The Carlton Tower Jumeirah London Re-emeges As One Of London’s Top Luxury Hotels

For many years, the Carlton Tower Hotel was seen as one of the best five-star luxury hotels in London with its ideal location just moments from the charms of Knightsbridge and Sloane Square. However, as time went on, more luxury hotels like the Mandarin Oriental opened nearby, and the Carlton Tower began to look a bit slick by comparison.

All that changed when it reopened in the summer of 2021 after a comprehensive 18-month renovation at a cost of $134m (£100m). The hotel has been renamed Carlton Tower Jumeirah Hotel and has been transformed in many areas rather than just a quick change. There are now fewer rooms to allow for larger accommodations, and everything from the spa to the restaurants has been improved. Besides the physical changes, there are also improvements to the service and facilities offered to the guests.

The hotel has a long history, originally opened in 1961 as London’s first tower hotel and celebrated for being the tallest hotel in London at the time. Originally designed by Henry End, who is also responsible for the interiors of the Plaza Hotel in New York, the hotel has been redesigned by the interior design and architecture studio 1508 London.

The result looks modern but with a sense of elegance and luxury often lacking in modern hotels. Even the reception staff’s uniform, which changes from day to night, has an old world charm. Dressed in satin dresses with botanical prints that reflect the gardens, the staff serves you a personalized welcome drink upon your arrival.

As the check-in process continues, the attention to detail and personalization is evident. From custom leather keys to monogram slippers, the experience is one of great surprises around every corner. For example, black flannel for bathroom makeup removal, toiletries in full size containers are supplied by Grown Alchemist. These same toiletries are offered in a mini gift set for you to enjoy at home where you can’t stress out about mini toiletries anymore! All marble bathrooms feature rain showers and many have deep soaking bathtubs.

The entry-level rooms feature many luxurious touches such as Dyson hair dryers, 55-inch HDTVs with HD streaming, appliance pairing, Nespresso coffee machines, Fellow Stagg tea making facilities, and car service boxes. The beds are adequately plush with high-quality linens providing a comfortable night’s sleep.

Eighty-seven rooms and suites benefit from balconies overlooking London and Cadogan Gardens, the private gardens designed in 1804. Another unique feature of the hotel is that guests have private access to the gardens and tennis courts, usually open only to residents.

The hotel’s restaurants and bars have been updated. However, the popular all-day dining area “The Chinoiserie” in the lobby has maintained its essence but is refreshed with its sleeker and lighter design. Here you can have afternoon tea, have a drink or a snack. Also, in the lobby, the bar has been given an almost modern gentleman’s club feel with rich woods, including a parquet floor, a fireplace, a marble bar top, and chairs in green tones. Their secret ingredient is the all-natural aromatic mist that they used to blend their signature cocktails, from black pepper to lemon leaf.

Formerly a masculine-themed steakhouse, the hotel’s destination restaurant has been transformed into the “Al Mare” restaurant serving contemporary Italian cuisine and the hotel’s traditional a la carte breakfasts. Its terrace opposite the Cadogan Gardens provides a great setting for al fresco lunch or dinner in the summer.

One of the hotel’s most iconic aspects, the pool, has been restored with a resort feel featuring day beds and poolside cabanas. The pool is the largest in London in a hotel with natural daylight and has a double height glass ceiling and a bedside jacuzzi as well.

The hotel’s health club “The Peak Fitness Club & Spa” is located on three floors and has been completely redesigned. New treatment rooms have been set up at Talise Spa on the second floor. In addition, The Peak offers studio classes and a gym featuring bespoke “Technogym” equipment on the ninth floor. The light-filled Peak Café with panoramic views across the capital is located next to the fitness area.

Thanks to several improvements, Carlton Tower Jumeirah is now well positioned to compete with other top five star hotels in London, with hopefully travel to start picking up in 2022. Room rates start from £675 a room per night.