The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences

The Athenaeum Hotel began life as the residence of a local MP before it was transformed into a popular gentlemen’s club, and finally a hotel for movie stars who were shooting nearby. Hints of the hotel’s previous lives can be seen in the stylish bar, which plays scenes from old movies, and in the famous clientele it still attracts. The design throughout is refreshingly natural, with plenty of green foliage and earthy tones contrasting successfully with the more striking pieces of modern art. The lobby area feels expensive, but relaxed, with stylish coffee table books, velvet blue sofas, and mustard leather armchairs that  look like they’ve come straight out of a glossy lifestyle magazine. Unsurprisingly, this elegantly homey look appeals to a mixture of business guests and leisure travelers. In the evenings, guests tend to migrate to the Galvin restaurant or The Bar, which has the same social vibe found elsewhere. The hotel climbs 10 floors and has fantastic Green Park views, which can be seen from large windows in some of the bedrooms and the lobby. The Athenaeum’s rates are steep, but you're paying for the prime location, stylish interiors, modern facilities, and chance of rubbing shoulders with famous faces. 

The Athenaeum sits in what’s still considered one of London’s most upscale neighborhoods -- Mayfair. There are numerous restaurants, bars, shopping opportunities, parks, and iconic landmarks within a 10-minute train journey of the hotel, and Green Park is just across the street. Another of London’s Royal Parks, Hyde Park, takes six minutes to reach on foot, and has tennis courts, horse riding, boating, and the Serpentine. The closest underground stations are Hyde Park Corner and Green Park, both located a six-minute walk from the hotel. Buckingham Palace is roughly seven minutes away on foot, as is the iconic Ritz Hotel. Knightsbridge’s affluent shopping is a 10-minute train ride away. Big Ben is also a 10-minute train journey from the hotel, but the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye take a longer 20-minute journey by train. Heathrow Airport is 40 minutes away by car, while Gatwick Airport is about an hour and 15 minutes away. Alternatively, both can be reached by mass transit in an hour.

The rooms, suites, and apartments here are undeniably contemporary, but the stars of the show are those units that overlook Green Park and the streets of Mayfair. Like elsewhere in the hotel, the style is restrained, with plenty of natural light, mirrored headboards, and a mix of calming blues and brown hues feeling fresh and natural. Suites are similarly chic, with stylish seating areas, fashionable coffee table books, and graceful white orchids creating a tranquil, modern look. Beds are comfy and all rooms have Hypnos mattresses and an extensive pillow menu. Beautiful private apartments are also available and are housed nearby in historic Victorian townhouses. Full-fitted kitchenettes allow for autonomous living in London, with the same luxury benefits of the guest rooms and free use of the gym and spa. High-end amenities include LCD flat-screen TVs, Bose docking stations, Nespresso coffeemakers, plus wardrobes with slippers, irons, and ironing boards. Modern bathrooms have non-steam mirrors, premium bath products, and either showers or shower/tub combos. The most impressive options are the suites, which have open or closed-plan living spaces, king-size beds, separate seating areas, and large bathrooms with walk-in showers, twin basins, and bidets. 

One of the many features that make this hotel appeal to its famous guests, loyal locals, and discerning travelers is the Galvin at the Athenaeum restaurant. The culinary duo behind it -- Michelin-starred brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin -- churn out British produce sourced from independent farmers in the U.K. Afternoon tea and private dining are also available at the restaurant, and there’s a terrace for alfresco dining. Laid out pleasingly on marble tabletops and in wooden pastry drawers, breakfast is a diverse and aesthetically pleasing affair at The Athenaeum. Options range from health-conscious smoothies to full-English breakfasts, along with more traditional pastries and muesli. The Bar, which is styled in the same velvet blues and mustard yellows as found in the lobby, is downstairs and has a darker, more intimate feel. An impressive whiskey collection, backlit for added impact, and windows offering glimpses of the hotel’s ‘living’ wall look particularly good. Another perk of this hotel is the intimate REN spa, which offers a range of treatments and personalized packages as well as beautifying manicures and pedicures. Perhaps the most arresting sight is the two cedar-wood hot tubs with a dark pebbled wall behind them -- these are free to use for hotel guests. The 24-hour gym is similarly attractive, with marble and mirrored walls, and a decent selection of equipment for a basic workout. Various meeting rooms with impressive views of London, excellent acoustics, and air-conditioning are available. Unsurprisingly for a hotel of this caliber, meeting rooms are available with the latest tech, high-speed Wi-Fi, and various event packages including food from the Galvin restaurant. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.