London: Checking In

Sunday, February 19, 2012

There's no skimping on choices of luxury accommodation for vacationers who do London. From extravagant silk wall coverings at The Savoy, to chromatherapy baths at the Langham, palatial decadence overflows at London's premier hotels. SO takes you inside the suites of the city's most glamorous hotels.

The Dorchester

Located on Park Lane in Mayfair and overlooking Hyde Park, the luxe Dorchester hotel was built by Sirs Robert McAlpine and Frances Towle. The hotel is famous for its top-floor suite, the Oliver Messel -- named after the famous set/costume designer of London's West End and New York's Broadway. The late Elizabeth Taylor and pop superstar Michael Jackson were frequent guests of the hotel. The extravagant suite features an anteroom, sitting room, private terrace, double bedroom and bathroom. Katy Perry and Mariah Carey are among other celebs who have stayed at the establishment.

The Sheraton Park Tower

The hotel is located next to some of the most exclusive shopping enclaves in the world, including Harrods and the renowned Harvey Nichols. The most exclusive rooms at the Sheraton Park Tower Hotel are the Penthouse suites. Muhammad Ali, Joan Collins and Sir Roger Moore have all enjoyed these lavish one- and two-bedroom suites. Fancy a week in one of these suites? Reckon on £3,500 a night. The oversized king beds and double Jacuzzi bath feature full-sized window views of the magnificent city of London.

The Berkeley

The Pavilion Conservatory at The Berkeley is a magnificent suite overlooking London's Hyde Park. The bedroom is spacious and offers enough wardrobe space for the likes of supermodel Gisele Bündchen and Mariah Carey. The conservatory, with its dining table and private terrace area, is perfect for entertaining or to simply enjoy an al fresco-style meal. It was a favourite of Madonna and former husband Guy Ritchie, as well as actor Leonardo DiCaprio.

The Langham Hotel

Built in the 19th century, The Langham Hotel is one of the largest and best-known traditional style grand hotels in London. Staying at this hotel means that you've walked the same halls as Emperor Haile Selassie I, Mark Twain and Napoleon III. The hotel's Infinity Suite is one of the most sought-after hotel rooms in London. The bath, which is more like a spa, features The Kohler Infinity Bath with chromatherapy, releasing champagne-like bubbles that caress the skin, thus creating a luxurious bathing experience. These days, the suite attracts celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Missy Elliot and Colin Farrell.

The Mandarin Oriental

When hip-hop royalty Jay-Z and Beyoncé are in London, The Mandarin Oriental is their choice destination. The hotel's Royal Suite has a stunning balcony that runs the length of the entire suite, giving the occupant an unrivalled view of Hyde Park. Condé Nast Traveller voted the hotel Favourite Hotel Spa in the UK and the eighth best spa in the world. Spending a few nights in this posh Edwardian-style building could see you rubbing shoulders with celebrities like Madonna and Kelly Rowland.

Claridge's

The Claridge's in Mayfair, London is a favourite of the who's who. Perhaps it's due to the hotel's stunning Brook Penthouse Suite that has been restored in the Art Deco style in lilac with light oak floors and original fittings from the 1930s. The bedrooms are large and luxurious, each with their own dressing rooms. In addition, there is an elegant dining room with a cocktail bar complete with a personal butler. To royalty such as Great Britain's Viscount Linley, Claridge's is a home away from home. Celebs like Marc Jacobs, Mick Jagger, Brad Pitt, Cortney Love, Daniel Radcliffe, Victoria Beckham and Bruce Springsteen all favour the luxury that comes with Claridge's.

The Lanesborough Hotel

Known as the city's hottest hotel, The Lanesborough is a masterfully renovated 250-year-old hospital located in historic Knightsbridge. The hotel's Royal Suite is London's most exclusive and expensive. The extravagant layout includes stunning floor-to-ceiling windows that yield superb views of the Constitutional Arch and the manicured grounds of Buckingham Palace. The suite offers three bedrooms, a drawing room, a dining area, study, kitchen, personal butler, and something all stars need — privacy. Just ask Jim Carrey and Lady GaGa. Two nights in this lap of luxury will pay for a year's college tuition at a private university.

The Savoy

The Savoy embodies luxury accommodation in the heart of London. Designer Pierre-Yves Rochon incorporated opulent flourishes -- murano glass chandeliers, silk wall coverings, Italian linens and marble floors. The Savoy's bathrooms are famous for their rain showerheads, and the hotel boasts a distinctive appeal as no two rooms or suites are the same. We reckon that's why Rihanna, Rupert Everett and icons like Marilyn Monroe, Louis Armstrong, Barbra Streisand, Christian Dior, Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles and George Clooney all laid their heads there at some point.

The Hempel

Designed by actress-cum-designer and hotelier Anouska Hempel, The Hempel Hotel in Craven Hill Gardens is a boutique hotel with an occupancy of only 35 rooms. Small, yes, but not short on luxury, The Hempel features fab Japanese-style bedrooms, sunken stone baths and a relaxing Zen garden. There's certainly nothing modest about the hotel's plush comforts, as stars like the late Michael Jackson and Victoria Beckham have found favour with its sleek architecture and five-star accommodation.

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London: Checking In