Brown’s Hotel is a captivating blend of historic charm and contemporary elegance, offering a unique experience for those seeking an unforgettable London stay. This iconic establishment, opened in 1837, boasts a rich history woven into its very fabric. It has served as a haven for literary giants like Rudyard Kipling, who penned many of his novels within its walls, and is believed to have inspired Agatha Christie’s “At Bertram’s Hotel.”
The hotel’s design, masterfully curated by Olga Polizzi, is a tribute to its literary heritage, featuring period features that transport guests to a bygone era. From the award-winning, wood-panelled English Tea Room, where history buffs can indulge in a traditional Afternoon Tea and retrace the steps of literary icons, to the elegant suites and rooms decorated with muted shades and pops of colour, Brown’s Hotel seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern comforts.
A Luxurious Escape in the Heart of Mayfair
Nestled in the heart of Mayfair, on Albemarle Street, Brown’s Hotel is a stone’s throw from the vibrant Bond Street with its plethora of luxury shopping options. The Grade II listed Royal Arcade sits across the road, while Garrard, the jewellers to the Royal Family, stands proudly on the corner. A five-minute stroll takes you to the tranquil Green Park, beyond which lie the majestic Buckingham Palace and Pall Mall. The hotel’s location provides easy access to the London Underground and for those seeking a touch of luxury, the hotel’s Bentley is available for short trips around Mayfair.
Spacious Rooms and Suites for Every Traveler
The hotel is a collection of 11 individual townhouses seamlessly merged into one grand property, offering a total of 115 guest rooms and suites. Rooms are categorized into five distinct categories, with options for Executive, Superior, Deluxe, Family and Junior Suites. Additionally, there are three distinct suite options: Suites, Signature Suites, and Forte Suites, each offering a unique experience.
Executive Rooms, starting at 28sqm, provide a stylish retreat with elegant bedrooms, comfortable sitting areas and luxurious marble bathrooms stocked with Irene Forte products. Superior Rooms, slightly larger at 30sqm, offer views of the inner courtyard, historic Albemarle Street or Dover Street.
Deluxe Rooms, starting at 38sqm, provide a more spacious experience with open-plan seating, walk-in wardrobes, and generous work areas. The bathrooms feature a separate bath and shower, complete with luxurious Irene Forte Skincare toiletries.
Family Rooms cater to families with stylish open-plan sitting rooms and two bedrooms, complete with sleek bathrooms featuring a bath, walk-in shower, and indulgent Irene Forte Skincare toiletries. Children are treated to playful amenities upon arrival and special surprises in the evening.
Junior Suites, starting at 50sqm, feature inviting king-sized beds, open-plan living areas, generous walk-in wardrobes, and large bathrooms with both a bath and walk-in shower. These suites are equipped with luxurious Irene Forte Skincare bathroom amenities.
Suites, available in various styles and sizes, are designed to cater to every need and desire. From the nature-inspired Brown’s Suites, featuring a stylish bedroom with a king-sized bed and walk-in wardrobe, a separate sitting room, and two bathrooms, to the larger Family Suites, and the Signature Suites (Classic and Deluxe), with the Deluxe Suites reaching up to 200sqm in floor size.
The Distinguished Kipling Suite
The hotel boasts three Forte Suites: The Dover Suite, Hellenic Suite, and the prestigious Kipling Suite, named after the renowned writer who penned “The Jungle Book” at Brown’s Hotel. The Kipling Suite stands apart as the most distinguished, with a grand entrance hall that leads to a commanding sitting room, seamlessly blending period features and antique furnishings with contemporary style. The stunningly appointed bedroom features a king-sized bed, walk-in wardrobe, and is accentuated by gold and green hand-painted Lewis & Wood wallpaper and one-of-a-kind artworks. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer breathtaking views of Albemarle Street, while the luxurious Italian Arabescato marble bathroom boasts a freestanding bath, a double shower, double washbasins, and indulgent Irene Forte Skincare toiletries.
A Tranquil Escape in the Brown’s Suite
During my stay, I had the privilege of experiencing one of the beautiful and spacious Brown’s Suites, a nature-inspired sanctuary with moss and sage green tones, beautiful oak wood flooring, and treescape Lewis & Wood wallpaper, creating a sense of natural calm. The stylish bedroom, featuring a king-sized bed and a large walk-in wardrobe, is connected to a separate sitting room via a door. The adjoining bush-hammered limestone bathroom boasts a generous bath and walk-in shower, while the Bisazza mosaic bathroom features a marble vanity unit.
Irene Forte Skincare: A Touch of Luxury
The room and spa products at Brown’s Hotel are meticulously crafted by Irene Forte, Charles’ sister, who draws inspiration from the research of her Scientific Director, Doctor Francesca Ferri, a pioneer in the medical use of plant extracts to treat skin conditions. Irene has introduced novel ingredients into her products, which have demonstrated exceptional results in independent clinical and user trials.
Charlie’s Restaurant: A Culinary Journey
At Charlie’s, the hotel’s elegant restaurant, Michelin-starred Chef Director Adam Byatt presents a culinary journey showcasing the best of British cuisine. The AAA Rosette awarded restaurant, named after the hotel’s founder, Lord Charles, features wood panelling, imposing pillars, circular tables, and playful bold wallpaper accents, creating an inviting atmosphere.
Charlie’s menu delights guests with dearly-loved classics given a contemporary and European twist, featuring the freshest seasonal produce and ingredients from the British Isles. The restaurant offers a selection of plant-based dishes alongside the lunch and à la carte menus. Sharing platters, such as the quince, pear, and almond crumble, provide a delightful option for group dining.
The Drawing Room: Afternoon Tea Delights
The Drawing Room, a quintessential British tea room, with its original wood panelling and contemporary artwork, is the perfect setting for a traditional Afternoon Tea. Guests can follow in the footsteps of Royalty and indulge in neatly crimped sandwiches, the daintiest of pastries, and pillowy scones stuffed with fresh cream and jam.
Donovan’s Bar: Playful Decadence and Scintillating Cocktails
Donovan’s, tucked away in the heart of Brown’s Hotel, is a haven of intimate sophistication and playful decadence. The bar’s décor, featuring olive and teal velvet upholstered chairs, black leather bar stools, a glowing bar, and stained glass windows depicting the English patron saint, St George, creates an atmosphere of stylish allure. Named after 1960’s photographer Terence Donovan, the bar showcases his large black and white prints on the walls.
Donovan’s cocktail menu, crafted by master mixologist Salvatore Calabrese, who has served libations to film stars, royals, and heads of state, is a testament to the art of mixology. Some of his elaborate creations, such as Harry’s Star and The Winston, are named after famous figures from history.
Wellness and Fitness
The hotel’s wellness centre, located on the lower level, offers guests a tranquil escape where they can indulge in pampering beauty treatments or restorative massages. For those seeking fitness, a 24-hour gym is equipped with the latest Technogym cardiovascular, weight, and resistance equipment.
A Truly Exceptional Hotel
Brown’s Hotel is a shining beacon of luxury in London, effortlessly blending history, comfort, and impeccable service. The hotel’s unwavering dedication to exceeding guest expectations, from the friendly door staff welcoming you into the hotel to the attentive guest concierge and reception team, ensures a truly special stay.
Whether you seek a literary retreat, a luxurious escape in the heart of Mayfair, or a memorable culinary experience, Brown’s Hotel offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of London’s grandeur.
