The great city of London is full of wonders and your experience of it’s heritage can begin at the lobby of one of the most iconic and luxurious hotels in the British capital.
Brown’s was London’s first hotel having opened on Albemarle Street in 1837. Since unveiling, it has become one of the city’s most renowned properties hosting esteemed guests, from royals to presidents. Not only does it offer a rich history but also first-class facilities, award-winning dining and flawless service in the heart of Mayfair.
Situated a few minutes away from Green Park and Buckingham Palace, the hotel celebrates 181 years of impeccable hospitality that attracted the likes of writer Rudyard Kipling who completed The Jungle Book at the hotel and now has a suite named after him.
Follow in the footsteps of Laurence of Arabia and George Orwell, sipping tea in the very room that Franklin Roosevelt visited on his honeymoon and, due to the hotel’s illustrious past, it has become one of the most treasured tea rooms in town.
When it was bought in 2005 by Rocco Forte group, the iconic venue had some modern updates and most recently has seen the renovation of the Donovan Bar and Beck at Browns into an elegantly modern hang outs with quirky twists for a buzzing London crowd to enjoy.
ROOMS
With 117 bedrooms in total, each designed by hotelier Olga Polizzi, we stayed in one of the 29 Suites. It was one of the most spacious junior suites we have encountered in the city, with plenty of natural light and essential amenities.
It makes for a comfortable stay, but it could do with a similar facelift that the Donovan Bar and Beck at Browns restaurant have enjoyed. The style is sophisticated with cream carpets, soft bed, large bathroom, walk-in wardrobe and seating area, but lacks a little personality.
Other key suites such as the Kipling Suite and the Dover Suite offer a lot more in terms of décor. If you are traveling with a large family, the hotel can hire out the whole floor to guarantee extra privacy.
EXECUTIVE ROOM
KIPLING SUITE
KIPLING SUITE
DOVER SUITE
FOOD & DRINK
In April, Michelin starred chef Heinz Beck returned to the hotel’s new restaurant Beck at Brown’s. At it’s epicentre is Heinz’s Italian pedigree, refined over his years running kitchens in Rome, so expect some of the best dishes from the region in the heart of London.
The space itself consists of three areas, separated by ornamental bronze screens, each section; bar, dining and a more private dining room. The focal feature in the space is the specially commissioned wallpaper by interior designer Adam Ellis which sits boldly above the panelling. The wall covering has a strong botanical image, continued throughout the restaurant, from the tapestry-like fabric of the banquettes and embroidered blinds to the vibrant colours of the dining chairs.
There’s also a striking bespoke chandeliers from the Florentine designers Chelini to further enhance the warm Italian atmosphere.
BECK
Donovan Bar has long been known as one of the most intimate and sophisticated meeting places in London, playing host to gatherings of the most glamorous faces of Mayfair’s elite fashion and art scene. Bars name is a tribute to a close friend of the Forte family, the iconic 1960’s photographer Sir Terence Donovan. The bar area provides the perfect meeting place for pre-theatre drinks and nightcaps.
LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE FAMILIES
Kids are treated like VIP’s with milk and cookies and the teddy turndown service as well as teen spa treatments. Expect sheets embroidered with princesses or pirates, and a play tent, while older children will enjoy the kids’ library, or movies and games consoles in each bedroom.
If you want to have some time for yourselves, make use of the 24-hour babysitting service.
FAMILIES R FORTE
This summer, the mini guests of the hotel will have a few mysteries to solve thanks to expert party planners Sharky & George. Let your little one’s imagination run free as they transform in to detectives, explorers, foodies and undercover agents to embark on an array of quests including The Brown’s Adventure Race and Phileas Fogg’s Food Challenge.
