There are certainly no shortage of amazing hotel experiences waiting to be discovered throughout London, but one that has been impressing guests for many years is The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences. Located in the heart of Mayfair (nearest tubes are Green Park and Hyde Park Corner) opposite Green Park and moments from Shepherd’s Market and Buckingham Palace, this boutique property just radiates an elevated travel experience in every way. Family run with no shortage of fine English hospitality, The Athenaeum is discreet, personal, friendly, interesting, lavish, quirky and down-to-earth; and it is now better than ever with the addition of “The View,” a private members-style club on the hotel’s top floor. Being a huge fan of having a club lounge during my own stays, this addition now makes The Athenaeum even more attractive to visitors looking for a true “home-away-from-home” when in London.
“We have breathed new life into the art deco walls of The Athenaeum, while respectfully retaining all of the English quirks and oddities that make her great. We want guests to rediscover The Athenaeum – our restaurant, created by the Michelin-starred Galvin brothers, our award winning bar team – and all the hidden treasures of Mayfair. And when they do, we want them to enjoy an unexpected and surprising experience.”
– Bernard Murphy, General Manager, The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences
The Athenaeum’s Fascinating History
The Athenaeum has been family-run since the 1990s and could not be more committed to its famous five-star service. An independent spirit remains at the heart of the hotel, where it continues to welcome everyone as VIPs and to make their stay individual. As a five-star hotel, The Athenaeum has long been associated with the rich and famous. Charismatic executive manager Sally Bulloch heralded the hotel’s Hollywood golden age in the 1970s, where her natural charm and perennial presence at the hotel bar made her a hit with guests. She was said to have enjoyed a glass of champagne (or two) with Elizabeth Taylor – among countless others – and once (gently) admonished Russell Crowe for leaving his room untidy. Boy band Take That announced their split from the penthouse of The Athenaeum, and legendary film director Steven Spielberg even installed an editing suite in one of the hotel’s residences when working on E.T., Close Encounters and Raiders of the Lost Ark. Today, stars, world leaders and the well known continue to use The Athenaeum as their discreet home-from-home.
Check Out The View From The Athenaeum
With the launch of “The View,” this marks the completion of the third phase of a multi-phase, comprehensive renovation project led by the award-winning designer Martin Hulbert. Previously reserved for the hotel’s privileged Penthouse Suite guests, “The View” occupies the tenth floor and features one of the most spectacular skyline panoramas in all of London. The lounge elevates the concept of a premium guest experience offering long-haul guests a place to relax in a cozy setting; while waiting for their room after a lengthy overnight flight, while in-house seeking a calm oasis with a view, or in advance of a flight departure once they have checked-out of their room. Throughout the day, “The View” features a stocked shower suite for guests to freshen-up, mindfulness sessions, complimentary beverages, G&T masterclasses, and light snacks crafted by Michelin-starred Galvin brothers’ restaurant, Galvin at The Athenaeum.
A Glimpse Inside the Reimagined Guestrooms
Thanks to the creative vision of Hulbert, the Athenaeum’s guestrooms have been modernized, with a nod to their Mayfair and Art Deco heritage, while keeping the contemporary, discerning traveler in mind. Each of the Superior, Deluxe, Park View guestrooms and suites at the Athenaeum have been adapted and repurposed with the aim of maximizing the hotel’s extraordinary views across the historic Green Park. Floor to ceiling windows now effortlessly open to flood the room with natural light – a rare commodity in central London. Clever design, innovative lighting and tailored use of color enhance the interior space. Attention has been paid to every last detail with textiles being carefully sourced and specially made, from classic Herringbone weaves and linen-lined wardrobes, to silk-clad furniture, plush velvet cushions and bespoke carpets showcasing the very best of British craftsmanship.
Look At London Differently
Encouraging guests to #lookatlondondifferently, the hotel has also reimagined local landmarks through a series of exclusive artwork. These specially commissioned whimsical pieces harness the Athenaeum’s English design aesthetic, eccentric spirit and artistic DNA. Based on the concept of old theatre sets, the eclectic multimedia collages replicate local landmarks: Buckingham Palace, Burlington Arcade, Fortnum & Mason and the Royal Academy of the Arts (RA) and insert quintessentially British characters in sometimes surprising scenarios, from David Attenborough riding an elephant and the Queen with her Corgis, to representations of Grayson Perry, the Rolling Stones, Einstein, Alice in Wonderland and even the hotel’s owners.
Plan Your Own Visit to The Athenaeum: www.athenaeumhotel.com
