Montcalm Mayfair, Autograph Collection, London [Master Thread]
After two years of renovations,
Montcalm Mayfair has reflagged to the Autograph Collection, and is now open for business again. Billed as a 5 star, it is Montcalm's flagship property. Reasonably priced for the area, right by Hyde Park and Marble Arch. (Though I was told that it is actually more Marleybone than Mayfair.) The hotel is in a quiet area, with plenty of pubs and restaurants nearby (with some of them being quite good).
Service was impeccable, if a little too much. (I don’t really need anybody to walk me to my room and explain the contents in detail. And who carries cash for tip anymore, let alone British Pounds when they flew in from the US that morning?) However, I was allowed early check-in at 9am, and proactively offered 4pm late checkout.
Rooms are small, but my upgrade made it bearable. Breakfast is included for ambassadors, and was delightful. Most substantial welcome gift I've seen outside of Asia (pictures below). People rave about the spa, but I did not try it. Limited beer, wine and cocktail selection at the bar, but the bartenders could make all the classics. I had to cut my stay short by one day, but received no pushback.
Minor blemishes (since they push the «5 star» element):- Not enough space next to the sink in the bathroom if you are traveling as a couple.
- Even if the breakfast is free, they charge for sparkling water, which you could also just grab at the reception desk (right outside dining area).
- While the Montcalm is one of the few Marriotts that still stocks their minibar, they do not restock until a new guest checks in. If staying for more than one night, this can be inconvenient. What they stocked was also a little odd: One beer, 3 cans of British wine (which contrary to common perception, is quite good), two types of tonic water, but no gin, in addition to Coke and Diet Coke. (And if being a little OCD, I will also note that the wine was smaller than their sizes listed on the price sheet.)
Handwritten note in the envelope and delicious fruit.
And first time ever I’ve actually gotten decent Champagne as a welcome gift.