Elite Traveler HRS 2024

Looking down from theDome

STAY The house was originally commissioned by Lady Home (aka ‘Queen of Hell,’ a nickname she gained due to her feisty behavior and outlandish parties) with the sole intention to create a playground for entertaining London’s high society of the 18th century. Designed in 1773 by leading architects James Wyatt and Robert Adam, the House’s 23 suites all share the same decadent splendor and have a tie to the building’s history — the deep red marble in Lady Islington’s bathroom comes from the same stone used in the star inlay in the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral. My home for the night was the James Wyatt Suite, which has its own private elevator. The suite, much like the House itself, seemed to keep on going with more and more space; it felt more like a sprawling apartment. A more muted color palette of deep bronzes and co ff ee-colored hues brings a sleek feel; the spacious living area is ideal for hosting a party (or feasting on room service in your robe as I did — order the tru ffl e fries and ice cream sundae). Despite the many members’ events and the DJ below, I was surprised to not hear a single peep and slept soundly. Within the suite there was a copy of HomeHouse magazine, which celebrates and pro fi les members, as well as a bottle of the special edition London dry gin that was launched in 2023 to celebrate the club’s 25th anniversary. EXPLORE The beauty of Home House is that you really don’t have to leave — there are two restaurants, fi vebars, a multitude of party and dining rooms, an internal garden, meeting spaces, two balconies, a gym (with Pilates equipment and Pelotons), a spa — and even a basement disco known as The Vaults. By Samantha Coles From $350 per night. Contact reservations@homehouse.co.uk, +44 207 670 2000, homehouse.co.uk

And, if you do get extremely lost, many of the suites have a private elevator that will whiz you right up to the inside of your suite (and can only be activated by your suite’s key, so no need to worry about any unwanted guests). During my tour through the House’s labyrinthine layout, I encountered another guest who enthusiastically told me that it’s the best place in town (she was enjoying a members-only wine-tasting event). In 2023, the House celebrated over 250 years of heritage and 25 years as a members' club — so there are plenty of reasons for a good party. The three houses each have their own character but are equally eccentric and just tons of fun — House 21 is the newest of the three and has more of a hedonistic atmosphere. The playful interior design features velvet lip-shaped sofas and a rhinoceros covered in a mosaic of broken glass. Plus, I discovered the most curious bathroom I’ve ever stepped foot in — a church-in spired space complete with fl ickering candles, huge arched mirrors, hymn sheets and even an eerie soundtrack of hymns.

HOME HOUSE LONDON

In Marylebone, on Portman Square, you’ll fi nd immaculate Georgian townhouses as well as a number of recognizable names — Nobu Hotel and Hyatt Regency. But, behind a nondescript door, with absolutely no signage on the outside other than the house number, lies an absolute gem — Home House. A members' club without the pretense but with all the pomp and grandeur, the House is open for in-the-know non-members and o ff ers a seriously fun side of London. Comprising three Georgian townhouses, it takes a little navigating — but it’s also ideal for those keeping a lowpro fi le, as it’s quite easy to hide away or go unnoticed; there’s a seemingly endless supply of bars and eating spaces to duck into. Plus, if you do get lost, the friendly members I encountered during my visit were all too happy to point me in the right direction.

The Lady Islington Suite bathroom

The Vestibule Bar

Photos Gina Soden