The Berkeley hotel in Knightsbridge, which is part of the Maybourne Hotel Group, has unveiled its new Terrace suites as part of an ambitious revamp project.
By the end of September, the entire first floor of the five-star hotel will be transformed, with 17 contemporary, new-look rooms including the Gallery suite (complete with rotating art collection), the Park suite, which faces Hyde Park, and the “palatial” two-bedroom Apartment, which measures 232 sqm.
The six Terrace suites (including three Terrace Junior and three 85 sqm Grand Terrace suites, pictured) were completed over the summer. Previously the first floor had 25 rooms so suites have all been enlarged.
The Berkeley’s new suites were all created under the direction of London-based architect John Heah, who has also worked on luxury hotels from Aman and Four Seasons.
Aiming to create rooms with the feel of an “urban apartment”, Heah incorporated natural light, sustainable teak wood and soft illuminations, with more than 30 fabrics and materials (such as Thai silk, Nepalese carpets and Chinese wool) sourced from around the world.
Heah said: “We have gone to great efforts to combine bespoke craftsmanship with the height of quality in all materials used and have travelled the world to collate an eclectic collection of one off pieces for these suites. Attention to detail is at the heart of our design and I hope we have created a contemporary urban style, unparalleled with anything seen before in London.”
General manager, Knut Wylde said: “John Heah has brought a new creative aesthetic to our room designs at the Berkeley and with his vision we believe the hotel is further established at the forefront of innovative London hospitality and design, paving the way for the next generation of travellers.”
Business Traveller recently checked out the new Grand Terrace suite, and can report that it is indeed something special (with prices from £2,700 a night, you would expect it to be).
Facing St Paul’s church, the highlight has to be the sizeable outdoor terrace (partly covered in case of rain), which is decked out with smooth, solid marble tables and chic, hardwood Scandi furniture. There is enough space to sit out here and drink with friends or enjoy a meal for two at the dining table.
Floor-to-ceiling doors slide open to the bedroom, which has a supremely comfortable king-sized bed made up with the finest cotton sheets, and then on through to an open-plan corridor with two generous wardrobes.
Inside one of them is a pair of Burberry macs to wear during your stay. (You can buy them for £1,295 if you want to take them away.
The huge bathroom has a deep bath, walk-in rainshower, Bamford organic bathing products, twin sinks, a Japanese Toto toilet with buttons for water jets – and a bidet, for good measure.
Upon entering the suite, you will find a guest toilet to the right, and an extensive minibar with snacks, soft drinks, wine, spirits, champagne, beer and a coffee machine installed in a built-in cabinet.
For business people, there is the added benefit of an open-plan lounge and office with a large workdesk allowing you to face into the room instead of a wall. Wifi is free throughout.
The Berkeley’s new extended glass, carbon fibre and steel entrance, which was designed by architect Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners, was completed in July, along with the the Collins Room for afternoon tea and the expanded street-facing Blue Bar for cocktails (both conceived by Robert Angell).
The Berkeley originally opened in 1972. Today, it also features a two Michelin-star restaurant, Marcus, by Marcus Wareing and an open-air rooftop pool. Rooms start from £490 a night. It’s sister properties are Claridge’s and the Connaught, both in Mayfair.
