Upon entering the lobby of The May Fair hotel, I am greeted by two beautifully coiffed poodles and some equally well groomed staff.
Part of the eclectic art collection on display throughout the five-star property, the poodles (& staff) welcome guests to the hotel.
Set in one of London’s most exclusive, exciting neighbourhoods, the hotel has seen its fair share of red carpet moments through the years.
Opened in 1927 by King George V and Queen Mary, the May Fair quickly established itself as a hub for London’s high society.
In the years that followed, its grand ballroom became a lively gathering place where the wealthy and well-connected – including members of the royal family – could dance and socialise, offering a welcome escape from the harsh realities of wartime life.
In the 1950s and 60s, when Hollywood’s Danziger brothers owned the property, the hotel was transformed into a glamorous showstopper. They added a private cinema and theatre and even installed a pool bar that featured live caiman crocodiles.
While the crocodiles (& pool bar) are now a thing of the past, the magnificent May Fair Theatre still stands. As one of London’s largest private screening venues, it offers an ideal setting for film premieres, corporate presentations, live-streamed events and product launches, with seating for up to 201 guests and is London’s hotel partner for the Sundance Film Festival.
But let’s get back to my visit.
Although my glamourous socialite days are behind me, I am still warmly welcomed and efficiently checked into my room – a studio suite on the third floor.
The room feels huge. Two large sash windows allow natural light into the room, although there is no view. The sitting area containing a TV, sofa, coffee table, desk and chairs effectively splits the room in two.
There is a separate dressing room with space to unpack my case and a large bathroom featuring his & hers sinks, a bath and separate shower. There is a fully stocked mini bar and tea and coffee making facilities.
My Studio Suite
I don the robe and slippers provided and head to the spa on the lower ground floor. This features a steam room, herbal sauna and ice fountain all available at no extra charge to hotel guests.
The spa rooms are small (three would be a crowd) so pre-booking is recommended. I visit during a quiet period so have the place to myself.
The range of spa treatments available use Omorovicza, a luxury skincare brand inspired by Budapest’s healing thermal waters.
The gym adjacent to the spa is open 24 hours a day and is fully fitted with the latest Technogym equipment.
In the evening, I meet friends in the May Fair Bar. All are welcome in this uber trendy establishment although table bookings are pretty much compulsory. We settle ourselves in for a night of cocktail consumption and are not disappointed.
The bar drinks menu has an editor’s note:
“May Fair Bar by night opens a window to the world with the intention of both delighting and challenging your senses, drawing inspiration from beautiful places, joyous traditions and local delicacies from across the globe. Each of our cocktails has been meticulously crafted using innovative techniques and premium produce, complemented by a food menu of night bites.”
Now I will admit that some of the nuances of the menu did pass me by, although it was in itself a work of art, and I was slightly nonplussed by the edible poetry (Robert Burns) that accompanied my Lomand cocktail but we did our best to drink our way around the world (favourite cocktail: Gaudi “inspired by Antoni Gaudi’s whimsical and modern imaginations of the landscape”)
Edible Poetry
The tasty international food bites accompanying the drinkable art were delicious, Korean fried chicken lollipops and Keema doughnuts being the winners.
For those wanting more substantial fare, The May Fair Kitchen is situated on the other side of the lobby. It currently offers both Japanese izakaya and Italian cuisine although is soon to focus on the traditional Italian offerings. The Kitchen also serves a decadent Champagne afternoon tea.
Breakfast (£39 if not included) is extensive, with a full buffet on display and some a la carte options also available. Specialty coffee and tea is included.
The May Fair Hotel is a member of the prestigious Radisson Collection and is owned and operated by Edwardian Hotels London who also own The Londoner – the world’s first super boutique hotel.
The hotel is just around the corner from Green Park tube station and a 10-minute walk to Bond Street station which offers a straight run to Heathrow on the newly opened Elizabeth line.
If you are looking for a true five-star hotel that echoes with history and glamour, then look no further than The May Fair Hotel.
https://www.themayfairhotel.co.uk/
Traveltalk stayed in March 2025 on a discounted rate.
