Having lived in Dubai for six years, I am well acquainted with the Jumeirah name, as itโs where the brand originated, writes Colette Doyle. For me it evokes sunny beaches, tropical cocktails and balmy weather, so I was intrigued to see what this British outpost would be like. Jumeirah Carlton Towerโs (pictured) location in swish Knightsbridge mirrors the equally upmarket setting of the properties to be found in the Emirates and on my visit I heard Arabic being spoken all around โ a good testimony to the brandโs reputation for quality, as Middle East consumers are big fans of the luxury lifestyle.
The charcoal and beige colour scheme of my suite is understated and tasteful and while the bathroom is not as generous in size as in the groupโs hometown, (but thatโs London hotels for you in general) the spacious adjoining living room more than makes up for it. As I gaze out over the private gardens of Cadogan Place from the balcony, Iโm fascinated to feel something soft underneath my bare feet and look down to see a green strip of artificial turf that blends with the view outside.
In-house restaurant the Rib Room, holder of three AA Rosettes, is all dark wood panels and dimmed lighting, as seems to be de rigeur with these swanky establishments. For starters I opt for that steakhouse staple of beef tartare, which comes with a myriad accompaniments too numerous to mention, but which includes egg, capers, onions and Tabasco. With my appetite for red meat sated, I choose a delicate fillet of Dover sole served meuniรจre-style, which comes with moreish Morecambe Bay shrimps and a super-tasty side order of creamed spinach with shallots.
The raspberry soufflรฉ with white chocolate ice-cream is as divine as it sounds, and when the truffles provided prove too much for us weโre given them to take away in a cute doggy bag.
For fare of a far healthier kind, The Club Room at The Peak Health Club & Spa on the ninth floor offers superb views and a virtuous counter-balance to the excesses of the night before, with its fresh juices, light snacks and fruit smoothies.
Jumeirahโs foray into the European market is panning out nicely, as this is a brand of hospitality that translates well in any language.
2 Cadogan Place, London SW1X 9PY; 020 7235 1234; jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/london/jumeirah-carlton-tower/. Room rates start from ยฃ335 a night
The Arch
The Arch gets its moniker by way of its whereabouts, as itโs just a short walk from Londonโs Marble Arch, writes Nicole Holgate. This enviable location is enhanced by the imposing presence of the building, comprising seven Georgian townhouses and two mews converted into a hotel. The five-star venue has the added kudos of being situated near the London home of Madonna. Plus, there is the chic Hunter 486 restaurant and bar on the ground floor, which boasts an authentic stone pizza oven and recently introduced a tantalising new cocktail menu.
The bedrooms make use of spectacularly high ceilings, and Georgian features are carefully blended with modern furnishings. My room has a large desk, should I need to work, a bed that could comfortably sleep four people and a capsule coffee machine, meaning that I donโt have to crawl to the restaurant for my first vital cup of Joe in the morning. The sleek bathroom has a separate shower and bath, which allows for a television to be set into the wall. I indulge in a relaxing soak while watching The Simpsons.
Other amenities include an impressive-looking hi-tech gym on the lower-ground floor, and meeting rooms that are bright and welcoming despite being underground. When not being made use of for conferences, guests can hire the rooms as ad-hoc living spaces, or for private viewings using the large flatscreen TV. Back on street level, there is a library where visitors can peruse the collection of art books and order afternoon tea โ or a martini โ by pressing one of the discreetly located call buttons.
The next morning, rested and well fed, Iโm delighted to find itโs a mere five-minute stroll to the retail delights of Oxford Street. But with all the facilities and comforts available on site here, you may find it hard to leave.
50 Great Cumberland Place, London W1H 7FD; 020 7724 4700; thearchlondon.com. Room rates start from ยฃ204 a night
