The Athenaeum prides itself on being ‘your home from home’ but if my humble abode were anywhere near this fabulous I’d count myself very lucky.
This five-star family-owned hotel has one of the most covetable addresses in London, with Mayfair shopping on its doorstep and three London parks nearby. It has also played host to many a celebrity. According to
The Hollywood Reporter, ‘There are more movie stars to be seen in London’s Athenaeum Hotel than in the Polo Lounge of the Beverly Hills Hotel.’
But I’m not here to celebrity-spot. I’m here to celebrate 15 years of unwedded bliss with my other half. And the Athenaeum has everything you’d want for a weekend of unbridled romance: it’s luxurious yet cosy, friendly but not intrusive, and Green Park is on your doorstep for romantic hand-in-hand strolls.
Since the hotel’s recent luxe refit, its 110 rooms and 12 suites have a subtle palette of fresh neutral furnishings with LG plasma TVs and a Bose iPod dock (the hotel can lend you an MP3). We were upgraded to a suite, which had plenty of glam factor with mirrored walls and reflective surfaces to maximise every bit of space, as well as enhancing the views of the capital’s iconic skyline. Bathrooms were decadently decked out with sexy black marble, Art Deco-style sinks and Ren toiletries. WiFi and minibar are free – soft drinks and snacks only, so you’ll need to fork out for that Champagne toast. And there’s also a Nespresso coffee machine but no George Clooney to serve it. But then who needs him when you have your very own VIP?
And the Athenaeum isn’t just a hotel. There are 34 townhouse apartments tucked away in a discreet side street each individually designed with furnishings by the likes of Osborne & Little and Nina Campbell. Long-stay vacationers and extended families love them for the self-catering convenience and adjoining doors while celebrities can come and go in peace. The Athenaeum is all about service (the high numbers of American guests can vouch for that) - even the kids have their very own concierge, although I suspect parents will have their work cut out when they get home.
Even if you’re not loved up, you’ll find it difficult to tear yourself away from your room. But try: we pondered whether to take the very reasonably priced afternoon tea in the Garden Room, or settle down for a wee dram in the cosy Whisky Bar. The whisky won out and we set about researching some of its 270 varieties.
And don’t forget to look up… at the vertical garden. As hotels go all out to brag about their eco credentials, the Athenaeum has its natural green assets displayed in full view before you even step through its doors. Running from the ground all the way up to its tenth-floor penthouse, the garden or ‘Living Wall’ was designed by French botanist Patric Blanc with 260 species of plant and is doing its bit for greening the city.
The Athenaeum, 116 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London W1J 7BJ, +44 (0)20 7499 3464 athenaeumhotel.com
