Review: The Connaught Hotel Review

Selected by the editors as one of the best hotels in London

First impression Classically elegant.
Staff Slick.
Food & drink Michelin-starred.
Bed & bath Classy.
The crowd Well-heeled.
In a nutshell A totally timeless London

Why stay?
Because with its quiet elegance, sense of timelessness and British sensibility, there are few London hotels more steeped in old-school romance.

What is it?
Restored to its former glory and simultaneously whizzed into the 21st century a little over a decade ago with the addition of a newer, minimalist, Asian-inspired wing and an exquisite Aman spa, this hotel, part of the Maybourne Group (Claridge’s, The Berkeley) is a Mayfair landmark.

Behind the scenes
The Connaught has stood on the corner of what is now Carlos Place since the early 19th century; these days, it's surrounded by the super-smart shops and restaurants of Mount Street. Despite the new Asian-style influence, the solid Englishness of the place remains intact – a quality embodied in the celebrated central staircase (dark and woody of bannister, bright and stripy of carpet), which apparently drove Ralph Lauren into such a fit of longing that he commissioned a replica of it for his Madison Avenue shop.

Sleep
The late David Collins and interior designer Guy Oliver are behind the contemporary classic look of the rooms. Some pair walnut parquet flooring and silver-grey velvet chaises longues at the end of the beds with original artwork and sculpture; others have duck egg-blue walls and traditional wooden panelling. Stand-out suites include The Prince’s Lodge, with a four-poster bed and handcrafted furniture inspired by Kabul’s Peacock Palace; The Eagles Lodge, designed to resemble the cabin of a 1930’s yacht; and the split-level Library Suite, where floor-to-ceiling bookshelves are lined with fashion, art and design tomes.

Eat
The Connaught Bar is a mini Art Deco masterpiece, and both Hélène Darroze's recently refurbished two-Michelin-starred restaurant (with its 5- and 7-course tasting menus) and the less formal Jean-Georges at the Connaught are outstanding (the latter with stained-glass accents by artist Jean-Michel Othoniel at the top of its windows – and life-affirming truffle pizza). There’s also a champagne room for up to 20 people (look up through the oval skylight to the life-size bronze diver in motion by renowned artist Sophie Dickens).

Who stays here?
Couples seeking well-earned indulgence. Americans love it too, because its high on British charm; other super fans include Gwyneth Paltrow and Cameron Diaz, as well as sheikhs and presidents.

We like
The cosy Coburg Bar – the perfect spot for a nightcap. Settle down in one of the wingback chairs, reupholstered in jewel-coloured velvet by India Mahdavi, and order a sherry cobbler cocktail.

Out and about
You could easily spend a whole day cruising up and down grand Mount Street. Start with fashion – the likes of Christian Louboutin, Balenciaga and Oscar de la Renta – stop for lunch at Scott’s for Dover sole and people-watching, then spend the afternoon browsing for antiques and cigars.