Metropolitan by COMO Archives - the Luxury Travel Expert/tag/metropolitan-by-como/travel your dreams in styleWed, 03 Jan 2018 14:48:55 +0000en-UShourly1https://i0.wp.com/turkeyalwan.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/image.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1Metropolitan by COMO Archives - the Luxury Travel Expert/tag/metropolitan-by-como/3232 62211166Top 10: most luxurious hotels in London/2015/11/16/top-10-most-luxurious-hotels-in-london//2015/11/16/top-10-most-luxurious-hotels-in-london/#respondMon, 16 Nov 2015 14:06:50 +0000/?p=83130Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire [...]

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]]>Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today (November 16, 2015): Top 10 best luxury hotels in London. 

With a staggering 17.4 million overseas visitors in 2014, London is the most tourist-visited city in the world. It’s no wonder that people from all over the globe are flocking to London in record numbers, given the city’s extraordinary museums, fascinating theatre scene, numerous top sporting venues, and streets soaked in history. The British capital has accommodation to suit every budget, but if you want to do London properly, you’re really going to have to splurge. However, London is home to so many luxury hotels, that it can be very hard to choose the right one. I hereby present you a top 10 list of my preferred luxury hotels in London, to help you make the right decision when planning a London break. I will publish my reviews of some of these hotels in the coming weeks.

There is more info below the slide show. Think I missed one? Share your favorite London luxury hotel in the comments section, or take my poll below!

Click to view slideshow.

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10. MANDARIN ORIENTAL HYDE PARK

One of London’s most celebrated 5-star hotels, Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park exudes an enticing mix of Oriental elegance and fashionable luxury in the centre of the British capital. With a peaceful, yet central location and overlooking iconic Hyde Park and Knightsbridge, many of London’s most famous attractions are within easy walking distance, with the rest just a short tube or taxi ride away. The hotel has 167 elegant rooms and 26 richly furnished suites with individual features, with a Guest Services Manager on every floor to cater to any needs hotel guests may have. Foodies can look forward to two of London’s most impressive dining experiences: historic British gastronomic cuisine at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and authentic French bistro dining at Bar Boulud.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL HYDE PARK
9. ME LONDON

Located in the heart of the action and near the city’s main theatres, exclusive boutiques, fashionable hot spots and trendy night clubs, ME London is one of the leading hotels in the centre of London. Its contemporary and cutting edge style by the world-famous architects Foster and Partners is reflected in its 157 exquisitely designed, modern rooms, including 16 suites. The ME London owns the city’s most spectacular outdoor rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, Tower Bridge, and Covent Garden. The ME London used to be the popular Gaiety Theatre which suffered bomb damage during the Second World War and was torn down and turned into an office block in the 1960s

ME LONDON
8. SHANGRI-LA AT THE SHARD

The Shangri-La at the Shard hotel in London opened in 2014. The 202-room hotel occupies levels 34 to 52 in the tallest skyscraper of the European Union, the 1,000ft (305m) high The Shard in south London, offering spectacular views of the city below. This is the first Shangri-La hotel in Britain and only the third in Europe, after Paris and Istanbul. Subtle Asian touches in the lobby and lobby lounge reflect Shangri-La’s heritage, while modern and classic art with pieces from a mix of acclaimed Asian and British artists will be showcased throughout public areas. The hotel includes three wining and dining venues and there is als a gym, a pool and conference facilities.

SHANGRI-LA LONDON AT THE SHARD
7. THE SAVOY, FAIRMONT

Perfectly placed on the north bank of the River Thames and set within Covent Garden’s vibrant shopping and theatre district, The Savoy is well-known luxury hotel in Central London. The 268 lavishly appointed rooms and suites are decorated in either Edwardian or Art Deco style, and feature luxurious marble bathrooms. Many rooms afford breath-taking views over the River Thames.  Suites also benefit from The Savoy’s dedicated Butler Service. For relaxation or exercise, indulgent spa treatments, a 24-hour gym, and a private pool are also available. The Savoy is also a destination for food lovers and drink connoisseurs alike: a choice of seven stylish restaurants and bars offer something to suit all tastes.

  • Hotel website: The Savoy, Fairmont
  • Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g.room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast,  85 GBP food & beverage credit, 20% off beauty & fitness treatments, and free WiFi).
THE SAVOY, FAIRMONT
6. METROPOLITAN BY COMO, LONDON

A cool, contemporary central London luxury hotel, Metropolitan by COMO combines accurate service, sophisticated design and a vibrant Park Lane location. There are 144 rooms and suites as well as 19 long-stay apartments, Nobu for Japanese-Peruvian cuisine, a lively Met Bar and Asian-inspired therapies from COMO Shambhala Urban Escape. All rooms and suites, as well as the lobby feature fresh palettes of natural hues and textures (influenced by the flora of Hyde Park in shades of green and berry), as well as rich American walnut, sycamore, pale and dark timbers. Contemporary furnishings complete each space, with oversized windows allowing a sea of sunlight through. All this is complemented by COMO’s passionate approach to service.

METROPOLITAN BY COMO, LONDON

5. FOUR SEASONS LONDON AT PARK LANE

Surrounded by greenery in the heart of Mayfair, the luxurious and redesigned Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane is unique in London, yet still true to the city. Inspired by the “golden age of travel”, 147 guestrooms and 46 suites are a modern take on the staterooms of luxury passenger ships, using classic English shades and furniture. London is also where Four Seasons first introduced many of its signature innovations, from complimentary toiletries and multiple phones in rooms, to overnight laundry and one-hour pressing, to 24-hour business centres. Guests are free to use one of the two Rolls Royce Ghost house cars to visit anywhere within a mile of the hotel, perfect for exploring one of the many fascinating experiences right on our doorstep.

FOUR SEASONS LONDON AT PARK LANE
4. THE LANGHAM LONDON

Located at the heart of London’s West End, The Langham, London can be found atop Regent Street, one of the city’s premier locations and shopping districts. For 150 years, the legendary hotel has enchanted royalty, dignitaries, and celebrities. The hotel has 380 elegantly appointed rooms and suites that evoke a welcoming, residential ambience, while offering the conveniences of today. The hotel also offers world-class facilities to restore body and spirit, with the lovely Chuan  spa and a 16 m  (53 ft) swimming pool in the basement. The hotel’s dazzling Palm Court is famed as the place where the tradition of afternoon tea was born over 150 years ago, an indulgence that lives on today as Tiffin at The Langham.

3. THE LANESBOROUGH

The Lanesborough Hotel reopened in the summer of 2015, following an extensive renovation project by Alberto Pinto, the world-renowned interior design studio, hereby regaining its position as one of London’s finest residences. The 93-room iconic hotel is now managed by Oetker Collection, the prestigious portfolio of ‘masterpiece hotels” including Le Bristol Paris, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in the South of France and Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden, amongst others. The renovation honours the building’s architectural heritage as one of London’s most revered Regency landmarks. It embodies the signature style that has become synonymous with The Lanesborough, whilst incorporating the latest in contemporary luxury and technological innovations.

  • Hotel website: The Lanesborough
  • Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g.room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD spa credit).
  • Review: click here to read my review of The Lanesborough London.

2. BULGARI LONDON

Located in Knightsbridge on the edge of Hyde Park, London’s Bulgari Hotel is both a haven of calm in the centre of the city and yet under a minute’s walk from famous landmarks like Harrod’s department store.  Since opening in 2012 the Bulgari has set new standards among the luxury hotels of the British capital. Elegant contemporary architecture and Bulgari’s legendary flair for design are matched by class-leading quality of service. The 85 light filled rooms and suites are the largest in London. Many look over Hyde Park and Knightsbridge and each is an uncluttered oasis of calm comfort and understated luxury. The hotel also has a 47 seat cinema, an impressive spa, and a unique Cigar Shop, to deliver a city hotel experience that is unique in the world.

  • Hotel website: Bulgari London
  • Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g.room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, welcome amenity, and $100 USD spa credit).
BULGARI LONDON
1. ROSEWOOD LONDON

Rosewood London, currently the finest five-star hotel in London, is situated in one of the UK capital’s most historic thoroughfares, High Holborn. Blending English heritage with contemporary sophistication, the palatial building that houses the hotel has been sensitively renovated to create an ultra-luxurious hotel with the ambience of a stylish London residence. Guests arrive through an archway that opens into a grand Edwardian courtyard, in a little oasis of tranquillity unique among London luxury hotels. It is the perfect start to a memorable stay in a timeless heritage hotel, set just steps from Covent Garden. Rosewood London offers its guests true urban sanctuaries, with 262 rooms and 44 suites that are among the largest in London.

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]]>/2015/11/16/top-10-most-luxurious-hotels-in-london/feed/083130Top 10: luxury hotels loved by celebrities/2014/08/25/top-10-luxury-hotels-to-spot-celebrities//2014/08/25/top-10-luxury-hotels-to-spot-celebrities/#commentsMon, 25 Aug 2014 10:02:03 +0000/?p=5410 Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire [...]

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]]>Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today (August 18, 2014): Top 10 luxury hotels that are loved by celebrities.

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of spotting a celebrity, especially when you are staying at the same hotel. And when it comes to holidays, it should come as no surprise that celebs have a preference for the most luxurious hotel brands in the world. So, if you’re dying to spend your precious holiday time in the same place as the stars (or at least want a chance to see one), then read my recommendations for the 10 best luxury hotels to spot celebrities.

There is more info below the slide show.  Think I missed one? Share your favorite hotel to spot celebrities in the comments section.

Click to view slideshow.

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10. THE BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL, LOS ANGELES, USA

Most celebs come to this elegant and dignified Dorchester Collection hotel with 12 acres of gardens to hide away in one of the secluded bungalows. The hotel’s guest list of celebs of the past and present is endless and includes Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, John Lennon, Barack Obama, Lindsay Lohan, Jessica Alba, Britney Spears, Jennifer Aniston, Nicole Kidman, Johnny Dep, Vince Vaughn, Nicolas Cage, John Mayor and even everyone’s favorite royals, Will and Kate. However, recently, the Dorchester properties – and the Beverly Hills Hotel in particular – are under fire and boycotted by most celebs since their owner, the sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah, has enacted Sharia law in Brunei, which calls for homosexuality and adultery to be punishable by death by stoning.

THE BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL, LOS ANGELES, USA
9. PARK HYATT SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

This luxury hotel is a favorite among the star-studded crowd: Elton John, Bette Midler, Jerry Seinfeld, Nicole Kidman, Jamie Oliver, Lady Gaga, Rihanna and the Rolling Stones all have checked in here. No doubt they come here for the spectacular harbour front views of the surrounding landmarks, the discrete atmosphere, the day spa with rooftop pool and the palatial 350-sqm two-bedroom Sydney suite (said to be the most expensive in the city) featuring panoramic views of the iconic Sydney Opera House, harbour and bridge. As for that premium view, mere mortals can savor it simply by booking one of the hotel’s lovely Opera View Rooms.

PARK HYATT SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
8. THE WALDORF ASTORIA NEW YORK, USA

The Waldorf Astoria, the iconic New York luxury hotel in midtown Manhattan and flagship of the Hilton hotel group, is the embodiment of luxury and splendor. An official New York City landmark since 1993, this legendary Art Deco treasure occupies an entire city block on fashionable Park Avenue, and has completed renovations totaling in excess of $300 million. When the U.S. President travels to New York, he always stays at The Waldorf Astoria, and it’s also the first choice of heads of state and dignitaries from around the world. Other illustrious guests include Douglas MacArthur, Will and Kate, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who all resided on the hotel’s top floors (the Waldorf Astoria Towers). And of course, Paris and Nicky Hilton practically grew up here.

WALDORF ASTORIA NEW YORK, USA
7. THE LITTLE NELL, ASPEN, COLORADO, USA

With the city of Aspen at their front door and Aspen Mountain in their backyard, The Little Nell is Aspen’s only five-star, five-diamond property, and the only hotel with ski-in, ski-out access to historic Aspen Mountain. From the finest in haute cuisine to the 20,000 bottles of wine in their cellar, from the concierges in the lobby to the concierges on the mountains, and from family adventure to après ski, this hotel is, guests have said, ‘the Aspen of Aspen’. No wonder it is a winter magnet for the stars of film, food, music and more. Regular guests include Jack Nicholson, Kevin Costner, Kate Hudson, Felicity Huffman, Elle Macpherson, Heidi Klum, Jennifer Aniston and Mariah Carey, who has reportedly bought out the penthouse in prior years for a view of Aspen Mountain.

  • Hotel website: The Little Nell
  • Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (upgrade on arrival, daily continental breakfast, and $100 USD resort credit).
THE LITTLE NELL, ASPEN, COLORADO, USA
6. PARROT CAY BY COMO, TURKS AND CAICOS

Parrot Cay by COMO is an award-winning Turks & Caicos hideaway set on its own private island of 1,000 unspoilt acres with a mile-long powdery soft beach. This exclusive hotel delivers foot-in-the-sand luxury with COMO’s service ethic, holistic therapies, yoga, diving and world-class cuisine. And consequently, it attracts star power. Some celebrities have chosen to buy one of the COMO villas here, such as Donna Karan, Bruce Willis, Christie Brinkley and Keith Richards. Barbara Streisand, Julia Roberts, Tom Cruise, Penelope Cruz, and Janet Jackson are among the resort’s rumoured past guests. Parrot Cay by COMO also hosted the romantic weddings of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner in 2005.

PARROT CAY BY COMO, TURKS AND CAICOS

5. GRAMERCY PARK HOTEL, NEW YORK, USA

Gramercy Park Hotel was the decor of Bill Clinton’s 60th birthday. And Anna Hathaway, Madonna, Sheryl Crow, Halle Berry, Donald Trump and many more have hold celebrity studded parties here. So, what’s the fuss about? Well, the Ian Schrager designed hotel is a modern, sexy and hip take on a traditional grand New York Hotel, with custom-designed, handcrafted furnishings and a rotating collection of 20th century artwork, including masterpieces from Schnabel, Warhol and Basquiat. The theme continues in each of the 185 guest rooms, that feature imported Italian linens, exquisite artwork and richly-hued velvet drapery. And with a rooftop terrace providing stunning views and a key to Gramercy Park, Manhattan’s only Private Park, its clear celebrities have access here to the very best of New York City.

THE GRAMERCY PARK HOTEL, NEW YORK, USA
4. METROPOLITAN BY COMO, LONDON, UK

When it comes to celebrity spotting, London offers stiff competition for Hollywood and New York these days. And while favorites such as the Langham, Lanesborough and the Savoy still attract star power, it seems that most A-listers are drawn to the Metropolitan by COMO hotel, a sibbling of the Parrot Cay resort that features on our number 6 spot. The guest list (so far) features Madonna, Tom Hanks, Johnny Depp, Kate Moss, Cameron Diaz and Jude Law. They all come for the cool, contemporary design, combined with accurate service, discrete athmosphere and a vibrant Park Lane location. There are 144 rooms and suites as well as 19 long-stay apartments (most of them overlooking Hyde Park and the London skyline), Nobu for Japanese-Peruvian cuisine, a lively Met Bar and Asian-inspired therapies from COMO Shambhala Urban Escape.

METROPOLITAN BY COMO, LONDON, UK
3. ONE&ONLY REETHI RAH, MALDIVES

This is one of the most luxurious beach resorts in the Indian Ocean and a favorite of A-list celebrities. And it’s easy to see why. Supreme and private luxury amid nature’s tropical magic, the resort is a jewel among a string of coral atolls, lagoons, and white sands. Set on a large private island, it offers 130 private resort villas well separated along the shore, either on the beach secluded by lush tropical greenery, or set above the clear, protected waters of the lagoon. Designed in an elegant contemporary style, these are among the largest resort villas in the world. The 12 sugar white beaches are the epitome of a tropical paradise. David Beckham, Mariah Carey, Danni Minogue and Novak Djokovic all stayed here, and the resort was the honymoon decor for Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes (now divorced).

  • Hotel website: One&Only Reethi Rah
  • Other top 10 accolades:  One&Only Reethi Rah also features in my top 10 lists of the best resorts in the Maldives, the most astonishing beach retreats in Asia, and the world’s best hotel spas.
  • Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso, such as villa upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and exclusively designed Reethi Rah Kaftans, coupled with a One&Only Maldives at Reethi Rah Signature Organic Candle. With a minimum stay of 7 nights, guests booking through Virtuoso also receive a complimentary ‘Secrets of the Thila’ excursion or a complimentary dinner for two in the Reethi Restaurant excluding beverages.
  • Review: to read my review of One&Only Reethi Rah, click here.
ONE&ONLY REETHI RAH, MALDIVES
2. ST REGIS PRINCEVILLE, HAWAII, USA

With awe-inspiring scenery and gorgeous beaches, it should come as no suprise that Hawaii, especially Kauai, is one of the world’s most beautiful islands and a Hollywood favorite. Blockbusters such as ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’, ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘South Pacific’ were all filmed here. The 252-room St. Regis Princeville lays claim to Hawaii’s most stunning location – a cliff overlooking dramatic Hanalei Bay – and it has a celebrity guest list to match: Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Olivia Munn, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Ben Stiller, Kelly Clarkson and Alicia Keys all enjoyed the St. Regis’ signature butler service, the Asian-influenced fare at chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s casual Kauai Grill and that killer view, visible from every guest room, of jungle-clad volcanic mountains, the Pacific Ocean and the cinematic sunsets.

1. LAS VENTANAS AL PARAISO, LOS CABOS, MEXICO

At Las Ventanas Al Paraiso, a Rosewood Resort, guests feel like celebrities. And often are! The hotel has redefined pampering and luxury in Los Cabos – only a 2 hour flight from Los Angeles – with unparalleled service, exquisite accommodations and unwavering attention to detail. Celebrities come here for the privacy, views and suites. JLo, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kevin Costner, Robin Williams, Simon Cowell, Cameron Diaz, Jessica Alba, Sheryl Crow, Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox and Chelsea Handler are regular visitors. Need we say more? Oh yeah, keep in mind that those in-room telescopes are for gazing at the stars up above or the spouting whales in the Pacific Ocean, not spying on the stars in the suite next door.

LAS VENTANAS AL PARAISO, LOS CABOS, MEXICO

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