For our first leisure travel abroad since COVID, my partner and I decided to go to London. We already stayed many times there and experienced many luxury places… So we wanted to go for something new, this is why we selected the hidden gem Hotel Cafe Royal, right on Regent Street. And what a discovery!
The luxury hotel offer in London is quite huge, from big brands to boutique-size names. They are well distributed across the city, but when it comes to staying in the center some specific names pop up.
One of them is definitely the Hotel Cafe Royal, a historical place located next to Piccadilly Circus. Originally opened in 1865 and refurbished the last time in 2013, it proposes a discreet luxury for happy few with great service. Let’s review it.
A Discreet Place
Despite the busy location, on the – probably – most crowdy area of London, the hotel’s entrance is very calm and discreet on a corner street. Even the building, visible from every angle on Regent Street, doesn’t display any show-off sign of luxury.
You have the same look and feel even from the inside, which reminds me a bit the Aman concept of “hidden luxury”. Of course, you can expect a strong service wherever you are – reception, Spa, housekeeping – and this is usually the mark of a good high-end hotel.
Deluxe Room
The Deluxe Room we had was located on the last floor, with beautiful mansard walls. Facing Regent Street, the view was not amazing (too high) but it was amazingly quiet – from indoor and outdoor noises – throughout the stay. A real pleasure.
Interior design is modern, contemporary with finest materials and furniture – just to mention the Bang&Olufsen TV system and the fumed English Oak panels.
A special mention for the bathroom made entirely of Carrara marble, including the oversized bathtub, with rainbow shower and mirror TV screen. Amazing spot for Instagram!
Pamper Yourself At Akasha Spa
The Akasha Spa awaits you for a moment of relaxation after a long walking or working day. Located in the basement, it is composed of a large swimming pool, a mixed sauna and a large jacuzzi.
For those looking for a deep rest, the Akasha Spa is also offering some treatments by Aromatherapy Associates or Valmont – two great cosmetic care brands.
Brasserie Lutetia
On the first floor of the open-air lobby is located the Brasserie Lutetia. The place to be for French food lovers, especially pastries by Chef Eliano Crespi. This restaurant is inspired from the original Brasserie at Lutetia Hotel in Paris, from the same group The Set Collection.
We went there only for breakfast, which was actually a Royal English Breakfast (in a French Brasserie, yes). Everything was a-la-carte and we were quite satisfied ; a pretty good breakfast, nothing amazing.
Conclusion
Hotel Cafe Royal is a good place for anyone looking for a discreet luxury. You may not find the best of the best five-star hotel, but a really decent one – yet not cheap. It reminds me somehow The Halkin, next to Green Park. I would recommend to go for a Junior Suite on first or second floor, the ceiling height is just amazing and they offer gorgeous views over Regent Street.
Gallery
Pictures and video have been made by The Luxe Insider
Stayed in July 2022
The Hotel Cafe Royal opened originally in 1865 and has been refurbished for the last time in 2018. It is composed of 160 rooms and suites. I stayed in a Deluxe Room, around 40sqm, which public rate starts at GBP 800/night.
Hotel Cafe Royal – Book
Address:
68 Regent Street,
London W1B 4DY, UK
