The Connaught
Hotel · Mayfair ·
Elegant hotel with acclaimed French dining & world's best bar
Elegant hotel with acclaimed French dining & world's best bar
"A polished Mayfair celebration where children receive a personalized letter from Santa even before they arrive, while adults are greeted by a bottle of Champagne and a festive lunch menu from Hélène Darroze or Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The two-night stay takes in carols, treats for Santa and his reindeer, full stockings for all ages, and a horse-drawn carriage ride around Mayfair with Baileys hot chocolate or mulled wine in hand. Those booking a one-bedroom or signature suite will also be greeted by their very own Christmas tree and decorations; the main tree is designed by a notable artist each year, with previous talents including Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst, and Sir Anthony Gormley. Festive “surprises” add to the magic—think a fleet of ballerinas in full tutus suddenly pirouetting down the stairs to The Nutcracker score." - Sarah Leigh Bannerman
"Curving around Carlos Place in Mayfair Village, this is one of the smartest hotels in London, with origins in 1815 as the Prince of Saxe-Coburg Hotel and subsequent facelifts, a new wing, an Aman spa, and a 1930s-style ballroom—without losing its original spirit. A gilded mahogany staircase twists heavenward in reception, the private art collection bedazzles (think a Graham Sutherland landscape here, a Barbara Hepworth lithograph there), and despite the grandeur everyone is treated with trademark down-to-earth service. Blending heritage and creature comforts, rooms and suites by Guy Oliver promise style and a soft landing, with minibars disguised as chinoiserie cabinets and hand-embroidered bed heads; the 2024-renovated gray-green or storm-cloud-blue Coburg Suites bring painted paneling, delft-encrusted chimneypieces, and heavy draped curtains. Megawatt options include The Apartment by David Collins Studio on the rooftop, The Mews light-filled private townhouse, and the King’s Lodge inspired by Kabul’s 19th-century Peacock Palace. Flagship restaurants by Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Hélène Darroze are a focus, while the watering holes are the most fun: start an affair at the Connaught Bar with its jolly martini trolley and candlelight, cut a bon vivant’s business deal at The Coburg, and lounge quietly in the Red Room, a modern bar with an after- or preparty feel. Part of the Maybourne Group, this landmark grande dame still feels utterly relevant." - CNT Editors
"Modernised since its opening in 1917, I found it retains a traditional, stately atmosphere in Mayfair and includes the considerable draw of a Three-MICHELIN-Star restaurant among its many pleasures." - The MICHELIN Guide UK Editorial Team
"Set at an illustrious London address, we name this among the most iconic British hotel names and include it in the capital’s MICHELIN Three Key cohort." - The MICHELIN Guide
"As the UK’s only Three-Key hotel with a Three-Star restaurant, it stands out as something truly special not only within London but around the world." - The MICHELIN Guide UK Editorial Team