United747

I’m off to the Connaught tomorrow (posting from the ORD Polaris lounge). I’ve got a treatment schedule for Friday and can post back.

EDIT - won’t be able to compare afternoon tea, as that’s not my thing. But happy to check out other things

SP03

Perfect! Enjoy your stay!

I’ll be there for a few days. Can you check if guests can use the spa steam room without a spa booking? I probably would only book a treatment on one of the days so it would be nice to know if I have access.

Also would love to know if you enjoy any other F&B outlets there.

jja34-1

I haven't been to the afternoon tea in a few years, but the last time I went it was very good. One of the best afternoon tea experiences I've ever had in London and the standard by which I measure other experiences.

Yahtzee

On the steam room, yes they can. It's a bit small but the pool and steam room are available to all guests.

I had a great massage treatment two weeks ago; your mom will be in good hands.

As to dinner, you could consider Scott's for seafood which is very close down Mount Street. Helene Darroze gets mixed reviews. L'Esplette is great for breakfast and fine for dinner. I have not been to the new grill yet.

Besides the square out front, Mount Street Gardens - just across the street - will be lovely in May and much better than Carlos Place.

SP03

Thank you. Yes, Mount Street Gardens is what I was thinking. Walking through it last week and thought it would be perfect!

United747

Just left after four night - you’ll be I great hands at the Connaught (I’ll post a full review at some point)

As Yahtzee says, steam room is free to use throughout your stay - it’s in the pool area.

Besides breakfast, I didn’t dine at the hotel so can’t comment there, but there’s plenty nearby - Scott’s (seafood), Jamavar (Indian), etc.

I can comment on the bars, if that’s your thing - I found the Coburg Bar my favorite- both service and drinks were fantastic and it’s clear that they take care of guests across the hotel outlets.

EuropeanPete

The Coburg is pleasant, and the Connaught Bar is arguably the world's finest hotel bar (and/ or even cocktail bar overall). Their other bars aren't too shabby either (the Red Room for Instagrammers and the Champagne Room for big spenders).

offerendum

Sounds promising.

reigndrop

Scotts is great - love their seafood towers as an american (it's next door). Connaught Patisserie is nice for a coffee and snack, great to grab pastries for friends we're meeting as well. Al Fresco Jean George is pretty clutch May - September. Haven't done Grill or Helene Darroze.

Check out Brasserie Blanc - concierge can help with a rez, 10 min walk away and very lovely food.

That said, we love love the Connaught but thinking about pivoting to Claridges for an upcoming visit to try something new... would love thoughts!

United747

I'm recently back from four nights at The Connaught and had a wonderful stay.

-Pre-arrival communication was generally good - concierge answered requests within 24 hours and made four dinner reservations for me. Similarly, booking a spa treatment was pretty simple via email.

-I arrived mid-morning (via HEX and Elizabeth line) and was greeted immediately by the bellman and escorted to the front desk. Room was not ready, nor was I given an estimate. At that point, I was offered some drinks in the Coburg bar, which I accepted (very good cafe lattes). After checking back several times with the front desk, my room was only ready by about 2:50pm (check in is technically 3). Definitely didn't start the stay on a high, as I was hoping to be able to get to the room earlier. Even an offer of using the spa would have been nice.

-Room was very nice, I booked the contemporary superior king through Virtuoso. I don't think I got an upgrade, nor did I ask. Room was small, maybe 300ish sq ft, but perfectly fine for me traveling solo. Some small wear and tear showing, but overall, in very good shape. Bathroom was the star of the room - heated floors, huge shower and separate tub, toto toilet, etc. TV didn't work too well, but I didn't even bother to report it.

-Breakfast each morning at Jean-Georges (and room service once) was good. Service was maybe a little slow, but they generally remembered preferences and the food was good. I ordered a la carte each day and they didn't even need me to sign the bill as it was included in the rate. Room service was similarly good, and arrived when requested.

-Spa and pool were very nice. Definitely a relaxing space that transports you out of London. 60 min treatment was nice (deep tissue massage).

-Besides breakfast, I didn't dine at the hotel, but I did try the Connaught bar and Coburg bar. Coburg was my favorite of the two (I liked sitting at the bar, rather than standing-only at the Connaught bar). The staff was the same each day at the Coburg bar and I rarely needed to give my name or room number, nor sign a bill. And they made sure there was always space for me; It's also clear that they prioritize hotel guests.

-Overall, a wonderful stay. I won't hesitate to stay again on future visits to London.

CanaryWharf

Raffles OWO started accepting reservations for October 16 onwards. £1000+ for entry level room

The Peninsula opening on September 1.

Mandarin Oriental Mayfair got pushed back to autumn - no fixed date yet.

SP03

I walked by MO Mayfair last month. It didn’t look anywhere close to being ready for opening.

speedbird001

I urge everyone to check out the Dorchester. They have finished a complete renovation of the ground floor and the Promenade IMHO makes it the most beautiful lobby in London. They are renovating all guest rooms and just opened the first floor of new rooms last week. Eventually, the roof will have a bar and become a members club with terrace. A gem restored.

SP03

I agree the Dorchester is beautiful. The Promenade is definitely the best afternoon tea in London.

offerendum

Lobby is nice, no question. But I never really felt comfortable there. I also often found the audience rather unpleasant. Maybe I was just unlucky, but very strange people who went well beyond the usual level of plastic surgery and fur coats.