Each floor of suites has been assigned to one of four world-class interior designers, including André Fu and Pierre Yves Rochon. Photo / Supplied
If you dream of feeling like a celebrity, then check into London’s first all-suite hotel for a flawless experience, writes Sarah Pollok.
I never thought the life of uber luxury would be for me, but within 10 minutes of being at the Emory, I think I’ve changed my mind.
There are many ways to describe the level of opulence you experience at this hotel (both the property and its clientele). To put it simply, so many guests arrive via private jet, that a free helicopter transfer is offered from certain airfields.
Sure, I arrived (sweaty and slightly bedraggled) on foot from the nearest tube station, but the moment I entered the Emory via the unmarked side street (there is no sign or lobby, for optimum discretion), I entered a place where every guest is an A-lister.
Because who else gets a personal assistant’s number to text and call with any requests? This, as I discovered, was just the beginning. During the swift walk through of my palatial suite, my PA offers to; unpack and steam my belongings (I hastily decline after picturing him trying to steam my 15-year-old Glassons teeshirts), make me a coffee (just in case I was too weary from travel to press the three buttons myself), run a bath (or I could text him while I’m out exploring London, and he can run it a few minutes before I’m due back), arrange transport somewhere, or deliver one of the free selections of champagne, wine or spirits in case I work through the fully stocked free mini bar.
Was it unnerving to be served so attentively and lavishly? Yes. Do I fear how deeply I enjoyed it? Absolutely.
Location: Old Barrack Yard between Belgravia and Knightsbridge in London.
Among an endless horizon of red brick and tile roofs, Emory’s “sails” structure, peeking above the trees of Hyde Park make it easy to spot. You then follow a quiet cobblestone street entrance on Old Barrack Yard, where there are no signs or lobby, for optimum discretion.
Perfect for: If you dream of being waited on intuitively, no request being too outrageous, even just for a day, this place is perfect.
First impressions:
Classy and modern, the steelwork design and abundance of glass makes it feel like walking into a giant Swiss watch. Yet, inside it’s warm and comforting with a mix of plush decor in earthy browns and reds. The second I arrive, a porter collects my bag, which appears in the room right after I’m escorted up by the concierge.
Opening the door, I’m greeted by a view of the lounge, where a chilled bottle of champagne waits beside fresh hydrangeas and a frosted banana cake from the French patisserie next door. So far, so fabulous.
The room:
The Emory has 61 suites, including a Penthouse, each with floor-to-ceiling glass windows; expansive and open. They range from 300sq (the Penthouse) to a humble 50sq. My Courtyard studio is the latter with quietly luxurious decor in a range of tans, creams and wood, accented with hints of gold and black. With three wardrobes and at least a dozen empty drawers around the suite, I realise there’s enough space to easily get comfortable for a week or month, if I had a Princess Diaries moment and discovered I was the heir to a small country.
From the lounge, which has a park-facing desk where I whiled away a few hours working, gigantic SMART TV-facing sofa and neat little bar/coffee area, I wander through to the bedroom, which is a refreshingly simple set up. Plush double bed, warm hidden lighting around the headboard and another huge television on the opposite wall, yet my attention stays on the window to Hyde Park.
I could go on about the top-shelf free minibar, portable Bang & Olufsen speaker and cloud-like bed that would gently catch you if you did a running-leap onto it from the walk-in wardrobe… hypothetically. I could also wax lyrical about the heated bathroom floors, Japanese toilet, stand-alone bath and selection of Dyson air products (yes ladies, including the Dyson Air Wrap). But there’s more to explore beyond the room.
Facilities:
Beyond ground level you’ll find Surrenne, which isn’t The Emory’s spa and gym but rather an exclusive wellbeing club that guests can use for free.
Named the World’s Best Private Members Club Spa by the World Spa Awards, the 1800sq m is a sanctuary of wellness, including a 22m magnesium lap pool, steam and sauna facilities and several treatment rooms. The lack of natural light is a little odd at first, yet I quickly find my way around the levels and delight in starting the morning with a hearty workout at the gym, which is decked out in seemingly unused, top-shelf equipment, before making a coffee and sitting before the large red light panel for some meditation in the yoga studio.
If you need a deeply nourishing massage or treatment, simply head to the floor of the spa and book one of the countless options. Or, check out the swimming pool, sauna, steam and spa cafe.
Food and drink:
All guests at The Emory receive complimentary breakfast, either in-suite or at abc kitchens, on the ground floor. I choose to wander down, and take my time perusing the stacked menu, settling on an egg white omelette, vanilla chia bowl and an absolutely perfect matcha latte, all enjoyed while poring over an impressive selection of global newspapers. As one would expect, the service and food is flawless and there is a specific kind of indulgence about ordering off a menu for an ‘included’ breakfast. If you return for dinner, as I did, expect suave jazz music on the stereo, a show of busy chefs behind the open kitchen and a menu that stars organic, fresh produce and plant-forward dishes.
In the evening, I head up to the 10th floor to try the rooftop bar, a glass-walled space where your creative cocktail comes is accompanied by upbeat tunes, dishes of fat, salty olives and a panoramic view of the city.
After a gourmet-level drink (think non-alcoholic whisky, ginger honey, palo santo and seaweed marine air) I mosey across to see The Emory Cigar Merchants; one of London’s few luxury tobacco sampling shops where you can smoke inside.
In the neighbourhood:
You’re just a five-minute walk to the Piccadilly tube station, meaning all of central London’s attractions are close at hand. However, if you’re keen to explore the city on foot, you can reach the vast Hyde Park in a few seconds, the iconic Harrods mall in 10 minutes, while a cluster of world-class free museums such as Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) and Science Museum are just a 20-minute walk away.
Price: Suite rates at The Emory start from £1140 ($2675) inc VAT for a Courtyard Junior Studio Suite.
Contact: For more information visit the-emory.co.uk or email info@the-emory.co.uk.
New Zealand Herald Travel stayed courtesy of The Emory.