Brown’s Hotel

Mayfair is the poshest district of London. This is where all the venture capitalists and hedge fund managers hang out – far from the dirty, cramped confines of the City. It’s old genteel London, with its rows of Georgian townhouses and exclusive shops.

And if you’re looking for luxury, you can get it here, in Brown’s Hotel.

It’s now part of Rocco Forte’s chain of luxury hotels, but it was founded in 1837 by the eponymous Mr Brown, formerly a servant of Lord Byron. (Hence the apostrophe in the hotel’s name, still there after all those years.) Presumably he was used to demanding customers – Byron was noted for his ability to throw a strop if he didn’t get exactly what he wanted.

While Brown’s is not by any means an antique hotel – the furnishings are contemporary though classical, and you won’t find too many hunting prints on the walls – it retains that feeling of understated elegance that is the true sign of the English gentleman. You’ll get a friendly welcome without the pretension that accompanies it in many five-star hotels.

The price, of course, matches the luxury of Bang & Olufsen televisions and a concierge who can do anything, as well as the Mayfair address. You won’t get much change out of nine hundred dollars a night, unless you book very cannily.

But for a honeymoon or anniversary stay in London, it’s the bees’ knees – and staff really will look after you, with fruit bowls and bottles of champagne.

The downside? Mayfair isn’t the most convenient location for the traditional tourist sights – or for trendy night life.

If you can’t afford a night in the hotel, soak in the traditional ambience with afternoon tea – the oak panelling is original, though the smart new chairs lighten the atmosphere and there are some rather tasty patisseries as well as the more traditional Dundee cake.

Photo credit~: Matt Brown on flickr