LONDON
PRESTIGE, ELEGANCE AND HOSPITALITY EXCELLENCE IN THE HEART OF THE CAPITAL
THE PENINSULA LONDON
BY SAMANTHA READY
Some hotels open quietly. Others arrive fully formed, as if they’ ve always belonged. The Peninsula London, a purpose-built landmark decades in the making, sits firmly in the latter camp. A rare jewel of hospitality nestled at Hyde Park Corner, it brings with it the Hong Kong hospitality brand’ s unmistakable blend of precision, polish and heart; an international name that feels right at home in the capital.
Proving that patience must indeed be a virtue, Sir Michael Kadoorie, chairman of the family-founded hotel group, waited some 30 years to obtain the perfect spot for his London offering, and he- and indeed anyone who has the pleasure of crossing the threshold here- has been rewarded. Ideally situated in the heart of Belgravia, with views over Hyde Park Corner and Wellington Arch, The Peninsula London occupies one of the city’ s most prestigious addresses. Contemporary in its exterior appearance, inside the double-height ceilings, marble columns and heritage architecture feels reassuring‘ old London’. In fact, the newly built hotel has been impeccably designed to harmonise with surrounding heritage buildings yet is also bursting with unique touches such as the Concorde and racing-car themed Brooklands bar and restaurant spaces. And when I say themed, I don’ t mean twee or a picture on the wall, I mean the actual Concorde tail suspended in gleaming abundance from the ceiling.
Located just moments away from the city’ s most iconic attractions, including three Royal Parks, Buckingham Palace, Harrods and Big Ben, The Peninsula’ s 190 light-filled guest rooms and suites have been exquisitely designed by Peter Marino, and they are as breathtaking as its gathering spaces which include several world-class restaurants and bars including the aforementioned Brooklands, helmed by Michelin-starred chef director Claude Bosi, the idyllic Peninsula Spa and a luxury retail arcade.
From the moment we arrived, there was an ease to everything. The kind of luxury that whispers rather than shouts. Staff were poised and warm, greeting us by name with the kind of effortless familiarity that sets the tone before you’ ve even reached your room. We were offered a welcome drink, which we tipped into a discreet“ cheers” between ourselves in celebration of our own wedding anniversary and in celebration of 15 years of insideKENT, before we sought a seat in the lounge to enjoy the lingering bubbles before being taken to our room. On arrival to the hubbub of afternoon teas and celebratory lunches, we hesitated mere seconds before a reassuring nod from the concierge-“ this is your home now, your table is just being set”- and so began one of our most welcoming luxury stays, where nothing was too much trouble and every detail was taken care of with exquisite service and utter ease.
Then came our room … and what a room it was! Every detail in our Grand Premier Park Room, from the rich wood panelling in the private dressing room to the bespoke artwork and quietly glinting lighting, had the stillness of something considered. The view stretched across Wellington Arch from large floor-to-ceiling picture windows, the bathroom had its own light and sound setting so you could lay back in the jacuzzi tub to the sounds of the ocean or reinvigorate in the rainforest shower to energetic playlists depending on your persuasion, and there was a clever hidden closet that allowed deliveries from concierge or room service to be made without even entering your abode. Everything here has been thought of and delivered with mastery. Yet it was the celebratory cake and a London Eye sculpted in rich, dark chocolate, delivered to our suite while we had popped out to explore the park in celebration of our anniversary( overheard by the reception team on our arrival and acted on without a word), that spoke loudest about the Peninsula’ s defining quality: its attentiveness.
Just when we thought it couldn’ t impress further, we descended to the spa. Here, among limestone walls and still waters, we were encapsulated into an absolute haven of tranquility, where again the small details( such as a hidden passageway that leads from changing room to treatment room to avoid reception) had been utterly considered. It was here that I enjoyed what may well have been the best massage I’ ve ever had. From an inquisitive and informed understanding of lifestyle and preference, and a journey through different signature massage oils curated to either restore or
138 • www. insidekent. co. uk