EUROPE - BRITAIN - LONDON : THE ATHENÆUM – “YOUR LONDON HOME”
by Zoe Olive McCoy







A £7-million refurbishment has transformed the Athenæum, dramatically changing its views and feel both inside and out. Not only have the hotel’s 111 guestrooms and 12 suites been thoroughly redesigned, but the exterior features a dramatic living wall destined to become an iconic landmark on Piccadilly.

This latest phase of the Athenæum’s update follows hot on the heels of the recent renovation of the hotel’s entire ground floor — where the lobby, bar, restaurant and lounge were given a glamorous, contemporary new look courtesy of Martin Hulbert, Design Director of the award-winning interior design company Fox Linton Associates. Martin is once again the creative force behind this latest look, which offers a further illustration of his unique vision of London. The Apartments at The Athenæum were recently renovated as well.

Dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows and Juliet balconies have been installed in the guest rooms, flooding them with natural light and taking advantage of the hotel’s Mayfair location, directly across Piccadilly from the tranquility of Green Park.

Furnishings in luxurious jewel-toned hues offer a modern take on traditional English design. Original and idiosyncratic London-themed artwork offers a whimsical touch, while plasma TV screens, improved lighting and temperature control pods provide a contemporary look. In addition, walk-in showers have been installed in all Parkview suites.

To cap off the redesign, literally, the rooftop suite has been turned into a stunning three-bedroom suite, complete with a terrace offering an unrivalled panoramic view of the London skyline, including the City and St. Paul’s, Canary Wharf, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye.

The rooftop suite’s new décor offers a mix of contemporary design and classic Art Deco elements, with bespoke items and antiques. The design, according to Fox Linton, provides guests with a space that can be adapted for entertaining and meetings.

The hotel’s external profile has undergone a similar metamorphosis under the guidance of Internationally-renowned French architectural botanist Patrick Blanc. He has been commissioned to create an outdoor living tapestry that represents a fusion of the hotel with its Royal Parks surroundings. Blanc’s vertical garden, the first of its kind on a commercial property in Britain, will wrap around the hotel’s façade, creating a bridge between the urban and natural worlds.

Ten stories high and covering 2,799 square feet, the garden is planted using Blanc’s unique process that allows plants to grow without soil on an irrigated vertical surface. The Athenæum’s living wall will feature plants native to Britain and is designed to attract bees, birds and butterflies. Like all gardens, it will change with the seasons, becoming a living work of art for all to see and enjoy.

Renowned for having London’s most personable, professional and friendly hotel staff, the Athenæum enjoys an unsurpassed London location, directly opposite Green Park and within walking distance of Buckingham Palace. Many friendly five-star services have been added to create the “Your London Home” experience including a Kids Concierge and complimentary mini-bar and Wi-Fi access. The hotel is close to many of the city’s main cultural attractions, including the Royal Academy of Arts, Trafalgar Square and Churchill’s Cabinet Rooms. London’s best shops, restaurants, theaters, toy stores and parks are within easy walking distance.

To make a booking at The Athenæum , contact your travel professional (GDS Code YX) or The Athenaeum directly at 800-335-3300 or fax 800-335-3200. Further information can be obtained at the hotel’s Web site at www.athenaeumhotel.com. The hotel’s e-mail address is info@athenaeumhotel.com.



Photo: courtesy Athenæum Hotel and Apartments, London





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