Weekend Away - The Peninsula London
John Coyne and partner travelled to the capital for a stay at The Peninsula London in the heart of Belgravia
Location
Housed in a brand new building on Hyde Park Corner, London’s Peninsula was previously occupied by a 1960’s office block that was demolished and rebuilt by Hopkins Architects at a cost of over £1 billion. The uber-luxury hotel has Knightsbridge, Buckingham Palace and the Royal Parks on its doorstep. Though there is a lack of bars and restaurants in the immediate vicinity, there is a tube stop close by and The Peninsula provides a plethora of dining options.
Rooms and Suites
The Peninsula London offers 190 exquisitely styled guest rooms and suites by Architect and Designer of Interiors, Peter Marino, many with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Hyde Park Corner, Wellington Arch and the historic architecture of Belgravia. All are appointed with bespoke furnishings, textiles, and fittings that exemplify the finest of British craftsmanship, as well as mahogany-panelled dressing rooms, luxurious bathrooms of honey onyx and the signature Peninsula Valet Box. State-of-the-art in-room technology includes bedside touchscreen controls for lighting and temperature, personal device TV streaming, and PenChat, a 24-hour dedicated e-concierge service.
Dining
Breakfast is served at The Lobby, serving fresh fruits, cereal and pastries to a Full English and Cantonese breakfast. The restaurant also serves all-day globally influenced fare and signature Peninsula Afternoon Tea with live music.
Celebrating the convergence of Asian and British cultures, the dimly- lit Canton Blue restaurant offers innovative Cantonese cuisine in a collection of exquisitely decorated spaces, with interiors designed by Henry Leung of CAP Atelier. Numerous design elements take inspiration from the Keying junk, a trade ship that connected the two countries during the mid 19th century – including displays of Cantonese porcelain, and a magnificent backlit ceiling panel depicting a celestial navigation map. Throughout Canton Blue, the service, like the décor and cuisine, is refined and striking, with many dishes finished tableside.
For fine dining, aviation-themed Brooklands by Claude Bosi is on the top floor and offers modern British cuisine, with diners sat beneath a scale model of Concorde. This two-Michelin-starred restaurant serves up à la carte courses and tasting menus as well as striking views across the city skyline from the adjoining terrace.
Spa & Wellness
A serene oasis encompassing the spacious, quiet lower floor of the hotel, The Peninsula Spa and Wellness Centre offers an array of therapies - both ancient and modern - for optimising and beauty. The hotel’s lavish, 25-metre swimming pool occupies an expansive subterranean chamber, whose walls are adorned with intricately-crafted mosaic artwork depicting tranquil landscape scenery and whose illuminated overhead light panels change through the course of the day to simulate natural sunlight.
The state-of-the-art fitness centre features cardio and resistance-training equipment available to hotel guests 24 hours a day. The centre will also host one-on-one personal training sessions, as well as group classes and workshops.
My Experience
Our stay at The Peninsula was a true indulgence. Perfectly balancing luxury with comfort, and every detail thoughtfully considered.
The hotel provided an executive chauffeur driven car to meet us, and the hustle and bustle of Euston Station was soon a distant memory.
We decided to bring our dog with us for our stay, and when we checked in, the team could not have been more accommodating, which continued through to our suite where a dog bed, bowl and even a personalised towel and collar were provided.
Our light-filled suite was spacious - huge for London - and beautifully decorated, blending classic British style with modern amenities.
The bathroom was a highlight, featuring luxurious marble finishes and a deep soaking tub that provided a perfect retreat. The large balcony provided the perfect setting to enjoy a glass of wine after a day exploring the capital.
The hotel's location was ideal and a perfect base for exploring nearby attractions such as Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace and Harrods.
The hotel offers a number of renowned restaurants. Breakfast can be enjoyed either in-room or in The Lobby and we experienced and enjoyed both. The live pianist was a memorable addition and a wonderful backdrop to breakfast. We had the opportunity to have lunch at Canton Blue which exceeded our expectations. The food was exquisite, showcasing a range of flavours and perfectly presented.
The Peninsula’s spa was also a highlight; we indulged in a ‘Hydrating Subtle Energies Massage’ which was a full body massage, effective for sports injury, muscular and nerve pain, soft tissue inflammation, joint problems and water retention. Dried herb powders were wrapped in muslin bolus bags, dipped in warm oils and applied over our bodies, focusing on areas of pain and inflammation we had. The treatment concluded with a blissful tension-relieving marma massage, that left us both feeling refreshed and revitalised. A dip in the stunning 25 meter swimming pool after allowed us to further unwind.
Our stay at The Peninsula was an unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived we were enveloped in an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication. When recently asked by friends where to stay in London for a special occasion, we unreservedly pointed them towards The Peninsula London. We look forward to visiting again.
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