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Getting dropped off outside the gilded doors of Hotel Café Royal is like stepping onto the ledge of another world. Dramatic, I know, but it’s true. From the moment you enter the revolving doors from the scorching pavement of London’s bustling West End neighbourhood through to the cavernous lobby, it’s clear you’ve reached the height of luxury. And not just because of the 700-pound Murano glass chandelier that lights up the space with a moody glow. Everywhere your eyes fall, there is a delicate balance of historical grandeur and modern polish.
While I wait for check-in, the infamous Green Bar calls. With its thick velvet curtains and curved shape, the mossy-hued enclave offered a reprieve from the heat. One of its famous patrons was Oscar Wilde, who was known to enjoy a deadly tipple or two at the venue. “What difference is there between a glass of absinthe and a sunset?” Wilde once mused about the whimsical spirit, which I might add has been banned in many countries throughout history. In 2024, though, absinthe finds itself in vogue again, largely creditable to this very bar.
As tempting as it was to sip on some sunset, I decided it wasn’t quite my time to meet the Green Fairy—it was barely noon!—so I went for a refreshing Paloma instead. Not quite like the bohemes of 1920s Paris, but delicious nonetheless.
‘Another one, please!’ I cooed as I slipped further into the plush lounge chairs.
I then toured the 159-room building, pausing along the way to take in some of the building’s breathtaking architecture and original features.
Established in 1865, this five-star retreat is renowned for its opulent interiors, which pay homage to the history of the building. From the floor tiles to the door knobs, historic areas have been sensitively restored and combined with radical contemporary design.
The hotel’s suites, ranging from the intimate Superior Rooms to the lavish Presidential Suite, cater to both families and high-profile guests, offering expansive views of iconic landmarks and tourist hotspots like the dizzying excitement of Piccadilly Circus and the soothing elegance of Westminster.
Naturally, you’re a stone’s throw from some of the city’s most lively venues, with an endless supply of fine dining, shopping and entertainment at your doorstep.
Coming off some long travel days, knowing I had a mountain of work to get down—it’s not all midday Palomas and marvelling at stained-glass windows, sadly—I knew I’d be held up in my room for the foreseeable future, but that was not going to be a problem at Hotel Café Royal.
The first thing you notice when you enter one of the hotel’s rooms is the deluge of natural light streaming in from the sky-high windows. Two layers of curtains—one sheer, one opaque—can help you find your ideal ambience, but the option to let it all in is a rarity. As a major advocate for interiors that embrace signs of life, I was floored by the level of detail and warmth that you don’t typically see in some more sterile iterations of ‘modern’ design. Even in suites that boasted up to six bedrooms, there is no shortage of charm and character.
Decorations rendered in sorbet and gem tones were peppered throughout the room, expertly mingled with warm neutrals and earthy colours for the more substantial furnishings. Understanding that lighting is make or break, you’ll be spoilt for choice in every corner.
The bathroom stole my heart and has been my chosen topic of conversation for anyone who will listen since. Brass tapware and plush textiles complement the sprawling space, which is rendered entirely in grey marble. And aesthetics weren’t prioritised over comfort, either.
As ludicrous as it sounds, the most difficult part of my stay was trying to leave that shower. But if they wanted you in and out, there would be no use for the built-in television screen in the vanity mirror, right? Between the fragrant Balmain toiletries and the dreamy enclave, I might as well have been back in the womb. Plus, it’s not often that a sky-high waterfall head will produce much water pressure, but alas, it delivered. A solid 12/10 across all bathroom categories, as far as I’m concerned.
Of course, it’s not just about the rooms.
Peppered throughout the hotel are an array of services and curated amenities, ranging from the spa at Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre to bespoke dining experiences to ensure a tailored stay for every guest. Foodies will relish the offerings at Cakes & Bubbles, where award-winning pastry chef Albert Adrià serves up innovative desserts. Meanwhile, those seeking a fine dining experience can savour classic French cuisine at Alex Dilling’s restaurant. At Barbounia, local and seasonal produce are served up in an array of Mediterranean classics with a twist.
At any time, guests can plunge into the 1,200sqm lap pool or get their blood pumping at the fully equipped gym—if they can manage to tear themselves away from the cocktail lounge, that is.
As part of The Set collection, a curated luxury hotel group comprising some of the world’s best independent hotels, Hotel Café Royal lives up to a glamorous legacy of old-world soul and contemporary refinement.
Whether you’re looking to dine on some of London’s finest cuisine, enjoy the plethora of shopping the city’s centre has to offer, catch an iconic show or escape the hustle to indulge your senses at the spa or cocktail lounge, there is no part of your stay that won’t deliver luxurious comfort in spades. Be warned, though; you’ll be left reminiscing about marble showers and green fairies long after checkout.
Book your next stay or discover more here.
