Located near Marble Arch, it is also home to Lilli by Akira Back.
The English garden has long been a symbol of national pride. From the sweeping landscapes of Capability Brown to the meticulous displays at the Chelsea Flower Show, it showcases a calm and confident elegance. The same can be said about Montcalm Mayfair, Autograph Collection, which has drawn inspiration from great gardens and greater characters, and created a five-star boutique hotel in the heart of Marble Arch, London. FACT was among the first media outlets to dine, drink, and stay at the refurbished hotel, and found it to be a glamorous gem.
Marble Arch often feels more like a thoroughfare, rather than a destination. Montcalm Mayfair is within walking distance of Mayfair's fine dining restaurants, Notting Hill's famous neighbourhood and Oxford Street's shops. Situated on Wallenberg Place, the hotel offers a discreet entrance and an unexpected sense of serenity.
When we arrived at Montcalm Mayfair, the smell of Penhaligon's products and flowers filled the air. The hotel, formerly known as Montcalm Marble Arch, underwent a one-year renovation. Architects Holland Harvey and interior designers Studio Est and Studio Mica are behind the refined result. The restoration preserves the building's Georgian history, and weaves the beauty of the era's gardens into its design. The space features shades of green, potted plants and flower bud-shaped chandeliers.
Nadira Lalji, director at Precis Advisory Limited, explained: "This characterful independent spirit heralds a new flagship for our small collection of hotels. A thoughtful top-to-toe renovation that shows fresh imagination thanks to our creative team, excited to share their love of stories, characters and history from its neighbourhood."
Rooms and suites
Montcalm Mayfair is home to 151 rooms and three suites. We walked along the newly carpeted corridors, and the smell of fresh paint was still in the air. We checked into the studio, which spanned 18 metres square. Everything was sleek and sophisticated – a full-length mirror slid to open the wardrobe and close the bathroom, and the dark wooden bed frame had hidden drawers offering extra storage.
The nod to glorious gardens continued in the room, from the artwork to books. The room boasted Penhaligon's hair and body wash, Frette bed linens and a sink-into-sleep king-size bed. The white marbles were offset by gold, and the white sheets were punctuated by terracotta pillows. Our only gripe: we were next to a fire exit, and could hear it shutting during the day.
If you're after plush privacy, the Botanical Suite feels like an apartment in the heart of the city. Located on the ground floor, the suite comes with its own entrance, and designer Camille Rousseau has brought the garden theme to full floral life.
Restaurants and bars
If you want to make a day and night of Montcalm Mayfair, come for Lilli by Akira Back and stay for cocktails at The Bar. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The breakfast offers a variety of cuisines, including a Continental Breakfast, English Breakfast, Shakshuka, and Vegan Masala Omelette. What the buffet lacks in breadth, it makes up for with a high-quality selection of cheeses, meats and freshly baked pastries.
The all-day menu spans starters, grills, mains, sides and desserts. The menu is concise yet diverse, ranging from a quintessentially British Beef Wellington to a Japanese Wasabi-Marinated Celeriac. No trip to an Akira restaurant is complete without trying its namesake, Akira Back Wagyu Pizza. The simple yet successful signature dish includes F1 striploin from Australia, topped with shiso, tomato, and truffle. The Dynamite King Shrimp was just that – dynamite.
On our visit, The Library had not fully opened. We had a sneak peek inside the laid-back yet luxurious lounge. The shelves include books on London and pictures of colourful characters. Get transported back in time – à la Bridgerton – and rub shoulders with the portraits ranging from Elizabeth Montague, the founder of the Bluestocking Society, to violinist George Bridgetower. And, if you want something more up-to-date, Michael Jackson used to check into the hotel.
Facilities
Yātrā Signature Spa prides itself on offering a holistic wellness experience. The treatments draw from ancient Ayurvedic wisdom, and range from facials to massages. The spa features treatment rooms, a plunge pool, a Jacuzzi, a sauna, and a gym. Plus, there are yoga and meditation spaces.
The Spa Manager worked her magic, treating us to a transformative Deep Tissue Massage. With an intuitive balance of strength and sensitivity, she anticipated our needs – breaking us down and putting us back together again. The treatment blended traditional techniques that melted away shoulder tension, and guided stretches that opened up the body.
The Verdict
Throughout the stay, the staff were smart and smiley. They went above and beyond with every request, from early check-in to late check-out and remembering preferences, including teas and tastes. After mentioning my dinner guests' birthdays in passing, they even surprised them with a cake and a candle. As they were happy to help, we could truly relax.
Montcalm Mayfair puts the calm into Mayfair.
GO: Visit https://montcalmcollection.com for more information.