Honeymoon heaven at Flemings Hotel, Mayfair

By Wersha Bharadwa

Everyone wants romance and luxury on the first night of their honeymoon and at Flemings Hotel London’s Mayfair you can combine a dreamy first night and fall in love with the capital’s tourist hotspots…

The location of love

One of London’s best kept secrets – you’ll understand why as you navigate the innermost exclusive streets of Mayfair on your way to Half Moon Street where Flemings is located - the area is peppered with million-pound residences but also bespoke tailors, restaurants, shops and art galleries.

As you take a walk around the neighbourhood, you’ll spot white supercars gliding past (many with Middle Eastern number plates during the summer), Green Park up the road and Buckingham Palace is 15 minutes on foot. And while this may be the lap of discretion, it’s also walking distance from Park Lane, Bond Street, Marble Arch and Oxford Street. Cupcake heaven awaits you in Lola’s Kitchen if you so wish although the in-house cupcakes and bakery at Flemings are so scrumptious, you’ll be asking for an extra order to take home with you.

Why you’ll love it

Flemings was founded in 1851 and comprises of six adjoining town houses with 119 rooms and 10 suites and serviced apartments. The Georgian exterior of the hotel gives nothing away on what to expect once you’re inside those two golden doors.

This is, of course, five star but as a privately owned hotel the setting is more intimate. The decor is 21st century vintage glamour with clashes of real old school opulence. At times you’ll feel like you’ve walked into an upmarket mad hatters tea party with plush eclectic velvets and patterned wallpaper. The friendly concierge and bar staff who remember your name and preferred beverage provide a clue as to why it's such a hit with couples and well-heeled American guests.

Room with a phew

Rooms aren’t cheap but are all individually decorated with country style décor. We took residence in the fabulous, newly renovated Aria Suite Apartment, designed by Michaela Auert, which has its own lift and a private side door entrance.

The suite is filled with mirrors although with two bedrooms, a kitchen and dining area and a living area, you really don’t need any illusions of space. The design of the suite is modern and minimalist with TVs hidden in white lacquered walls with touch screen remote controls and surround sound systems.

The wet room style bathrooms are all white with rain-head showers, Gilchrist & Soames beauty products and big fluffy towels – the serious type which could dry a a lake-soaked bear in minutes.

Dine in style

The restaurant is upmarket, and for those who know their food. The service is relaxed yet attentive with staff inviting you to pour over the menu with elaborate cocktails and canapés in the Front Room before dinner. My Violet Moon cocktail was made up of vodka, champagne berries and violette and combined a touch of sweetness with fresh fruity flavours.

A 2010 Domaine Franck Millet Sancerre helped us wash down amazing mains of lamb and Pollack. For breakfast in the restaurant the next day, I am served a slate of hams and blue cheeses (specially requested and promptly delivered – which I loved) and smoked Ugie salmon and eggs. Before a late 1pm check out, the chef even packed us a picnic and a bottle of Laurent Perrier Champagne.

The Crown Jewels at The Tower of London

In terms of a post-wedding date, and once you’ve checked out of Flemings for the day, those great views and famous ravens at the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels exhibition will keep you dreaming of diamonds and royalty with its fascinating glimpses into 900 years of British history.

Ask any of the Beefeaters and you’ll get a detailed explanation of the jewels on show including the infamous Koh-i-nur and the First Star of Africa. Other exhibitions include the royal armoury and The Princes in The Tower and Sir Walter Raleigh’s prison cells.

Get papped with the stars at Madame Tussauds

OK, so it is one of the more quirkier of London’s many attractions but having recently met a wax work sculptor who works on the waxworks, I’ve a new-found respect for the hard work put into the exhibitions. And you won’t have a moment to spare either as you pose for endless photos next to waxwork likes of the Royal Family, Lady Gaga, Robert Pattinson, David Beckham, Nelson Mandela, Johnny Depp and Barack Obama.

Useful links