It’s located on Grosvenor Square opposite a beautiful park, which in the summer o ers deckchairs. Just south of Oxford Street – the Marble Arch end – a retail paradise lies on the doorstep of this hotel.

THE ATMOSPHERE

It is warm and inviting, like stepping into an opulent private residence. It’s sophisticated, but not stu y and there is an upbeat ambience. When I visited, the hotel was accommodating UEFA o cials ahead of the UEFA Women’s football Euro nal at Wembley and there was an exciting buzz. e hotel’s handling of delegates was impressively slick and despite the excitement, other guests were not caught up in the logistics.

THE ROOMS

Following the £50-million-plus refurbishment, contemporary luxury de nes the accommodation at e Biltmore Mayfair, which comprises rooms, suites and signature suites. Rich colours and fabrics – dark blues, velvets and wooden oors – are comforting. Its interior design is inspired by nature with beautiful touches including an Edwardian chinoiserie mirror behind each bed depicting delicate illustrations of branches, owers and butter ies. In my room, this paired perfectly with views of pretty Grosvenor Square through large windows. e bathroom was spacious, with quality amenities by British brand Penhaligon’s. For longer stays, some of the suites include private kitchens.

THE DINING

ere are three quintessentially English culinary experiences, but with a casual atmosphere and modern air. Café Biltmore Restaurant o ers an all-day dining menu from breakfast through to dinner. Locally sourced products are a focus, from meat and sh to local champagnes and wines, with a sommelier on hand at dinner to make expert pairings, should you dare to dabble. Executive Chef Luis Campos perfects British classics with a twist and the menu is expansive enough to revisit, again and again. e breakfast bu et was exquisite with plenty of options to suit guests of all tastes, plus eggs and hot dishes as well as co ee are à la carte thereby guaranteeing quality. ere’s a Tea Lounge too so if traditional a ernoon tea is your guilty pleasure, it’s not to be missed. e Pine Bar meanwhile features live music, a food menu, and an impressive collection of the nest wines, spirits, cognacs and cocktails.

THE FACILITIES

e gym, open 24 hours a day, is fully kitted out and also o ers virtual ondemand Les Mills training sessions. For meetings and events, there’s a ballroom that can accommodate up to 700 guests with a dedicated foyer and a private entrance. It can be divided into ve smaller spaces, plus three other meeting suites which are suitable for more private social and corporate gatherings.

NEED TO KNOW

e Biltmore Mayfair can arrange private activities ranging from the Bentley Experience – with a chau eur driving you around London highlights of your choice – to VIP shopping trips.

ABOVE: A King Grand Deluxe room with Grosvenor Square views

BEST FOR

This is a great destination for a luxury leisure stay, or extended stay – with or without family

THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

Mayfair is the heart of London, surrounded by the capital’s best shops (Oxford Street, Bond Street, Regent Street), parks (Hyde Park and Green Park), galleries (Halcyon Gallery and Gagosian) and several iconic attractions. The hotel can arrange for a Blue Badge Guide to take you on an enchanting walk, curated by the property – from The Biltmore to Belgravia – discovering Regency London at its finest. The back streets of Mayfair, one of London’s most a luent areas, are peppered with chic cafés, sophisticated restaurants, boutique galleries and the stunning architecture for which the city is famous. From pubs to pop-up shops and fairs, there is plenty to discover.

THE OTHER HOUSE SOUTH KENSINGTON

BELOW: The Club Flat kitchen

BACKGROUND

is new lifestyle concept is the brainchild of real estate maven Naomi Heaton and blurs the lines between hotel, serviced apartment, and private rental. Aptly, it carries the tagline “Your home for as long as you’re in town.” Accommodation is Club Flats, with guests o ered access to Private Club facilities. e rst agship property in South Kensington saw the historic Harrington Hall Hotel transformed into this upscale club, which opened in spring 2022. More Other Houses are planned, with Covent Garden next on the list. ere are membership opportunities with special rates and bene ts, but nonmembers are welcome too.

LOCATION

It is situated on Harrington Road, in the heart of South Kensington, and is a two-minute walk from Gloucester Road tube station. It’s a short walk from cultural hotspots including the Victoria and Albert Museum, Natural History Museum, and the Royal Albert Hall, as well as the green spaces of Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park . Shopping destinations including King’s Road and Sloane Square are a short cab, Uber, or tube ride away.

THE ATMOSPHERE

e laid-back residential, but upscale private club vibe is ampli ed by the quirky, eccentric, and cool interior design, masterminded by local studio Bergman Design House. It exudes a distinctively British air, inspired by the South Kensington community. From a peacock feather chair and monkey motifs to tropical jungle-style wallpaper, the design is amboyant and fantastical. ere are even bespoke artworks – updates of more than 100 existing 18th-century oil paintings. Even the toilets are an interior design triumph, and there are plenty of upcycled furnishings too.

THE ROOMS

ere are 200 signature Club Flats featuring bedrooms, living and dining spaces, kitchens and bathrooms, in eight di erent con gurations. ey range from the one-bedroom Club Classic to much larger two-, three- and four-bedroom options. Some are duplexes, some are located in turrets and one Club Combo at can sleep 10 people. I stayed in a Club Pro, which had a studio feel – with a king bed, sofa and co ee table, a small kitchen and a bathroom with a walk-in shower and high-quality bulk amenities, rather than small plastic bottles. Design touches include an ornate beaten metal screen dividing the bedroom from the seating area, plus luxurious furnishings for home comfort, including a warm throw.

THE DINING

e Owl and Monkey bar is a lively venue that’s open to everyone, whereas the Keeping Room is reserved for residents and members only and is a quiet space. Reminiscent of a lavish living room it features plenty of sofas and low-level cosy seating, a cinema area, and in winter, an open re. At Keeping Room, guests can choose small plates from the Club Menu and limitededition wines from its Reserve List. e Hogsmire meanwhile echoes the 17th-century name of nearby Gloucester Road and is a retreat with an indoor-outdoor setting where guests can grab a drink or light bite. e Other Kitchen is a street-side café open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

THE FACILITIES

e gym is designed by British track athlete Reece Bowers. A Wellness Concierge is on hand to plan treatments ranging from reiki and re exology to sonic acupuncture and crystal healing. Also, stretching, yoga, healing and meditation sessions are available and there’s a vitality pool with low-level lighting too.

NEED TO KNOW

e Other House is committed to eco-initiatives and environmental responsibility – from the considerate restoration of historical buildings to selecting suppliers of furniture and food within the UK itself to reduce its carbon footprint. Its hi-tech app enables guests to check in and check out, access their Club Flat, summon the li , reserve a spot in the bar, arrange housekeeping, and even track the club’s energy consumption too.

BEST FOR

This is a hotel, club – your other house – ideal for short or extended stays where you definitely feel at home. You can ‘stay your way’ with packages designed for stays of up to three months or more

otherhouse.com

THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

Upmarket South Kensington is a cultural haven, home to museums, colleges, galleries, parks and more. The Victoria and Albert Museum, Natural History Museum and Science Museum are must-visits. An eclectic dining scene ranges from chic Japanese and European restaurants to unfussy chain eateries, plus authentic and historic pubs. For a hidden gem, head to the secret garden at Brompton Food Market.

LOST PROPERTY ST PAUL’S LONDON – CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON

BACKGROUND

Curio Collection by Hilton is billed as a collection of “remarkable hotels hand-picked for their distinct character and personality, appealing to passionate travellers seeking local discovery” – hotels with “personalities and stories all their own”. Lost Property St Paul’s London, which opened in August last year, is named as such as it nods to a property that has been lost in the city – a theme that runs throughout the interior design, with ‘lost’ bowler hats joining eclectic artworks.

LOCATION

Located on Ludgate Hill, in the City of London, an area steeped in history and heritage, and today a hive of activity. It is just 100m from St Paul’s Cathedral, making it the perfect base to explore the capital, with Covent Garden, Shoreditch and South Bank all within walking distance.

THE ATMOSPHERE

is property has a real sense of place and its interior design enhances this, as well as telling the ‘Lost Property’ story so well. It is designed to feel as if you are lost in an artistic maze, lled with history-rich panels and whimsical artworks. e interiors celebrate the intricacies of lost cra smanship and innovative design, echoing the shapes and architectural forms found in St Paul’s Cathedral and the neighbouring streets. In terms of practicality, I loved the electric doors that open into the lobby, so you can easily juggle your case and your co ee. As you step into the lobby, the front desk backdrop catches your eye, with quotes and facts from London’s greats, including Winston Churchill.

THE ROOMS

ere are 145 rooms across six oors and ve categories ranging from Guest rooms with a queen- or king-bed to a St Paul’s Junior Suite with a super king bed, all of which sleep two people. ere are twin-bed options too and some rooms have cathedral views. Every room is in uenced by eclectic artwork and contemporary designs inspired by the city, with its red-andblue colour schemes re ecting its heritage. From tea- and co ee-making facilities to an iron and ironing board and hair dryer, all the practicalities are there. e bathrooms are modern with an industrial feel, featuring walk-in showers with good quality amenities.

THE DINING

e atmospheric ground- oor bar and restaurant called Found o ers a classic food and drinks menu with a nostalgic twist. e bar is 8m long and cra ed out of bright blue resin, with stunning Murano glass pendants creating mood lighting and a cosy feel. Every drink is cra ed to tell a forgotten story, while dishes range from rich French classics such as Bouillabaisse and Coq au Vin to hearty British favourites such as a Ploughman’s and Welsh rarebit. Breakfast is served here too, with a bu et and à la carte options. By lunchtime, the bu et table converts to a co-working desk area. Next to the lobby, premium co ee house Tattle serves artisanal co ee from Monmouth and healthy breakfasts, light lunches and snacks made with locally-sourced organic produce – all of which are available to dine-in or take away.

THE FACILITIES

ere’s a basement gym with ample strength- and cardio-training equipment and quirky wall art – think Peloton of yesteryear.

NEED TO KNOW

If you’re arriving by tube, take the Central Line to St Paul’s station or the Circle and District Line to Blackfriars station – the hotel is a short walk from both stations. What most people don’t realise is that Covent Garden is a short walk from Ludgate Hill, so this is a great option if you’re visiting the area for its theatres, shopping and restaurants.

ABOVE: The room interiors reflect the area’s heritage

BEST FOR

A stylish, unique and a ordable business stay or weekend break – it’s a cosy place to get ‘lost’, away from the hustle and bustle of the city

THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

Ludgate Hill is not necessarily known as a London focal point, yet it is surrounded by history, culture, shopping and dining options – it is the heart of Victorian London. It leads into Fleet Street, one of the oldest streets in London, once an important Roman thoroughfare and also famous in the 20th century as the home of the British press. The Pickwick Co ee Club on Fleet Street is my top tip – it not only serves some of the best co ee in London, but also a tasty flat-white mu in. A visit to St Paul’s Cathedral is a must. In addition to its stunning architecture and the famous Whispering Gallery, the landmark holds a spectacular array of art including delicate carvings, murals and even modern works by Yoko Ono and Antony Gormley.

HILTON LONDON METROPOLE

BACKGROUND

Hilton London Metropole, the largest Hilton outside of the US, recently completed a multi-million-pound refurbishment with a full renovation of the hotel’s deluxe suites and its penthouses.

LOCATION

is huge hotel is located on bustling Edgware Road. e Paddington rail terminus is also close by and the Heathrow Express service connects to Heathrow Airport in just 15 minutes. One of the oldest streets in the UK and lined with Middle Eastern restaurants and shisha cafés, Edgware Road is known as the Arabic capital of London. For this reason, Hilton London Metropole is already a preferred accommodation option for guests from the Middle East. Marble Arch, Hyde Park and Oxford Street are all nearby.

THE ATMOSPHERE

Because of this hotel’s location, it’s a popular meeting point, so the atmosphere in the lobby is buzzing. It blends into the ground- oor Bow Bar, which is a great place to catch up with friends, family or colleagues. e bar serves late-a ernoon and night-time drinks, including a diverse range of non-alcoholic cocktails and East London-inspired cra ed beers, as well as small sharing plate bites made from British ingredients. e recent renovation celebrates the best of London, with the new design weaving the city’s history, art, culture, music and diverse food scene throughout, with nods to iconic areas of the ancient city including Borough Market, Covent Garden and towns on the ames.

THE ROOMS

Key guest suites have undergone a major transformation. e Penthouse Suite is worth a mention: sleeping up to eight people, it features a living and dining room, a fully-equipped kitchen, three bedrooms, and panoramic views across London. Guests can choose to upgrade with an in-room chef and butler for an ultimate luxury living experience. All refurbished suites feature spacious showers, kitchenettes and a generous living space to relax. Penthouse, Suite and Executive guests also have access to the exclusive Executive Lounge with complimentary o erings. Set up to cater to families and larger groups, there are several interconnecting options in the newly designed rooms in the West Wing. My room was very spacious, featuring a sofa, co ee table, dining table, a kitchen, plus a separate bedroom with a comfortable bed, plenty of hanging space and a contemporary bathroom with a huge walk-in shower and Crabtree & Evelyn amenities. It was more a small apartment than a hotel room.

THE DINING

e property’s newly refurbished ground- oor restaurant, Tyburn Kitchen, serves a bu et breakfast (Middle Eastern options are available) and an à la carte dinner. I was impressed with the menu, which highlighted its links to local producers, with 90 per cent of its ingredients sourced within 100 miles of the hotel. Halal dining requests are accommodated. For lunch, the openplan Tyburn Market o ers ready-toeat dishes throughout the day, from granola pots to bento trays.

THE FACILITIES

ere’s a large gym with plenty of cardio and strength-training equipment on o er. As one of the largest conference hotels in Europe, there is space for up to 3,000 guests for social and corporate occasions.

NEED TO KNOW

Because the hotel is so big and so busy, particularly over the weekends, there are plenty of sta members to assist with any queries and many of them speak Arabic too. ose seeking the ultimate retail therapy day out can also visit Bicester Village by train with the hotel concierge able to access discounts for guests at the designer outlet village.

THE NEIGHBOURHOOD While Edgware Road is popular among the Arabic community, few people realise that tucked behind the hotel lies a newly regenerated area stretching along the canal. Cafés, restaurants and o ices line the Paddington Basin, which leads into the Paddington arm of the Grand Union Canal. You can hop on a barge that takes you all the way to The Regent’s Park. Electric boats with picnic tables can also be hired. It’s a village vibe in the heart of London – you would never know that Oxford Circus is a stone’s throw away.

BEST FOR

Head here for ‘bleisure’ trips with the family. If you can’t bear to leave your four-legged friend at home, there are petfriendly rooms available too

BELOW: The bedrooms are cosy and contemporary