The Westbury Mayfair, A Luxury Collection Hotel, London

The Westbury Mayfair was the first American hotel in London. Built in 1933, it has a traditional vibe that -- in many ways -- feels quite appropriate for its tony location. Interiors have an ornate, Art Deco style and low-key atmosphere. Italian marble pillars line the space, while antique-style velvet couches and leather armchairs provide several cozy seating areas. The Polo Bar sits just off the lobby, and has a similarly classic design, with blue velvet armchairs, dark wood tables, and designer Fendi and Swarovski decor. There is a smart dress code in the bar, which gives it a formal vibe. The hotel's Michelin-star restaurant is also quite formal, though the sushi restaurant on the ground-floor has a more laid-back vibe. Both the lobby and the bar see a steady flow of people throughout the day, particularly business travelers having a meeting or individuals working on their laptops. The building's hallways have a rather unique concept, with each floor representing a different decade, marked with black-and-white photographs of movie stars from that decade.

This hotel is only a three-minute walk to Regent Street, putting it right on top of London's most high-end shops and restaurants. Saville Row, London's tailoring hotspot, is just around the corner. Bond Street and Selfridges are both within walking distance, and Oxford Circus Station is a seven-minute walk from the hotel, making the underground system easily accessible. Most attractions can be reached in around 20 minutes on the underground, including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, London Eye, the British Museum, and the Tate Modern. Buckingham Palace is around a 20-minute walk. Soho is also within walking distance, which is home to many lively bars, restaurants, cafes, theaters, and the red light district. Covent Garden and the Royal Opera House are a 25-minute walk on foot, or around 10 minutes by taxi (depending on traffic). The hotel is ideally located for major art fairs such as Pad and Frieze, as well as the annual Chelsea Flower Show. It’s around a 60-minute drive to London Heathrow Airport, or 45 minutes by public transportation. Gatwick Airport is a 90-minute car ride, or 50 minutes by public transport. 

The hotel's 249 rooms vary in size, but all have been designed by Alex Kravetz for the hotel's 2017 renovation. The look is cozy, with an upmarket-home quality, and decor that blends traditional and modern elements. Dark wood furniture, velvet accents, and floral drapes brighten up the space, while vibrant modern pieces of art adorn the walls, which have have a neutral color scheme. Big windows let in plenty of natural light, and some rooms overlook Conduit Street. Some of the larger suites and penthouses have hidden kitchenettes and separate living rooms, which are ideal for families and long-stay guests. Despite the hotel's central location, rooms are quiet and pick up little noise from the road outside. Standard features include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, phones, safes, ironing facilities, minibars, and smartphones with free national and international calls to selected countries. Butler service is an additional luxury option. Wi-Fi costs extra. Some bathrooms are smaller than others, but all are decorated with Italian marble and have heated towel racks, large mirrors, rainfall showers, and Hermes and Etro designer toiletries. All bathrooms come with old-fashioned tube hairdryers, which feel a little dated. Separate bath tubs are available in some of the rooms.

The Westbury Mayfair lacks some of the features expected of a luxury property, such as a fitness center and spa, but it does have some superb dining options. The Alyn Williams restaurant is a true fine-dining experience. Williams has previously worked with Gordon Ramsay, and is the recipient of a Michelin star. The restaurant serves contemporary European seasonal menus in an elegant, intimate space. Private dining is available in the Wine Salon, where tables are surrounded by 600 bottles of fine wine. Tsukiji Sushi provides a more casual dining experience, in a sleek 20-seat space. The restaurant is open to the public, so can get busier in the evenings, though guests can order food to the room if preferred. The upmarket Polo Bar offers an exclusive cocktail menu and posh nibbles, as well as waiter service. There are two spacious Art Deco event spaces, offering modern equipment and drop-down screens. Other services include a 24-hour front desk, concierge, laundry, dry cleaning, butler service, and valet parking for a fee. Breakfast and Wi-Fi both cost extra.