Presenting The Peninsula London
Hyde Park Corner’s posh new property
Written by Emily Bunn
april 26, 2023
The Peninsula Hotel portfolio is expanding into the heart of historic Belgravia with the debut of its newest property, Peninsula London. From the outside looking in, the sleek hotel possesses a charming British atmosphere, guarded by an off-street courtyard, a classic English garden landscape, 120-year-old maple trees, and cobblestone streets. Inside, the walls of Peninsula London paint a vivid portrait of Britain’s history, artistry, and sophistication.
Stepping into the grand hotel, travelers will immediately notice the fine collection of artwork from bespoke artisans and accomplished artists from The Royal Drawing School. Both the hotel’s public spaces and guests’ residences are decorated with this eye-catching art, all of which was created specifically for the hotel. “We are excited to have enlisted the talents of these extraordinary ‘Best of British’ creators and suppliers to collaborate on important touchpoints throughout the hotel,” said Sonja Vodusek, Managing Director of The Peninsula London.
Beyond the triple-height lobby, guests will discover 190 guest rooms and suites, as well as 25 luxury residences. All the rooms and homes were designed by Peter Marino and include chic furnishings, mahogany-paneled dressing rooms, and Peninsula’s signature Valet box. The hotel’s most spacious guest room – the Peninsula Suite – totals nearly 16,000 SF, making it one of the largest suites in London.
Daniel Hilpert, publisher of EQ Magazine and managing director of real estate finance firm Equicap, remarks on the hotel’s swiftly acquired notability, “This recent addition to the company’s portfolio has undoubtedly the potential to rise to the challenge to meet the standards set by the Company’s Hong Kong flagship which opened its doors in 1928 and is prominently known by automobile and luxury enthusiast alike for its “Peninsula green” Rolls-Royce pick-up.”
“The arrival of The Peninsula London marks the culmination of a remarkable collaborative journey,” adds Peter Borer, Chief Operating Officer of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Ltd (the Peninsula’s parent company). “The beautiful design of the property is the result of years of creative effort by some of the most ground-breaking architects, designers, and creative partners in the industry. The hotel is a showpiece, not only for The Peninsula, but for this storied part of London.”
Also reflecting astute attention to this part of London, the property’s dining selection prioritizes local, sustainably sourced offerings. The hotel chose to partner with Zero Carbon Farms so they can provide future-proof, sustainable greens and herbs. One of the most exclusive eco-friendly offerings from the property is its special cuvées – a Brut Reserve NV and a Rosé NV – which were both specially selected for Peninsula London.
As the hotel resides in such a vibrant city to explore, one of the most luxurious highlights of staying at Peninsula London is gaining access to the property’s stunning fleet of vintage vehicles. With this, Peninsula’s guests can arrive and travel in indiscreet style. Choose from four Bentley Bentagyas, or if you’re more of a Rolls-Royce fan, give the carefully restored 1935 Phantom a spin. An electrified 1960 vintage Austin taxi offers another unique way to traverse London.
High above those streets and into the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, Brooklands, guests can nosh on contemporary European cuisine in an upscale aviation and automotive-themed atmosphere. Transported upstairs via dedicated lift cars styled to resemble hot air balloons, diners will truly feel on top of the world as they enter the sophisticated space.
Michelin-star dishes and top-flight libations can be enjoyed in Brookland’s dining room, large outdoor terrace, or at the bar. An exclusive cigar lounge – stocked with certified “Master of Havana” cigars – offers another high-end space to soak in the surrounding relics, which include collectible racing keepsakes, a rotating display of original classic race cars from the Brooklands racetrack and museum, and an overhead scale model of the iconic Concorde aircraft on the terrace.
Another space in which drinks can be enjoyed is at the hotel’s signature Peninsula afternoon tea service. This classic quintessentially British past time offers guests immersion into Belgravia’s local culture and cuisine.
Additional hotel highlights include the private cinema in the George Ballroom, the Peninsula Spa and Wellness Centre, the 25m pool, and nine luxury boutiques on the hotel’s ground floor retail arcade. For those interested in exploring London, Peninsula offers inspiring, destination-specific art programs and cultural experiences.
Whether guests choose to explore the charming hustle and bustle of London Town, enjoy Michelin-star cuisine and motoring memorabilia at Brooklands, or simply relax at The Peninsula Hotels’ newest showpiece, Peninsula London provides a posh paradise. Clement Kwok, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Ltd., remarks, “We are excited to introduce The Peninsula London to the world.” He continues, “London is one of the world’s most dynamic cities and we are looking forward to serving local people and international guests with The Peninsula’s legendary hospitality.
“It took Hon Sir Michael Kadoorie – the Chairman of The Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels, parent company of The Peninsula Hotels – reportedly 35 years to find the right opportunity to open the Peninsula London,” caps Hilpert. And with almost certainty, EQ predicts that the long-awaited unveiling will be worth the wait.
