I went here for high tea. It was one of my favorite experiences in London. I went solo and had the most wonderful time. The staff were attentive, the dining room was beautiful and the variety of food was fantastic. I had unlimited drinks so I had multiple pots of tea and a tumeric and beet root latte. read more

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I went to the bar and had a wonderful experience. Alessandro was so friendly and helpful!

Stayed at the Athenaeum in June 2023. Unfortunately, I was taken ill and forgot 3 shirts after checking out. Two of the shirts hold great sentimental value as they were bought as a birthday present from my Dad, shortly before he passed away! Contacted the hotel who confirmed safe receipt and offered to courier them or I could collect them. When I was well enough to return to London, I contacted the hotel to advise I would pick them up. They advised that my property was given to charity and offered my a complimentary update and 15% off my next stay, by way of apology. I advised the Operations Manager, Sharon McArthur thst the website offers free upgrade and 10% discount, so questioned the poor resolution. Sharon and the entire guest services team at the hotel have ignored my last 2 emails requesting acknowledgement or response dated 4.10.23 and 16.10 23 and still waiting. Absolutely disgusting service and attitude. Don't waste your money, stay next door at the Sheraton. Far superior in every way. read more

We stayed here in May 2916. Our stay got off to a very bad start, disastrous actually. BEWARE: If you are over 65, helping others with their bags, and on a long trip with heavy bags, you darn well better be prepared to carry all your bags up a narrow, twisting stairway while not even knowing whether or not you're headed in the right direction. There is a rather obscure sign--it's just not placed where it would do a new arrival any good. It's posted at the top of that flight of stairs, a route you must first navigate while you're not even sure whether it's the right way. If we hadn't pre-paid for the room, I'd have gone somewhere else once I tried to make the turn in the staircase. Assuming I'd even be able to make it back down! During our 3-day stay we did occasionally see a doorman. But be prepared and forewarned: you may have to do this all on your own. Once checked in, everything was all right. The room was spacious, well-decorated, stylish and clean. Ours had a Nespresso machine. Although I've had 3 Nespresso machines, I needed help to learn the tricky way this one operated. The breakfast was good (see photos) but incredibly expensive. read more

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Not a bad little hotel! The rooms are clean, the beds are VERY comfortable. LOVE the fluffy feather pillows. The front doorsmen are dapper and helpful and polite. Digital TV with additional features such as music (which I like, as background music while working in the room). Spacious bathroom. Not a fan of all the mirrors, but that is a personal taste. Also, this hotel has a rare feature in that everything (except alcohol) in the mini fridge is FREE ! What? That's novel. Docking a star for having outrageously expensive breakfast options. I'm in a rush before starting the day, and didn't have time to go wandering off before leaving for the office. Also, has thin walls. As I type, I can hear my neighbors, and you can often hear street traffic. I'm on the 7th floor, by the way. SO try to be on a higher floor or you will hear cars, as Picadilly is a busy street. Also, you can hear everything in the hallway. Everytime a neighbor opens a door, I freak out a little because it sounds like someone is trying to enter MY room. Eep! read more

The Athenaeum is on of my favorite hotels in the world. It's really wonderful and the people there are tremendous. Now here it comes. It's missing something. The long- serving and visionary hotel GM Sally Bullock moved to South Africa in 2007 (and then sadly passed away there at only 59!) As such, i think it's missing the impresario's touch that made it famous alongside the beloved and gossipy concierge Donald, who has since moved on into retirement. All that said, much of what made me fall in love with it is still there lying dormant. --The lobby is a sea of too much furniture and there's so many magazines and newspapers everywhere it looks like a tired doctor's waiting room. The lighting over the lobby doors is a ghastly kitchen-like fluorescent quality that women of a certain age really hate (where's Sally?!?) and the gym and spa-area itself is in need of a pick me up. --It was raining out the other day and i was hoping to walk around town with a great big umbrella that would act as an advertisement of my affinity to the Athenaeum and i got an old, used recycled umbrella that someone had left behind. --Annoyingly, the lights in my room were set to a timer and if i was reading or lying still they would go out and i would have to get up and turn them back on. --Then there's the vibe. There's a lovely new front desk reception manager named William and a great and helpful concierge named Duncan and overall i really like the people. The hotel is missing a ringleader or a master or mistress of ceremonies The GM of the Athenaeum is the GM of an institution and while they can never be expected to be another Sally, they have to bring their own stamp to the product. Sadly this is what's missing. [Helpful Hint, they should keep records on guests that have stayed there more than once and welcome them back on arrival. I've stayed there about 8 times in the last 15 years and no such greeting was forthcoming.] read more

The Athenaeum Hotel - This is a sweet little tableau outside rm 407. But around 10p the light gets cut making it pretty much disappear into the dark. - Hotels Near Me - London, XGL

This is a true 5 star hotel. I love it here and really consider it to be my London home. The rooms are spacious, the beds are comfortable, the free wi-fi is reliable and fast, there are towel heaters in the bathroom and the snack bar items (alcohol excluded) are completely free. If you go on a jog, the doormen hand you bottles of water and a towel upon your return. The gym and jacuzzi facilities are wonderful. The employees are very friendly and the concierge is helpful. If you are ever wondering where you should stay the next time you're visiting London, look no further! This is where you need to stay!! read more

The Athenaeum Hotel - Hotels Near Me - London, XGL

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The last time I visited, I had the good fortune to be upgraded on arrival to the apartment instead of the standard double we had booked. This is the best hotel I have stayed in London and I love it for the attentiveness of the service, the food and the location. The mini bar is usually complimentary for anything except alcohol, but on this occasion the alcohol was included. There is lots of little nice extras like the DVD lending library with a good sized collection of films. The pillow menu with a few interesting choices. Friendly doormen, concierge and general staff. The spa is quite small but very luxurious. I would love to return in the near future. read more

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We had a great stay here for our first trip as a family of 3. Arrived at 730am after an overnight flight. Was very tired and our room was ready! That was a great start to our stay. The apartments suited our needs well and they bring up milk and cookies every night for the kids aka me. There was an oven and induction cooktop in the kitchen. Was missing a microwave but that didn't end up mattering much since we rarely needed it. There was a large tea selection and nespresso machine in the room as well. The living room is separated from the bedroom by a little foyer with two doors on either side so it's a nice divide after our daughter went to sleep. She sleeps at 7pm every night so we still could go to our room and watch a movie. Tvs in the living room and bedroom. Bathroom was very nice and situated away from the living room. i've started paying attention to every floor plan detail since my daughter sleeps a lot but also a light sleeper. If she wakes up early then she gets cranky. Anyway, afternoon tea here is amazing as a few people mentioned. The maitre was so nice to our daughter. He gave her extra plates with pastries. She loved the english trifles so he gave her 2 of her own which she finished. Brought out a bear for her. i mean they really gave her the vip treatment. She loved it. Location is great as it's right next to hyde park and green park. Gave us duck food in our room so i took my daughter to feed ducks at hyde park. Mayfair is a very convenient area to walk or take the tube around. read more

I thought the decor was a drab "1970s modern" look badly in need of an update -- certainly not one of the nicer looking properties in this area. The fabric on the benches out front are stained and have burn holes in them. My experience with the bar service was terrible. They have a very nice range of whiskies but the bartender didn't know anything about them, to include the reason the Lagavulin 12 was priced at two pounds higher than the 16 year old Lagavulin. Although the lounge was nearly empty, The server seemed unable to handle more than one table at a time, walking back and forth to the bar for each drink instead taking several orders at a time and then delivering several drinks in a batch. read more

Not what I expected. I did, what I thought was a lot of research to find a hotel in London for vacation for my husband, my 2 year old daughter, and myself. My only nonnegotiable criteria was 5 star and family friendly. After that location was important. This hotel claims to be family friendly even going as far as to say they have a kids concierge, kids menu, nanny's, and kid friendly rooms. They have none of these things, they have a concierge who is fairly rude and nothing specific to have to do with children's services. No kids menu which quite frankly everyone but this hotel has. They triple priced nanny/babysitters were not available the nights we wanted, only Sunday night. When we decided we didn't need the sitter on Sunday night we tired to cancel with over 24 hours notice which apparently was not enough. 48 hours cancellation is what they request although it states that no where. So if your child gets sick, you're paying in full for pricey sitter anyway. No kids cups, no kids allowed in bar area (which is always empty, and lastly no stroller friendly ramps which in their defense is the case everywhere. Do not come to London if you are in a wheelchair. Disappointed would not stay here again, with or without children. read more

Went here for Christmas dinner and it didn't disappoint. I can only echo what has already been said to be honest - the service was friendly and attentive but not annoying, the food was well presented and tasty with decent proportions, and the place feels suitably posh and plush. Sadly, I cannot comment upon the rooms but my only (rather harsh) criticism might be a lack of atmosphere and character. Despite not having to pay for my meal, I gather from my colleagues that it was good value and the gin and tonics were wonderful. read more

The Athenaeum Hotel - Hotels Near Me - London, XGL

Friendly staff. Prompt check-in and was even early, which was great. Rooms are very poor, especially given the high reputation for the hotel and it's 5-star status. Bathroom needs significant uprgading. Toilet wouldn't flush most of the time. Carpet is also old and needs upgrading or deep cleaning. I honestly expected more. read more

I liked the Ath, I'd definitely recommend The purpose of my visit was a spa day with a good friend Nestled cozily on Piccadilly, heart of Mayfair Across the road from Green Park, a short walk from the tube, and there. The service upstairs was exceptional, doorman quite kind He had pep in his step and a twinkle in his eye, In Central London early Thursday morning, that's hard to find. Wasn't crazy about the lobby decor, it was a bit eclectic But I guess that's a part of the charm, so I overlooked it Served straight away, to the lower ground floor. A selection of magazines so one could never be bored Greeted at the counter, straight to the dressing rooms Which were so tiny, could hardly turn around, felt a bit entombed After a quick change, we perused the services there Fair reader, be warned the prices may give you quite a scare. So we settled on two each, for xxx quid It was spendy, but find a voucher on LastMinute, we did. I sipped peach juice while my companion chose sparkling water Also had a selection of nuts and magazines, but not much other fodder But on to the services, four I can speak of The massage, facial, body wrap, exfoliation, including full use of the hot tubs. My companion chose the massage and body wrap We both thought she would be mummified, but it was not that Covered in some sort of mud, and wrapped in plastic It was not what she hoped for, and left her feeling a bit inelastic She also did not really enjoy the massage. And was not reduced to the typical oohs and ahhs Meaning, they did not relieve all of the tension And left her back feeling the same-though too polite to mention. I quite enjoyed the facial, it was my favourite service. My face felt clarified, cucumbers on my eyes, as nice as a granted xmas wish But the body exfoliant was cold, they could have warmed it. But then again, we know I am not one to nit pick. ;) The wet area was nice, though a bit small. Controllable jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, they had it all. Out of all my spa experiences, I must say The Ath was nice, but not my fav by way. read more

Haven't been to this hotel in about ten years. But what a difference a family owned hotel is compared to the corporate giants these days. You notice it the moment you walk through the doors. The staff are attentive, knowledgeable and eager to help. I had been invited last minute to one of their Whisky Socials (a bargain at £39 - where they match food with a number of vintages of a single malt and have guest speakers to explain and discuss the flavours along with Athenaeum's resident whisky sommelier) by the distillery that was giving the talk. I was early so I wandering in aimlessly I was asked to sit in the bar, and had barely had a chance to read my Evening Standard or finish reading my emails on my BlackBerry when I was escorted upstairs to the function room, my coat (and newspaper) taken from me and a cloakroom ticket issued to me. The menu was extremely meaty, but without fuss they managed to create a vegetarian option for me. Granted the food was merely OK, but even so, top marks for accommodating me, as I was a last minute addition. Leaving the venue, they retrieved my coat, and the not unattractive front of house lady gave me a smile, that warmed the heart in preparation for the cold walk home that evening... read more

So I'm rating the restaurant inside the hotel... Booooo. Staff = APPALING. Rude and bad mannered. Service was slow and TERRIBLE. After waiting a while and wondering if we were at the right place, we seated ourselves. Waited ages for a menu, waited ages for drinks, waited ages for food... and we were almost the only people in there. I mean seriously? The final insult was when the waitress handed us our mains and told us we later had to find a chef around the arround lunchtime buffet (we were a la carte) and order dessert from him. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Isn't that her job? However, no member of staff was around the buffet... and we were left wandering hopelessly. Finally we went to the hotel front desk to help. Also, I was served the must repulsive food I have ever received at a restaurant. Basically, really bitter courgettes blended in olive oil, and then gelatinised. Ewwwww. The bream wasn't so bad though. read more

This is my favorite hotel in London, it's also the only hotel I have ever stayed at in London, so take that how you will. Reasons I love this hotel. Staff - Very accommodating, helpful, excellent concierge and basically treat you in a manner you would expect from a hotel of this class. One note, we were on our honeymoon and they upgraded us for free as a special treat. They also laid out candles and rose petals and chocolate for us free of charge. Very thoughtful! Rooms - Large, beautiful views of Hyde Park, mini bars stocked with FREE snacks. The beds were so comfortable and the bathrooms were gorgeous. Only thing I could think of that was a negative was that the rooms didn't have a ton of old character or charm. Still, they were beautifully decorated and little touches reminded you that you were in London. Being a fan of modern architecture I loved it. Tea - Best afternoon tea in London. The tea selection is fabulous, they sandwiches are a mix of classic and modern, the scones are amazing and they make their clotted cream in house and it is the best in the world; same goes for their strawberry jam and lemon curd. I don't really like dessert so I just ate more scones, but the hubby loved their dessert cart. Location - This just can't be beat. It's two blocks from Green Park station and minutes from anywhere in a Cab. Overall this is one of the nicest hotels I have ever stayed at and I am proud to stay I have stayed at some of the best in the world. If you want to make your stay to London memorable I would recommend coming here. Bonus: We saw Gary Oldman checking in while we were waiting for a table for our tea. The staff didn't treat him any differently than they did us. (plus OMG it's Gary Oldman) read more

My boyfriend and I came here for the High Tea/ Afternoon Tea and it was probably one of the best experiences I have ever had. When I knew we were coming to visit London I made it a goal to have a great Afternoon Tea experience and this was a great choice! I am glad I made the effort to find this place. The tea room was absolutely beautiful and the view out the window where they sat us was so pretty, and the staff that helped us was so nice and kind, even knowing we had absolutely no idea what to expect they made our time there really enjoyable! I just wish I remembered the names of the two gentlemen that waited on us that day. The food was beyond delicious. I loved pretty much ever sandwich they had to offer and the other treats were so good. I think my favorite on the tower was the Champagne Jelly. I know the next time I travel to London this will definitely be somewhere I plan to visit again. The hotel alone is gorgeous and in a great location! read more

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Update- the second paragraph is still as it is but pls read this first part of my update. The safe in the rooms were lock so I'm unable to save my valuables in it. So, I left my pound and dollars in my traveling bags. Beware, they steel at the hotel. I have money untouched in a wallet inside my bag (this money was save for our next destination) but we now open the bag to plan our trip for the next destination and saw that the money £1,440 and, $400 has been stolen from a wallet inside of my travel bag. This bag is in the closet they must have gone through it a few times to dig out the wallet. I was never there when my room gets cleaned. I never checked the bag with money because I didn't need it. But now all the money is gone. Hotel said, " Sorry!" This didn't change what I feel about the hotel and the area but the employees are not trusted and the hotel 5 star hotel should take action for this!! Old post: I love this place especial my room. The breakfast nock is on a edge looking / facing the street and the Green Park. Feels like you're seating on the bridge with all the cars driving pass. I love it at night. I seat and stair and feel like I'm on a glass elevator but attached to my bedroom with the palace just across the green park and Hyde park a walk away. Ask for a room with the view. They might be nice enough to give the room...:). The hotel is also seated on the center of the city. Walking distance to everywhere like Hyde park, green park, Piccadilly, Mayfair, soho, Chinatown, bond st, Leicester sq, There's spa, full whiskey bar, breakfast, 24 hours gym and it is a cute 5 star hotel with mirrors all over the room. : read more

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Been to the restaurant twice and am not overly impressed to be frank. The first time the meal was lovely (the portions were very small - I guess it is the type of establishment where it is quality not quantity), however, we ordered desserts and coffee BUT the coffee was brought over before the desserts. Tutt Tutt Tutt - even in the greasy spoon cafe something like this would not happen!!! The second time we visited, we took the set menu which included two glasses of wine per person, a very generous offer. We ordered a bottle of wine to start with and then had to ask where are complimentary wine was when the main course had been served. The waiter said that he THOUGHT we did not want the wine. A waiters job is not to think but to act. read more

This review is for afternoon tea only: I went here with a friend to try the 'pink' afternoon tea. Its basically a traditional afternoon tea with a bit of a girlie twist, but the point is that a percentage of the price is donated to the Breast Cancer charity. We were served the usual scones and sandwiches, but at the end they wheeled round a trolley full of pink goodes: cakes, sweets, marshmallows and candy canes. I think you are meant to choose one thing but I got all excited and asked for several and they didn't refuse me! Makes a change from the usual tea, and its served in a small garden room where you sit in big squishy chairs rather than a formal dining table. If you want to try the pink tea, contact the hotel first as I was led to believe it was for a limited time, although it been going for years now...if not its still a good choice for 'normal' afternoon tea. I can't remember the price but it was about average (maybe £35 odd). I would say this place is better for small groups (of say up to four people) rather then larger groups as I didn't see any big tables, do correct me if I am wrong about this! read more

The restaurant at the Athenaeum hotel is typical of your fancy Piccadilly hotel restaurant. It has a wonderfully intimate and romantic feel and I was giggling with delight when I was sat in an enormous armchair that felt like a big comfy throne. The massive chair made it feel a little like we were in our own booth but not like we were shoved out of the way. The service was exceptional; attentive, friendly, jovial, efficient. There is a £28 3 course deal with coffee and petit fours, which is pretty good value for such an establishment. The food was pretty good, not overly brilliant, but there's so much of it that you don't especially mind. The ladies' powder room was one of the highlights. I could probably move in there and live more comfortably than I do in my actual house. read more

I booked FIRST at The Athenaeum for our Christmas dinner last year and it was a lovely evening all round. We had one of the smaller rooms set up as a bar for pre dinner drinks and of course to wait for some of us who arrived fashionably late thanks to London Transport for that. Service was excellent and the dining room was an absolute delight on the eye. The meal was 1st class and the service catered for our every need without being intrusive and all done with a smile. I will recommend this venue to anyone for a smart, not outrageously expensive, dinner. read more

Very happy. I got very sick on the flight over and they upgraded my room free of charge to ensure I had a room ready when we got there (at 11 AM even though check in isn't until 3) They were so accommodating and we really had the best experience read more

One of my favorite hotels in London. I really enjoyed my stay at the Athenaeum. All of the staff, including the doorman who always opened the door for me with a smile and friendly greeting were great. The concierge service was very helpful and the front desk staff were great. The room wasn't small like most European hotel rooms, and came equipped with a desk, small sitting area and a nice bathroom. I loved the little fridge and tea area, and I totally took advantage of the free water and snacks in the room. The location of the hotel is great too, I loved walking out and having the Green Park just across the street. All the shops and restaurants are a 15 minute walk away towards the Green Park and Piccadilly tube stations. read more

The doorman, Jim, is a gem and the front desk service was remarkable as well. Room is gorgeous. Great location. Bathroom is insane. I'm a very picky hotel person and with no reservation I would recommend this establishment to even the most discerning person. You are hunting for a perfect hotel in London your search has now officially ended. Look no further. I recommend this hotel with no zero hesitation and will absolutely make it my first choice when I return. read more

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We visited the main restaurant at The Athenaeum (not sure it was called FIRST) and were delighted! The service and food were first class; the restaurant was very stylish too - we'll certainly go back. We booked via TopTable and got a very good deal too which was super though I'd have been happy to pay the full price as it was so good. read more

We had a wonderful evening at the Athenaeum in the Whiskey Bar. Angelo is an expert, with over 270 whiskies, the biggest collection in Europe, you will walk away knowing a lot more about the process then before. It costs £50 per head and is really worth it. The bar is friendly, cosy and discreet. Also for all you smokers out there, they have a gorgeous chair & ashtray outside. They really make you feel welcome. If I'm in the area, I'dl always pop back for a nightcap or cocktail. read more

Atheneneun hotel, London This gem of a hotel is conveniently located to almost everything of interest in London. (In Mayfair on Piccadilly) I can't imagine better service,attention and friendliness of all who work there. Their breakfasts are complete,their restaurant and bar have a cozy atmosphere conducive to having drinks with friends. There is a 24 HR gym and spa for treatments plus a steam room, jacuzzi and sauna where one can unwind with a glass of champagne. Our suite was luxurious and large. From the moment one arrives,we felt well taken care of by a helpful staff. read more

We came here hoping for the whiskey bar only to find out they have relaunched into a special cocktail bar. However, we were not disappointed. The bar manager, Giovanni, is extremely creative and a wonderful host. These were some of the tastiest drinks I have ever had. Definitely a shining star in London. Hope to be back someday! read more

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I paid 450£ a night for that hotel. I was amazed by Greenpark, just across the street. This park was the only good point (with that cute doorman). I expected a luxurious So English Hotel. Oh well, I found myself really disappointed. There was dirt and gross hair in the tea cups of the minibar. That is absolutely not a 5 stars thing. I'd have been much better in a 3 stars hotel, and maybe i'd have paid like 200£ less than for that falsely luxurious slum. read more

I stayed here one night for work. The room wasn't large but very nice, including the bathroom. Goodies like bathrobes, Nespresso machine, free minibar (except alcohol), free Wi-Fi, and so on. I did not try the breakfast and I didn't have time to check out the fitness room. However, I couldn't figure out how to work the Nespresso machine (and I'm pretty sure it was broken, the coffee vanished somewhere inside), nor the cordless phone. Silly blemishes for what seems to mostly be a top-notch hotel on Piccadilly next to Green Park. I'll still give it four stars but they weren't as shiny as they could have been. read more

Had afternoon tea here with my bestie. Very nice tea room with excellent service. I was able to get my coffee before the tea and there is also a champagne selection which comes with unlimited sandwiches, macaroons, scones, mince pies, and so much more. The tea selection was pretty interesting. read more

I've stayed at the Athenaeum twice. Both times the customer service has been exceptional, the doorman even remembered my name from my earlier visit. The regular hotel part is standard European size but with the tasteful design choices of a boutique hotel. The serviced apartments give you more space of course with a living room and kitchen. They are especially good for families with children as they can accommodate you with complementary movie rentals, a Wii, board games, and even bikes. read more

Perfect for a business traveler. A welcome respite. Restaurant is very good. Way above the mark on food and service. Rooms in hotel are updated and spacious. Can not find one thing that I would change. All services are above average and not in an ostentatious manner. read more

Given other choices along Picadilly. You can do better. Folks are nice and the décor is unique, but the rooms are below average at best,

Mini fridge, bell man, restaurant, and bar...top notch

Amazing hotel! Spacious rooms (even by American standards), comfortable linens, and amazing service. Highly recommended.

Wow! I was expecting elegance and class and my expectations were not only met but exceeded in certain aspects. Location is across Green Park from Buckingham Palace, so obviously you are getting some great views with an excellent location close to some of the best shopping and eating in London. Because of this great location, you can expect the usual traffic of tourists on foot and by the busload going by every ten minutes. No a bad thing but the traffic can get old. The service is above par, and excellent in every aspect. They have not forgot a thing making this a true 5 star experience for their guests. The rooms are not what I expected from the outside, being the older English architectural stone everywhere and decorative marble throughout the lobby. They were however quite modern yet classy and sophisticated with everything you could want at your fingertips. Great place, loved every minute of it and we are looking forward to our next trip already. Don't forget to stop in and check out their amazing selection of whiskey and scotch, excellent way to finish the evening. read more

Good mood spreads inside this fine London establishment just as well as the moss on its famed exteriour. While the room ceilings are low and the view is extensive only from the top two floors, it really is impossible not to enjoy staying here. read more