OFFERING London’s best views since 1961, The Carlton Tower is a firmly established player in the Knightsbridge luxury hospitality scene and has just reopened its doors following a £100million rennovation and upgrade. Designed by the uber trendy design and architectural studio 1508 London, the hotel’s new interiors are light, airy, sumptuous and sophisticated.
The sophistication even stretches to the staff uniforms which are designed by No Uniform, a company founded by British couturier Nicholas Oakwell which creates stunning outfits for staff that look like they just came off the catwalk.
As part of the renowned Jumeirah empire, the Middle Eastern values are clearly visible in the hotel in the staff’s incomparable attentiveness and their exceptional inclusion of children. In many luxury British hotels children are “allowed” but at The Carlton Tower they are made to feel like the most important guests, with special touches like balloons at breakfast, mini teepees in the room, dedicated family pool times and an exceptional, nutritionist-approved kids menu that makes healthy eating for little ones a priority. I was also astounded at the staff’s ability to memorise children’s names and make them all feel welcome or find ways to make their stay even more special.
Afternoon tea at The Chinoiserie
The hotel’s new design now includes an epic spa which stretches across three floors and features London’s largest indoor pool and a luxury cabana lounge area with healthy teas and snacks on tap. The spa features top skincare brands 111Skin, and Aromatherapy Associates to offer a delectable menu of body and face treatments.
The pool at dusk
The hotel’s flagship restaurant, Al Mare, serves traditional Italian cuisine with a modern flare and the finest, freshest ingredients, from handmade pasta to the softest salt-baked sea bass. Head Chef Marco Calenzo is an Italian native who has worked all over the world, doing stints at The Four Seasons in Beijing and Hawaii, Les Creations de Narisawa in Tokyo and Zuma in London. Al Mare feels like he has been given free rein to create the quintessential dining experience of his homeland and he pulls it off with aplomb.
Junior Suite with a City View
After 6pm, Al Mare is adults only but the hotel’s all-day restaurant, The Chinnoisserie, welcomes children at all hours. This is also where breakfast is served and it has to be noted that the hotel’s croissants, handmade by their own pastry chef, are like nothing else you’ve tried before. There is perfection in even the simplest of things at The Carlton Tower Jumeirah.
by Nicola Kavanagh
Room rates from £675 including VAT
jumeirah.com/en/stay/london/the-carlton-tower