My Luxury Staycation at The Athenaeum in Mayfair

Hello and sorry, for things have been a little quiet around here lately. 2017 didn’t get off to an easy start for my family, I have also been away a lot and off sick for several weeks. Thankfully I am slowly getting back to work and catching up with all the pending blog posts I want to share with you. Bear with me, please! :) Today I am sharing my review of London’s The Athenaeum Hotel, where I stayed last November, and its newly refurbished restaurant by Chris and Jeff Galvin.

The Athenaeum

The Athenaeum is a one of a kind hotel in the heart of Mayfair. Located on Piccadilly Street, the hotel faces the tranquil Green Park and is just five minutes away from Hyde Park.

The Lobby

Unlike other hotels in the area which are part of large chains, The Athenaeum is an independent, family-run hotel. You can feel it as you step into the beautiful art deco building on 116 Piccadilly and are invited to sit in the lobby rather than stand in a queue at the reception desk.

The Athenaeum has been family-run since the 1990s and is very committed to its famous five-star service. It retains a distinctive homely feel, whilst being incredibly stylish and luxurious.

I loved the decor of the lobby, a comfortable and sun-lit space that makes guests feel instantly at home.

Deluxe Rooms

I stayed for one night in one of the Deluxe Rooms on the 4th floor, overlooking the Victorian townhouses and hidden gems of Down Street. The room was spacious and uniquely decorated in soft tones of cream, blue and grey.

One of the reasons why I love staycations is because my own flat in Clapham is very noisy, even at night, so I appreciated the fact that my room at The Athenaeum was very quiet. The cozy environment and the comfortable Hypnos bed guaranteed a great night’s sleep!

The in-room features included (among other things) an LCD flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, complimentary water, Bose docking station, Nespresso machine and complimentary use of the hotel gym and REN spa.

I loved the walk-in wardrobe and the large bathroom, which featured a bathtub and two sinks, and plenty of amenities.

The BAR at The Athenaeum

My husband and I were invited to visit THE BAR at The Athenaeum before dinner, and naturally I thought that was a great idea! The intimate bar can be accessed via the hotel lobby or via a discrete entrance on Down Street.

The BAR offers bespoke cocktails, a fine selection of wine and Champagne, and an extensive collection of whisky. I loved trying the signature cocktails created by renowned Italian bartender Giancarlo Mancino.

Galvin at The Athenaeum

The highlight of my staycation was a 3-course fine dining meal at Galvin at The Athenaeum, the latest restaurant from Michelin-starred London chefs Chris and Jeff Galvin.

Galvin at The Athenaeum opened last summer following a multi-million-pound refurbishment. The restaurant is connected to the hotel lobby and shares the same decorative style: a combination of stylish features, a modern look and a warm feel.

For the first time, the two brothers have stepped away from their trademark French menus in favour of championing Britain’s delicious homegrown produce and supporting independent farmers across the UK.

We asked our waiter for recommendations as I was keen to taste Galvin’s classic dishes, such as delicious Lasagne of Dorset crab, Nantais butter sauce and the Galvin cured smoked salmon, blini, sour cream & caviar, both really good.

As a main course I had a wonderful dish of Braised long horn Ox cheek, crushed swede & rosemary paired with an Italian red wine. My husband ordered the Yellowfin Tuna burger, white cabbage slaw & avocado, one of the most popular dishes at Galvin At The Athenaeum (and one of London’s best burgers in my opinion).

The desserts were equally stunning as the rest of the meal: a Galvin classic is the Caramelised apple tart & cider brandy cream, which I highly recommend. I also loved the Valrhona chocolate mousse, almond biscuits.

Galvin at The Athenaeum is open all day for breakfast, lunch, Afternoon Tea and dinner (private dining is also available). A set menu is available for lunch and dinner (17:30- 19:00) with a choice of three courses for just £23.50, which is incredibly good value.

The Athenaeum Hotel combines luxury, a boutique feel and fine dining. Whether you are visiting London for a few days and want to stay in a luxury hotel in the heart of the city, or are a Londoner looking a staycation to relax for a few nights, The Athenaeum is a great choice.

Disclaimer: I was a guest of the restaurant and hotel. All opinions are my own.