Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel

The smallest of the hotels in Jumeirah's portfolio, the Lowndes Hotel looks unassuming from the outside, but perfectly fits in with the historical mews pubs and cobbled streets surrounding it. Inside, it’s polished, but the connection to the local area continues. From the bookcase, which has been curated by a neighborhood bookstore, to the bespoke Belgravia desk maps found in each of the rooms, this boutique property makes the most of its exclusive neighborhood. Despite its upscale postal code, the hotel manages to feel accessible and laid-back, due in part to the interior decor. There are plenty of fresh flowers and large mirrors to make communal spaces feel light and airy. Furnishings are chic and refined in unobtrusive cream and gray tones. Guests and locals tend to gravitate towards the Lowndes Bar & Kitchen, giving the hotel a nice buzz on arrival. The Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel appeals mostly to shopping enthusiasts and well-to-do tourists, with nearby Knightsbridge and Sloane Street housing an impressive array of designer stores. This is a bijou jewel in Belgravia and, unsurprisingly, many guests return time and time again. 

This hotel’s location is ideal for those who want to be in London’s elite shopping district, but without the noise and hassle that sometimes comes with a city-center location. It’s close enough to the designer shops on Sloane Street, yet feels perfectly tranquil and relaxed. For those who prefer more artisanal goods, nearby Motcomb Street is about one-minute walk away and has some smaller stores. It also hosts the annual Motcomb Street Summer Party, which features street performers and stalls. It’s a short six-minute walk to Knightsbridge Tube station and 10-minute walk to Hyde Park Corner station. For food lovers, it’s worth noting that acclaimed restaurant, Ottolenghi, is just around the corner. There are also plenty of characterful bars and pubs within easy reach. Other popular sights, like spectacular Hyde Park, are equally as accessible by a short five-minute walk. Heathrow is the closest airport and takes just over 40 minutes to get to by car, depending on the traffic. It takes slightly longer to get there by train, but from nearby Knightsbridge station you can pick up the Piccadilly line which stops at terminals 1, 2, and 3. Expect about an hour-long commute to Gatwick Airport by train.

From the tapestry-like headboards to the complimentary Arabian dates, the hotel manages to include some tasteful references to the Middle East while also showcasing city-chic London style. Rooms here feature a restrained color palette of dark brown and gray, which feels classy (if a little unadventurous). The headboards, which come in five different designs, are enlargements of paintings by Maltese artist Francesco Fieravino and French artists Jean-Baptise Oudry. Other cool extras include the bespoke Belgravia maps that span the length of the desks, pinpointing local landmarks. The rooms are virtually identical in style across all categories, and all have bathrooms featuring bathtubs with overhead showers plus upscale bath products. Deluxe Rooms are slightly larger, include a seating area, and may have a bigger balcony. If you’d like some extra space, opt for an Executive Suite. These come with separate living areas and sofabeds. Standard features in all rooms include iPads with access to local info and the internet, plus free Wi-Fi, Nespresso machines, air-conditioning, minibars, and iPod docks. 

For a boutique property, the Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel has a decent amount of features, though for travelers seeking luxury amenities, you'll likely have to head to the hotel's sister property across the street. The Lowndes hotel has partnered with Kingston Bicycles to create exclusive Belgravia bikes. These are free for guests to use and feature British motifs. Local cycling guides are also provided. A lending library at the hotel is curated by Belgravia Books, further bolstering the hotel's commitment to working with local businesses. Continuing with the literary theme, the hotel introduced Book-and-Brunch Sundays in 2018. The scheme includes a set menu, bottomless tea, coffee, or fresh juice, and a brand new paperback selected by Belgravia Books. The restaurant and bar found on-site is popular with locals and hotel guests and features seasonal menus. Perhaps the most impressive feature of this hotel is actually found at its sister property -- Jumeirah Carlton Tower. There you'll find The Peak Health Club & Spa, which has a pool and a first-class gym with panoramic city views, all of which Jumeirah Lowndes guests are free to use. Wi-Fi is also free throughout the hotel.