The Athenaeum Hotel: A Luxurious, ‘Homely’, Celebrity-Hotel with a British Soul
There are some hotels you only want to spend a night or two in. And then there are hotels with a soul. Hotels that you will always remember and will always want to return to. The Athenaeum Hotel is just such a hotel. Very British, very homely and with a superb location in the central London: it wins your heart from the very first moment you arrive. “Welcome to your ‘home-from-home’ in London” says the doorman Jim; the Hotel’s face. Jim is always ready to help you with a cab, hold up an umbrella on a rainy day or tell a typical English joke to brighten your mood first thing in the morning.
“There are more movie stars to be seen in London’s Athenaeum Hotel than in the Polo Lounge of the Beverly Hills Hotel”, states the hotel website; and then proves it with a long list with their celebrity guests. Including Robbie Williams, Steven Spielberg, Russell Crowe and many others. So, when we got an invitation to stay there, and to review the Hotel we accepted it immediately.
The Hotel has a rich history. It was built as a "Hope House" in the Victorian era (1849) and was loved by Charles Dickens for its extravagant interior. The 'athenaeum' name was first used over 150 years ago when the house was bought by the Junior Athenaeum Club as the ideal spot for entertaining MPs, Lords and ‘the great and the good’ of London.
Later on a movie star called Sally Bulloch became a Director of the iconic hotel. She was often seen here with the likes of Harrison Ford or Marlon Brando. Or drinking champagne in the bar with Joan Collins. Spielberg even installed an edit suite in the adjoining apartment to his own. He edited ET, Close Encounters and Indiana Jones right there.
Whether before, or after the dinner, you can enjoy one of their 300 whiskies in their surprisingly discreet Whiskey Bar: full of quiet corners… This is the largest selection of blended Whiskies, and single malts, in any hotel in London!
The award-winning restaurant in the Athenaeum has it all: exceptional food, and amazing service. The dinner that we had there was just unforgettable. I strongly suggest you to try one of their famous steaks. This could be accompanied by one of their amazing wines chosen for you by the restaurant’s sommelier.
One of the best desserts I've ever tried. And one of the biggest one, too.
In this room you can enjoy an afternoon tea: considered to be one of the best afternoon teas available in London.
This stylish and spacious room, with its Green Park view and five-star comfort, has everything one needs to get one rested after a busy day in London.
The photoshoot of the hotel’s room in progress
The statue of the dog at the reception means that the hotel is pet friendly.
In the morning you can try the traditional Full English breakfast, or you can opt for the healthy fruits, yoghurts and nuts to make sure you have enough energy to enjoy your day in London.
Written by Alina Lisina
I fell in love with traveling much earlier than I fell in love with my first man. And I'm still faithful to that love (But I have exchanged some men since my first one). I have never had a reason to regret my passion. I constantly dream of going further, it gives me indescribable emotions and meaning to my life.
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