From delectable dining and bespoke cocktails to a scent butler and even supercars – dialling room service in the UK’s most exquisite hotels delivers so much more than a club sandwich.
Most of us will agree that nothing beats a luxurious hotel stay, complete with cloche-topped dishes, fluffy robes, plus a crisp newspaper – and the fun does not stop there. Ready to check in for a truly decadent experience? Here are seven must-visit hotels taking room-service to the next level.
Order in a mixologist at The Savoy, London
Famed worldwide for its extravagant room service, The Savoy offers an exclusive around-the-clock hotline for Petrossian Caviar and Maldon Oysters served with Laurent-Perrier Champagne. Also home to The American Bar, which is widely regarded as one of the most iconic cocktail destinations in the world, those wishing to bask in the bar’s glamorous heritage without leaving their room can plump for a sophisticated in-room cocktail station. Or make use of a tempting on-call martini service, where a dedicated butler will arrive ready to prepare a flawless martini. Perfectly shaken or stirred to preference, they are usually best sipped in pyjamas. www.thesavoylondon.com
Order in a private recital at The Milestone, London
Deliberating over your breakfast soundtrack? This stately hotel is renowned for impeccable service and believes that while Classic FM is all well and good, being serenaded is better. Standing in the heart of Kensington, those who crave a quartet with their croissant can dial room service for an intimate private recital from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Choose between a solo harpist or a string quartet to play a selection of your favourite songs. You can even request that your vintage Champagne is opened by Sabrage – where a blade travels up the neck of the bottle to break it away near the cork – while you listen. www.milestonehotel.com
Order in a supercar at The Lanesborough, London
On the other hand, for car connoisseurs, The Lanesborough, on Hyde Park Corner, may well be the perfect place to stay. Here, suite dwellers gain access to the hotel’s fleet of classic supercars, with the keys to a Ferrari SF90, Bentley GTC, Lamborghini Huracan STO, or Rolls Royce Cullinan being delivered directly to your door as and when the urge takes. For those staying in the Royal or Presidential Suites, driving a different car each day comes as a nice little extra. www.oetkerhotels.com/lanesborough
Order in a cultural experience at The Balmoral, Edinburgh
More of a culture vulture? This historic establishment hosts an impressive array of in-suite offerings, including a £60,000 opportunity to acquire bespoke 1945 Glen Grant scotch whisky from Gordon & Macphail, or a visit from the Scent Butler for a one-to-one olfactory masterclass. And when you have been suitably watered and fragranced? Call the hotel’s poet-in-residence, leading Gaelic wordsmith, Marcas Mac an Tuairneir, to write a bespoke poem to commemorate a heavenly stay. www.roccoforthotels.com
Order in a wellness retreat at The Emory
Health-conscious travellers are increasingly favouring the Royals’ exclusive bolthole, The Emory, which houses a groundbreaking longevity and wellness members’ club, Surrenne Belgravia, beneath it. Spanning four subterranean floors, guests wanting to workout in private can opt for a Surrenne workout trolley to be rolled to their suite, delivering top-level gym equipment to their luxurious lodgings. Sumptuous in-room spa treatments are also on offer, along with a minibar curated for wellness purposes, compression boots, and LED red light panels. And to toast your virtue? A stash of in-room hydrogen water provides the perfect wellness toast. www.maybourne.com
Order in children’s treats at Hotel Café Royal, London
A great choice for stylish hotel-seekers with little ones to entertain, Hotel Café Royal prides itself on elevated family-friendly room service. Small guests can make use of a dedicated 24-hour children’s menu, along with coveted ‘Royal Trunks’ crammed with enough toys to keep little hands out of trouble. For downtime, the hotel provides teepees to cuddle up in and a cool menu of high-tech entertainment offerings. There will be heaps of thoughtful touches, too, including a soothing milk and cookies service – which comes complete with a cute astronaut toy to take home, should you ever choose to leave your room. www.hotelcaferoyal.com
Order in a style reboot at The Connaught, London
Finally, for the ultimate taste of high society, stay at this legendary Mayfair hotel. Boasting a carefully crafted range of in-suite experiences to reflect the art of fine living ‘Connaught style’, guests can request chilled martinis direct from the icon that is The Connaught Bar, or devour delectable cakes from master pâtissier, Nicolas Rouzaud. There is also the lure of refined details including the ultimate shoeshine from John Lobb, and classic unpacking and packing service from a designated 24-hour butler. And when a day of decadence is done? Unwind with an in-room cinematic collection of films edited by The British Film Institute. It is the finest Do-Not-Disturb cinema. www.maybourne.com
