The Mayfair Townhouse, London

BACKGROUND

Open since May, following an initial launch in December 2020, the Mayfair Townhouse is part of Iconic Luxury Hotels, which includes prestigious properties Cliveden House and Chewton Glen in its portfolio. The site formerly housed the Hilton London Green Park and has been gutted and refurbished.

WHAT’S IT LIKE?

Some 15 Georgian townhouses on Half Moon Street have been combined to create 172 individually designed rooms and suites. In the Victorian era the street was popular with bachelors, bohemians and artists, and so the townhouses were split into apartments for singletons – in Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, Algernon Moncrieff resided in one. Design firm Goddard Littlefair has drawn on this heritage to create flamboyant interiors that pay homage to both real and fictional personalities – from Wilde to Alice in Wonderland.

Guests begin their journey down the rabbit hole as soon as they enter the lobby and are met by Alfie, a peacock adorned with 25,000 Swarovski crystals and named after Wilde’s lover. The art collection gives classical imagery a contemporary twist – from Miss Aniela’s Surreal Fashion photo series to Ant Fox’s depiction of Lord Byron with an iPad. The lobby has a dark, moody colour scheme with hints of gold. It leads on to the Dandy Bar, while the lower ground floor houses the Club Room, a lounge area that is comfortable to work in, and the ruby-red Den.

WHERE IS IT?

On Half Moon Street, just off Piccadilly; a three-minute walk from Green Park Underground station.

ROOMS

These range from small 14 sqm Cabin rooms with queen beds to 60 sqm Loft suites with terraces. All have marble bathrooms. Deluxe rooms and above have king beds, and suites have a separate sofa area. Signature suites include arrival transfer from any London airport or station.

The labyrinthine layout adds to the hotel’s charm, with each black threshold a sign that you’re entering a new house. Hallways feature classical-style portraits of women whose faces are masked by blooming botanicals.

All rooms have free wifi, Nespresso machines, safes, Noble Isle toiletries and free non-alcoholic minibars. My Junior suite was on the fourth floor, down a couple of steps at the end of the hallway, and felt like its very own wing of the townhouse. The décor was refined, with a regal navy colour scheme, glimmers of red and gold, and dark wood furnishings. The bed was extremely comfortable. The bathroom had an inviting rolltop tub, a spacious walk-in shower and twin sinks.

FOOD AND DRINK

The Dandy Bar is an alluring destination, with dim lighting, an art-deco bar and marble, brass and glossy timbers reflected in mirrored ceilings. Bespoke cocktails are inspired by the area – I adored the Cloud Nine Fizz, a bubbly concoction presented with a floral decoration. The all-day dining menu includes small plates and mains, such as burgers and risottos. I enjoyed artichoke croquettes and a fragrant lobster curry, a Chewton Glen signature dish. A buffet and à la carte breakfast is served in the Club Room.

MEETINGS

The lower ground floor can be privatised, or the Den and Oscar’s Study can be hired.

LEISURE

There’s a gym on the lower ground floor.

VERDICT

This grand hotel manages to feel boutique, with thoughtful interiors that marry real-life history with fictional folklore and are playful rather than gimmicky. The staff are excellent and the dining areas double as comfortable workspaces during the day. Hannah Brandler

BESTFOR

A glamorous city alternative to the hotel group’s country boltholes

DON’TMISS

Imaginative cocktails at the Dandy Bar

PRICE

Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in September started from US$350 for a Cabin room

CONTACT

27-41 Half Moon Street; tel +44 (0)20 8138 3400; themayfairtownhouse.com

Flamboyant interiors pay homage to real and fictional personalities – from Oscar Wilde to Alice in Wonderland