Stylish City Stay At The Mayfair Townhouse

By Olivia Emily

3 weeks ago

Oscar Wilde fans shouldn't miss this Mayfair spot


Iconic country boltholes Cliveden House and Chewton Glen have a younger city-based sibling – and it’s our top choice for a stylish city stay. Introducing The Mayfair Townhouse: a whimsical, personality-filled stay in the capital’s most renowned district.

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Hotel Review: The Mayfair Townhouse, London

Blink and you miss it: The Mayfair Townhouse occupies a discreet address, masquerading as one of London’s many streets of distinguished townhouses, but this time set just off the famous Piccadilly thoroughfare, with lush Green Park over the road. First opening its doors to the UK capital in December 2020, this is the fifth British address in the Iconic Luxury Hotels roster, bringing a dose of dandyism to the capital. There’s the same splendour and privacy we’ve come to expect from the likes of Chewton Glen and sister property 11 Cadogan Gardens, but with a more playful, glamorous city edge, slotting seamlessly into Mayfair’s notoriously swanky landscape, blending new and old world lavishness to retain its status as London’s most prestigious postcode.

Located on Half Moon Street – the road that is Algernon’s home in the first act of The Importance of Being Earnest – The Mayfair Townhouse brims with allusions to Oscar Wilde. Back then, the street was a haunt of colourful Victorian characters, from bachelors to bohemians to artists and writers – and their legacies continue at the Townhouse today. Surprises are hidden around every corner: a playful collection of art has been curated and displayed by Minda Dowling across the property, including a magpie’s dream of a peacock sculpture (designed by Clarita Brinkerhoff, featuring a whopping 25,000 Swarovski crystals, and affectionately known as Alfie) right by the hotel’s entrance and a classically painted Lord Byron holding an iPad with wired earphones, epitomising that old world, new aesthetic vibe. Elsewhere, you’ll struggle to miss the plethora of foxes hiding in plain sight.

Alfie the Peacock

Alfie the Peacock

Set over five floors, 15 Georgian townhouses (including seven listed buildings) have been pieced together to create The Mayfair Townhouse and its charmingly narrow, winding higgledy piggledy corridors; hop up an extra stair or two, down an extra three perhaps, to reach your bedroom door.

Brush inside one of the 172 rooms and suites (each unique) for a relaxed step change: sleek design, sumptuously soft furnishings and textures, and opulent marble bathrooms (equipped with bespoke sweet-smelling toiletries) have all been overseen by interior designers Goddard Littlefair, huge cloud-soft beds beckoning slumber as soon as you step inside. Some of the Suites have private ground-floor patios, others have views across the West End, but all are imbued with a quietly luxurious, residential aesthetic you’ll happily call ‘home’. Expect characteristic wit and flamboyance throughout, including patterned rugs, warm gold accents, enveloping jewel-toned walls with pops of floral wallpaper, moon-like bedside lamps, and a sleek bar area complete with Nespresso machine and a fridge stocked with goodies from local artisans.

The Garden Suite with steps leading up into garden

The Garden Suite at The Mayfair Townhouse

Click Here To Win A Weekend Stay At The Mayfair Townhouse

Breakfast at The Mayfair Townhouse is not to be missed, featuring a delicious bounty of goodness served in the downstairs Club Room. Order a la carte for Clarence Court eggs any way, buttermilk pancakes, a smoked salmon bagel, the full English and more – or dive into the buffet goodies for wholesome overnight oats, freshly baked pastries, chia pudding, crispy hash browns, and fruit and juices galore. Down here, there’s also a well-equipped gym, with personal trainers on request.

Come evening, nestled a stone’s throw from Green Park station, London’s best cuisine is your oyster when you stay at The Mayfair Townhouse. Local favourites include: HIDE, Ollie Dabbous’ Michelin starred ingredient-led project (perfect for a special occasion breakfast); The Ritz with its world-famous afternoon tea; Muse by Tom Aikens, which focuses on storytelling through food; and iconic Quaglino’s, known for its lively atmosphere, vibrant setting and delicious food. Find more of our favourite restaurants in Mayfair here.

The Dandy Bar

If a day of strolling London’s picturesque yet bustling streets has you beat, a night in may be just what the doctor ordered. In that case, The Mayfair Townhouse’s Dandy Bar has you covered with a comprehensive, varied menu of delicious cuisine, from nourishing light bites to indulgent British classics like cod and chips, rib eye steaks and burgers, all served alongside an extensive menu of creative cocktails.

The name, naturally, draws on the hotel’s Oscar Wilde associations, but also on Mayfair’s reputation as the stylish place to see and be seen. The space is fittingly suave to match, set in the heart of the property, just beyond the entrance on Half Moon Street; think moody lighting, evocative textures and sumptuous sofas. It’s worth a visit for a nightcap before retiring to your bedroom, whether you stay for dinner or stop by after a night exploring the city.

BOOK IT

Rooms at The Mayfair Townhouse start from £252 per night. Breakfast is £25pp. The Mayfair Townhouse is dog-friendly, with beds, bowls, meals, treats, and special amenities available. Learn more and book at themayfairtownhouse.com

If you’re feeling lucky, we’ve also teamed up with The Mayfair Townhouse to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a weekend stay. Click here to enter.

Find It: 27-41 Half Moon St, London W1J 7BG