This renowned five star landmark is London’s oldest hotel still in operation, dating back to 1837 and slowly closing in on 200 years as the elegant hangout of the rich and famous, literary giants, royals and presidents. You’ll find the hotel flush in the middle of Mayfair, metres from Green Park, The Royal Academy of Arts, Berkeley Square and Piccadilly, and dominating the glorious white stuccoed Albemarle Street.  

In 2003 the hotel was bought by the Rocce Forte group and underwent a £24m refurbishment with each of the 33 suites and 82 hotel room newly appointed by interior designer Olga Polizzi. Think king-sized beds, walk-in showers, huge bathtubs (with their own built-in TVs), in-room bars and views of Albermarle Street’s stylish boutiques.

Modern British cuisine is served in the restaurant Charlie’s at Brown’s, with menus created by Michelin-starred chef director Adam Byatt. The Donovan Bar, named after the photographer Terence Donovan (the walls are covered with his prints) serves over 60 cocktails (sounds like a tasting challenge we’d like to accept), while The Drawing Room is the spot for a traditional afternoon tea. There’s also a newly reopened spa and gym on site (please note: it’s closed on Sundays) using products from Made for Life in Cornwall and Irene Forte skincare from Italy. For runners, we like the inventiveness of the hotel runs, offering 3k, 5k and 10k individual or group jogging around London’s iconic sites, or if you’re more of a lone wolf, they’ll give you the map and you can head off yourself. 

All guests have access to the chauffeured Bentley Mulsanne (no you can’t take it for a spin!), and suite guests also receive complimentary spa treatments and personalised concierge services before and during their stay at this historic hotel.