It was my first trip to London and, although I knew it would be a thoroughly modern city, it was Christmastime, and I secretly hoped I would find some of the Victorian charm I had read about in the Charles Dickens novels I read as a child.
As luck would have it, the Egerton House Hotel fit the bill beautifully. The red-brick, five-star, boutique hotel, part of Red Carnation properties, consists of two adjoining Victorian town homes that feel more like an intimately posh, private residence than any old hotel.
Egerton House Hotel at Christmas
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The Egerton takes pride in providing small touches that make for a memorable stay. There is nothing cookie cutter about it; each of its 29 rooms and suites are unique and decorated in a myriad of styles and colors.
The old-fashioned skeleton key I was given set the stage for my room to come. My suite was reminiscent of a French country house and was filled with antiques and heavy tapestry drapes. But the true centerpiece of the room was the large, upholstered canopy bed, complete with matching bed curtains, just the sort of bed that catered to my childhood dreams to live like a princess.
The more I explored my room, the more I discovered the little touches, like a wool hot-water-bottle cover and matching throw, perfect for those who need a little extra warmth, or soft, monogrammed slippers to keep toes toasty. The bath pillow and candles in the marble-covered bathroom were a relaxing plus, too.
Yet among the room’s antiques, there are plenty of modern amenities. Each room has two flat-screen televisions near the bed and bath, a heated towel rack, a DVD player, iPod speakers and all the plugs and adaptors that any international traveler could ever need. The hotel also offers the Internet via the television and free Wi-Fi in the rooms.
While there is no main restaurant, the hotel provides 24-hour room service. Clients can order a meal and eat in their cozy lounge near a warm, crackling fire. Personally, I would highly recommend ordering the tea service; it’s a perfect way to warm up after an afternoon of chilly sightseeing. Later in the evening, the lobby opens as a bar with a spectacular bartender. The hotel also serves a formal breakfast in a small meeting space that can also be used for catered dinners. And, while there is no gym on site, guests can request complimentary passes to one nearby.
Art at the Egerton
Art is an important part of the property’s identity and there are many original lithographs and carvings from Henry de Toulouse-Lautrec, Picasso and Matisse throughout the hotel. The collection is so extensive that general manager Sandra Anido penned a small but informative booklet for guests with the history and background of the pieces and the artists. Anido was also happy to make herself available to show guests some of the special art pieces up close. This attention to art is echoed in the hotel’s partnership with the Victoria and Albert Museum, which is a short walk from the property. Advise clients to ask for complimentary tickets at the front desk for touring exhibitions at the museum. Not only will they save on the price of admission, but these tickets are good at all times.
Knightsbridge
The Egerton is located on a quiet residential street in the busy shopping mecca of Knightsbridge, and during Christmas, the exclusive neighborhood is decked out for the holidays. Strolling down the bustling city streets, which are strung with twinkling lights, and gawking at the elaborately decorated department store windows of Harvey Nichols and Harrods is something I won’t soon forget.
www.egertonhousehotel.com
Other Red Carnation London Properties
The Red Carnation has built its business on providing unique and luxurious accommodations. Each of the boutique properties have a personality all their own.
"41"
If your clients idea of luxury is staying at a private club "41" is ideal. The entrance is a discreet marble hallway with a doorman to help guests and screen visitors. When your guests emerge from the elevator, they will find themselves in a lavish private lounge with a cozy fireplace and large inviting leather chairs. Here weary travelers can relax and are treated to a complimentary drink upon arrival. The wait staff is happy to help guests and accommodates with other complimentary items from the panty or the homemade canapes, ice and lemon served each evening. With all the pampering, clients will quickly realize that the staff outnumbers guests two to one.
The "41" is known for its playful black and white decor, which is most pronounced in the guestrooms and suites. The "41" neighbors Red Carnation’s sister property, the Rubins, and is located opposite Buckingham Palace and near Victoria Station.
www.41hotel.com
The Milestone
A stay at this luxurious property will definitely be a memorable one. The boutique hotel has been recognized for its 24-hour butler service, which readers of Condé Nast Traveler voted the best in London. Each of the guestrooms, suites and long-stay apartments at the Milestone are uniquely designed and decorated.
Guests staying at this romantic five-star property can enjoy dining at Cheneston's restaurant, unwind in the Stables bar, sip cocktails in the Conservatory or take tea by the fire in the Lounge. There's a heated resistance pool, a gym, a sauna and a chauffeur-driven Bentley.
www.milestonehotel.com Chesterfield MayfairTucked away in a quiet neighborhood, the four-star flagship of the Red Carnation brand, the Chesterfield Mayfair, has undergone massive renovations updating the 94 deluxe guestrooms and 13 luxurious suites. Guests will find the new rooms cozy, with elegant upholstered walls, comfortable beds and modern technology.
Clients dining onsite will have a choice of fine dining at Butler's restaurant or eat amongst the backdrop of the garden and fountain in the Conservatory. Tell you clients to take out of their busy day of sightseeing to unwind and sample some of the Conservatory’s award winning afternoon tea or have a cocktail at the Terrace Bar.
The Chesterfield Mayfair is situated near Green Park and is in the heart of Mayfair adjacent to the world famous Berkeley Square
www.chesterfieldmayfair.com
Montage on the Gardens
Think of the old traditional grandeur of England and you will have an idea what your clients stay at the Montage on the Gardens will be like. The four-star boutique hotel neighbors the British Museum but is named for the quiet private gardens at the rear of the property.
The hotel is both child- and pet-friendly. Children staying at the property will find their own special bathrobes and slippers, and the bathroom towels are folded into little elephants and swans.
www.montaguehotel.com
Rubens at the Palace
The Rubens at the Palace is a four-star luxury hotel that embodies the old-world splendor of the early 20th century while catering to all the creature comforts of a modern age. The hotel was built in 1911 and was once popular with debutantes, a class of aristocratic, party-loving young ladies. Over the years the property has lost none of its charm.
The Rubens features two restaurants, a separate lounge, a bar, and 24-hour room service. The property sits adjacent to Buckingham Palace and a quick walk to Victoria Station.
www.rubenshotel.com
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