A Touch Of Luxury

Last updated: 24/10/2006 - 16:04

Step inside London's longest operating five-star hotel. Brown's - which first opened in 1837 - is being re-launched following a £19-million refurbishment.

Brown's Hotel

When a society gentleman, travelling to London by train, was asked by a fellow passenger, in which hotel he would be staying, the gentleman simply replied: "I don't stay in an hotel, I stay at Brown's".

Take a step inside Brown's Hotel, the UK capital's longest operating five-star hotel, and you'll know exactly what he meant.

Wood panelling and antique furnishings welcome us into a world of elegant, timeless luxury. Even fans of hi-tech modern designer living will be entranced by the classic décor, and the unique ambience it creates.

Indeed Brown's, based in the heart of Mayfair, has the feel of a grand country house, with all its attendant comforts.

The award-winning restaurant, offering contemporary continental cuisine, has a 1,000-bottle wine list - 300 of them available by the glass!

Afternoon Tea

The Drawing Room is the place for the hotel's famous afternoon tea - also available to non-residents - accompanied by the sounds of the resident pianist.

And the guestrooms themselves provide the ultimate in relaxation, with feather duvets and goose down pillows to ease you into the land of nod.

But Brown's is much more than exquisite bricks and mortar. Its friendly, attentive members of staff are always on hand, ready to cater for your every whim.

Established in 1837, by the valet to Lord Byron, Browns calls itself "the epitome of classical English elegance."

No wonder that, over the years, that it has attracted the great and the good of British, European and World renown - including: US President Theodore Roosevelt (Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt spent their honeymoon there in 1905), would-be dictator of Europe Napoleon III, authors Rudyard Kipling (who wrote many of his books including The Jungle Book, on the premises) and Agatha Christie - the real-life hotel upon which she based her novel At Bertram's Hotel.

Historic

Brown's Hotel is also historic in being the location where Alexander Graham Bell made the world's first telephone call in 1876.

The legendary Brown's Hotel will be re-launched in autumn 2005 following a £19-million refurbishment. Olga Polizzi, Sir Rocco Forte's sister who is recognised as one of the world's leading hotel designers, has created a timeless look for the renovated property

Brown's Facilities include:

  • 117 guest rooms including 12 suites, of which two are Royal and two are Presidential

  • Original wood panelling and gilt mirrors have been mixed with mosaic floors, fresh colour schemes, natural materials and antique furnishings to create a more contemporary and comfortable style, whilst maintaining the refined English charm for which the hotel is known

  • The 'Terence Donovan Bar', inspired by the Helmut Newton bar in Berlin, will pay homage to the famous British photographer and be lined with his iconic prints. The leather bar has been designed by Bill Amberg

  • Three spa rooms for beauty treatments and complementary therapies

  • 'The Grill' (previously known as 'Restaurant 1837') will be under the watchful eyes of London's most famous Maitre d' Angelo Maresca (ex of The Savoy Grill) and Executive Chef Laurence Glayzer (ex Harry's Bar, The Ritz and The Savoy Grill). It seats 80 people and serve a delicate balance of English fare, including a daily roast from a carving trolley, and continental cuisine with a modern twist. Featuring all the original wooden panelling, the decor has been enhanced with moss green leather banquette seating, cream linen Roman blinds and original 1930s Italian lights

  • Large 70 square metre, fully-equipped cardiovascular gymnasium

  • 'Brown's English Tea Room', serving the most famous afternoon tea in London, will finally return - with a modern twist! Every dietary requirement will be catered for, so there is no need for guests to miss out if they are on the GI Diet or have a wheat allergy

  • Six private dining rooms holding up to 120 guests for private functions; all offer natural daylight.


    • Whatever your status, a stay at Brown's will leave you feeling like royalty! Brown's Hotel is excellently located in the heart of London's Mayfair at Albemarle Street, just off Bond Street. Follow the above link for more information.

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