Located opposite leafy Green Park, you will find the elegantly stylish Athenaeum Hotel & Residences. Steeped in history and perfectly positioned in the center of Mayfair, this luxury family-run hotel is a wonderful retreat, ideal for pleasure or business, couples or families alike.
Why We Love This Hotel
From the very first moment you are warmly greeted by the Doorman in his top hat and tails, you can’t help but feel special. Walking through the hotel door into the Art Deco-style lobby, The Athenaeum exudes quality and comfort throughout, with staff who are genuinely friendly and accommodating. Of course, the talking point of the Athenaeum has to be its symbolic living wall – one of London’s first vertical gardens! Magnificent when lit up at night-time and with wonderful views of it from inside the bar, it really is a delight for guests and passers-by.
Location
Literally a 5 minute walk from Green Park tube, The Athenaeum is in a great lo-cation. Opposite Green Park, where you can feed the ducks or go for a stroll, and only a tube ride or short taxi ride to the main London attractions. Waterloo and Victoria train stations are also close by at just a five minute and 15-minute taxi ride respectively.
Best Time To Visit
There really isn’t a bad time to visit London, which has a plethora of activities and sights to offer. Late Spring and Summer, the weather is probably more predictable allowing you to explore more on foot. However, even on the wettest of days there is still plenty to see and do, whether it be hitting the shops in Oxford Street, grabbing a show in the Westend, or sampling culinary delights in China-town.
How To Get There
There are a few simple options for how to get to The Athenaeum, as Green Park tube station is on the Victoria, Jubilee and Piccadilly lines. The hotel can be found 5 minutes from the station by turning right, and it’s on the right-hand side, or if you travel to Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly Line), it’s less than 7 minutes from there.
Style & Character
This prestigious 5-star hotel offers contemporary rooms, suites, and residences, as well as a beautiful club lounge, ‘The View’, fitness room and boutique spa. Back in 1850, it was the private abode of MP Henry Hope before later becoming a Gentlemen’s club where MPs and Lords would frequent. The Athenaeum and the Victorian townhouses next door were later bought and renovated to accommodate film stars locally filming in the likes of Pinewood and Ealing Studios. It’s simply fascinating to learn of what has happened here over the years – if only the walls could talk!
Service & Facilities
A world away from the hustle and bustle of London life on the streets below, one of the highlights has to be ‘The View’ lounge, located on the top floor of the Athenaeum and boasting the most amazing view of the London skyline. This tranquil space has a very light and airy feel due to the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Green Park and as far as the London Eye beyond. Well stocked with books, Monopoly, and Scrabble, there is something to keep you entertained whilst comfortably enjoying a drink or snack from the selection of teas, coffees, cold drinks, and pastries available. With its stunning panoramic skyline views, this is a really lovely lounge for relaxation.
The bar offers an insiders view of the amazing living wall outside. It’s a warm and inviting tastefully decorated area, with little areas tucked away for privacy. In keeping with the restaurant with its hues of mustard and warm lighting, it oozes comfort and sophistication. The service is, of course, excellent, with attentive and friendly staff in both.
I particularly love the attention given to the children; their own children’s toiletries, age-appropriate DVD’s and games brought to the room, as well activities including packets of bird food to feed the ducks and swans across the road. The highlight for them though had to be the cookies and milk they could order before bedtime!
Rooms
Boasting rooms to suit every taste and requirement, one thing you can be sure of is luxury and comfort. Park View Rooms offer floor-to-ceiling bay windows providing some of the greenest views you will find in central London, whilst the naturally lit Suites and Residences overlook the red-bricked Victorian townhouses.
Best Rooms
The Residences are stunning and perfect for larger groups, particularly families as bunk beds can be added for younger children. With their high ceilings and tasteful decor in Autumn tones, old meets new. The 18 apartments have their own private entrance off Down Street – incidentally, a place of historical interest as an old disused railway station is literally across the road. They include fully equipped kitchens, which include a washer-dryer, cooker, oven, and fridge so you have everything you need, making them perfect if you are on a long stay. The little touches go a long way; from blackout curtains to the extensive pillow menu, everything has been thought of to make your experience as comfortable and homely as possible.
Food & Drink
The food at ‘Galvin at The Athenaeum’ (by the Michelin starred Galvin brothers) is delightfully British. Start the day ahead with a wide variety of beautifully presented options from the continental buffet, or choose a nice freshly cooked-to-order breakfast from the menu – or as I did, simply have both! Afternoon tea can be followed by a delicious meal in the evening; sample some of the gastronomic delights available – the Sea Bass so fresh and delicately served, whilst the children’s menu for a change, not an afterthought but provides plenty of different options for the little ones. During the day, The Terrace is open all year round, where you can sit outside and watch the world go by whilst sipping a nice cold cocktail in the warmth of the summer sun (or a hot chocolate in the not-so-warm months!)
Copyright Luxury Travel Diary 2014 - 2024. Duplication outside of luxurytraveldiary.com is forbidden.
Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.
