Knightsbridge. The location of the Bulgari Hotel.Where the rich and rich come out to play

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Situated in the heart of one of London’s most exclusive areas, diagonally opposite the One Hyde Park development, home to Britain’s most expensive flat, and with Harrods around the corner you expect big things when you pull up to the front of the Bulgari hotel.

This was a birthday treat and so I was already gushing when entering the hotel as our stay here took me by surprise. We had driven into London for a one night stay and I didn’t know the hotel we were staying in and so I was pleasantly surprised to say the least.

The lobby is dark and mysterious – with scented air that smells like you would expect the Bulgari hotel to. The receptionist was very helpful, checked us in quickly and then gave us the key to our room. The lifts are key operated and there is security present making sure no one heads up to the floors without being a guest.

The room

Everything in this hotel is dark and sumptuous. Before I get onto the room, the hallways deserve a mention as it has carpet that you sink into and the dark, lacquered panelling – again like the lobby – gives it a decadent feel.  

We stayed in a Deluxe room which has a wardrobe on entry along with the biggest mini bar I have ever seen. The main part of the room has the double bed, side tables and also a separate table to work from if needed. We had been given some mini cake treats which was a nice touch. The TV must be at least 40+ inches with mirroring capabilities. We didn’t watch much TV and so I’m unable to comment on the selection of channels. The main drawback to this room and I suspect many of the rooms was the lack of view. Our room looked out into some apartment and other builds and so even though there was a very small balcony you couldn’t really make use of it.

The bathroom is decorated with black marble and wood. It has a huge tub with a shower next to it and these are both enclosed into one space. One small thing that I did like was that the shower taps are placed away from the shower head so you can turn it on and figure out the temperature without getting wet or scolded!

The hotel’s communal spaces

What’s interesting about this hotel is that it is the ultimate luxury and you certainly pay the price for it but it isn’t flashy. Undoubtedly it’s luxurious and they’ve paid attention the utmost attention to detail to the quality of the furnishings and the interior design but if you’re looking overt glamour this hotel likely won’t give you that.  The lobby area is comfortable but quite small.

Spa area

The pool area is beautiful. The best I have experienced in London. Once you get to the basement level where the pool, gym and treatment areas are, the staff will let you know where everything is. In the changing areas, each locker has towels and robes available and it’s fully equipped. The pool area itself is surrounded by colonnades and cabanas that you can relax on. Alongside the pool there is a vitality pool that has massage jets and a waterfall feature which is good fun to get into. For those of you that are heated pool lovers, the water wasn’t that warm I’m afraid.

The Food

We only ate breakfast here which was nice. Service was prompt and friendly. I don’t recall the choice being very extensive but you can get the main items such as an English or continental breakfast.

We did have a drink in the hotel bar, Sette. That had a nice buzzy atmosphere and great for people watching. They have another bar – Nolita Social – but this was closed at the time we stayed here. They do live music and a light music and so I definitely want to check this out sometime.

Anything else…

We parked the car in a hotel car park further up the road but I’m sure if you call ahead, or even just turn up, they’ll accommodate your car in a car parking space somewhere. We rocked up to the hotel dragging our little wheelies but if you can, save yourself the hassle and let the valet help you out.

Verdict:

I expected big things and I got it. The Bulgari London has been one of my favourite staycations and we still talk about our stay at this hotel. Like I mentioned earlier, its not brash, in your face glamour but it has an understated, calm luxurious feel to it which we loved.  

Average room cost per night:

Prices from £880 per night.

Looking for a hotel in London?Take a look at our review for the Ampersand Hotel, South Kensington.