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Vogue Reviews: Hotel Café Royal

The lobby seating area. Courtesy of Hotel Café Royal

Where: Hotel Café Royal,10 Air St, Soho, London W1B 4DY, UK

The LowdownCombining architectural heritage with a contemporary redesign by British architect David Chipperfield, Hotel Café Royal has been part of London’s fashionable social scene for more than 150 years. Nestled between the elegance of Mayfair, flashing lights of Piccadilly, and the buzz of Soho, the hotel is a perfectly situated, discreet urban retreat. Everything from London’s finest designer destinations to theaters and cultural hang-outs are on your doorstep. Enter through its historic 1865 entrance on Regent Street and the mood is one of a private member’s club – an oasis of candlelight and colorful clientele. Hidden down a wide flight of marble steps is the hotel’s seriously impressive Akasha spa, complete with an 18-meter pool, nine treatment rooms offering everything from hydrotherapy rituals to individualized facials, and a cutting edge gym – if you need a quiet place to escape the city, this is it.

The Akasha spa and pool. Courtesy of Hotel Café Royal

Stylish Eats: Over the years, everyone from celebrities (Brigitte Bardot) to literary and political figures (Winston Churchill) have frequented the hotel’s various bars, cafés, and restaurants. The extravagant Oscar Wilde Bar – named after its famous former patron – with gilded mirrors and ornate Louis XVI décor is an opulent setting for afternoon tea. Think Diptyque scented candles, fluffy scones and flavorful pastries. On the first floor of the hotel you will find Laurent, the exquisite grill and sushi bar by internationally renowned chef Laurent Tourondel. This sleek space serves up perfectly cooked steaks, seafood, and a delectable array of sushi for dinner – plus the best of British Burford Browns eggs at breakfast. Another noteworthy venue is the newly opened Ziggys, a bar dedicated to David Bowie and his famous alter ego, where images of the late icon adorn the walls and a cocktail menu brings new life to his legacy and lyrics. Elsewhere, the Green bar boasts an impressive mélange of cocktails whilst Papillon serves up a healthy yet simple menu for chic daytime dining.

The London Royal Tea at the Oscar Wilde Bar. Courtesy of Hotel Cafe Royal

Suite Talk: The 160 rooms have been restored beautifully, still preserving their carved stone moldings and period features yet updated and refreshed with modern and minimalistic furniture, showcasing Chipperfield’s signature finesse. There are six historic and luxurious suites including the Regent: a spacious room with private entrance, personal ‘butler’, and spectacular view of London’s Piccadilly Circus from the lounge area’s floor-to-ceiling windows – the outside hustle muted, of course, by triple-glazed windows. A walk-in wardrobe, discreet bar, and an expansive bathroom with standalone roll top bath, mirror TV screens, and Floris toiletries complete the offering.

The living room of the Regent Suite. Courtesy of Hotel Cafe Royal

Insiders Tip: Looking for a wardrobe overhaul without pounding the pavements of Bond Street? Hotel Café Royal has teamed up with Matchesfashion.com to offer every hotel guest the option to shop from their website and have items delivered direct to the hotel in just 90 minutes. Stay in one of the hotel’s suites and guests can also request a specialized in-suite personal shopping experience, with an expert stylist on hand to run through a carefully curated edit.

 Vogue Verdict: A glamorous city break in the heart of vibrant London.

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