MASK Loves

Part One.....

Being central London based, we Maskettes rarely need to book a London hotel for ourselves, but that doesn't mean we don't want to know all about the best places to stay here in the city. We're so often asked for tips on the most unique places to stay, or where to go for a luxurious meal, or somewhere different to go for drinks. And often one of London's amazing hotels can offer all three....

We're so keen not to miss out that we spent much of February and March re-familiarising ourselves with our favourite hotels and finding new ones, as well as getting invited to the all important new openings.

And as we came back to Concerto Towers after each visit we were repeatedly asked which haunt is our new favourite....where we'd most love to go for cocktails....where we most love to eat....and where we'd choose to stay if we were to choose only one London hotel amongst so many.

And so the task began to compare all those little immaculate details which make us squeal with delight....the wonderful decor and views....the stunning service....the locations....the trendy and the traditional..... Could we possibly agree on a winner though? Well here is how we tried....

Mask Loves....

The Hoxton:
Branded as 'Budget Luxury', we love the trendy Shoreditch location of this industrial-chic hotel. Along with the little Pret Breakfast Bag which is hung on your door in the morning (love the little tick-box menu you get to fill in to choose what you like!) we love the rooms' cute cushions, and the local map which isn't predictaby full of annoying adverts. The garden is a darling feature too and will be sure to see a lot of the Maskettes this summer, whilst the cool stylings of the bar also benefits from a great vibe at weekends when resident DJs bring in a cool core crowd.

Shoreditch House:
Anywhere that makes a feature of 'help yourself sweets' is going to be a winner for us, but add the roof top pool and secret garden to the East London home of Soho House group and the Maskettes are aching to move in. We love the cute and fresh Cowshed Spa, the roaring fires and those gorgeously huge pink velvet sofas. It's all far too comfy not to feel like we should live there. Maybe one day.

The Berkley:
Maybe it's the elegant location of Belgravia, or the instant tranquility as one walks through the doors, but certianly The Berkley is a hotel to conjure some of the charm and polish one hopes for in a traditional hotel. Imaginitively but strictly seasonal blooms scent every available space, whilst the staff are adorned in beautifully retro uniforms with polka dots and cinched waists. Dining here is a real treat with the lush Blue bar, Koffman's Brasserie and Marcus Waering's. But it's the Pret-a-Portea fashionista Afternoon Tea which really captures the Maskettes' imaginations....the Season's trends are transformed into darling sweet treats alongside tea served in Paul Smith china. Afternoon tea teamed with fashion trends....they really couldn't do anything more to capture our hearts!

The Connaught:
It is perhaps the clever combinations which really make us love this Mayfair hotel. As we enter we're greeted by the most wonderful scent of fresh spring blooms, somehow perfectly blended with that of the crackling roaring fire. The next juxtaposition comes when we see that the hotel boasts two types of rooms: both traditional and luxurious, and super modern and chic. This is surely a hotel with the best of both worlds. And with a Michelin Starred event catering offering as well as Helene Darroze's glintingly gorgeous restaurant, it's hard to see how the hotel finds time to win awards for their elegantly Edwardian bar, famous for its highly accomplished mixologists who visit your table with their wonderfully antique martini trolley.

The Goring:
Perfectly hidden in the heart of Belgravia, this family run hotel boasts some of our favourite little details. The Housekeeping Staff take great delight in hand picking the perfect rubber duck to go with each individually designed room (using silks designed to match those from Royal coaches and Palaces no less). And rather than too-difficult-to comprehend lighting technology, we love the easy to use light settings, from which we chose the setting "Oooh". The fussy of us are also charmed by the ever so detailed menu in the hotel's restaurant, which explains where each ingredient is sourced, but it's the pretty hidden garden that we really covet (especially as we look forward to the hotel's forthcoming beach party plans for this summer!).

Grosvenor Square:
We love the luxurious garden view rooms which really transport you from central London and make you believe you're anywhere hot and super chic (not that London can't be, it's just that they have it all year round!). Also setting their rooms apart is the room diving bath which ingeniosuly links the bathroom and living/sleeping space. Not for the self conscious, but fabulous for those who love their space!

Grosvenor House:
Not only does their new steak house offer the most incredible tasting menu of american classics (marshmallow topped sweet potato our favourite) but their mixologist will actually come to the station at the end of your table to teach you how to mix the perfect Bourbon cocktails. And what more does one new afterwards than a room made up with their famously luxurious bedding....super soft and cosy for the perfect night's sleep.

The Savoy:
Set just off the river there's no hotel better to alight at after a boat party or Thames cruise....especially as they have their own pier. The hotel also boasts one of our favourite ballrooms, with a stunning period carpet and stage perfect for entertaining a larger guest list.

The Waldorf:
The deliciously Deco Palm Court is what we love most about this super stylish Hilton at The Aldywch. But being met by a gorgeous cocktail specially for us with a little welcome card from the lovely Pierre is an added touch we'll never get tired of, and the piano playing in the sweet little bar away makes this the most darling spot for afternoon tea.

Claridges:
We love the old smoking bar which now makes the most perfect snug to enjoy a winter's cocktail along side the crackling fire.

The Corinthia:
The ballroom here is something to behold, but it's the stunning light installation in the foyer that really has us wowed. We love too the specially chosen books and wine selection in each room, tailored to each guest.

30 Pavillion Road:
With a tranquil breakfast on the roof terrace, it's hard to believe you're in central London, but then when your room overlooks those picture perfect Mary Poppins roof tops, there's nowhere better to feel part of the capital.

Four Seasons….. where every floor has a different flavour…… The Landmark…. for its incredible winter garden….. St Pancras Grand….. for the status location….. Mandarin Oriental….. for the marvellous Dinner by Heston…. The Zetter…. With its quirky individual styling…. St John…. for its honest, no fuss freshness….

And we still have more to see. So how can we possibly choose with so many wonderful hotels in our amazing capital alone? The answer can only be to continue to love them all and frequent them all for as many martinis and afternoons teas as we can possibly bear…..well someone has to stay on top of these things.