Originally Posted by
grumbler
Leaving One Aldwych aside for a moment (I would not put it into the "No no" category) - Dukes is very nice, but not, on whatever standard you are suggesting, luxury. I have never stayed at the Lowndes - but I have never found that particular group's properties outside of the UAE very good (Essex House anyone ?). Agree that the Met and the Connaught could be considered.
OK to say the aldwych is not luxury is a liitle harsh - but its luxury in a "grand hyatt" way ....albeit smaller ...kind of way. .....maybe a NO instead of a NO NO...
Dukes is a fave
not cos its a "luxury" .....amenities wise at least ... but it does have the personality and aura about it that appeals to me [ at least ] ... charming and with a location to kill for .....definately a yes yes yes...its small and personal and "traditional" ....details and a mean martini.
Lowndes jumeirah or hyatt is a gem for its size and its location ...
i guess in suggesting these properties i am thinking about the relative value that they give and also the experience of a " unique " London hotel .....and with a dash of history or record
it could well have been Browns , dorchester , Mandarin , langham , ritz savoy ,claridges , lanesborough [ shivers - st georges hospital in its previous life ] ...but i thought those suggested gave a more quintessential and charming experience if you like .