If you were lucky enough to keep your job over lockdown then, according to economists at least, you’ve been saving cash. And lots of it. Apparently there are legions of Londoners who are unexpectedly flush, post-pandemic, and the economy needs them to spend, spend, spend! And luckily for you, dear hoarder, there’s one brilliant way to make the most of your hard-earned dough. A London staycation.
Penthouse suites are the very pinnacle of a hotel, usually quite literally. With far-reaching views, they’re the roomiest and best appointed in the building. And your cancelled summer holiday in Spain last August will probably cost about the same as a night or two in one of London’s finest.
Hotel Café Royal
Even in the world of iconic penthouse suites, the Dome Penthouse Wing at Hotel Café Royal occupies a spot that’s as unique as it is desirable. Set in a former fire lookout at the top of a Grade II listen building overlooking Piccadilly Circus and most of London, the suite enjoys one of London’s best views from its balcony, where you can entertain while gazing down at the majestic sweep of Regent Street.
The three bedroom suite includes a stunning over-sized marble bath, a DJ sound system with LED lighting system for the parties you’ll definitely want to host to show off your terrace, which is arguably the best in town. Make sure you bag the master suite, an impressive circular open space sitting under the copper domed rotunda, although the other two bedrooms are also pretty spectacular with their own Carrara marble bathrooms and just incase you don’t want your guests going in your ensuite then you’ll find a further bathroom as well as a kitchen and cinema style screen.
Where: 68 Regent Street, Soho, W1B 4DY
Website:www.hotelcaferoyal.com
Corinthia London
Fancy your own private spa and panoramic views of London? You got it. It’s where the likes of Tom Cruise stay when they’re in town and with over 5,000 sq ft of sheer luxury you can see why!
Set just off Trafalgar Square, within spitting distance of Westminster (though we’ve not tried) and with 180 degree views across the Thames you can sit on the balcony just admiring it for hours.
Not that you’ll want to, the hotel is already super-luxurious (check out the spa and pool downstairs or the Tom Kerridge restaurant), but its your ten seat dining room, grand staircase, king-size beds and bathrooms of honey onyx and Skyros marble that’ll keep you rooted to your room.
Where: Whitehall Place, Westminster, SW1A 2BD
Website:Link to the suite
The Connaught
With a 24 hour butler on tap, a wraparound balcony and double-height ceilings The Apartment at The Connaught is as plush as it is functional.
The hotel is famously luxurious, a country house hotel right in the heart of Mayfair, and boasting a choice of a two or a three Michelin star restaurant to dine at, or you can just order up to the room and entertain eight for dinner at the same time.
The apartment extends out to nine-bedrooms, taking up the entire penthouse floor of the hotel, or keep things bijou with just an enormous two bed flat.
Where: Carlos Place, Mayfair, W1K 2AL
Website:Link to the suite
Marriott County Hall Hotel
Quite possibly boasting the most famous view in the world, the Westminster Suite at Marriott County Hall Hotel is ideal for central London, for the vibrant South Bank or… for ordering room service from Gillrays downstairs and staring at the Houses of Parliament.
The suite comes with a separate dining area for ten people, sitting room and a bedroom replete with one of the biggest beds I’ve ever seen.
Plus, you can leave your alarm clock at home, you’ve got Big Ben!
Where: London County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth, SE1 7PB
Website:Link to the suite
The Dorchester
It’s where Elizabeth Taylor learnt she’d won the role of Cleopatra, it’s the favourite of every star and villain and it comes with its own personal butler.
The Harlequin Suite at The Dorchester, with its understated grandeur and old-world charm, is majestically perched above Hyde Park.
And maybe you’ll meet your Richard Burton while you’re there…
Where: 53 Park Lane, Park Lane, W1K 1QA UK
Website:Link to the suite
Kimpton Fitzroy
Bloomsbury, brilliant, bookish and beautiful, centres around Russell Square, and that means it centres around the Kimpton Fitzroy.
The hotel is perfectly located amid London’s square studded literary epicentre, and whether you’re sightseeing, visiting the British museum or British Library. Or simply relaxing in your airy, light-filled penthouse suite.
Where:
Website: www.kimptonfitzroylondon.com
The Stafford
Two floors of private luxury, the recently unveiled Stafford Park Suite at The Stafford London is comprised of a spacious bedroom, separate living room and (the wow factor) a private terrace.
The St James’s hotel, one of London’s smartest addresses, is perfect for a night’s stay, a cocktail party or a decadent dinner on the terrace offering unrivalled views of some of London’s grandest landmarks.
Where:
Website:www.thestaffordlondon.com
St. James’s Hotel & Club Mayfair
Still in St James’s, the Penthouse Suite at the St James’s Hotel exists on a bijou but perfectly formed level.
The entire seventh floor at the boutique hotel is given over to the Penthouse Suite; two bedrooms, two sitting rooms and a fabulous terrace this is the ideal bolthole for someone who doesn’t want to make a splash but definitely expects to live in style.
Where: 7-8 Park Place, St James’s, SW1A 1LS
Website:Link to the suite
Shangri La Hotel At The Shard
Quite possibly the highest penthouse suite in the world, the Shangri-La Suite at The Shangri-La London is breathtaking even if you don’t look down.
Designed by Francesca Muzio and Maria Silvia Orlandini, the suite boasts custom-made furniture, high-grade silk wallpaper oh and money-can’t-buy views.
Where: The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, London Bridge, SE1 9QU
Website:Link to the suite
