Rooms with stunning views of Wellington Arch, a rooftop bar that pays tribute to British motorsport and aviation, there is much to love about The Peninsula London, which opened its doors in September
With one spin, the revolving doors to the lobby of The Peninsula London sweep me from traffic and noise to a world of silver teapots and soft carpets, tinkling piano and crystal chandeliers. The two white stone guardian lions outside had already set off a glow of nostalgia; inside the lobby, I feel a warm rush of familiarity: the spirit of the SAR’s Grande Dame is here in Belgravia, among the potted palms and pillars, the pages in their smart uniforms, and the friendly smiles.
London’s lobby may be more contemporary, with clean lines on its Portuguese limestone columns, and coral red chairs adding colour to a space that is largely white, but the atmosphere evokes a similar cocoon of ease to The Peninsula Hong Kong.
When I am shown to my room, I am reminded that I am in England. The view floods in through the tall windows—the Wellington Arch, originally built as an entrance to Buckingham Palace, with its impressive Angel of Peace descending on the Quadriga, or four-horsed chariot, of War. I am surprised by how close the arch seems, and the unobstructed view, framed by curtains of champagne-hued and subtly embroidered silk, makes me feel like it is all my own.
My room, by American architect Peter Marino, has a contemporary elegance with its unobtrusive palette of sandstone, cream and brown. Details are textural: there are geometric arrangements in the carpet pile, furnishings are plush, and there is an almost shell-like feel to the walls. The spacious bathroom, with The Peninsula’s customary double sinks and giant bathtub, is a serene vision in marbled honey onyx, while the dressing room is panelled in mahogany as a nod to nearby Savile Row tailors.
The decision to build a sense of place into the hotel was a conscious one, according to managing director Sonja Vodusek, who has been with Peninsula hotels in New York, the Philippines and Tokyo for the past 13 years. She now oversees a staff of 650, representing 55 nationalities, primarily English and Hong Kong Chinese.
“We’re bringing The Peninsula to London while celebrating where we are as a destination,” she says. “The UK and Hong Kong have such a shared history, and we’re embracing all things British, from our staff uniforms designed by Jenny Packham [favoured by Kate Middleton], and our coasters by local studios, to the woodwork and joinery done by British companies. England is known for its quality of craftmanship.”
Alongside respecting tradition, the hotel also embraces the cutting-edge. As it is a new build, architects were able to use energy- and water-efficient fittings, and the hotel is BREEAM-certified, placing it in the top 10 per cent of sustainably managed buildings. There is a sophisticated waste separation system and the hotel plans to send nothing to landfill by 2030.
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