A Modern Mayfair Classic: The Arts Club, London

Founded in 1863 as an intellectual living room for London’s creative set, The Arts Club quickly became a gathering point for some of the most influential cultural figures of the time, from Charles Dickens, Anthony Trollope and Wilkie Collins to Frederic Leighton, Claude Monet and Sir John Everett Millais. The artistic energy that defined its early years still shapes the atmosphere today, now with a rich cultural programme of events alongside a clutch of restaurants and bars buzzing with a modern mix of artists, designers, media figures and entrepreneurs (including the likes of Grayson Perry and Prince William) who use the club as both a social hub and an alternative workspace. 

In 2012, the Club evolved further with the addition of 16 rooms and suites, forming a discreet boutique hotel and giving members a private base to retreat to and reset after a night of socialising. Lauren Ho checks in to give her verdict.

Hotel Review: The Arts Club, London

STAY

Located above the main club spaces, bedrooms at The Arts Club, like the rest of the building, mix heritage and contemporary polish. Plush fabrics and furnishings are layered with bespoke book collections and a curated mixture of artworks by the likes of Baldessari, Cockburn and Simmons. 

Each room is worth a stay thanks to indulgent marble bathrooms that come with TVs, the comfiest of beds dressed with Belatrami linens, and a butler button, meaning seamless service any time. 

For those looking for more space, the Penthouse Suite is spread across 125 sqm, and comes complete with a fully-equipped kitchen and a rooftop terrace.

DO

Of course, The Arts Club’s location in the heart of Mayfair means Burlington Arcade, Bond Street and the Royal Academy are all just a short walk away. At the Club, there are exhibitions, panel talks, musical performances and other various members’ events that run throughout the week, which hotel guests are welcome to join when space permits. 

And not to forget Lanserhof Spa at The Arts Club. Located across the road from the Club, the spa – not your usual run-of-the-mill wellness offering – is a collaboration with one of Europe’s most notable wellness concepts that, like the Austrian original, offers a complete holistic approach to long-term health. With a mix of modern medicine and traditional naturopathy, the medical programme comprises cutting-edge diagnostics from blood analysis and cardiology consultations to metabolic testing, orthopaedic assessments, MRI scanning and individually tailored IV infusions. There is also a spacious gym that includes studio classes and personal training, which guests may use during their stay.

EAT

Given that the restaurants and bars at The Arts Club are limited to members, staying at the hotel gives the public a rare opportunity to experience the food there. There are five venues, including crowd-pleasing Italian restaurant Ofeila as well as Kiyubi, a standout spot that serves a mixture of sushi, sashimi and Robata-grilled dishes set within a modern interior shaped by Hong Kong-based designer Joyce Wang. 

To end your evening, head to Leo’s, The Arts Club’s late-night lounge with live music, velvet seating and a lively crowd. Or for a more sedate option there’s Oscuro, a cigar lounge with a rare whiskey collection.

THE FINAL WORD

With its elegant rooms and seamless service, The Arts Club hotel more than stands its ground within London’s luxury hotel scene. What gives it the extra edge though, is that hotel guests get access to culture and exceptional wellness and dining – a rare opportunity normally reserved for members only.

BOOK IT

Non-members’ rates at The Arts Club start from £850 per night for a Deluxe room, including breakfast. For more information, visit theartsclub.co.uk