I’ve always lived and worked in London, but never had the chance to be a true tourist in my own city. You know, the kind where you stay in a hotel for fun and explore without a specific schedule. I can’t even remember the last time I stayed in a London hotel just for the fun of it.
My mum recently turned 60, and my sister and I wanted to do something special for her. When she mentioned wanting to see the new Picasso exhibition at the Tate Modern, we thought it would be amazing to make a night of it. But it couldn’t be just any hotel. It needed to be a place that was established, elegant, and oozing with class – just like my mother.
The Chesterfield Mayfair: A Perfect Choice
The Chesterfield Mayfair, part of the Red Carnation Hotels Group, seemed like the ideal choice. It’s ranked #7 out of all 1,085 London hotels on Tripadvisor and has won several awards for its accommodation and service – high expectations were definitely in order! For such a special occasion, it felt like the perfect fit.
From the moment we walked into the grand reception area, we were greeted by Letitia, the guest relations manager. She was warm and welcoming, and she told us that since it was such a momentous occasion, she had upgraded our room to an Executive Suite! Not only that, she had also left us a little gift in the room for a pampering session together. We knew from this point that we were in for a fantastic time.
The Chesterfield Mayfair is located just off Berkley Square, tucked away in Shepherds Market, one of my favorite London spots. It’s perfectly situated for exploring many of the city’s famous landmarks, with Buckingham Palace, Knightsbridge, and Hyde Park all close by. Green Park underground station is also just a five-minute walk away, making it easy to travel across London.
A Relaxed Atmosphere and Luxurious Accommodations
Even though it has 94 deluxe rooms and 13 suites, the Chesterfield Mayfair doesn’t feel like a large, impersonal hotel. It has a relaxed and informal atmosphere – a place where you can truly unwind and enjoy yourself.
We were absolutely blown away by our Executive Suite, which had a separate lounge area. The room had recently been redecorated and was bright and comfortable. The furnishings were traditional in style but not old-fashioned, and the room was equipped with a safe, complimentary Wi-Fi, and air conditioning – all the modern conveniences you could need.
The king-sized four-poster bed was a statement piece in itself. I had never felt padded wall coverings before, and they were beautifully crafted. The electric blinds were also a nice touch, effortlessly blocking out the sunshine when needed.
The lounge area had a flatscreen TV and a dining area. There were also snacks, a minibar, and coffee available.
The bathroom was spacious and sparkling clean, with fragrant Elemis toiletries, a large bathtub, and a separate shower cubicle. I was particularly impressed by the mirrored ceiling, which created the illusion of more space and light.
Thoughtful Touches and Pampering Delights
Letitia’s pampering gift was so thoughtful that it took us all by surprise. She had provided champagne, snacks, face masks, bubble baths, and a homemade candle. She even remembered the children, adding some soft toys for me to take home.
After returning from dinner, we were delighted to find lavender mist sprays on our pillows after the turndown service. It was the perfect way to wind down for the evening in our fluffy white bathrobes. We truly had the opportunity to relax in this comfortable space, even enjoying a movie on TV while laughing at each other’s face masks!
We woke up feeling refreshed and even managed a small lie-in, for which my sister and I were incredibly grateful.
If you’d like to see more of the room, check out My Travel Monkey’s Instagram Stories highlights, where I take viewers on a virtual tour.
A Delightful Dinner and a Relaxing Terrace Bar
Before dinner, we headed to the Terrace Bar. Unfortunately, due to a private function, we couldn’t sit and enjoy the dappled sunlight in the Orangerie, but we found a cozy corner to sip a few drinks. I was intrigued by the gin and tonic experience, where a guest is taken on a delicious journey with a mixologist, but you have to book this special tasting in advance.
Even without the tasting, we still ordered different gin cocktails. I went for the delicious and refreshing Martin Miller’s and tonic with strawberry and crushed pepper. While we enjoyed our drinks and listened to the jazz pianist playing some tunes, we were brought countless snacks and canapes, including a truly scrumptious cheese on toast. I was already feeling full before our actual meal even started!
What really stood out was the impeccable service from the bartenders. They made sure we were having a good time without being overly attentive, which can be a bit distracting. After a few hours, we decided it was time to get ready for dinner.
A Culinary Experience at Butlers Restaurant
While there are many excellent restaurants near the Chesterfield Mayfair, we wanted to experience the hotel’s renowned Butlers Restaurant, famous for its “best Dover sole in London.” With Executive Chef Nathan Hindmarsh at the helm, the extensive menu features classic dishes like roast chicken and steaks, and offers both à la carte and pre-theatre dinner options.
Stepping into Butlers feels like traveling back in time to a bygone era. It has opulent red window dressings, chairs, crisp white linen tablecloths, and spacious tables for enjoying your meal. We spent some time deciding what to order because there were so many tempting options. In the end, I chose the glazed lobster omelette in a Thermidor sauce and traditional fish and chips. The lobster omelette, served in a skillet, was rich and decadent, while my main meal came with gherkins, triple-cooked chips, and rich gravy and curry sauce. I loved every bite, but I was full after all the snacks I had been nibbling on all afternoon.
My sister and mum were equally impressed with their dinners. To top off a lovely evening, the staff brought out a birthday cake for my mum, along with a card signed by all the dining team. It was such a thoughtful gesture, and we were all touched.
A Delicious Breakfast and Happy Customers
In the morning, we enjoyed both a continental selection and a cooked breakfast menu, including eggs benedict and the full works. Just like the previous night, our food was excellent. It was interesting to observe many guests laughing and joking, enjoying their first meal of the day. Clearly, the Chesterfield Mayfair has happy customers.
A Classic British Hotel with a Modern Twist
There are so many hotels that are modern and stylish, or maybe a little too twee or extravagant for my tastes. But the Chesterfield Mayfair expertly combines the archetypal essence of Britishness with a contemporary flair. There’s no chintz or lace net curtains, but there is a strong emphasis on tradition and impeccable service.
The staff were not only friendly and helpful, but you could tell they genuinely enjoyed their jobs and wanted to make every guest feel special. It was the little touches, like the pampering treats and birthday card, that made my mum feel truly spoiled. We all left feeling like we had experienced a luxurious getaway in the heart of London.
A Luxurious Stay at a Competitive Price
The Chesterfield Mayfair isn’t cheap, but when you consider how much London hotels cost in general, double rooms starting at £200 per night, including breakfast, makes it a very competitive price. You’re guaranteed high standards from the fixtures and fittings to the food. I couldn’t fault our stay at all. The only question is, when can we go back?
*We received a complimentary stay at the Chesterfield Mayfair hotel, but as always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.*
