It was quite easy to choose Bulgari London for our first 2013 stay : a new boutique hotel in Knighstbridge with oversized room, the biggest SPA pool in the city and very good first reviews. So I wanted to experiment by myself that property booking a 2-night stay in a Deluxe Room and see what Bulgari is able to provide in term of luxury. For sure, they know their job and how to host.
First impression from outside is not very good as the hotel is not located on the best part of Knightsbridge : buildings on the other side of the street look dirty and entrance is very minimalist… But from the moment you enter the lobby, first word is “wooow”. Probably even a Bulgari jewelery store couldn’t be so prestigious, every detail being perfect and making you feel both at home and in a royalty residence.
We were impressed upon check-in to be upgraded to the best Suite category, a Knighstbridge Suite promptly available from 11am with a welcome cake and a Moët & Chandon Champagne waiting for us. Could the beginning of the week-end be better ?! Our butler David introduced us all hotel areas and give some suggestions for parties or places to eat ; a very attentive service that reflects the rest of the stay.
Living
Attention to detail is close to perfection from the lobby to the restaurant, the SPA, corridors, etc. Quality of materials and fabrics is very high and makes the overall atmosphere both chic and trendy. Complimentary candies in the lobby, plenty of sunbeds at the SPA, crystal stairs in the restaurant… Should I continue ? Oh, did I mention that they diffuse fragrance in most of common areas ?
Room
What a suite… 86sqm with separated living-room, wooden floor, black marble bathroom, Bulgari Thé Vert toiletries and view over Knightsbridge Street. All furnishings are well-designed in grey and brown tones, giving a minimalist style to the suite with warm feelings. The bathroom is truely stunning with its huge bathtube, rainshower, Bulgari amenities and natural sponge. Tv and audio Loewe entertainment systems could finish to convince most skeptical ; indeed, this accomodation far surpasses London luxury standards even in Mandarin Oriental or Brown’s properties.
Dining
We only experiment an english breakfast at the restaurant, served a-la-carte. We were greeted by name and placed at a lovely table where a waiter explain us the breakfast menu. Usually I don’t like a-la-carte meals and prefer full buffet ; however Bulgari London is not common and the cooked french omelet with mushrooms, bacon and grilled potatoes was… magic ! So don’t hesitate to book a package including breakfast, you will not be disappointed.
Level of exigency
The most interesting part in this 5-star residence. THE difference with others London luxury hotels. Check-in was very smooth and quick, our private butler was a french speaker (our native language) with a true involvment to his guests requests, all the staff – receptionists, doormen, waiters, security – always greeted us by name and the efficient housekeeping came each day for cleaning and turndown right on time. We could clearly notice the high level of the staff’s education.
Stay from February 8th to 10th 2013
The Bulgari London opened in May 2012 and is composed of 85 guest rooms and suites. My original book was a 43sqm Deluxe Room at 700 EUR/night but we were upgraded to a 86sqm Knighstbridge Suite usually sold at 3.800 EUR/night.
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