Hotel 41 – London

Situated in a prominent position in London and only a stone’s throw away from the notable Buckingham Palace, is the luxurious boutique hotel, Hotel 41. Overlooking the mews of the Buckingham Palace, the hotel boasts a prestigious Forbes five-star rating and has been recognised as the number one hotel in the UK for more than a decade. As you wander in the hotel’s private entrance, the vibrant sounds of the city quickly dissipate, transporting you to an opulent and serene foyer. The dark wooden-clad foyer conveys an old-style glamour with black and white marble flooring, elegant lighting and touches of gold wherever you look. As your bags are whisked away to your room, you are guided to the intimate executive lounge on the upper floors of the hotel. It is here where you realise just how truly special this hotel is with your very own personal checkin and glass of fizz from their beautiful Champagne trolley.

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The chic design that runs throughout the hotel carries through into the room decor where you are greeted with an elegant monochrome space. Although each of the rooms is individually designed, every room has that unmistakable 41 level of sophistication throughout. I was staying in one of the hotel’s executive double rooms which faced towards the inner courtyard of the hotel. I was a little concerned that due to it being a boutique hotel, the rooms would be on the smaller size, but I was relatively impressed. The bedroom was bright and airy and the design was well thought out considering the quirky layout of the historic building. A comfortable double bed backed by a large headboard, a large mirror-fronted cupboard and small sitting area were all elegantly covered in an opulent dark lacquer. An additional cupboard in the hallway was perfect for luggage, including an iron board and hairdryer which is what I always look for when staying at a hotel. Along the hallway is a desk area and a Nespresso machine is provided for a much-needed caffeine boost. The bathroom was also spacious, with a shower/bath, large sink area and separate waterfall shower as well as a range of luxury bathroom products.

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The hotel has such a relaxed and conforming vibe that it is difficult to prise yourself away, and with the numerous exclusive benefits on offer, you really don’t have to. The residents-only executive lounge is the beating heart of the hotel and exudes the feel of an intimate private members club. I especially loved this space due to its traditional style which oozed sophistication and intimacy. Its wooden interior, shelving filled with old books and plush thick carpet all added to the hotel’s relaxed ambience. A central glass roof allowed light to seep in during the day and also provided a glimpse of the rooftop terrace where you can sip on a glass of champagne and watch as the sun sets over the city. As day turned to night the executive lounge took on an even more relaxed vibe with glistening candles and demure soft lighting.

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The executive lounge is where the hotel offers their “Plunder the Pantry” service where you can graze on numerous complimentary treats throughout your stay. With a choice of homemade sweet and savoury treats throughout the day and a selection of canapés in the evening, you are truly spoilt for choice. I especially loved the inclusion of an unlimited supply of Jude’s ice cream. Fortunately for the hotel, I was only staying one night so their supply didn’t run too low. If you are looking for a more substantial meal, the hotel also offers a range of informal dining options. To be honest the menu was a tad limited but for one evening it was the perfect choice to stay in and enjoy the ambience of the hotel. An honesty bar is also located in the executive lounge but you can request your choice of drink from a member of staff. The hotel prides itself on its high quality of customer service, with two members of staff to every guest and 24-hour butler service. I found the staff to be particularly friendly, laid back and highly professional, providing a courteous service without being overbearing. This level of care and attention is certainly one of the more notable aspects that made the hotel so endearing.

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As a same-sex couple, I especially loved the touch of ‘his & his’ slippers on our return to the room after the turndown service. As I was celebrating my birthday at the time of my stay, the hotel kindly provided a slice of delicious cake and a small box of chocolates. It is always a concern of mine whilst staying in London that the level of noise will keep me up during the night (I have had a few bad experiences). However, all the rooms are located on the upper floors of the hotel, which ensured a nice quiet sleep without the intrusion of noise from the nearby busy street. After a restful sleep, I had the pleasure of returning to the executive lounge in the morning where breakfast is served. The light-filled space was filled with white linen-covered tables, each one decorated with fresh flowers. I must say I was yet again impressed with the customer service and the extensive breakfast menu. An initial choice of cereals, fruit juice and pastries were on offer, I particularly enjoyed their homemade granola and fresh ginger shot which hit the spot. For the hot selection, I opted for toasted sourdough bread, avocado, smoked salmon and poached egg which truly delicious.

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As a frequent traveller to London, I’m very much aware of how the exciting vibe of the city can be a little tiring, especially during a short visit. After experiencing all that the city has to offer, I am always on the lookout for a quiet hotel where I can return and relax at the end of a fun-filled day. Hotel 41 manages to do just that, its homely, opulent and intimate atmosphere allows me to completely unwind and switch off from the outside world. Whilst on my previous visits to London this quintessentially British hotel had never been on my radar, instead always opting for the larger hotels. However with its excellent location, attentive staff and its tempting “Plunder the Pantry” service, I definitely wouldn’t hesitate to return for my next trip to The Big Smoke. 

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Blu Blazer Guy Rating:

Location – 5/5
Customer Service – 4.5/5
Accommodation – 4/5
Cleanliness – 5/5
Food and Drink – 4/5

[This was not a gifted experience or PR Stay]