Luxury hotels in London will always find themselves in fierce competition with each other. It seems like every year another handful open their doors, with clearly definable tiers now developing within the ‘luxury’ sector itself. Most are good; some are great. Scarce few have the staying power of the legendary Brown’s Hotel.
Brown’s has been on the same site with the same name since it opened in 1832. That’s truly extraordinary. More townhouses have been added to the original – 23 Dover Street – and the hotel today has its main, impressive frontage on Albemarle Street. Walking the halls brings a genuine sensation of stepping back in time (it’s something about the feel of the floors under your feet), but there’s plenty of modernity as well.
WHY STAY HERE?
A base in the heart of Mayfair is a no-brainer for a trip to London, business or pleasure. Among the many things I loved about my time at Brown’s were the discreet access points away from the main door, which allowed me to feel (and I hope look, if any passers-by noticed) like I was stepping out of my very own home.
Those on business trips will find plenty of meeting venues nearby (if the clients don’t already have an office there), and the suites have plenty of separate sitting-room space to impress if you want that extra layer of privacy.
Visiting for leisure? There are scores of restaurants, bars, shops and attractions within easy walking distance. It’s more difficult to remain bored round here than to find some entertainment.
The public spaces are almost as eclectic as the neighbourhood. Breakfast in the wood-panelled opulence of Charlie’s feels traditional; an after-dinner drink at the Donovan Bar is sharp, sleek and modern.
Somewhere in the middle is the jazz night in the Drawing Room: vibes are decidedly 1920s, but the nibbles and cocktails served while you enjoy the music are very contemporary.
HOW’S THE FOOD?
Again, a blend of traditional and modern. I had breakfast at Charlie’s and was very impressed by the inclusion of an extensive bread menu – yes, I am that middle-aged – instead of one sad loaf next to a toaster.
The set-up is fully à la carte, so no awkward buffet queues, and I left properly fuelled for the day. ‘Modern British’ is very much the theme for lunch and dinner, with plenty of updated classics and a commendable, separate plant-based menu.
In the evening I opted to graze on the snacks in the Drawing Room while watching the jazz band play. The plates are surprisingly well-laden; two or three should cover you, maybe more if you want to test out the bourbon menu as thoroughly as I did.
Something about the dim lighting, sublime live double bass playing, and regular supply of Old Fashioneds felt very Mad Men, and it was difficult to leave the fantasy.
WHAT ARE THE ROOMS LIKE?
Even the smallest are 30 square metres – giant by hotel standards – and the most recent renovation has seen them all finished to a beautiful standard. Exceptionally bright marble bathrooms lie off subtly stylish living areas, and the suites have some incredible views.
My own boasted an enormous living area with lounging and dining space as well as those views onto the street below.
The curation of books and art in this space made the whole thing feel very homely, more stylish apartment than hotel room.
The layout of the suite felt more considered than in other properties of this level and was undoubtedly more conducive to properly relaxing and avoiding that feeling of every aspect of your life there taking place in the same room. True luxury.
In this era of quick and easy local travel, and with post-Brexit tax rules leading hordes of UHNW tourists to other locations like Paris and Milan, London venues even find themselves competing with other local cities.
Add that to the constant building work and new openings planned for 2026 and 2027, and you get an even more difficult landscape for hotels to reach their 20th anniversary in, never mind close in on their 200th. Anyone who spends time at Brown’s, even if just for a cocktail (or three – they really are moreish), will have confidence in its ability to remain one of the long-lasting few.
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