Buckingham Palace

Hotel of the fortnight: Conrad London St James

Another month, another hotel launch in London…  the capital has recently welcomed the arrival of Conrad London St James, aka the epitome of five star luxury.

The ambience at Conrad London St James - which effortlessly blends a historic 19th century building with locally inspired style and design – is instantly relaxing. Our dismal journey on the Jubilee line faded to a distant memory as Luis and his team of all smiling staff showed us to our table in the Blue Boar restaurant.

Expect cuisine of steaks, oysters and ribs served in an opulent setting, complete with wood panelled walls and chocolate hued leather banquettes. Even if you aren’t staying at the hotel, you must eat here: head chef Rob Stephen’s modern menu has the wow factor in spades. Starters such as Scallops with cauliflower and bacon and Goats cheese souffle are delicate while mains – think a plate of Partridge accompanied with watercress, game chips, truffle and bread sauce  – are more spectacular still. There’s also an extensive, well chosen wine list that will appeal to both the connoisseur and casual wine enthusiast alike.

For post dinner drinks, head next door to the Blue Boar Bar to sip a swish cocktail. Haute Livingisn’t normally one for sticking to the safe parameters of a hotel bar, but Blue Boar – home to a division bell and featuring an exclusive drinking room, private nooks for power broking, carefully selected local ales, classic cocktails and fine wines surely ranks as one of the swankiest in the capital. We loved the 3-D political caricatures from cartoonists Gerald Scarfe CBE, Martin Rowson and Simon Bingle that adorns one of the walls.

Strong political themes  – apt given the hotel’s location in Britain’s political heartland – flow throughout the property: keep your eyes peeled for the stunning Tom Clark sculpture in the lobby.

We had arrived at the hotel with plans to party hearty in the capital but, with just one night to play and so much luxury and comfort on offer at Conrad London St James, we were content to pull on fluffy white robes and curl up in our room and enjoy flashes of smart sophistication.

Decorated in a tasteful palette of grey, beige and taupe, the rooms are an exercise in measured elegance and the kind you never want to leave. There are 256 rooms and suites spread over six floors yet somehow you feel as though you are the only people at the property. All accommodation boasts the softest pillows money can buy, modern technology (42” HD televisions and complimentary high speed WiFi) and go the extra mile touches including Nespresso coffee machines and newspapers delivered directly to your door in the morning with the compliments of Conrad St James. Meanwhile the film star bathrooms come equipped with an array of Aromatherapy Associates toiletries (you’ll feel a strong urge to stash a few in your bag), a powerful rain shower and bath you could lose yourself in.

However the icing on the cake is arguably the Conrad Suite  – surely one of the most spacious in the capital. The suite enjoys a private lift and entrance in addition to extensive bedroom and living areas, adorned with several unique pieces of artwork, and can be connected to eight other suites to create an entire private wing and houses several unique pieces of inspirational artwork.

The next morning we enjoyed a long lie in (what’s the point of staying at Conrad London St James, if you don’t make the most of it?) without worrying about missing breakfast (it’s served until a civilised 10.30am). Dinner was a hard act to follow but breakfast proved to be just as impressive: pile your plate high from the bountiful Continental buffet or choose from the a la carte menu – we ordered eggs so good, that the chickens must have had a five star life rivalled only by Kim Kardashian West.

Consumed too many calories? Ward off any weight gain in the basement gym – a true study in technology – or take advantage of the local parks and jogging routes recommended by the hotel’s staff who are friendly without being overbearing, and full of fabulous suggestions. They came across as kind, professional – and proud of the Conrad project.

And rightly so. St. James is the perfect destination – there’s no feeling to match that of being slap, bang in the heart of London within walking distance of Westminster Abbey, The Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace – and Conrad London St James the perfect host: one night here felt like a week away. All told if you want to put the pep back in your step before the party season commences, a night at this newcomer should definitely do the trick.

Hotel of the fortnight: Rosewood London

Rosewood London is a stunning oasis of luxury says Kaye Holland

Looking for a luxurious bolt-hole in Midtown (PR speak for that area between the City and the West End)? Make for Rosewood London.

Nobody can deny that when it comes to luxury, Rosewood Hotels and Resorts know how to put on a show – they have been doing it for decades in America.

However the 262 room, 44 suite Rosewood London is the group’s first foray in the UK. The high octane hotel is housed in a beautiful 1914 Belle Epoque building that was once the headquarters of Pearl Assurance. The elegant facade certainly makes you think you’ve stepped back in time to a far more graceful age. If Miss Marple had a favourite London hotel, Rosewood London would have been it.

Guests arrive through wrought iron gates into a charming courtyard before turning right into the lobby that’s divided into zones where you can read (there’s an elegant edit of books artfully scattered around the room), enjoy a drink or simply listen to the contented chirping of the birds who are housed in gargantuan cages.

Upon check in, you’ll be shown to your refined accommodation (expect a tasteful palette of grey, beige and taupe) that will soon feel like home. The suites are truly fab,  taking glamour to a Hollywood level. Every conceivable luxury and comfort has been thought of: floor to ceiling mirrors, electric black out blinds, enormous (unbranded) widescreen televisions and film star bathrooms boasting family sized baths that could fit Aunts and Uncles too and divine Czech & Speake toiletries. During the day complimentary cake is delivered to the living room while at night you’ll find a selection of spirits (you’ll feel a strong urge to stuff a few bottles in your bag) in the black lacquered cabinets in case you’re in need of a good (gratis) drink.

All of the suites elate but if you’re of the opinion that big is better, then the Grand Manor House Wing – a suite that makes Buckingham Palace look like a Travelodge – is the one to go for. It’s the first hotel suite on the planet to have its own postcode (W1CV 7DZ if you’re interested). The £25,000 a nightsuite is said to be seven times larger than the average British home and boasts six bedrooms, film star worthy bathrooms, several sitting rooms and a library. Oh and the suite has a dedicated 24/7 butler. Little wonder then that it’s always full – booking the Grand Manor House wing can be as challenging as getting a table at Chiltern Firehouse.

Regardless of whether you retire to the Grand Manor House Wing or one of the ‘regular’ rooms and suites, it’s impossible to exaggerate the glories of the Rosewood’s accommodation. Covent Garden and Theatreland may be only a short stroll south of Rosewood London but chances are that any half baked notion of exploring will evaporate the moment you step foot into your suite.

Assuming you decide to leave your room (which is admittedly a challenge but you’ll need to eat), the cuisine proves a major draw. Holborn Dining Room – the latest venture from Des McDonald – is the official restaurant but there are lots of places to eat including the marvellousMirror Room (afternoon tea here is a treat) and Scarfes Bar. Designed by Martin Brudunizki, Scarfes – named after the famed political cartoonist Gerald Scarfe – with its marbled walls and elaborate cocktail menu, resembles the kind of place one imagines Don Draper would head if he were in town

Work off the inevitable weight gain in the fitness centre – a true study in technology. And if you aren’t a fan of exercising, rest assured that Rosewood London has plenty of personal trainers on site to whip you into shape.  But if that sounds too much like hard work, be pampered in theSense Spa or find kindred spirits seeking nirvana in one of the hotel’s reading areas.

A further highlight is the modern service which is warm and efficient in equal measure. It’s the sort of attention that makes you feel – if only for 24 hours – that you have entered a different world.

All told Rosewood London represents a much needed sanctuary in the capital. Haute Timedefies even the most stressed out city slicker not to feel the the tensions melt away after a stay here.

It’s a bold boast but this may just be the best new hotel in town.