Located on an elegant Grade-II Georgian crescent within one of London’s most affluent neighbourhoods, a stone’s throw from Hyde Park, the West End and Marylebone, the Montcalm Collection’s new luxury boutique flagship hotel, Montcalm Mayfair, opened last month following a two-year, multi-million renovation project by award-winning architects Holland Harvey.
Whilst the interior underwent an impressive extension, the historic white stucco townhouse facade, damaged in WWII and restored in the 1970s, has been immaculately preserved and made for a suitably grand entrance for our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Clemmie, the hotel’s (suitably regal) first four-legged guest.
As the spa is the only area of the hotel out of bounds for dogs, there was certainly a lot for her to explore and sniff inside, with Penhaligon’s scenting the air and Studio Est’s design of the inviting public spaces incorporating the British garden theme running throughout the hotel.
A light and airy open lounge with bespoke furnishings seamlessly merges into a sophisticated bar area which, reminiscent of a luxury liner of the 1930s, is the focal point of the ground floor and, with a curved, illuminated and fluted glass gantry, offers glamour aplenty with floral-styled chandeliers and peach-toned Art Deco-style bar stools elegant enough for Jay Gatsby.
Three marble pillars not only pay homage to nearby Marble Arch, but make for a spectacular backdrop, while natural tones and materials incorporate a plethora of textures; linen, oak, marble and brass offering a luxurious and inviting space, whether you’re looking for a serene work, meeting or coffee space away from the hustle and bustle of central London or you’re meeting friends for after work drinks.
It’s a stylish spot to enjoy a glass of champagne before dining at the hotel’s anticipated new Lilli Restaurant Akira Back. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this is the Michelin-starred Korean chef’s second London restaurant venture, following the 2024 opening of Akira Back London at Mandarin Oriental.
Studio Mica’s understated design of the entry-level guest rooms, in soothing taupe and beige tones with terracotta or moss green accents, can seem something of an anticlimax after the spectacular public spaces, although marble bathrooms with gold taps, stocked with Penhaligon’s amenities, offered five-star glamour. The king-size beds are dressed with the finest white Frette linen, and our spaniel was most impressed to find a fluffy dog bed and treats awaiting her.
If the Montcalm Mayfair’s standard accommodation is ideal for short breaks and business travellers, the hotel’s 151 guest rooms also include three ‘home away from home’ signature suites, the crowning glory of which is the incredibly spacious Botanical Suite featuring three rooms and its own private entrance.
However well you sleep, and the hotel’s quiet location and comfortable beds are practically a guarantee, don’t dream of checking out until you’ve experienced the hidden gem Yātrā Signature Spa featuring a gym, four treatment rooms, sauna, jacuzzi and a plunge pool for the ultimate way to enjoy an extra boost of serenity before you rejoin the frenetic pace of London life.
Each therapy on the holistic treatment menu is influenced by Ayurvedic wisdom and complemented by bespoke British soundscapes curated by MindFidelity. Putting the ‘calm’ into Montcalm, just like the hotel itself, guests will check-out fully restored.
Montcalm Mayfair, 2 Wallenberg Place, London W1H 7TN. For more information please visit www.montcalmcollection.com.
