Flemings Mayfair Hotel

"The vibe: Boutique chic Location: Mayfair Top amenities: Vegan tasting menu at Ormer resturant Best for:  Busy travelers Posh-meets-quirky in a stellar location between Bond Street and Green Park—it’s an easy trot of a few minutes across the grass to Buckingham Palace from here. Open since 1850, this is a grande dame of the boutique scene. Though surprisingly big at 129 rooms, and with a slightly more business-like decor than other London boutique hotels—think lots of neutrals with the odd pop of color—there’s a lovely, cozy feel, and a lot of privacy—some apartments even have their own entrances. Bathrooms have heated floors, with products by aspirational British brand The White Company. Downstairs is a blinder of a restaurant: Ormer Mayfair, by hot young chef Sofian Msetfi, who offers tasting menus, including a vegan one (rare for London). If you’re not vegan, you’ll want to try the signature warm Ibérico ham jelly. Manetta’s Bar, meanwhile, is a taste of the sultry 1930s, with its black velvet seating, rose gold accents, and Art Deco styling. Choose your cocktail by the ingredients or, intriguingly, by a signature quote from the likes of Gertrude Stein and Agatha Christie." - Julia Buckley

"The historic Flemings Mayfair Hotel, Suites and Apartments is a boutique property that provides a home-away-from-home feel within one of London ’s exclusive neighborhoods. Opened in 1851, it was converted from 13 Georgian townhouses dating back to 1731 and is today one of London’s oldest established hotels. Set on a quiet street in walking distance to Green Park, Buckingham Palace, and Bond Street, Flemings Mayfair has been privately owned by the same family for more than 40 years. Enhancing the historic property with contemporary touches, Fleming Mayfair completed a £14 million renovation in 2016 which included a new dining experience with Executive Chef, Michelin-starred Shaun Rankin. A décor featuring shades of bronze and soft greys mixing with teal, indigo, and mustard, creates a sleek but soothing retreat reminiscent of the 1930s within the Flemings Mayfair’s 129 guest rooms, suites and apartments. The one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, as well as a seven-bedroom Townhouse private residence, are individually decorated and boast fully-equipped kitchens and separate living and dining rooms."

"How did it strike you on arrival?It’s an ever-so-traditional, slightly staid-looking townhouse half a block north of Green Park. Nice. What’s the crowd like?Well-heeled guests—especially Americans—with a decent mix of business and leisure travelers. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Although it's surprisingly big—with 129 rooms—the rooms have a lovely, cozy feel. The hotel was refurbished in 2016, and the new-look rooms are soothingly wealthy. Mottled walls sport photos of British greats like Kate Moss and Hugh Grant (some of which were shot in the hotel), and the palette’s subdued—there’s nothing that’ll wake you up. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?Beds have bespoke frames and hand-stitched mattresses, with 500 thread-count linens on top. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?Studio suites have gin honesty bars, with five types of the hooch, allowing you to pour your own drinks ($14 per shot). Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Apart from the quality showers and thick towels, there’s underfloor heating. Bathroom products are by posh British brand Elemis. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Free. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.Ormer Mayfair restaurant is run by Michelin-starred chef Shaun Rankin, and was just ranked the fifth best London restaurant. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?It’s family-owned and still feels intimate. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Great value for luxury rooms in a posh location." - Julia Buckley