QUINTESSENTIALLY | Insider | Mia Harlock

I would liken The May Fair Hotel to an elegant woman who seduces not by overt flirtation or conceit but rather by a quiet and self assured sophistication; think Isabella Rossellini or Aishwarya Rai. Ultimately, what I find most appealing about the May Fair is that it continues to attract a loyal and highly discerning clientele simply by being itself: an up-market and chic but pleasantly understated collection of rooms, a spa, restaurant and bar that seem to draw inspiration from – and therefore compliment – the neighborhood in which they are situated: London’s exclusive Mayfair District. A stone’s throw from the designer boutiques of Bond Street: Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Prada and fine jewelers like Cartier, Harry Winston and Asprey – it’s no wonder The May Fair continues to attract the crème of the international set – not to mention the A-list brigade, in droves.

On my recent stay there was a surprisingly well-mannered gaggle of teenage girls sitting outside on the pavement opposite the hotel in the evening, patiently (and quietly thankfully) awaiting the arrival of heartthrob/pinups/pop heavies JLS and The Saturdays – both bands guests at the hotel that evening. Meanwhile doormen were helping mothers usher prams through the front doors and onto the elevator, businessmen were making inquiries with the hotel concierge, a few young couples strolled around love-locked on a romantic weekend in the capital. All this to say, the reason the May Fair continues to be – year in, year out – one of the most popular hotels in London is that once you’ve stayed as a guest, you can not help but notice the consistency in aesthetic, amenities, service – in sum – harmony that transcends from the lobby to the rooms, into the spa, and downstairs into May Fair’s restaurant. There is no aspect of the hotel that delivers anything less than the very best.

The colour palette of the rooms – rich café au laits, caramels, sands and chocolates – immediately massages the eyes into a calm and relaxed submission. The use of textiles like faux-matte crocodile leather on the headboard and velvety chenille pillows, lend warmth and definition to the aforementioned earth tones. With all essential mod-cons: high definition Bang and Olfuson television, iPod dock, hi-speed internet connection – not to mention those blissful extras – rainforest shower and large freestanding bathtub – create the prefect respite after an afternoon of weaving up and down Bond Street.

While there are any number of excellent restaurants in the neighbourhood, including Nobu Berkeley Square directly adjacent, I would highly recommend dinner in the May Fair’s Amba Bar & Grill. My guest and I were deeply impressed by our starters of confit Scottish salmon, purple artichoke, horseradish cream and grapefruit dressing – and – seared scallops and whitebait with garlic mayonnaise and fennel and rhubarb salad. For mains, opt for the slow cooked rump of lamb or grilled sword fish with saffron rice and gazpacho sauce – or their divine artichoke ravioli for vegetarians.

My rating of The May Fair overall? Well, 5 stars of course.

The May Fair Hotel
Stratton Street,
London,
W1J 8LT,
United Kingdom

Tel – +44 (0)20 7769 4041

http://www.themayfairhotel.co.uk

Special Summer Offer!

Explore London’s popular parks this summer in style with Radisson Edwardian’s Bubbles & Berries picnic package. Available at all 12 London based Radisson Edwardian hotels, guests will receive a bottle of Prosecco, a punnet of strawberries and a luxury picnic blanket when staying between 23rd July and 5th September 2010. The package starts from as little as £80 per person, per night, based on two people sharing.

Within walking distance of all the capital’s key parkland, Radisson Edwardian hotels provide the perfect base for summer sightseeing. With bubbly & strawberries in hand, head to one of the famous Royal Parks – Hyde and St. James – from the Radisson Edwardian Hampshire, Mountbatten or Berkshire. Enjoy one of the fantastic theatrical works and concerts at Regent’s Park – just a short stroll from the Radisson Edwardian Grafton hotel – or for a secluded spot, choose from one of the many regency gardens, only moments from the Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street, Kenilworth or Mountbatten hotels. If long, river walks are your outdoor pleasure, Radisson Edwardian New Providence Wharf provides an ideal base for a meander along the Thames. Just be sure to pick up your picnic package at reception.

Available between 23rd July and 5th September inclusive, this summer saving also offers 2 for 1 dining throughout all hotel restaurants.

To book or for further information, please visit www.radissonedwardian.com/summer

Terms & Conditions:

Package Includes:
• 2 for 1 dining
• Breakfast, max 2 person
• Inclusive of a bottle of Prosecco
• Strawberry punnet
• Luxury picnic blanket
• Inc VAT rates