Set amongst the row of five-star grande dames on London’s Piccadilly, The Athenaeum Hotel and Residences stands out for its elegance, discreet luxury and, of course, its 10-storey Living Wall – a 329 square-metre vertical garden planted on the hotel’s street-facing façade. 

While The Athenaeum has long been a favourite of both locals and tourists, like most London hotels, space comes at a premium, meaning rooms can feel on the cosy side. This is where the newly-launched Residences come in.

The space

Designed to feel like elegant private homes, these one-bedroom red-brick townhouses offer all the benefits of a hotel stay, with the added luxury of generous living space, a kitchenette, sitting room and dining area.

The entrance is down a smart side street and each apartment is tucked away. It’s supremely private and soundproofed and much more comfortable, particularly when travelling with young children.

The curated artwork, London-themed curios and restful interiors are inspired by the nearby Royal Parks and the dazzling chandeliers, California king bed and premium treats in the fridge are lovely additions. The ensuite has underfloor heating, plush towels and of course, Molton Brown toiletries aplenty, all of which elevate the Residences from serviced apartments to a thoughtful, luxurious retreat. 

Guests can also request a sofa bed or bunk beds, while in-room dining makes it easy to settle in for a quiet evening. A basement walkway connects the Residences directly to the main hotel, providing easy access to the spa and other facilities without stepping outside.

Dining

For a pre-dinner cocktail or a glass of champagne, the Art Deco-inspired bar is an elegant, intimate spot with knowledgeable, efficient staff who can mix an excellent Negroni in minutes. The house champagne is Taittinger, and it’s all too easy to settle in for an evening.

On a warm evening, we ate on The Terrace, an excellent vantage point for people-watching while being almost hidden behind the flora. The set menu is slightly less formal than the main restaurant and on a hot summer evening, lighter options such as watermelon tataki and crab risotto paired with ice-cold white wine were especially welcome.

Afternoon tea

Almost every luxury hotel in London offers afternoon tea – and I have tried many. Afternoon tea is as much about the atmosphere as it is the food, and this is where The Athenaeum excels. The service strikes a rare balance between polished and genuinely warm. My friend joined me with her six-month-old baby and, despite the inevitable interruptions, we couldn’t have been made to feel more welcome.

The afternoon slipped by as we chatted over tea, with attentive staff quietly keeping our cups, and Prosecco glasses, topped up. The ‘Fancies and Foliage’ theme brings a playful twist, with pastries and savouries arranged on a charming miniature tree and served on fine china. At £60 per person, it’s a well-priced option in a city where afternoon tea can easily cost considerably more.

The spa

The spa at The Athenaeum is a subterranean sanctuary in the hotel’s lower ground floor. A hydropool, sauna and steam room made for the ideal way to unwind before I headed home and the booking system means there are never more than a few people there at a time. If you time it right, you will get the place to yourself so it feels like a private wellness retreat. A full menu of treatments is also available, using Temple Spa products throughout. There is also a 24-hour gym with cardio machines and free weights.

Despite its size, The Athenaeum never feels impersonal. From the welcoming service to the thoughtfully designed Residences, it strikes an appealing balance between the independence of an apartment and the indulgence of a fabulous five-star hotel.

The Townhouse Residences start at about £850 per night including breakfast.

To discover more, visit: athenaeumhotel.com/residences

All imagery courtesy of the property.