After leaving the hotel design community guessing for quite some time, Peninsula London has finally announced that it will officially open its doors on September 12 – becoming one of this year’s biggest London hotel development stories in 2023…
After months – if not years – of anticipation, we finally been given a date for the opening of The Peninsula London. Slated to officially arrive in London on September 12, the debut of the iconic brand entering the city’s luxury hospitality scene, will no doubt shake up the existing hotel landscape in Peninsula’s effortless style – complete with plush interiors, award winning service and exceptional wellness offering.
The newly-built hotel, designed and appointed to embody the finest British craftsmanship, is situated at one of the city’s grandest junctures – where Hyde Park Corner meets Wellington Arch. With architecture conceived to gracefully harmonise with the heritage buildings of Belgravia, the property embodies a sleek, spacious aesthetic that floods its exquisite interiors with natural light. The interiors are the inspired work of designer Peter Marino, who, in addition to ongoing architectural commissions for Chanel, has more than a few landmark hotel interiors in his portfolio. The hotel, along with its 25 opulent luxury residences, centres around an expansive, off-street courtyard, landscaped in the style of a classic English garden with cascading ivy, wisteria vines and 120-year-old Japanese maples allowing for a graceful and easy off-street arrival.
Many of the city’s most iconic attractions, including Buckingham Palace, The Royal Parks, The Palace of Westminster, Harrods and the boutiques of Bond Street are less than a 15-minute-walk away – although guests can, of course, opt for transport in one of the hotel’s luxury chauffeured cars.
Image credit: The Peninsula London
“We are delighted to launch The Peninsula London, which is the culmination of decades of looking for the most exceptional location in London,” said Clement Kwok, Managing Director and CEO of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited, owner and operator of The Peninsula. “We believe that the investment we have made into this project, the dedication of our people and the project teams we have worked with and the quality and the attention to detail that we have strived for, will make this a unique hotel that we believe will stand out not only in London but globally and will be one of the most important hotels in our group for generations to come, ” continued Kwok. “It is always an important ingredient of The Peninsula that the hotel has been designed and planned not only to service international guests but that it will also become an integral part of the local community. We are very excited to welcome local residents and international visitors to experience this exceptional property and to enjoy The Peninsula’s sophisticated hospitality and service in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.”
The hotel’s 190 luxurious guest rooms and suites all feature bespoke furnishings, textiles and artworks that evoke the feel of chic private residences. All include mahogany-panelled dressing rooms, exquisite bathrooms of honey onyx and customised fittings crafted by renowned British artisans, while many have floor-to ceiling-windows with unparalleled views over Wellington Arch and historic Belgravia.
Image credit: The Peninsula London
Equally impressive are the hotel’s numerous special-event venues opening later this year, which include the sweeping pillarless St. George Ballroom and other gathering spaces ranging from capacious and configurable conference rooms to an intimate private cinema. All are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and the attentive service of the hotel’s special-event staff.
World-class dining and drinks can be enjoyed at the stylishly refined restaurants, bars and lounges. The hotel’s signature rooftop restaurant, Brooklands, offers Modern British cuisine from Michelin-starred Chef Director Claude Bosi, as well as top-flight libations, a tasting lounge and cigar storage helmed by Manu Harit, certified Master of Havana Cigars’, in a collection of spaces inspired by classic British aviation and motorsport. At Canton Blue and its adjacent bar, Little Blue, innovative Chinese cuisine, cocktails, teas and exotic décor celebrate the spice-trade union of Asian and British cultures. And at The Lobby, traditional Peninsula Afternoon Tea and globally inspired fare are served beneath soaring ceilings and often accompanied by live music. A more casual offering is available throughout the day at The Peninsula Boutique and Café.
A diverse array of relaxation and well-being choices are available to guests later this year at the hotel – including an extensive menu of mind-body therapies at the hotel’s Spa and Wellness Centre, exercise classes and workshops offered at the fully equipped modern fitness centre and swimming in a dramatically lit 25-metre indoor swimming pool. A dedicated digital Wellness Portal also provides guests with in-room, round-the-clock access to wellness programming. For guests who enjoy high-end shopping, the hotel’s ground-floor retail arcade entices with nine luxury boutiques such as Asprey London, DMR – David M Robinson Jewellery and Watches, Mouawad, Moussaieff Diamond and a floral shop. In addition, The Peninsula London will be home to Topaz Detailing, one of the world’s most exclusive detailing and paint protection film specialist for supercars, offering its first location in Central London.
The Peninsula London’s superbly curated and quintessentially British aesthetic is the result of exclusive collaborations with some of the country’s most acclaimed artists and creators. The design elements and amenities custom-crafted by these creative partners – including fashion designer Jenny Packham, perfumier Timothy Han, and more than 40 artists from The Royal Drawing School – grace all the hotel’s public spaces, as well as its guest accommodations.
As with all Peninsula properties, The Peninsula London offers guests the superb comfort and flawless attention to detail that are synonymous with the brand. Whether via in-room amenities and technology inspiring destination-specific arts programmes and cultural experiences, or global proprietary services like Peninsula Time (fully flexible check-in and check-out) and PenChat (access to a 24-hour digital concierge), the hotel exemplifies The Peninsula’s enduring commitment to its guests and larger community.
Main image credit: The Peninsula London
