The Athenaeum: A warm welcome in the heart of London
The historic hotel is no longer all about the glitz — and it’s all the better for it
One of the best things about visiting London is learning about the remarkable stories associated with many of its buildings and neighborhoods.
Take the five-star Athenaeum Hotel and Residences. Its address — 116 Piccadilly — used to be known as Hope House, the swanky private residence of British MP Henry Hope, built in 1850. The interiors were so extravagant that they reportedly caught the attention of the author Charles Dickens. Later in the Victorian era, Hope House was sold to the Junior Athenaeum Club, a gentlemen’s club open to the crème de la crème of London’s society, particularly those in science, art and literature. The building became The Athenaeum in 1973, and has been a family-run hotel since the 1990s. History will tell you that The Athenaeum used to be all about glitz and glamour — exuding a grandiose air fit for its clientele of Hollywood celebrities and global politicians. In fact, director Steven Spielberg once installed an editing suite in the residences, to work on “Close Encounters,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “E.T.”
Since then, the property has been given an overhaul. It’s gone from a ritzy hotel to an understated boutique one — cozier, friendlier and a breath of fresh air in Mayfair, an area that’s full of big-brand accommodation. Welcoming is the word that comes to mind when describing our recent visit. From the greeting at the entrance (look up Jim Gardner Burns, who has been a doorman at The Athenaeum for 26 years) to the friendly staff at reception, check-in was a breeze — and we were upgraded to a spacious suite, overlooking Mayfair. The open-plan room featured a double bed with living room area with sofa and TV. Meanwhile, the classic marble bathroom feels just as big, with probably the largest walk-in shower we have ever seen. No exaggeration, it could easily fit more than six people.
What stands out about the room is how accessible everything is. Lights can be controlled from the
EAT, PLAY, LOVE
of the walls are covered in mirrors. It’s great for lighting, but it also means saying hello to reflections of yourself everywhere.
When it comes to dining, the property’s signature Galvin at The Athenaeum is a must. Created by chef-restaurateurs Chris and Jeff Galvin — who also own the Michelin-starred Galvin at Windows at the London Hilton on Park Lane — it marks the first time the brothers have moved away from their trademark French-inspired menus to create modern takes on British classics. Sadly, we were short on time and subjected to a patronizing compliment that insinuates that is she is ‘normal,’ and — by extension — qualified to be considered as ‘belonging.’ The demonization and misrepresentation of Muslims in films and popular culture has birthed a narrative that often equates Indian Muslims with anti-nationalism. So much so that even something as simple as an appreciation for Urdu literature and cheering an India-Pakistan cricket match becomes a political matter.
Jalil says that there is no duality: “I am a Muslim and an Indian, in no particular order. I am both,” she writes. She sees no reason to be either embarrassed or defensive of her religious identity. She explains that Indian Muslims fall into different spectrums, marked by regional, ethnic, social, and linguistic differences. But the endidn’t visit restaurant for lunch or dinner, but the breakfast was enjoyable, combining buffet staples with an impressive à la carte menu.
One area The Athenaeum’s staff seem to take huge pride in is The View, a lounge that occupies the entire top floor of the hotel, and offers a panorama of London’s cityscape, as well as books, games and snacks, and it’s a great place to do some work too. The only downside is that the balcony is closed as a security precaution. And that’s a real shame, as the view would no doubt be 10 times better not seen through glass.
All in all, though, this property provides strong competition in a saturated area of London. It’s just a short walk away from landmarks including Knightsbridge and Buckingham Palace, so you’ll save a lot of time (and money) on transport. Hello, West End.
Top tip: Book via the official website for deals including Gourmet Getaway — a five-course tasting menu, plus overnight stay with breakfast — as well as discounts on additional nights and complimentary night packages.