The Connaught

London

For a long time, London hotels have been caricatured as consisting of outdated establishments with uneven service, or family boarding houses for young visitors short of money. Things however have changed. The most central and the most chic neighborhoods like Mayfair are now filled with hotels each of which is more luxurious than the other. It’s therefore imperative to get used to driving on the left hand side of the road and to spending British pounds.

British style

If you place your index finger above a map of London and aim it at the center you’ll find yourself in the Mayfair quarter. And in the heart of Mayfair, on Carlos Place, a typically London area full of greenery, you’ll discover the Hotel Connaught, a British institution since 1897, totally renovated in 2008 by designer Guy Oliver, providing a unique atmosphere to one’s stay in the city. Once through the revolving door, the dark wood and black marble of the entrance accentuate the energy and dynamic nature of the hotel. The huge mahogany staircase which welcomes visitors served as the inspiration for the same structure at Ralph Lauren’s Madison Avenue boutique, and unless you prefer the elevator, it’s the most attractive way to reach the 123 rooms and suites spread over the hotel’s six floors. On one side, we find the new wing and its suites entirely created by Guy Oliver, and on the other, the historic wing with its moldings, symmetry, sobriety and high ceilings.  The hotel’s décor pays tribute to its past history with portraits of the Duke of Connaught and to the 21^st century with its contemporary art touches. The furniture in the suites was made to measure, and each suite has its own special atmosphere. The only common ground linking the two wings of this hotel located in midst of the city’s finest art galleries, is the exceptional service, discretion and efficiency, with a personal butler who looks after guests from the moment they arrive. The Connaught however, has a number of other more hidden secrets, like the zenlike atmosphere of the Moon Garden, the Library suite with its secret door, and of course, Héléne Darroze’s starred restaurant decorated by India Mahdavi. Before leaving, a visit to the Coburg Bar is a must as it has become a meeting place for celebrities and businessmen. And for those eager to recover from a night out on the town, the hotel proposes the only Aman spa in England. With its countless features and advantages, the Connaught is a five star establishment that stands high above the competition.

« Without a soul, people wouldn’t want to return. This is what our guests look for…a soul, a spirit and discretion… The hotel’s success is a blend of all these elements encouraging our clientele to come back again and again. Coming here is like coming home. There’s no arrogance. Luxury today is defined simply by feeling good.” Nathalie Seiler-Hayez – Director