A dare to be different stay anchored around luxurious urban living and destination dining.
London's latest hotel makes quite the impression. Waiting to be discovered on the doorstep of Green Park, close to Il Borro Tuscan Bistro London and Novikov Restaurant & Bar, 1 Hotel Mayfair is easy to spot thanks to a 500 square metre escarpment of living foliage that adorns the property's façade on a street of predominantly Georgian brickwork.
The latest addition to the 1 Hotels portfolio follows hot on the heels of openings in Nashville, San Francisco and Toronto, promoting a sense of tranquillity from the moment guests cross the threshold. Greeted with stonework carved to resemble suitcases and a reception desk made from the trunk of a fallen oak tree, it's like stepping into an enchanted forest.
Natural woods and foliage abound throughout this urban retreat. Lift ceilings are covered in living moss, which works through the 181 guest rooms. However, it's the suspended entranceway installation that will draw gasps of delight. Made from 50,000 air plants, this canopy hangs seductively over the lobby like an umbrella. It's impressive, especially under illumination when night falls.
A sustainable sanctuary
Our Lounge King room is compact but comfortable, placing sustainability at the heart of the stay. Oak flooring and sand-coloured walls set the tone for a serene stay, while a filtered drinking water tap and a panel of moss help to bring the outdoors inside. Coat hangers are made from up-cycled milk cartons, and rather than a do not disturb sign, guests are given a stone engraved with the words "not now" to place outside the door.
Hand-chiselled stone and sustainably sourced timber in the rooms allow guests to reconnect with nature, while a super king bed topped with an organic Keetsa mattress and sustainably-sourced bedding provides the utmost comfort. Elsewhere, cosy robes, slippers, a cushion-laden lounge area, and striking city views over Berkley Street ensure guests can make the most out of every corner of the 23 square meter rooms. If you're looking to splurge, the Piccadilly Greenhouse Suite with its Emperor bed, table for six, and views of Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster is the one for you.
Although our room does not have a bathtub, we are impressed with the underfloor heating and powerful rainfall shower complemented by Bamford products and so much verdant foliage that we feel like we're showering in a rainforest.
No matter which room category you pick, you're in for a comfortable stay surrounded by mod cons that include a 55-inch flat-screen television, Bluetooth speaker and Nespresso machine. All rooms are pet-friendly, so furry friends are welcome too.
Destination Dining
1 Hotel Mayfair offers an abundance of options to eat and drink. Just off the lobby, the aptly named Neighbours provides cakes and caffeination amidst boho-chic surroundings. A light and airy spot for coffee and co-working, Neighbours also serves grab-and-go items for those looking to explore the city.
Dover Yard is a bar and lounge with a difference. Blending nature-inspired aesthetics with a sustainable approach to cocktails and beverages, Bar Director Matteo Carretta has created an enchanting spot that is already proving popular with the well-heeled Mayfair crowd. The beverage list features signature cocktails and classic serves prepared with responsibly sourced, seasonal ingredients and locally produced British spirits. Sip on seasonal classics such as the Purple Carrot Garibaldi (Campari, English purple carrots, orange and lemon) or a cocktail made from re-purposed ingredients like the Pan Brioche (Lakes "The ONE", Grand Marnier, croissant falernum, lemon and egg white) while listening to the hypnotic beats of Dover Yard's resident DJ.
Dovetale, from Michelin-lauded chef Tom Sellers, is a day-to-night dining destination with a difference. The cosy space, replete with rugs, crackling fireplaces and a soulful R&B soundtrack, bucks the informality of most all-day dining destinations in the city. Here ingredients are sourced from the British Isles and proudly celebrated across a modern European menu.
Breakfast spans fluffy Burrata Omelettes and Brown Butter Perdu. During dinner, the quaint garden terrace takes on an unexpected intimacy, where Braised Cuttlefish "Alla Romana", English Burrata, Loch Duart Salmon and Black Truffle & Potato Agnolotti steal the show. However, the Insta-worthy Knickerbocker Glory trolley appears to have enamoured London diners, encouraging guests to create their own version of the popular ice cream sundae.
Rest and relaxation
1 Hotel Mayfair is home to the Bamford Wellness Spa, where a holistic approach promotes individualised treatments on the hotel's first floor. Whether you're searching for organic skin care products, signature facials or customised massage rituals, this spa is anchored around a heartfelt connection with nature.
The Field House offers state-of-the-art weight training and cardio equipment 24 hours a day, in addition to yoga, outdoor fitness classes and personal training sessions. For those looking to explore, 1 Hotel Mayfair offers Audi excursions in electric cars. However, a short walk on foot will bring you to the shopping hubs of Saville Row and Oxford Street.
While 1 Hotel Mayfair is the company's first European outpost, Copenhagen, Crete, Paris, Melbourne, and Riyadh are in the brand's expansion plans. Until then, relax and re-charge at this one-of-a-kind London address because there's plenty to keep you occupied within the walls of 3 Berkeley Street.
GO: Visit www.1hotels.com for reservations and more information.