THE WESTBURY, LONDON
One of the newest members of Starwood’s Luxury Collection, the Westbury has a much longer pedigree as the first American-owned five-star hotel in London, having opened in 1955. Its central location in tony Mayfair — known for fashion, finance and foreign relations — has helped it attract numerous celebrities and heads of state. Last year, the Westbury invested millions in a makeover, so any appropriately funded guest can feel like a VIP.
Setting: Between the designer boutiques of New Bond Street and the tailors of Savile Row, amid an architectural gamut from Georgian to modern mid-rise buildings. It’s an easy walk to anywhere in London’s West End, especially the less-pricey shops of Carnaby Street and theaters of Piccadilly Circus.
The appeal: Posh pied-a-terre. The Westbury’s recent renovations, which reduced the total number of rooms to 225 but increased the number of suites, brought Italian fabrics, redwood paneling, marble bathrooms and Nespresso machines. In-house dining is pricey but suitably exquisite, from the inventive seasonal cuisine of Michelin-starred chef Alyn Williams to artfully presented morsels at Tsukiji Sushi and expert cocktails at the discreetly clubby Polo Bar.
Insider’s tips: Prix-fixe lunches at Alyn Williams and Tsukiji Sushi offer the best values year-round, while the Polo Bar serves an elegant afternoon tea, but only in summer. For quiet respite, walk through the towering trees of Mount Street Gardens, hidden behind mansions with a picturesque church at either end. Also within a 10-minute walk, the similarly obscured Shepherd’s Market offers a jumble of quaint pubs and restaurants.
Good to know: Standard and luxury king rooms are rather cozy — 258 and 301 square feet, respectively. For longer stays, consider upgrading to one of 64 suites, the smallest at 388 square feet, with sofa, walk-in shower and separate bath. Many Mayfair restaurants have dress codes (typically collared shirts for men and no running shoes). Details: 37 Conduit St., London. + 44 (207) 629-7755, reservations + 44 (208) 382 6194, www.westburymayfair.com. Kings from $340, luxury kings from $470 and suites from $498; rates include the United Kingdom’s 20 percent value added tax.