Intimate Hotel 41, is this London's best luxury hotel?

In the area of Belgravia and Victoria,

between Knightsbridge and Mayfair, sits Hotel 41, a super small hotel that Tripadvisor rates ​​as the best of all 5-star luxury hotels in London. We were skeptical. A top hotel which the BusinessClass editorial staff had never heard of? Surely not we thought, as we have frequented almost all of London's best hotels. Curiosity took over and we decided to investigate further.

Snack-bar The hotel’s location speaks for itself; with an address near Buckingham Palace, it is a great starting point to explore some of London's most attractive neighbourhoods. Before arriving at the hotel, I received an e-mail with options for me decide on; do I want to have an exercise bike, a yoga mat or a bedside table in the room, or how about an extra pillow? The hotel entrance is tasteful. The design is elegant Victorian with high quality wall panels in mahogany and black, and white floor tiles throughout the lobby. It felt stylish and classic, my expectations rose. My welcome is of course friendly, and at the reception a welcome dish of small sweets, chocolates and snacks awaits me. During my stay here I will also be indulged with fresh coffee and in the evenings I happily enjoy fine sherry served in classic crystal glasses.

Executive Lounge All 28 rooms are located on the fifth floor, along with ‘The Executive Lounge’: A small library with a beautiful ceiling made of glass, and with a very cozy atmosphere that makes it feels like an exclusive gentleman's club. The interior, with antique globes, porcelain busts, chesterfield furniture and fully stocked bookshelves, fits perfectly with the style of the room. The atmosphere of the room is wonderfully conducive of relaxed, pleasant conversation. It is in the library where I was served a glass of champagne (Louis Roederer) while a staff member took my passport number and credit card details, a charming way to start my visit! I have some small talk with the hotel host, who proceeds to ask if the hotel can help with reserving a table at a restaurant or similar. It is here where breakfast is served. There is also an honesty bar where you can pour your own drinks while taking note of your consumption for deferred payment, as well as a delicious buffet stocked with fine cuisine around the clock. Two very nice details!

Fantastic buffet

a category between a Standard Room and the more expensive Junior Suite. The room is large and the design is in alignment with the classy lobby. The interior is indeed of high quality. The bed is huge and the mattress extremely comfortable. I have not often slept as well as I did in this bed! Moreover, the room included everything one would expect, plus a little extra. A nice touch was the handwritten, personalised welcome note.

Executive room

My personal welcome A business acquaintance came to visit me and I met him in the lounge. We procured a table by the open fireplace and ordered mint tea. To our delight, we were served several small surprises during our two-hour meeting. First, small canapés, followed by some tasty mini-toast. Very nice! We were served more steaming hot tea and my guest commented that the service and atmosphere is of a very high standard, and also that he was keen to take his wife here for a weekend visit. Hotel 41 is a perfect option for a London break for two.

A delightful breakfast

it was time for breakfast, something I always look forward to when staying in a good hotel with high service. I hastily pour myself coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice, along with muesli with nuts and berries, followed by the breakfast's 'main course', a full English breakfast of eggs, bacon and sausages, topped with tomato and toast. With my food I enjoy a cup of freshly brewed mint tea, something the hotel has certainly perfected.

Breakfast buffet

Conclusion

Is Hotel 41 really London's best hotel? We firmly believe that it is up there, especially if you appreciate traditional, classic English style. It feels a bit like a home away from home, quiet and intimate, and far away from the big hotel chain’s concepts. Hotel 41 is definitely a hotel we can recommend, and we will no doubt return to. + Atmosphere, intimacy, personalised service - Nothing, except the design may not be suitable to all tastes

We have also tested another hotel in the same area of ​​London, The Goring. See what we thought of this!