The Beaumont Mayfair

The 33 Best Hotels in London

"This used to be a multi-story car park, you may be surprised to learn. The Beaumont is named after Jimmy Beaumont, a fictional character from Prohibition-era New York. Hence the Art Deco trimmings, wood panelling, vintage photos, and red-leather banquettes in the Colony Grill Room, where the shrimp cocktail is as good at the steak. In this context, Antony Gormley's astonishing 'Room' literally sticks out like a sore thumb—a three-story sculpture extruding from one side of the building, which also happens to contain a suite." - Condé Nast Traveller, Steve King

"The Beaumont’s 1926 exterior isn’t altogether conventional. The curious, cubelike sculpture on the left-hand corner of the facade is the creation of one of Britain’s foremost artists. Antony Gormley is best known for creating works such as the “Angel of the North” in the English town of Gateshead, but on this occasion he agreed to create ROOM—an “inhabitable sculpture” with a luxury suite hidden inside—at the behest of his old friend Jeremy King. King, for those not familiar with London ’s restaurant scene, is one half of Corbin & King . The pair have been working together for 30 years and have accrued a following at spots including the Wolseley, the Delaunay, Brasserie Zédel, and Colbert. It’s perhaps fitting, then, that the first thing guests encounter upon entering the Beaumont is a pair of double doors pointing the way to the Colony Grill Room and the American Bar. Both spaces are fitted with decadent walnut finishes, Art Deco artwork, and dim, atmospheric lighting. The look and feel recapture the glamour of America during the 1920s and 30s, and that theme pervades the hotel."

"At The Beaumont—the ca.-1926, transatlantic-style hotel in Mayfair, with its new, Thierry Despont-designed Gatsby’s Room lounge—you can sleep inside Room (2014), an inhabitable sculpture created for the property by Antony Gormley."

"This summer, to start, The Beaumont in Mayfair will debut a renovation led by Thierry Despont, the notable designer behind high-profile global projects such as the Ritz Paris. The property will stay true to its original Art Deco aesthetic, a style that Despont also happens to be known for, but will have a refurbished bar, lounge, and lobby."

The Beaumont

"How did it strike you on arrival?This was the first hotel by celebrated restaurateurs Corbin and King, of the Wolseley fame, and what you’ll notice on the approach is an enormous pixelated steel figure jutting out of the elegant façade. This is Room, a sculpture by Antony Gormley, which you can sleep inside. It’s an interesting extra to a hotel that otherwise feels very grounded—it’s traditional but stylish, with elegant Art Deco features. What’s the crowd like?Those more interested in timeless elegance than being on trend. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Rooms are generously proportioned and come in supremely tasteful shades of stone—slate velvet chairs, sandy-colored curtains, and putty walls—with black-and-white photos on the wall. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?Each room has a mini library of British classics, and all guests get free local calls and use of a chauffeur-driven car. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.A medley of marble, glass, and mosaic tiles with satisfyingly powerful rain showers—many rooms have a bath to boot—and fresh D.R. Harris toiletries. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Free. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The complimentary tea, coffee, juice, and pastries served in the cozy Cub Room each morning are plentiful enough to put you on till 11. The restaurant was bound to be a success and the Colony Grill doesn’t disappoint, doing a nice line in refined classics and proper atmosphere. The spa is a little gem, with a hammam and plunge pool. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Mayfair sleeps rarely come cheap, and this one ticks all the boxes." - Laura Goulden