Films, food and finesse – welcome to a historic hotel.
British flags are flying, black taxis are pulling up, and a man in a top hat opens the door. When you arrive at The May Fair, A Radisson Collection Hotel, it feels like a film set where London is the backdrop and you’re the star. The hotel is close to iconic sights, from Big Ben to Buckingham Palace, and boasts strong ties to the British film industry. So, get ready to feel like a celebrity.
The May Fair opened in 1927, and was inaugurated by King George V and Queen Mary. Since then, it has hosted events with the British Film Institute and London Fashion Week, and welcomed A-listers including Kate Moss, Lady Gaga, and Whitney Houston.
Located near Berkeley Square, The May Fair is within paparazzi-friendly distance of cafés and restaurants popular in the Middle Eastern: Bar des Prés, Gymkhana, Sexy Fish and Shot. And with Bond Street and Oxford Street shops moments away, you can carry your own bags back with ease.
Rooms and suites
The May Fair is home to 404 rooms and suites, including 37 suites. If space is what you’re after, you’re spoilt for choice, from the Ebony Suite to the Penthouse Suite, as well as options with connecting rooms and fully fitted kitchens.
We checked into the Studio Suite, which spans 485 square feet – a true luxury in central London, where space comes at a premium. The suite featured a generous bathroom with both a bathtub and separate shower, a walk-in wardrobe, and what felt like a widescreen bed – a king-size one, to be precise. The Vispring mattress is dressed with 350 thread count Egyptian cotton linens, topped with a goose down duvet and plush pillows. The bed was made for sinking into – a slow fade to black after a day in the spotlight.
Restaurants and bars
At the heart of The May Fair is its all-day dining destination, May Fair Kitchen. Breakfast was a lively, bustling affair – over the weekend, tables filled quickly with families, and the room echoed with a chorus of accents, from American to Arabic. If you’re dining solo, we recommend securing a seat by the window, where you can watch the streets of Mayfair come to life.
May Fair Kitchen presents a thoughtfully curated menu of Italian and Japanese cuisine. For something more discreet, May Fair Terrace offers a secluded setting for bites and beverages. May Fair Bar serves breakfast, lunch, and evening plates, and draws inspiration from around the world.
Facilities
The May Fair knows how to bring the razzle dazzle. I’ve seen its event spaces come alive for awards and premieres. The Crystal Ballroom exudes old-world 1920s glamour. True to its name, it features a six-metre bespoke Baccarat chandelier. The Screening Room, once owned by Hollywood’s Danziger brothers, is now a sultry spot with red Italian leather seats and a state-of-the-art sound and film system.
The May Fair is also home to a spa and gym. Facilities include an aromatic steam room, candlelit relaxation room with heated loungers, herbal sauna, and ice fountain. Plus, the gym is open 24 hours and equipped with the latest Technogym technology.
Verdict
The May Fair offered a fast and friendly check-in and check-out, and throughout our stay, the staff went above and beyond to help. While some of the rooms can feel a little dated, refurbishments are underway. During our visit, the hotel in its peak period, and there was a long wait for the lift – a minor complaint, but it’s a sign of its popularity. We overheard guests mentioning that they were regular visitors, and we can see why – it has the location, luxury and a lively atmosphere.
The May Fair: a blockbuster stay you’ll want to experience again and again.
GO: Visit www.themayfairhotel.co.uk for more information.