For unadulterated luxury, look no further than The Carlton Tower Jumeirah which borders Cadogan Gardens in the heart of Knightsbridge, London.
Known as Jumeirah’s European flagship, it has undergone an all-encompassing renovation in recent years – the most extensive in its history, and as such, there’s sophistication aplenty. Balancing classic and contemporary, the decor is both timeless and glamorous and dons an aesthetic that beautifully tunes into its locale.
Highlights include the luxury suites that overlook Cadogan Gardens, The Peak Fitness Club & Spa that spans three floors, and of course it’s topped off with delicious dining options in the form of The Chinoiserie for all-day dining, and Al Mare for those who want Mediterranean fare. Aaron Kaupp General Manager, The Carlton Tower Jumeirah shares his insight into this 5-star hotel.
What is the hotel’s USP?
Our attention to detail from a guest perspective, our location, the swimming pool, and The Peak Fitness Club & Spa. Where else can you find this much natural daylight in a gym let alone a hotel? The hotel is in the midst of a stunning residential area with the best shopping, as well as being a close walk to Hyde Park and Mayfair.
How would you define the guest experience?
Personalized and tailor-made. The little touches such as personalizing slippers with guests’ initials and catering specifically to their likes and dislikes. Our Guest Relations team is constantly creating new and exciting ways to delight our guests with a personalized experience.
Tell us about the major refurbishment. After 18 months and the most extensive transformation in its history, we are thrilled to welcome back our valued guests following significant investment and a complete renovation of the hotel with new rooms, restaurant offerings, spa, and lobby entrance. It wasn’t just a refurbishment; it was the repositioning; upgrading of the hardware but also elevating the software and where the hotel position sits today versus before – which was the most difficult aspect of it.
What are your favorite aspects of this hotel?
The team – this is always the strongest part of any company, and our team is exceptional. On a daily basis, they reinvent the concept of hospitality. I also love The Peak, our new health club, and the new treatment rooms at the Talise Spa, which is set across three floors, with London’s largest indoor swimming pool, flooded in natural light, providing breathtaking views across the capital. As a guest offering, it’s completely unique also as is its focus on fitness as a lifestyle.
What can you recommend in the local vicinity?
For me, a local highlight in the vicinity of the hotel is Pavilion Road. Why? First of all, it is closed off to traffic and completely pedestrianized. It’s a typical local London community with the local butcher, local produce, independent cafés, and restaurants and where you get the best experience of what it feels like to be a Londoner.
Location
The Carlton Tower Jumeirah sits within the district of Knightsbridge, and it is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Hyde Park and close to hotspots such as Harrods department store, Harvey Nichols, Sloane Square, Hyde Park, Green Park, St James Park, and Buckingham Palace.
History
Recognized as London’s first tower hotel, it originally opened in 1961 and was widely celebrated as being the tallest hotel in London at the time. And it has been a mecca for the glamorous and the esteemed ever since – with Henry End setting the tone for the interiors (he was also responsible for the interiors of the Plaza Hotel in New York). Having undergone a significant renovation in 2019 at the cost of a cool £100 million, the establishment was transformed into an interior and architecture design studio, 1508 London. Here, there’s a nod to the original Modernist style, while adding soft curved edges, pops of bright color, and organic-inspired features throughout.
Rooms & Suites
On re-opening, there are fewer but larger rooms – 186 keys to be precise, and they all feature a new look where heritage is merged with contemporary luxury. Offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of London, light, and space is key to the design, and there are nods to its heritage via textured wall paneling, furniture influenced by British heritage hues of deep blue, greens, and maroon, and floor to ceiling marble bathrooms. Interestingly, almost half of the rooms at The Carlton Tower are suites, making them ideal for longer stays, with many benefitting from balconies that look out over Knightsbridge and have exclusive access to private garden square Cadogan Gardens and its tennis courts.
F&B
New bar and dining concepts at The Carlton Tower Jumeirah include a destination restaurant, Al Mare, and here’s the spot for all things the Mediterranean. Expect light and modern dishes that’ll see you through the French Riviera to Northern Italy, alongside a carefully curated wine list and artisanal cocktails. Additionally, The Chinoiserie, which is accessed from the lobby, is an all-day lounge and bar that serves up a selection of international favorites such as the cake-o’clock concept, that offers afternoon tea all day.
Spa
Whether you want a spa, swim, sauna, steam room, treatment or to work out – The Peak Fitness Club & Spa is the place to be. Set across three floors, it has been redesigned with new treatment rooms in the Talise Spa on the second floor. The stunning 20m swimming pool is London’s largest naturally lit hotel pool and seems even bigger with its impressive glass ceiling and cabanas for lounging on the perimeter. The spa works with two leading beauty brands to offer treatments and products that are both luxurious and holistic in their approach — Biologique Recherche, renowned for its clinical and personalized approach to skincare using raw active ingredients, and British brand, Aromatherapy Associates which specializes in therapeutic essential oil blends. Wanting to work out? The Peak incorporates studio classes and a gym that features bespoke Technogym equipment on the ninth floor, and even better, it has panoramic views across the capital.
The Carlton Tower Jumeirah
Address: 1 Cadogan Pl, London SW1X 9PY
Socials: thecarltontowerjumeirah
Telephone: 020 7235 1234
Website: www.jumeirah.com
