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London is known for its slew of iconic hotels, but none compare to the stunning Hotel Cafe Royal. This property, located in the middle of it all near Piccadilly Circus, is more of an experience than just a luxury hotel to rest your head while in town. Part of the carefully curated Set Collection, Hotel Cafe Royal offers 160 rooms and suites that are spacious and designed in an elegant and modern way – but with a bit of flair that gives them a unique style advantage over many others in town. Soft pinks, beige, chocolate, and brass all coincide to make an unforgettable color palette. Public spaces are outfitted with fabulous florals, crystal chandeliers, and metal art pieces. Food and beverage offerings are plentiful and reflect the hotel’s interior so that it all flows effortlessly at every guest touchpoint.
I was a guest recently at Hotel Cafe Royal and spent three nights sequestered away in the cavernous den of luxury. I was impressed immediately upon entering the property from quaint Air Street, struck by the site of the gorgeous chandelier hanging in the middle of the room. The reflective gold reception area beamed brightly leading me up to three smiling faces welcoming me to my home away from home. The reception agents checked me into the hotel quickly, and I was soon led to my stunning room. Passing through sitting areas and to the ornate elevator reception, I knew I was in for a treat.
The staff of Hotel Cafe Royal immediately caught my attention because of their willingness to help, and their pleasant demeanor. Though the hotel was busy, there wasn’t a minute where the team at the property missed a beat. They were always one step ahead from check-in, luggage assistance, the concierge team, and even the ckeck-out process.
While at Hotel Cafe Royal, I was fortunate enough to experience the on-site dining venue – Cakes and Bubbles. Here, Hotel Cafe Royal helps to recreate the iconic tradition of British afternoon team. Although tea experiences are plantiful in London and quintessential at 5-star properties, the one here is special. Cakes and Bubbles offers lunch and tea from renowned pastry chef Albert Adria. You can choose from mixed drinks, steeped tea, Veuve Clicquot champagne and over 50 other champagnes and sparkling wines.
Cakes and Bubbles is a beautiful room, decked-out in an incredible array of marble. The tables and accents all complement the space and help set the stage for the main event – the food. Although you can order savory options from Hotel Cafe Royal at lunchtime, my favorite options come from the cakes menu. You can choose options like: chocolate yuzu castella, the “cheese cake” or matcha basque cheesecake. Pair this with the perfect glass of bubbles and your afternoon is complete. For how busy the area of Piccadilly Circus is, Hotel Cafe Royal is calm and inviting.
I spent a few hours enjoying my desserts and the room – which is an ideal place to sit and “people watch” in London.
Even though London is a very exciting city with much to explore, I found myself wanting to spend a good deal of time in my room. Everything was so comfortable and attention to detail superb.
Lighting is important to me and the lights are on pre-set dimmers to create moods. This deserves a round of applause in my opinion. The furniture fabrics are rich and luxurious – and the bathrooms are pure heaven. Nothing feels cheap here. Marble bathrooms are dressed with plush towels, cozy robes and a plethora of amenities that make preparing for the evening or the next day that much more enjoyable.
If you are familiar with London hotel rooms and London hotel bathrooms, you’ll be immediately impressed with the size of those at Hotel Cafe Royal. There is ample space to dress and luxuriate in peace and comfort, finding yourself looking your best in soft, glowing lighting. A welcome bottle of champagne and speedy room service makes that process even better. Somehow here you can’t help but feel totally relaxed and calm.
Hotel Cafe Royal also offers a stunning spa, Akasha, and a fully-equipped exercise facility to help guests stay on top of their fitness and wellness while away. It is here where you might bump into a celebrity or two, who often call the hotel home while visiting the city. I was able to exercise twice during my stay and had so wished I made time to experience the spa for one of their signature facials or massages.
Hotel Cafe Royal is the perfect choice for luxury seekers looking for a little edge in the heart of London. A combination of beauty, hospitality, and the unexpected are waiting for you on a happening corner of Piccadilly. But, beware, once you check in you might not want to check out. It quickly has become one of my favorite addresses in one of the best cities in the world.
