The five-star Montcalm Hotel has a superb, tranquil location on a leafy crescent amid a residential area right in the heart of London. Though it is known as a Mayfair hotel, it is actually just steps away from Marble Arch.
There has been a hotel here for around 50 years. Previously it was Montcalm Hotel Marble Arch, but recently relaunched as Montcalm Mayfair Autograph Collection. After a lengthy two-year refurbishment and new designs by Studio Est and Studio Mica, it finally reopened last year to much applause.
This lovely classic Grade II-listed building retains all its Georgian features, including its imposing white pillars and looks gorgeous, shiny and new, dressed in appealing mood-lifting colours, artworks and adornments. Or was that feel-good factor brought on by their signature scent of rose and tobacco fragrance permeating the air?
Montcalm Mayfair Reception
For sure, the open-plan space offers the perfect balance between boutique charm, generous airy proportions and a sense of light and space that leads to a welcoming reception desk directly ahead.
To one side, there’s an elegant lounge in surroundings you might find in a stylish home, while on the other, the hotel’s restaurant and bar provide a lively yet sophisticated setting for dining or unwinding with a drink.
What transpires within the design is a botanical theme with hues of greens, soft earthy tones, and botanical details that give a nod to the area’s historic landscapes. It’s elegant yet somehow casual and friendly too.
Who for
The Montcalm Mayfair vibe is easy-going, elegant and romantic. Couples, in particular, could happily while away an entire weekend soaking up the hotel’s sophisticated atmosphere before venturing out to discover one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
Accommodation
Montcalm offers 151 elegant guest rooms and suites, arranged on either side of a crescent-shaped corridor with dark wood walls and light tan carpet underfoot.
For utmost privacy, the Botanical Suite on the ground floor has its own private entrance from the street, which I believe is unique in London.
I enjoyed my suite 507 on the fifth floor, reached via extraordinary wood-lined lifts. Thoughtful touches elevated the experience, not least the cleverly designed bed base with built-in drawers – a practical feature that provides far more storage than is usually found in a hotel room, making it especially welcome for longer stays. The room was decorated in a palette of soft, earthy autumnal tones, which felt like a calming sanctuary after a day out in the city.
Montcalm bedroom
There’s of course a flat-screen TV, coffee machine, dressing gowns and an extremely comfy bed. If felt good to slip between Egyptian cotton sheets. The ensuite was a tad small, but the shower was pleasingly powerful and I enjoyed the soothing toiletries from sustainable brand Bamford.
Food & Drink
Wherever you choose to settle, the atmosphere is warm and effortlessly convivial. I enjoyed a coffee on the comfortable orange sofas in the lounge area, I sipped a cocktail at the bar, and lingered over a leisurely meal in the restaurant, seated on green velvet upholstered seats beneath modern chandeliers. I enjoyed an à la carte breakfast there too.
The restaurant is Lilli by Akira Back, where Head Chef Roger Hutchinson oversees a menu that draws on the celebrated chef’s signature style. The dishes are infused with distinctive Asian influences from Korea and Japan, combining bold flavours with refined presentation to create a dining experience that feels both contemporary and approachable.
We started with wagyu tacos and crispy and slightly spicy tofu fingers. For the main, I ordered Jidori Chicken (Jidori means “local chicken” in Japanese) a dish of tender but firm chicken medallions with umami flavours served with an ever-so-silky potato puree and balsamic teriyaki. My co-diner had blackened cod. Both were delicious.
Jidori Chicken
Faciliities
The Yatra subterranean wellness spa at Montcalm is truly beautiful. I spotted a couple laying in each others arms in the relaxation area, no doubt after a steamy sauna or treatment session. There’s also a yoga space, saunas, and a hydro pool/jacuzzi.
Montcalm Mayfair Yatra Spa Relaxation Area
There’s a small but well-stocked gym, a sauna and a pool.
How much
What’s Nearby
The location is perfect for Marble Arch and Bond Street underground stations. The iconic Marble Arch is close, and within minutes you could be splashing the cash on Oxford Street or enjoying Marylebone Village or wandering into Portman Square.
VERDICT:
The beautiful bedrooms are decorated in soft, romantic tones, with wood flooring creating a restful retreat ideal after a day exploring the capital. Add an indulgent spa and a fine-dining restaurant that delivers delicious cuisine without a hint of pretension, and Montcalm becomes a destination in its own right. For me, Montcalm is a beautifully put-together hotel with a superb London location. Service is friendly, a tad casual, but in keeping with the general home-from-home vibe.
More info:
Montcalm website
2 Wallenberg Place, London, W1H 7TN