Elite Traveler Spring 2021

The Connaught LONDON, ENGLAND

The Americans love it, the English admire it, and London’s Instagram community can’t get enough of it: There’s no denying that The Connaught Hotel is one of the capital’s most adored spots. Undeniably smart, the hotel hugs the corner of Carlos Place in Mayfair and is surrounded by high-end restaurants and swanky shops from Celine to Christian Louboutin and Goyard. Though it’s one of London’s most exclusive hotels, it’s far from snobby or pretentious. Old world meets the new, but not in a mish-mash way. Step inside and you’ll see dark polished woods, shiny marble floors and pillars, and the solid-gold-leaf-gilded-mahogany staircase in the lobby, so beautiful that Ralph Lauren replicated the design in his New York flagship store. Corridors are lined with thousands of original artworks spanning Damien Hirst to Barbara Hepworth, and side cabinets and striking rooms show off fresh flowers by luxury florist McQueens. The restaurants are also ridiculously good. The Michelin-stars come courtesy of celebrated chef Hélène Darroze — dinner for adults at the namesake restaurant is a must — and Modern European fare gets its moment at Jean-Georges at The Connaught. If you want to just stuff yourself silly with cake, the newly opened Connaught Patisserie is stocked with sweet treats. The best family space to book is, without question, The Mews. Highlights include your very own private entrance plus direct entrance into The Connaught, 24-hour private butler service, huge walk-in closets, vast open-plan living space complete with two fuel-effect fireplaces, grand piano, more coffee-table books than you can count (including a huge Hockney tome on an easel). There’s also an option to interconnect with neighboring suites. What’s in store for the kids? Their own bathrobes and slippers, endless books and board games, use of a Nintendo Wii and a choice of games and, of course, treats on arrival. If that’s not enough, the hotel will also sort out all your daily activities, transportation, tickets for London shows, and attractions and long days out away from the Big Smoke. Family fun The Connaught has one of the best spas in the city, and you can take advantage of family-friendly swimming hours at the hotel’s underground AMAN Spa. Kids can splash about for hours while mom and dad lounge — with book, paper, magazine and drink in hand. The Mews from $14,000 per night. Contact Dani Degen, group director of revenue and reservations,

signaturesuites@the-connaught.co.uk, +44 207 107 8945, the-connaught.co.uk

Photos Sim Photography, Jamie McGregor Smith