Separated by just half-a-mile, in many ways the London districts of Soho and Mayfair could not be more different. Soho is home to an eclectic mix of dining, nightlife and shopping options, and has always attracted a distinctly edgy and bohemian crowd. Mayfair, by contrast, has a reputation as a postcode of choice for the city’s moneyed elite, boasting multi-million pound townhouses and inconspicuous members clubs tucked down quiet residential streets.
As two of the city’s most centrally located neighbourhoods, it’s no surprise that both Soho and Mayfair offer a huge choice of accommodation. And there’s nowhere in the city with a higher concentration of high-end hotels, either. To help you navigate the options, we’ve picked out 7 of the best luxury and boutique hotels that both areas have to offer.
DUKES Hotel
FROM £304/ NIGHT
Tucked away down a tiny alleyway off St James’s and dating back to 1908, DUKES offers a taste of quintessential British luxury, evident in the Union Jack flying above the hotel’s courtyard entrance and the convivial top hat-clad doormen. Inside, further nods to the past include a wood panelled lift and classic oil paintings that add to the sense of heritage. Yet these touches are all combined with the best in contemporary luxury. There’s a state-of-the-art gym, steam room and treatment rooms, while all the elegantly decorated guest rooms feature sumptuous bathrooms. Other notable amenities include an acclaimed brasserie serving all day food, a cosy sitting room, a canopy-covered Cigar and Cognac Garden, and a cocktail bar said to serve the best martinis in London.
The Beaumont
FROM £495/ NIGHT
The brainchild of renowned London restaurateurs Corbin & King, The Beaumont is housed in a classic building dating back to the 1920s and features a centrepiece 3-storey high sculpture by the famous artist Sir Antony Gormley. Guest rooms range from standard rooms to studios and suites, all elegantly designed in Art Deco style with original artwork and antiques. The bathrooms feature black and white marble and heated floors. Elsewhere in the hotel, there’s a restaurant specialising in grilled meats and a separate stylish bar. For further self-indulgence, head to the hammam and spa or the steam room. The upscale shops and restaurants of Mayfair are a short hop away.
Flemings Mayfair
FROM £236/ NIGHT
One of London’s most historic boutique hotel, Flemings is spread across 13 converted Georgian townhouses and offers an array of lavish amenities and services. There’s a restaurant overseen by a renowned Michelin star chef, a separate Drawing Room eatery serving afternoon tea, and a high-tech gymnasium. Guest rooms are no less impressive, with each boasting a distinctive décor, a Tivoli radio with Bluetooth functionality, and tea and coffee making facilities. Other hotel facilities also include a 24-hour front desk, room service and a dedicated concierge desk. The shopping of Bond Street and Oxford Circus is just a short walk away.
Karma Sanctum
FROM £176/ NIGHT
For sheer sex appeal, this stylish boutique hotel is hard to beat. There’s a rooftop garden with a 24-hour bar, a cinema, an outdoor hot tub and a popular on-site restaurant. The décor is no less swanky, with individually styled rooms featuring a plasma flat-screen TV, a minibar and an iPod docking station. The modern en-suite bathrooms have organic Lux Emere toiletries. The hotel restaurant oozes vintage glamour, and offers all-day dining with a menu featuring modern British dishes. Afternoon tea and coffee are also available, and guests can even order a cocktail to join them in the roof terrace hot tub. The vast green expanse of Hyde Park is a 20-minute stroll away.
The Mandrake
FROM £402/ NIGHT
Located on the borders of Soho and Fitzrovia, The Mandrake features eclectic, vibrant interiors and a thoughtfully-curated private art collection. A central courtyard surrounded by hanging flowers provides a striking focal point and rising up from it are 4 storeys housing over 34 guest rooms and suites, including a lavish penthouse. There’s also a beautifully designed on-site restaurant featuring a 16-seat private dining room. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Notable London landmarks including The British Museum and the bustling Covent Garden entertainment district are an easy walk away.
Mimi’s Hotel Soho
FROM £170/ NIGHT
Nestled in the heart of Soho, Mimi’s features a harmonious blend of old and new. Modern interiors lie behind an historic façade, while the dark, velvety on-street bar offers a relic of a bygone London. Rooms vary in size, all sharing a stylish decor with luxurious finishes and materials, and some of the smaller ones offer superb value considering the plum location. If you’re looking for additional amenities, some of the hotel’s suites come fully serviced and with their own kitchenette. The downstairs bar serves up continental breakfasts each morning before transforming into a buzzing cocktail bar where live music is played by night. Bike hire can be arranged at the 24-hour reception and on the hotel’s doorstep are a huge variety of shops, pubs and restaurants.
The London EDITION
FROM £298/ NIGHT
Also bordering Soho in Fitzrovia, the London outpost of the famous EDITION lifestyle hotel brand is as luxurious as any of its counterparts around the world. Each en suite room features a flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, an iPod docking station, bathrobes and a mini-bar. There’s a Michelin starred on-site restaurant offering a contemporary British menu, and two separate cocktail bars that are ideal for pre-dinner drinks or a nightcap. Other amenities include a 24-hour front desk, free WiFi and a well-equipped fitness centre. Oxford Street, Theatreland and Piccadilly Circus are all easily reached on foot.