It either comes down to location or style, location playing a big part within our huge metropolis. For Knightsbridge and the SW post codes there are three principal choices, namely The Berkeley, Mandarin Oriental and Bulgari, although there are also a number of charming boutiques, such as San Domenico House, 11 Cadogan Gardens and The Franklin. And let’s not forget The Goring, which hosted a number of the guests at the wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton. Next year will see the long-awaited opening of the Belmond on the site of the former Cadogan Hotel on Sloane Street.
Most of the big names are represented…
In ever-so-slightly more soigné Mayfair are The Dorchester, Browns, Claridge’s, The Connaught, 45 Park Lane, Four Seasons and, on the south side of Piccadilly in St James’s, The Ritz.
Further east, Firmdale Group have the Haymarket, Ham Yard, The Soho Hotel and the Covent Garden. Beyond, there is Rosewood London, The Savoy, Shangri-la at The Shard and several venues in and around the ever-gentrifying area of Shoreditch and the East End.
It comes down to location or style…
London has something for everyone. It includes the Chiltern Firehouse from André Balazs; a boutique B&B, attached to The Arts Club in Dover Street; a Mondrian overlooking the river close to Tate Modern; even a Nobu in Shoreditch, and Soho House in Dean Street. In the City of London is the newest and most high profile of the newcomers, The Ned from the Soho House Group, where several high profile parties have recently been hosted…
However, with so many choices, where does Nota Bene Global recommend? Which are our favourites and why?
As with everything we advise, it comes down to understanding our clients, their tastes and criteria. Yet, even with these points taken into account, we still have our firm favourites and both are located in Mayfair. For London’s ultimate ‘grande dame’ it is Claridge’s; and for warmth, intimacy, a Jean-Georges restaurant, an Aman spa and an unbeatable location, The Connaught.
our firm favourites are both located in Mayfair…
With art, it is not just the artist but the particular work that is important, as there are always the standouts. So it is with hotels. It is not just the hotel but knowing the specific suite, floor or view that makes the difference. We travel the world in pursuit of the best, noting the details that matter yet are so often overlooked – hence our strapline ‘we know where’.
Planned the right way, London, combined with either the British or Scottish countryside, makes for an unforgettable trip. Put it at the top of your list in 2018.