Concealed under a verdant wall of greenery, The Athenaeum is an intimate 5 star boutique hotel ideally situated in the heart of London. Upon entering the lobby, you are transported from the buzz of the streets of London to a cool and effortlessly chic sanctuary. Black and white photos line the walls and quirky art – from a ceramic bust of a woman to the holograms in the rooms – infuse the hotel with an inimitable warmth that many a soulless hotel would envy.
The rooms
Other establishments might take tips from The Athenaeum. Offering a complimentary minibar to guests, the immediate temptation is to rewind on the plush sheets and curl up with a drink in hand. Be impressed by the lack of noise for, inasmuch as the hotel overlooks a main road in London, you won’t hear a sound.
The rooms are small, colourful and comfortable. Highlights were the ease of operating the technology systems, located by the bedside, the kettle (a much needed appliance) and the all-marble bathroom – with hooded bathrobes! Built-in wardrobes and the ubiquitous full length mirrors maximise room space, giving the room both a luxury and comfort factor.
The Hotel
There are several salient points worthwhile mentioning. Most people are aware of the hotel’s myriad awards for their afternoon tea, dubbed the ‘Oscars’ of the tea world. With velvet sofas fit for a King and elegant leather seats, this truly is an indulgent treat!
The drinks lounge mirrors the tea area, with large, swanky sofas reeling in guests and visitors, helped, of course, by the 300+ different types of whisky that the hotel boasts.
The restaurant, with a seasonal menu and sumptuous dishes such as Roast Quail and Goose Liver Pancetta, Dauphinoise Potatoes, Confit Garlic, Fresh Peas and Red Wine Jus or the Pan Fried John Dory, Creamy Mash, Pickled Radish, Courgette Ribbons, Saffron and Ginger Jus is definitely worth a visit. Portions are generous and the food is utterly satisfying. If you are exhausted with all of the frills of high-flying eateries, try the restaurant here.
Going down a floor, you reach the small spa. Hot tobs, saunas, a gym area and several tempting beauty treatments are on offer. Beware, though, that once you visit the spa, you will most likely be tempted to spend the day there!
Location
Strategically positioned, The Athenaeum is the ultimate base for a stay in London. Just opposite the hotel is a beautiful expanse of green – Green Park – that leads towards Buckingham Palace or, at a stretch, theatre land: the West End. Turn the corner from the hotel and you’re in the business district: Mayfair. Walk up Piccadilly and you’ll find yourself approaching the hoards of shoppers off of Regent’s Street and Oxford Circus; walk down Piccadilly and you enter Knightsbridge and Chelsea, the stronghold of designer brands and, of course, Harrods.
The Athenaeum, 116 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London W1J 7BJ
+44 (0) 20 7640 3557
Email: info@athenaeumhotel.com
http://www.athenaeumhotel.com/
Like us on Facebook!
Follow us on Twitter!
