What Is It Like To Stay In A Suite At The Connaught London?

The Connaught Hotel in London is famed for its award-winning bar, its legacy of luxury service, and its old-world gentleman’s club aesthetic. But Rebecca Cox checks in and finds there’s something for everyone in this Mayfair mainstay. 

STAY

In seven years as a butler at London five-star stalwart The Connaught, Ionut has never given a woman a shoeshine – until now, that is. And in 39 years on this earth, I have never received one – until now. I sit on the first floor landing of the Mayfair hotel in a heritage John Lobb (shining shoes since 1866) chair with my (slightly battered) leather biker boots getting the glow-up of their lives from Ionut, as I try to glean gossip from him about the things he’s seen in his years of butler service. He remains tight-lipped, presumably, and quite sensibly, hoping to extend his tenure, but tells me that at seven years of service he is still the baby of the staff, with one colleague serving on the butler team for 40 years, as the third generation of Connaught staff in his family. 

The Sutherland Suite

This part-of-the-furniture family feel has always been what appeals to me most about my favourite hotels in London, with a staff and warmth to suit the buildings themselves, which in The Connaught’s case stretches back over two centuries to 1815, though the current hotel was largely built toward the end of the 19th century and renamed following the First World War. Today, it has 121 rooms and suites across six floors, with an impressive 3000-strong art collection including works by Sheila Hicks, Barbara Hepworth and Damien Hirst. The Connaught’s grand wooden staircase is the hotel’s centrepiece, built by Maple & Co. in 1897 and meticulously restored and redecorated by Guy Oliver in 2007. And while my butler Ionut keeps details about notable guests under wraps, he does share with me the fact that Ralph Lauren was so taken with the staircase on his visit that he tried to buy it, and when unable to do so, had a replica created in his New York flagship store that stands there today. Since this anecdote (while interesting) is widely available online, I divert from trying to elicit information from Ionut, and instead allow him to guide me through the highlights of the hotel’s offering. 

The Sutherland Suite

The newest, and the reason for my visit, is The Connaught Suite Collection, launched in April this year, offering 34 restored suites with luxe in-room experiences, including chilled martinis from the world’s best bar, cakes by master pâtissier Nicolas Rouzaud (mine was demolished within 30 seconds of check-in), bespoke Aman Spa massages, and the aforementioned John Lobb shoeshines. The packages include 24-hour butler service, complimentary champagne, cocktails, packing/unpacking, and access to the Connaught Cinematic Collection of DVDs to watch in your room, curated by the British Film Institute. Suites include the Terrace Suite, the Library and Sutherland Suites featuring highlights like a grand piano, with interiors by Guy Oliver, Michael Blair, and David Collins. Expect fine linens, spacious bedrooms and lounges, marble bathrooms with Japanese toilets and Surrenne toiletries; and a reluctance to check-out the following day. 

EAT & DRINK

A consistent entry in (and former double winner of) the Best Bars In The World awards, The Connaught Bar never fails to deliver, on drinks, of course, but on atmosphere and service, too. It’s famous for its martini trolley, from which the legendary mixologist Agostino Perrone crafts signature martinis at your table, but don’t order for the novelty, tell the team your tastes and they’ll take enormous pleasure in mixing you up your perfect personalised drink. 

After your pre-dinner drink, you can choose from three restaurants to dine in; Michelin starred Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, Jean-Georges at The Connaught or The Connaught Grill, which is our dinner destination for the evening. It features cosy booth settings by interior designer John Heah with bespoke woodwork by Mira Nakashima and an impressive menu by Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Offering British cuisine with contemporary flair focused around seasonal produce, there are so many menu highlights, but my favourites are the heirloom beetroot, the tuna tartare and the black leg chicken. Menu prices range from a £24 chopped salad to a £200 tomahawk steak, so expect prices as eye-watering as the food is mouth-watering. 

Master pastry chef Nicolas Rouzaud’s patisserie sits on the side of The Connaught and is a destination in its own right, but failing to try one of the cakes during your stay would be a mistake indeed. Breakfast can be taken downstairs in Jean-Georges at The Connaught, but if you’re staying in one of the stunning suites, as I am, you’d be advised to maximise your pre-check-out minutes and order a spread to enjoy from the comfort of your room. I savour every bite, looking out on my temporary Mayfair neighbours and spend a few sad seconds calculating how far my monthly budget would stretch toward an in-suite residency; not far. 

The Apartment

DO

The Connaught is home to the UK’s only Aman-branded spa, with a chic subterranean pool and first-class gym. Suite residents can enjoy in-room treatments, but I decide to take my massage, expertly delivered by Nancy, in the spa. If wellness isn’t your vibe, relaxation can also be found in the hotel’s cigar lounge, where rare cigars are served alongside hand-picked spirits. 

From the hotel, Mayfair is your oyster, with retail neighbours including Lock & Co, Bremont, Hancocks, Balmain and Gucci, and New Bond Street’s enticing galleries ready for exploration. Read our guide to Mayfair here. 

THE FINAL WORD

An old-world gentleman’s club on the surface only; The Connaught is one of London’s most welcoming five-star stays, and as far as in-suite experiences go you’d be hard-pushed to find better. I had to be hard-pushed out of my suite and down the mahogany staircase, or I’d be there still. 

BOOK

Rooms and suites start at £930 per night. To find out more or to book, visit the-connaught.co.uk