Just when you thought London’s luxury hotel choices couldn’t be more vast, Preferred Hotel Group announces its latest expansion with five new additions to its London portfolio of independent luxury properties: The Stafford London, The Beaumont Hotel, Hotel Xenia, The Bentley London, and, opening this month, The Exhibitionist. A mix of preexisting hotels and new launches in key neighborhoods, the new members bring the company’s London total to 13 properties.
“London currently tops the list of Europe’s most popular cities for leisure travelers, and, as an international hub for finance and enterprise, it remains a key destination for business and corporate group travel as well,” said Brenda Collin, Regional Director of the UK, Ireland, and The Nordics for Preferred Hotel Group. “Each of these hotels offer visitors an authentic take on the upmarket London experience, showcasing the unique atmosphere, history, and culture of its neighborhood, while offering easy access to rest of the city.”
The Beaumont Hotel (Mayfair), a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts
The first hotel from restaurateurs and OBEs Corbin & King, The Beaumont opened its doors earlier this month, featuring a Listed Grade II Art Deco exterior, 73 rooms and suites inspired by the pioneering taste of Prohibition-era Manhattan, and an aura that evokes the elegance and service style of pre-war Mayfair hotels. A signature feature is the part-suite, part-sculpture called ROOM, a massive modular piece by Sir Anthony Gormley. The hotel also comprises The Colony Grill Room, where the restaurateurs’ famed cuisine can be sampled in a 1920’s New York-themed bistro setting, and a residents-only gymnasium and spa with Turkish baths. Set in exclusive Mayfair, the hotel is perfectly located for guests wishing to hit Selfridges and numerous other retail outlets on the world-famous Oxford Street.
The Exhibitionist (South Kensington), a member of Preferred Boutique
Scheduled to open this month, The Exhibitionist is housed in a beautifully-restored 18th century townhouse that was originally built for officials of the Royal Family. This property promises a 21st century experience through ultra-modern décor and artsy furnishings, an experimental cocktail lounge, and eight impressive art galleries. All of the 37 guestrooms come equipped with iPads that allow guests to personalize their stay; the Luxury Rooms feature private balconies and wet rooms; and the Spa and Penthouse Suites boast plunge pools and terraces with outdoor cinemas. The hotel takes its name from the adjacent Exhibition Road, which spoils culture-seekers with the choice of 18 institutions including the Victoria & Albert Museum, Natural History Museum, and the Royal Albert Hall.
The Stafford London (St. James’s), a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts
This newly independent, quintessentially English hotel is located in aristocratic St James’s, near Buckingham Palace. Built as private residences in the 17th century, The Stafford London offers guestrooms meticulously designed to complement the original architecture, the legendary American Bar, and a nearly 350-year old underground Wine Cellar that guests can explore during candlelit guided tours. A stone’s throw from Piccadilly, The Stafford London is well situated for exploring the high end boutiques of Bond Street and Dover Street or enjoying a stroll in Hyde Park.
The Bentley London (Kensington), a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts
The Bentley is an established five-star property located in the quiet residential Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, featuring 64 spacious and opulently decorated rooms and suites, Peridot brasserie that serves freshly-baked cakes and pastries for daily traditional afternoon tea service, a stylish cocktail lounge, and a deluxe spa with a hammam. The hotel is a choice location for shopping trips along Chelsea’s Kings Road or within the world-famous department stores of Knightsbridge, Harrods and Harvey Nichols.
Hotel Xenia (South Kensington), a member of Preferred Boutique
Bright and bold in design, Hotel Xenia is fittingly located on the vibrant Cromwell Road in South Kensington. The recently-renovated boutique property offers two stylish cocktail bars, a healthy eating Italian restaurant, herb garden, and private roof terrace where guests can enjoy cigars from a well-stocked humidor. There are 99 guest rooms, each featuring tablet computers. The wonderful Xenia Suite comprises Victorian gallery windows, a private balcony, and an onyx stone Turkish bath. Xenia is within walking distance of Earl’s Court Exhibition Centre and Kensington Olympia making it an apt choice for corporate travelers.
Other London properties in the Preferred Hotel Group portfolio include The Royal Park Hotel, ME London, The Wellesley, Draycott Hotel, The Mandeville Hotel, Lancaster London, The Colonnade and The Lanesborough. Guests of all PHG hotels can add value to their stays through the iPrefer guest loyalty program, which extends points redeemable for cash-value Reward Certificates, VIP status, and special benefits such as complimentary Internet upon every stay at more than 500 participating Preferred Hotel Group locations worldwide.
