AS WE sashay up to the check-in desk at The Peninsula London, we’re greeted by a team of staff whose warm smiles immediately make us feel welcome. From the moment we step into the marble-swathed entrance, we’re captivated by the inviting atmosphere of this prestigious hotel, where a grand piano sitting between two towering pillars takes centre stage.
The Lobby
This is the 12th addition to the Peninsula’s luxurious global portfolio of hotels spread across some of the most renowned capital cities of the world. After 30-plus years of searching for the perfect London location, the hotel found its home in the heart of Belgravia, opposite the Wellington Arch and Buckingham Palace’s gardens, and a stroll from the upscale boutiques of Knightsbridge and museums of South Kensington.
Courtyard Fleet
Founded in 1928 in Hong Kong, the brand’s London outpost remains true to its founding ethos, offering an exceptional blend of service, traditional hospitality and contemporary elegance. Each of its 190 guestrooms is designed with state-of-the-art technology and stylish sophistication, offering breathtaking views of Hyde Park Corner and the surrounding neighbourhood.
The courtyard entrance is a backdrop for The Peninsula’s parked signature house-green cars, which include a Rolls Royce Phantom and a custom-designed London taxi, the latter of which is available for complimentary guest drop-offs within a two-mile radius.
Premier Room Bathroom
Our spacious, contemporarily furnished suite features motorised curtains and intuitive lighting, while the spa setting in our onyx bathroom ensures my night-time soak is paired with tranquil acoustics, creating the perfect ambiance. The room also boasts a massive walk-in closet with a dressing table that doubles as a workspace.
Spa & Wellness Pool
We head to the subterranean Peninsula Spa and Wellness Centre before breakfast, working up an appetite with an intense swimming session in the 25m pool. The spa features seven wood-panelled treatment rooms and offers a menu of indulgent therapies utilising the Australian Ayurvedic-inspired brand, Subtle Energies, renowned for its intoxicating fragrance and highly effective formulations.
Canton Blue
Brooklands
Culinary offerings include Claude Bosi’s two-Michelin-starred Brooklands, paying homage to Britain’s flight and motorsport heritage, with aviation artefacts lining the walls of the restaurant and the bar, both of which offer panoramic views across the capital.
On the ground floor, Canton Blue serves up first-class Cantonese cuisine in a dimly lit setting, with dishes bursting with flavour and character, making our dining experience here a memorable Peninsula London highlight.
by Amanda Bernstein
Deluxe Room starts from £1,100 per night