The last time I visited The Connaught was in 2008 for a feature in Grazia Magazine. The piece was: ‘where would Carrie Bradshaw stay in London’. A light Google and The Connaught with all its 5-star gilding is a clear number one. Nestled in Mayfair – close to Oxford Street but far enough away for some privacy – this is the top of the hotelier tree. Don’t read on, though, if you’re looking for a bargain pit stop. This is sheer luxury from the moment you waft into the lobby to the second you’re waved off – by the requisite white-gloved hand – on exiting the resplendent red brick building.
While Sarah Jessica Parker hasn’t been spotted there as yet, when we visited recently, Gerard Butler was casually perusing the bar menu. It was tough to play it cool, even tougher to look up from the succulent sea bass delivered to that crisp white linen-swathed table. Other A-list fans include Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, and Gwyneth Paltrow. Oh and the entire Instagram community.
Swanky Mayfair is on your doorstep here with Christian Laboutin, Purdey & Sons, Vivienne Westwood standing tall, along with grandiose lunches at Scott’s and photogenic sarnies at the Mount Street Deli. Bond Street, Oxford Street, Regent Street, Park Lane, Piccadilly Circus and Connaught sister hotels Claridge’s and The Berkeley are a horse and carriage, taxi ride or short walk away.
While many top-tier hotels ooze pomp, The Connaught is all for friendly, comfortable luxury with no request a hassle, no query left unanswered. Any starchiness is exchanged for a truly polished service with a coat hanger smile at every turn.
The rooms are where Carrie Bradshaw and Big would unite. Traditional mahogany furnishings unite with feminine touches – the dressing table complete with Dyson hairdryer is the stuff of boudoir dreams. It’s the epitome of home-from-home but with a wholesome dollop of palatial detail, which is exactly what you’d expect from London’s Grande Dame.
Oh and if you are looking for a knock out cocktail for date night, the Connaught bar is everything you could hope for and more. Classic whiskey cocktails in old school British surrounds is just what the (love) doctor ordered. Oh, and Gerard Butler. Not that we were stalking.
This post was written in exchange for a one-night stay at The Connaught. To book go here