Oh, the Beaumont, how I adore you! From the moment I step inside, I’m enveloped in a world of refined elegance. The air is filled with the intoxicating aroma of freshly laid, luxurious carpets. A subtle, delightful scent that lingers, invitingly, in the corridors and stairwells. Each hallway boasts vintage elevator dials, a testament to the hotel’s rich history. Instead of sterile digital displays, these dials transport me to another era, an era of glamour and grace. Waiting for the elevator at the Beaumont is an experience in itself. It’s as if a woman, adorned with a Marcel wave and a fur stole, is about to emerge from its doors.
It’s not just one thing; it’s the captivating combination of countless elements that makes the Beaumont so special. The hotel embodies the Art Deco style without ever veering into kitsch. It’s a seamless blend of modern and classic, a symphony of sophistication that captivates the senses. From the moment you arrive, the staff greets you by name, making you feel like a cherished guest. The ambiance is undeniably chic, reminiscent of a bygone era of martinis and champagne. Think sleek, monochrome interiors, dark, curved walnut panels, and black pillars that evoke the grandeur of transatlantic cruises from the early 1900s. The Beaumont is an ode to luxury and timeless elegance.
A Haven in the Heart of Mayfair
When friends ask for hotel recommendations in London, I’m often stumped. It’s like asking me to suggest a perfume or a restaurant without knowing their taste! What are they looking for? What speaks to their soul? Location and price are crucial factors. The Beaumont, while not budget-friendly, offers rates significantly below four figures. Yes, that might still seem extravagant, but these days, London’s new hotels often come with entry-level prices exceeding a thousand pounds, and that doesn’t even include breakfast!
The Beaumont sits in my favorite corner of Mayfair, a hidden gem overlooking Brown Hart Gardens, a Victorian electricity substation transformed into a charming architectural folly. The Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral stands nearby, adding to the neighborhood’s eclectic charm. If I could live anywhere in London, it would be in one of the modest rooftop flats surrounding this enchanting area. Or perhaps in the Beaumont’s Room, the chapel-like suite designed by Antony Gormley. From the street, it appears like a cubist figure, while inside it offers a tranquil, almost sepulchral sanctuary. A stark white bed seems to glow in the middle of the room, creating a mesmerizing contrast against the minimalist surroundings.
A Hotel Transformed: From Garage to Glamour
I once surprised my husband with dinner in the hotel restaurant, leaving the key to Room on the table as a special treat. It was one of the most memorable stays we’ve ever had. You enter the hotel, greeted by polished luxury, and then step into what initially appears to be a standard (but still lovely) suite. But the suite is a masterfully crafted art installation that gradually unveils its hidden textures and surprises.
Despite its chic appearance, the Beaumont is not a hotel steeped in history. It was built in the 1920s as a garage and then, in 2014, Corbin & King, the renowned restaurateurs behind Le Caprice and the Wolseley, transformed it into a five-star hotel, reflecting their sophisticated, celebrity-filled dining rooms. This concept, while compelling, underwent a change in ownership. Refurbishments were made, and the hotel we see today is the result of a meticulous evolution. It’s the embodiment of discerning luxury, a place for those who value impeccable service and meticulous detail over ostentatious displays of gold taps.
A Symphony of Details: From Checkerboard Floors to Perfect Manhattans
The Beaumont’s allure lies in its meticulous attention to detail. The black-and-white checkerboard floor in the lobby, the 1920s typography, the Art Deco club chairs, and the backlit panels in Le Magritte – each element contributes to the overall ambiance. In Le Magritte, white-jacketed waiters serve bowls of giant green olives and salted almonds. They mix Manhattans in three variations: perfect, dry, or sweet. I can’t think of another bar in London that offers this delightful choice, and it makes all the difference. The “Perfect” Manhattan truly lives up to its name, striking the ideal balance between sweetness and dryness.
If I could change one thing about the Beaumont, it would be to enlarge the gym and add a wider range of equipment. But the spa, which offers dreamy hammams followed by rejuvenating massages, is a haven of pure bliss. Every bedroom, regardless of category, is a sanctuary of comfort and style. Think luxurious linen, curated bookshelves, wooden headboards, and bright marble bathrooms. The more opulent rooms boast terraces overlooking Brown Hart Gardens. There’s no confusing or intrusive technology, and the lighting is flattering, ensuring that every guest feels their best. It’s all wonderfully chic.
Culinary Delights: From Bananas Foster to Perfect Benedicts
The artwork in the Colony Grill has changed over the years, and while I wasn’t initially fond of the wraparound murals, they have grown on me. They evoke a hint of Hockney, perhaps a touch less refined, but the leather booths and the atmosphere transport you back to the golden age of the 21 Club in Manhattan. The menu is a culinary journey through classic favorites, and I could order from it daily without growing tired. The morning pastries are baked in-house, and I love the option of a small or large Benedict for breakfast (too much hollandaise can be a disaster!). For dinner, I always crave the oysters with strawberry, elderflower, and pink champagne mignonette. Then, it’s a toss-up between steak from the grill, Dover sole meunière, or a simple burger. The choice is always a delightful dilemma.
Ice cream sundaes are a London institution, and the Beaumont doesn’t disappoint. But my absolute favorite dessert is the Bananas Foster, flambeed tableside with spiced rum. It’s pure theatrical indulgence: fun, glamorous, and authentic. Just like everything else at the Beaumont, it’s not a mere imitation or a forced attempt at nostalgia. It’s the genuine article, a testament to the hotel’s dedication to creating memorable experiences. The Beaumont isn’t just a place to stay the night; it’s a place to live it up.
