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The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences

by Christina Mitsi

Embodying 5 star luxury with an independent spirit, The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences is a family run hotel in London’s Mayfair. Occupying a prime position in the heart of London, you’re only a stones throw from the West End, Buckingham palace and Bond Street. The hotel has a contemporary charm with refined luxury and art deco interiors, with many hints at British craftsmanship and eclectic art in every room. Even the outside of the hotel is lovely to look at, with green foliage and flowers snaking their way up the corner of the building creating a real urban oasis.

Our spacious suite catered to all of life’s luxuries and had stunning views over verdant Green Park. The separate living space allows you to truly relax and feel as though you’re in a home away from home but the walk-in shower and gorgeous marble bathroom reminds you of the joys of luxury hotels and why it’s so nice to get away even for a night. You’ll find all you need for a comfortable stay: High speed wifi, 24 hour room service, gown and slippers, king sized beds, nespresso machine and the kind of service that makes you feel like a celebrity every time you enter the lobby. You really can’t put a price on being greeted with a warm smile and a willingness to help, and I have to mention the impeccable service from Mustafa, who made sure we had everything we needed from phone charging cables to razors for our stay.

Dining comes courtesy of the hotel’s restaurant, 116 at The Athenaeum, with menus championing the very best British produce of the season, headed up by Executive Chef, Ian Howard. The restaurant is relaxed with chic interiors and is a beautifully inviting area to dine in. Offering everything from a tasting menu, vegan menu, afternoon tea and breakfast, the restaurant is sure to have something to satisfy every appetite, but it’s All Day Menu certainly impressed my companion and I.

Whilst sipping a lovely glass of Ayala Brut Majeur, NV I began with something I’d never had before, Padron peppers. Juicy and salty, they were so moreish and delicious that I could have sat nibbling on them all evening. We shared a starter of grilled carrot salad, carrot hummus and smoked almond and chilli but really we should have got one each as this was absolutely sensational. Each ingredient was so fresh and tasty, beautifully presented and a real pleasure from start to finish, what a lovely dish.

For my main I chose the Goosnargh chicken with broad beans, peas and a mushroom casserole. This was expertly paired with a Chablis, domaine Collette Gros, Burgundy, 2019 to compliment the chicken but cut through the strong flavour of the mushrooms. The main I was truly content with; a smooth, sweet sauce gently coating the juicy chicken breast, but not overpowering the subtle flavours of the beautifully green peas and beans dotted around the plate. Sheer perfection.

As we had an event to attend and had no time for dessert, the hotel manager was kind enough to offer us dessert sent to our rooms upon our return. From my vague recollection (we had been to a wine tasting at Oeno House at the Royal Exchange which led onto cocktails at the Four Seasons, standard Tuesday in London) the sticky toffee pudding and clotted cream was a very welcome and tasty treat at 2am!

Stays at the Athenaeum include complimentary access to the hotel’s surprisingly lovely spa, which features a bubbling hot tub, steam room and sauna as well as revitalising treatment options. It was a very welcome hour of relaxation in the morning, and having the small space to ourselves felt so private and luxurious that it would be a real shame to miss out on this if you do visit.

The hotel also has a 24 hour gym with state-of-the-art equipment courtesy of Technogym and Peloton and guests at The Athenaeum can also gain exclusive access to The View when booking direct – an enviable London spot from which to enjoy a complimentary drink and nibbles throughout the day.

For guests safety the hotel has put extra precautions in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19 including thermal imaging temperature checks upon arrival, protective screens in front of house areas and extra cleaning in public areas so you can rest assured you are safe during your stay.

With rooms, suites and residences to choose from there is a luxury experience for every budget as well as exceptional service in beautiful surroundings at the Athenaeum.

The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences
116 Piccadilly
London
W1J 7BJ
United Kingdom

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