Review of The Connaught

Perfectly positioned in the exclusive enclave of Mayfair, The Connaught is a landmark among London’s luxury hotels, blending timeless British elegance with contemporary sophistication. Boasting 121 individually designed rooms and suites across six floors, the property artfully balances cutting-edge design and classic grandeur, featuring gleaming marble, rich wood panelling, and a magnificent mahogany staircase dating back to 1897. Each guest is treated to the signature Connaught butler service, ready to fulfil every need, while a bespoke John Lobb shoeshine is available for those seeking the ultimate in personal care. 

Named after Queen Victoria’s son, the hotel has evolved into a celebrated culinary destination. Indulge in the three Michelin-starred creations of Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, or discover Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s innovative takes on British classics at The Connaught Grill and his globally inspired fare at Jean-Georges at The Connaught. For exceptional drinks, choose from the art-filled Red Room, the intimate Coburg Bar with its rare vintages, or the internationally acclaimed Connaught Bar, consistently ranked among the world’s best for its avant-garde cocktails. The Champagne Room offers a decadent setting for celebrations, while the Sommelier’s Table and The Chef’s Table provide immersive, personalized dining experiences. The Connaught Patisserie tempts with exquisite pastries to enjoy on-site or to take away. The Connaught Cigar Merchants, curated by cigar master Adam Lajca, presents one of London’s most exclusive selections of cigars in a refined, club-like ambiance. 

Retreat into the tranquil Aman Spa—the first of its kind outside Aman Resorts—nestled at the heart of the hotel. Here, holistic wellness takes centre stage, with tailored treatments conducted by expert therapists in a serene setting. Facilities include a striking 15-metre black granite pool, a 24-hour boutique gym with personal trainers upon request, and a full suite of wellness consultations. 

Families are warmly welcomed: children receive thoughtful amenities such as creative activity books, organic baby products, kid-size umbrellas, plush robes and slippers, dedicated children’s menus, and access to a Children’s Concierge, ensuring young guests feel every bit as special as adults.

Set at the intersection of Mount Street and Carlos Place, The Connaught offers unrivalled access to London’s most desirable neighbourhood, Mayfair. From world-class retail on Bond Street and Regent Street to the green expanses of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, the hotel is perfectly situated for both leisure and business travellers. Notable attractions such as Marble Arch, Apsley House (No. 1 London), and Kensington Palace are all within easy reach. 

Mount Street is lined with internationally renowned boutiques like Christian Louboutin and Oscar de la Renta, while the neighbouring gardens provide a peaceful escape in the city. For luxury shopping, Knightsbridge—with icons Harvey Nichols and Harrods—is a short drive away. 

The area is rich in history, too. At 17 Bruton Street, you’ll find the birthplace of Queen Elizabeth II. Music aficionados should visit the Handel Hendrix House at 25 and 23 Brook Street, where both composer George Frideric Handel and guitar legend Jimi Hendrix once lived.  

For transport, Bond Street Underground Station (Central and Jubilee Lines) is about a 10-minute walk, while Green Park Station connects you to the Jubilee and Victoria Lines. Eurostar and St Pancras International can be reached in approximately 20 minutes by car or underground. Paddington Station (Heathrow Express) and Victoria Station (Gatwick Express) are both about 15 minutes away by taxi. London Heathrow Airport is typically an hour’s drive, while London Gatwick can be reached in around ninety minutes, traffic permitting.

Each of The Connaught’s 121 rooms and suites—conceived by acclaimed designers Guy Oliver and the late David Collins—offers bespoke butler service as standard. 

Spread across six floors, accommodations are split into five room categories and thirteen suite types, ranging from the original wing’s heritage character to the modern extension’s contemporary flair. The decor features a soothing neutral palette layered with luxurious textures, custom furniture, Italian linens, original art, and bathrooms clad in brilliant white marble, complete with in-mirror TVs and Dyson Supersonic hairdryers. Amenities include exclusive Cowshed bath products, state-of-the-art entertainment systems with Bose sound, curated minibars with British treats, and Nespresso coffee makers—while suites are upgraded to Illy machines. 

Entry-level rooms begin with the Superior Single (21 sqm, queen bed), followed by the Contemporary Superior (29 sqm, king bed, walnut finishes), and the more spacious Deluxe categories at 35 sqm. 

Suites start with the open-plan Contemporary Studio (40 sqm) and the Deluxe Junior Suite (45 sqm) tucked beneath the eaves. Signature spaces include The Eagle’s Lodge (46 sqm), inspired by classic yacht design and offering panoramic London views from a wraparound terrace, and The Prince’s Lodge (54 sqm), a tribute to Kabul’s Peacock Palace, featuring vaulted ceilings, a four-poster bed, antique maps, and original artwork. 

The Adams Suite (56 sqm) provides a chic, residential feel with bespoke furnishings, while the Carlos Suite, also 56 sqm, evokes vintage charm. The Grosvenor Suite (63 sqm) celebrates the hotel’s storied past with antique mirrors, painted plasterwork, chandeliers, and a separate study. 

The Connaught Suite (72 sqm) epitomizes Mayfair refinement with a chandelier-studded lounge, expansive windows, ornate fireplaces, and gilded ceilings. The Sutherland Suites each feature a grand drawing room—one with a 1909 Steinway and soundproofing, the other with a formal dining table for eight—draped in opulent curtains, crystal chandeliers, and period detailing. 

For modernists, the split-level Library Suite (124 sqm) is a standout, with polished plaster, a skylight, a contemporary fireplace, art-laden bookshelves, and a concealed entrance to the master bedroom. 

The Terrace Suite (140 sqm) is accessible via private lift and boasts Mayfair’s largest private terrace, designed by Chelsea Flower Show gold medallist Tom Stuart-Smith. The two-bedroom Mews (223 sqm), by Michael Blair, is a discreet three-storey townhouse on Adams Row with a hidden corridor to the main hotel, dual fireplaces, a grand piano, entertainment spaces, and a retractable balcony awning. Guests enjoy complimentary airport transfers, a lavish master bath with twin blue onyx sinks, fresh McQueens flowers, Illy machines, and a welcome bottle of chilled Krug Champagne. 

The pinnacle is The Apartment—a penthouse conceived as the home of a true connoisseur. Crafted by master artisans, it features hand-carved doors, a soaring living room adorned with commissioned art, two bedrooms (one with a four-poster), an expansive dressing room, a butler’s pantry, a formal dining room for eight, and a wraparound balcony with sweeping Mayfair views. 

The Connaught is fully accessible, with adapted accommodations available for guests with disabilities.

The Aman Spa at The Connaught stands as a haven of tranquillity, renowned as the first Aman Spa in Europe and an industry benchmark for luxury wellness in London. This Asian-inspired sanctuary features five dimly lit treatment rooms, including a couple’s suite, each with private changing areas and steam rooms, enhanced by personal music options for a bespoke experience. 

The striking black granite swimming pool (60 sqm) provides a serene environment for laps or family swim sessions, with professional swimming lessons available for younger guests. The crystal steam room, infused with aromatic essential oils, offers a restorative prelude or coda to your treatment. 

The state-of-the-art gym is equipped with the latest TechnoGym cardio and strength machines, free weights, and a kinesis wall. Guests may request certified personal trainers for individualized sessions or private yoga classes tailored to their wellness goals. 

Children are thoughtfully incorporated into the guest experience, welcomed with engaging activity packs, organic baby toiletries, miniature bathrobes and slippers, and a Children’s Concierge to assist with personalized experiences and family needs.

The Connaught stands as a testament to seamless integration of historic charm and modern luxury, where heritage details harmonize with bold contemporary design. This refined aesthetic is credited to the creative vision of Guy Oliver, the late David Collins, and a select roster of leading designers, resulting in interiors that are both timeless and current. 

The hotel’s art collection is a cultural destination in its own right, encompassing over 3,000 works from luminaries such as Graham Sutherland, Barbara Hepworth, Julian Opie, Louise Bourgeois, and Damien Hirst. Guests are invited to explore these treasures throughout the property, from the whimsical “Garden of Illusion and its Moon Tree” by Tom Stuart-Smith in the courtyard to Tadao Ando’s evocative “Silence” water feature at the main entrance. 

Service at The Connaught is a masterclass in discreet efficiency—staff move gracefully through the black-and-white marble corridors and up the grand staircase, anticipating guests’ needs with intuitive hospitality. This unwavering commitment to excellence has secured The Connaught’s place at the pinnacle of London’s luxury hotel scene, consistently earning accolades and industry awards.

The Connaught showcases an extraordinary range of culinary venues, including the legendary three Michelin-starred Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, widely considered the pinnacle of French fine dining in London. 

Chef Darroze’s menus highlight peak-season produce and her signature artistry, with options including five- and seven-course tasting menus and a streamlined three-course lunch for those with limited time. For an immersive experience, the Chef’s Table offers direct views into the open kitchen and interactive engagement with the culinary team. 

Wine enthusiasts can indulge at the Sommelier’s Table, located in the historic limestone cellar, where curated pairings accompany a bespoke menu. The private Armagnac Room features an unrivalled collection of over 250 Armagnacs, a nod to Hélène’s Gascon heritage, spanning 50 vintages from 30 estates. 

The Connaught Grill, originally a 1950s institution, has been reinvented by Jean-Georges Vongerichten to blend midcentury glamour with contemporary flair. Enter via a discreet rosewood corridor lined with rare spirits, and dine amid handcrafted George Nakashima furnishings. The open kitchen and wood-fired grill provide theatre and authenticity, with menu highlights including the signature Pie of the Day and a classic Sunday roast served on an heirloom silver trolley. 

Jean-Georges at The Connaught offers a more casual yet vibrant dining experience, with an all-day menu that fuses British, French, and Southeast Asian influences. The light-filled space and al fresco terrace make it ideal for breakfast, leisurely lunches, or late-night dining. Afternoon Tea here is a delightful ritual, and local residents can even enjoy Jean-Georges at Home for private delivery. 

The hotel’s four bars each offer a distinct ambiance. The Red Room, designed by Bryan O’Sullivan, is a haven for wine lovers, featuring works by renowned female artists and a curated list of exceptional reds, along with a concise, seasonally rotating cocktail menu and gourmet charcuterie. 

The Connaught Cigar Merchants, newly introduced, is a discreet enclave accessible from The Red Room. With a wall-length humidor and private spirits lockers, cigar aficionados can choose from over 170 rare Cuban cigars, expertly curated by Adam Lajca, one of the world’s foremost cigar masters. 

The Connaught Bar, by David Collins Studio, has repeatedly earned the title of World’s Best Bar. Its silver-leafed interiors and innovative cocktails—crafted tableside from the iconic Martini Trolley—attract connoisseurs from around the globe. The venue is also available for exclusive hire, and the signature Connaught Bar Gin is available for purchase alongside other bespoke barware. 

The Coburg Bar is a beloved Mayfair hideaway, renowned for its intimate atmosphere, plush armchairs, and impressive selection of rare spirits. Whether for morning coffee or a nightcap, it’s a timeless retreat steeped in the hotel’s tradition. 

Tucked behind velvet curtains, The Champagne Room is an intimate space for celebratory toasts, designed by Guy Oliver and featuring Baccarat crystal glassware and a tempting menu of light bites. Look up to see Sophie Dickens’ dramatic diving sculpture through the glass ceiling. 

The Connaught Patisserie, with its own entrance on Mount Street and signature pink flag, is a pastel-hued tribute to the art of pastry. Created by Ab Rogers Design, it offers exquisite creations to enjoy on site, for local delivery, or to take away in signature boxes. Standouts include the iconic Chocolate Nemesis from The River Café, available here exclusively outside its original home.

The Connaught is deeply committed to sustainable luxury, integrating environmental stewardship and social responsibility into every aspect of its operations. As part of the Maybourne Group, the hotel’s philosophy places eco-consciousness and community engagement at the forefront, ensuring guests can enjoy their stay knowing their values are shared and upheld by the team. Initiatives span energy efficiency, waste reduction, sourcing local and organic produce, and supporting charitable causes within London’s communities.

• Exceptional Service: Every interaction is infused with genuine warmth and meticulous attention, whether you’re enjoying a quick coffee, a meal at Hélène Darroze, or a lavish stay in the Terrace Suite. The Connaught’s team is relentless in their pursuit of guest satisfaction. 
• Art & Architecture: The hotel’s extensive art collection—over 3,000 works—features world-renowned artists from Julian Opie to Damien Hirst. Outdoor installations like Tadao Ando’s “Silence” and the “Garden of Illusion and its Moon Tree” by Tom Stuart-Smith add to the property’s singular character. The sweeping mahogany staircase remains a breathtaking centrepiece. 
• A Full Connaught Experience: Nestled in the heart of vibrant Mayfair, The Connaught offers such a breadth of experiences that guests can easily spend an entire day within its walls—from a leisurely breakfast in your suite, to a restorative spa session, lunch at Jean-Georges, afternoon cocktails and patisserie, a contemplative moment with a cigar, and finally, a memorable dinner at Hélène Darroze. Varun SharmaEditor-In-ChiefBusinessclass

• Mayfair Community: We are privileged to be part of Mayfair’s dynamic landscape. Our neighbours on Carlos Place and Mount Street create a vibrant mix of fashion, fine dining, and unique retail—fostering a true sense of camaraderie. It’s a delight to see guests enjoying Connaught Patisserie treats in Mount Street Gardens, soaking up the local ambiance.
• Culinary & Cocktail Excellence: The Connaught is a beacon for culinary innovation, boasting three Michelin stars at Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, plus two distinctive restaurants—Jean-Georges at The Connaught and The Connaught Grill—helmed by the acclaimed Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The Connaught Bar consistently ranks as the World’s Best Bar, while the Red Room and Coburg Bar each have their own devoted clientele. The Connaught Patisserie and the newly launched Cigar Merchants further enrich the hotel’s offerings.
• Unique Atmosphere: There is an unmistakable energy that flows throughout The Connaught. From the moment you step through the iconic revolving doors and ascend the legendary staircase, you feel a welcoming warmth. This ambiance is cultivated by our team, from passionate young graduates to multi-generational staff—some from families who have served The Connaught for decades. Sandeep Bhalla General ManagerThe Connaught