The Connaught is the best hotel in London. There, I said it. Yes, sister hotel Claridge’s is glamourous, storied, and oh so fabulous and all, but when it comes to the full package, she’s got nothing on this darling pad hidden away on the top end of Mayfair’s gloriously chic Mount Street. Shopping sprees in Christian Louboutin and Goyard, over-the-top lunches at Scott’s, or a pub lunch at Hauser & Wirth’s The Audley Public House are quite literally a hopscotch and a skip away. And then there is New Bond Street, home to London’s most exclusive boutique addresses, from Cartier to Chanel, Gucci and more. In short, you are in perhaps, the finest postcode London has to offer, and that’s just one of the major perks of staying at this London institution.
While The Connaught is British through and through, there’s also an air of French mastery and excellence about the place. Perhaps it’s the foodie joints here courtesy of three-Michelin-starred chef Hélène Darroze and celeb maestro Jean-Georges Vongerichten – or the acute attention to detail in the cutesy patisserie headed up by master pastry whiz Nicolas Rouzaud. Whatever it is, the joint screams chic and in the finest way imaginable. Style-wise, it’s a marriage of two worlds: traditional high-quality service meets modern designer appeal. On one side, you have a hotel that screams grandeur and tradition, and on the other, a minimal, fresh, ultra-contemporary spa-like oasis that was made for the cult of Hollywood celebrities. Between it all, there is an unholy amount of storied, bling too: charming ticking Grandfather clocks, blazing fireplaces, and twinkling chandeliers. The centerpiece? The now iconic winding staircase – the beating heart of the hotel – so stunning in fact, it was rumoured Ralph Lauren himself copied it for his Madison Avenue store in New York City.
All this grand style living continues in the rooms, too. The setting is undeniably smart. All start with the Superior Queen category with views of Adam’s Row, Carlos Place or the zen-like inner courtyard. There’s nothing overly “hotel-y” about the rooms either. Wherever you plant your tush, you feel like you are wandering into some posh old bird’s stately townhouse; crystal glass trimmings, chandeliers and all. Minibars are stocked with British treats (some from local businesses) and more booze than the local pub. Bathrooms? Clad in marble and depending on which category room you are in, come complete with Japanese toilets, roomy tubs and rain showers. If you have a spare £16,800, splurge on The Apartment, it’s gorgeous and the King’s Lodge, skilfully designed by long term collaborator Guy Oliver is an artisanal masterpiece. Think intricate totems and designer pieces crafted by master wood makers and ateliers from across Afghanistan. Simply beautiful.
If you are a foodie, you’ll be in your element here. Hélène Darroze is queen of the roost with her namesake three-Michelin starred restaurant followed by The Connaught Grill and Jean-Georges at the Connaught, both overseen by the ABC Kitchens star. If you fancy a treat the Darroze Chef’s Table is well worth a punt for an up-close-and personal soiree with the culinary whizzes. Expect all sorts of Provençal delicacies from fish, meat and veggies served à la France. The Grill is a more British affair where grilled specialities reign supreme alongside a stonkingly good roast; and for something more modern European, Jean-Georges at the Connaught rustles up some top-notch kale salads and truffle pizzas. Brekkie is served in the same spot. Classic poached eggs and French brioche rule the menu, plus coffees that pack a much-needed early morning punch pre an all-nighter in the world-famous Connaught Bar. The martini is a must. Ask for Ago. He is the master.
As for winding down, head on down to the Aman spa for total Insta goals by the ionised subterranean pool. Treatments, especially grounding massages are worth the hefty price tag; and that’s coming from a self-confessed Aman junkie. Summed up, life doesn’t get much better than it does at The Connaught. This is a place where gluttony rules and in the most unapologetic way imaginable. You go here for a dose of fun, and that is very much part of The Connaught’s success and winning formula. It might at times feel like you are in a time warp, but the beauty of this grand dame is that it always looks to the future and will only ever work with the best in the biz. Bravo.
Top Takeaways
Location: London, Mayfair
Address: The Connaught, Carlos Pl, London W1K 2AL, United Kingdom
Rating: Five-star
The vibe: A tale of two worlds where classic English style meets the European grand tour. It’s in short, everything a top-class British hotel should be and more.
Amenities: Restaurants, bars, swimming pool, spa, gym.
Our favourite thing about the hotel: The location. Aside from sister hotel Claridge’s, it is near impossible to find anything of this calibre or top-notch quality in this part of London… period.
What’s nearby? Quite literally the whole of London. From Regent Street to Belgravia, trendy Marylebone to the buzzing crossroads that make up Oxford Street… get the London look and enjoy the ride baby!
Any personal recommendations? Blokes should get a shoeshine while in residence and when it comes to escaping it all, an hour or two in the subterranean Aman spa is a must.
Rooms: 121
Pricing: From about 1215 USD per night.
Closest airport: London Heathrow, London City or London Gatwick airports.
