Sleeping around London to explore all the new openings and dine about town! Paris has the Olympics, Germany hosts the Swifties and the Eras Tour. London, does it ever stop? Latest hotel openings, new restaurants, a never-ending volume of luxury! Skyhigh Cigar Bars, divine Peking duck in a room inspired by the Keying, a three-masted, 800-ton trading ship. Underground pools, serene spas- so much to explore and enjoy.

Here are a couple of my favorite luxe stopovers- site inspections, I need to return and stay! The Peninsula, the rarefied Hong Kong brand is located on Hyde Corner, designed by Peter Marino with illuminating floor to ceiling windows in every room, even a starter room is extremely spacious. Overlooking Wellington Arch, the Household Cavalry trots past each morning, the distinctive Peninsula brand hallmarks are included in every room and suite; standard king rooms include a living space and large bathrooms and dressing rooms, large in comparison to boutique hotels. Spending 30 years to find the perfect London site, at cost of more than £1 billion, including 26 residences around the central entrance courtyard, the 190 rooms with dark woods and soft cream-colored interiors whisper serenity.

Spa – or Wellness Area – Breathtaking – the hotel’s lavish, 25-metre swimming pool occupies an expansive subterranean chamber, whose walls are adorned with intricately-crafted mosaic artwork depicting tranquil landscape scenery. Ambience: the illuminated overhead light panels change through the course of the day to simulate natural sunlight. The pool is heated and equipped with underwater speakers so guests can enjoy music as they swim; there’s also poolside lounge chairs, and all-day poolside dining. Brilliant Plunge!

Dining – we popped in for an elegant leisurely lunch at Canton Blue, the restaurant and the adjacent bar, Little Blue, have been inspired by the Keying, a three-masted, 800-ton trading ship which sailed between China and Britain between 1846 and 1848. The restaurant boasts its own entrance at the side of the hotel. Pop in at the sumptuous cocktail bar, Little Blue, which is the perfect way to kick off a rather glamorous evening. The restaurant itself is equally stylish, and the extensive menu offers a wide selection of authentic, flavorsome dishes, from finely executed dim sum to Peking Duck for two. The interesting wine list includes a selection of Chinese rice wines by the glass.

Cocktails galore. Upstairs, saunter and sip at Brookfield’s by Claude Bosi – a spectacular rooftop restaurant that is both a destination and a journey. The space, which pays homage to the classic eras of British aviation and motorsport, sets the scene for the modern British cuisine of Chef Director Claude Bosi.

Brooklands by Claude Bosi shares its namesake with the storied Surrey racetrack – the birthplace of British racing sport and flight innovation. The restaurant, as well as its dedicated lift and entryway, are appointed with a specially curated collection of artefacts honoring Brooklands’ history. Amongst the most remarkable of these is a vintage Napier Railton, the 1933 race car that set – and still holds – Brooklands’ speed record; and an arresting scale-model of the iconic Concorde aircraft, suspended from the ceiling of the main dining room.

Occupying an exclusive area of the rooftop, The Tasting Room, Cigar Bar, offers an elegant and relaxed space for the enjoyment of finely curated cigars. Cigar bar and a wraparound terrace occupy an exclusive area of the rooftop. The walk-in humidor, along with a collection of rare top-shelf whiskies, is overseen by Master of Havana Cigars Manu Harit. Patrons can also rent private climate-controlled lockers for storing their cigar purchases.

I need a return to enjoy the views and serene quiet and soak in the legendary Peninsula spa tubs.

Claridge’s. Maybourne group dazzling legend has enjoyed a complete facelift, which honestly was necessary. The ultimate VV British property has always been on the top of our client list. Although on my last stay, the thin walls and doors made me think I had guests chatting in my suite while I was asleep in bed.

The classic Art Deco glamour of the black and white checkered marble floors in the iconic lobby and the world’s favorite high tea salon have thankfully not been replaced. Claridge’s is the ultimate in old school British charm. A glorious throwback to gracious hospitality, the fancy afternoon tea is frequently sold out and worth every penny!

The hotel occupies a whole block of Mayfair real estate, mere blocks from Bond Street, with Soho to the east and Green Park to the south. This has always been a luxe neighborhood of boutiques and members’ clubs but in recent years it has also become the go-to area for interior design, art and some of the best dining in the city.  

The no expense spared remarkable subterranean excavation resulted in a new five-story basement nest. Art is a significant element to the décor; fashion illustrator David Downton’s work is omnipresent and there are Damien Hirst treasures throughout, including a brightly colorful stained-glass skylight of butterflies fluttering above the primary staircase.

The spa, previously a stitched together set of guest rooms, is now a triumph. A dreamy pampering salon which measures 7,000 square-foot which was part of the big subterranean dig. It exists within the new basement in a stunning serene space -designed by André Fu and has the first pool in the hotel’s history.

Bedrooms and suites, 296 in all, are offered in art deco or traditional Upper Crust British style. In numerous categories from Superior to Penthouse. Hip artist, Bryan O’Sullivan’s rooms have trippy touches with illuminated mushrooms and toadstool-like polka dot motifs while the Viscount Linley spaces are classic, silvery and art deco inspired. Either style is truly ultra luxe. Soaring suites with small terraces were honestly breathtaking, I could have crawled under the covers and stayed for days!

The hotel’s main dining room – now simply Claridge’s Restaurant – has been transformed into a swanky, leather booth-furnished modern-British spot. The black truffle crumpet is a must. The Foyer and Reading Room is one of the most glamorous breakfast spots in the city.  An alternative salon for high tea, the same airy bright space is accompanied by a harpist and soft music tinkles from a grand piano. 

A new addition and tucked into a hallway, the Artspace Café is a has its own entrance and a counter full of pretty patisserie; from croissants to sugar sculptures in the shape of the hotel’s crest. Craft cocktails and champagne flow in the Painter’s Room, Claridge’s Bar and the Fumoir. The Fumoir is just as elegant as always and a favorite spot of mine for an afternoon cappuccino or a late-night tipple. Discreetly tucked away in Claridge’s art deco interior, The Fumoir is where those in the know have enjoyed a quiet drink in London since 1929.

We have clients booked for dinner at Canton Blue next week, an appetizer to a sleepover!

Visited, but Not Stayed, yet!