Tucked away on leafy Grosvenor Square, The Biltmore Mayfair offers a luxurious stay that embraces everything that upmarket Mayfair is known for, and then some...
If there's one city in the world that knows how to merge history and luxury all in one, it is definitely the British capital, London. Classic English elegance blends with contemporary, thoughtful service at The Biltmore Mayfair, located between glorious royal parkland and the shopping thoroughfare that is Oxford Street. FACT checks in for a stay that has us infatuated from the moment we step into the charming hotel.
Entering at street level beneath flapping Union Jack flags, we're met with colourful floral blooms and cascading light fittings as we enter the lobby of The Biltmore Mayfair. While we initially dismiss these as leftovers from the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, these touches actually represent the rigour of this chic London address from LXR Hotels & Resorts.
The Biltmore Mayfair is a property where traditionally-dressed bellmen in top hats greet you with warm smiles and sincere wishes for the day – reminding guests of the old-world, classic English charm that so many visitors are looking for in London. In a bustling city during the peak summer season, this is a first impression that we applaud.
Chic sleeps
The Biltmore Mayfair offers 250 spacious and modern guest rooms including eight signature suites and 49 suites for those seeking an opulent city escape. Designed in a warm and elegant residential style, the rooms embody the comfortable, modern aesthetics ideal for GCC travellers.
Our King Grand Deluxe Grosvenor Square View Room on the third floor is a homely yet chic space where parquet floors meet grey panelling and soft furnishings in hues of deep maroon and navy. Recessed lighting casts an alluring and somewhat ethereal glow throughout the living areas, creating an almost dreamlike environment which is matched only by the comfortable king-sized bed laden with pillows and a thick duvet.
Elements of nature run throughout the interiors, from the beautiful Edwardian chinoiserie mirror behind each bed depicting delicate illustrations of branches, flowers and butterflies to the stunning views of Grosvenor Square. The spacious room (if you can call it that) is the size of a luxury apartment, designed with an airy, creative approach where space has been used practically and stylishly. Thoughtful touches, a neutral colour palette and understated décor, are used to make guests feel truly at home in London.
The en-suite bathroom is compact with a walk-in rainfall shower, Italian marble and hexagonal floor tiles trimmed in gold. A remote-controlled toilet and bidet is a novel touch. However, it was in the details that we found the true essence of The Biltmore's modern and chic approach to living. In every room, guests will find a host of notable additions ranging from a Nespresso machine and flatscreen television to bespoke bathroom amenities from British brand, Penhaligon's.
Elaborate eats
If food is your forte, The Biltmore Mayfair has everything to make your stay exciting for every palate. All eyes are on the eclectic dining destinations from acclaimed British chef Jason Atherton, which include Cafe Biltmore Restaurant & Terrace, The Tea Lounge and The Pine Bar. GCC travellers will know the celebrity chef from his restaurants in the Middle East, which include Maraya Social in AlUla, and Marina Social in Jeddah.
Start your day with a sumptuous breakfast at Cafe Biltmore, where an extensive (and very delicious) menu includes everything from eggs Benedict to fresh juices, fluffy French toast, pastries galore and Arabic specialities. We recommend going early to secure a seat on the patio outside or indoors by the window.
During dinner service, the venue transitions into a vibrant space and we're impressed with the mid-week crowd. The atmosphere is abuzz with diners when we visit – colleagues grabbing after work drinks, couples enjoying an intimate meal and families letting their taste buds explore new dishes for the evening. Simple British dishes like crab on toast with confit lemon, natural yoghurt, sea herbs and sourdough remind us why freshness and flavour don't have to result in over-indulgent ingredients. Elsewhere, the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich with Churchill sauce and fries is a popular choice for diners at The Biltmore.
One of our favourite spots in the hotel is a dining outlet that, for us, exudes everything that The Biltmore Mayfair represents. Enter: The Tea Room, a cosy spot for people-watching and a quintessentially British afternoon tea. This is the kind of place where you can meet for a business catch-up over coffee or gather with friends for an afternoon of wholesome food. The Biltmore's signature afternoon tea highlights fresh and heritage produce from across the UK, with Severn and Wye smoked salmon sandwiches, scones with Cornish clotted cream and pretty desserts such as Yorkshire rhubarb with Tahitian vanilla cream.
While The Biltmore Mayfair, unfortunately, doesn't have a swimming pool. The 24-hour gym is more than adequate for all your fitness needs. Accessible only via your key card, the expansive area features the latest cardiovascular equipment and free weights.
Equal parts charming and luxurious, The Biltmore Mayfair is part of Hilton's LXR collection which means individualised service and one-of-a-kind stays in the world's most alluring places. Yet it's all about location, location, location when you stay at The Biltmore. This property is ideal for exploring the UK capital with Hyde Park, Oxford Street, luxury department store Selfridges, and the upmarket Mayfair neighbourhood right on your doorstep.
Judging by the amount of GCC travellers strolling the hallways and lobby, the secret surrounding The Biltmore is well and truly out! There is nothing we love more than hospitality that so flawlessly exceeds our expectations. The Biltmore Mayfair, LXR Hotels & Resorts did just that and then some – luxury living at its peak.
GO: Visit www.hilton.com for reservations and more information.