Radisson - The May Fair Hotel

Introduction: The Radisson May Fair Hotel London is situated in the exclusive Mayfair area close to Piccadilly. Though close to one of the capitals busiest roads (Piccadilly is part of the A4) the hotel itself is on Stratton Street, a relatively quiet side street that is one way at this section (so reducing traffic levels). The hotel was first opened in 1927 by His Majesty King George V (accompanied by Queen Mary) and remains one of the top choices of rich and famous for a stay in London. A short walk from the hotel is Green Park, just over the road from Piccadilly, which forms part of the grounds of Buckingham Palace, the London residence of the reigning monarch. A little further on to the West is Hyde Park (0.3 miles) and is another large and famous London Park with much to see and do for all ages. This is a very central location and many of London's famous shopping areas are easily accessible from here. These include Bond Street (0.15 miles), Regent Street (0.3 miles), Oxford Street (0.5 miles) and Knightsbridge, famous for the Harrods department store (1 mile). The west end of London and all of its many Theatres, bars, restaurants and attractions that make it is such a popular destination for tourists the world over are close by. Other nearby attractions include St James's Palace (0.4 miles), Piccadilly Circus (0.4 miles), Buckingham Palace (0.4 miles), Nelsons Column (0.6 miles), National gallery (0.6 miles), Westminster Cathedral (0.6 miles), Wallace Collection (0.8 miles),  Houses of Parliament (0.9 miles), British Museum (1.1 miles) and the London Eye (Millennium Wheel) (1.1 miles).

Hotel:
At the end of 2006 the May Fair hotel re-opened after a £70 million pound refurbishment project. This was a major program that included adding a totally new level over Berkeley Street, a totally new wing at the rear and eighty additional bedrooms and suites. The hotel now has an eclectic feel with the marrying of different styles to give a very individual style to the hotel. One new feature is the addition of the largest Baccarat chandelier (in the Crystal Room) anywhere in Europe worth in excess of one million pounds. The hotel says it aims to give it guests 'luxury without pretension'. Meaning luxury surroundings without the very formal and cold and aloof atmosphere that can sometimes accompany such opulence.
The hotel is chosen not just by leisure visitors to London but by business men and women too. The combination of fantastic location by the heart of London in an exclusive area and the luxury offerings and services at the hotel make for a great stay. The hotel lobby features creations from some of the biggest names in design in both furnishings and fittings.
Rooms:
Bedroom amenities include en-suite facilities (Sicilian marble and luxury toiletries), air-conditioning, leather beds, turn down service, Bang & Olufsen TV with satellite channels, digital entertainment systems, voicemail and dual line phones, triple glazed windows, international sockets, WIFI internet connection, Modem connection and fridge. Colour Schemes Of Soft Creams And Greens Complement Mahogany Cabinets, Leather-and-teak Desks, Brass Lamps, And Marble-topped Bedside Tables With Gilt Details. Bathrooms Feature Robes, Hair Dryers, And Telephone Extensions. The bedroom carpets are hand made woollen. The Superior rooms are all 20 sq meters or more. Deluxe rooms are 30 sq meters or more and have a separate living seating area. They also have a separate power shower and some of the bathrooms have a TV. Studio suites are upwards of 50 sq meters. Bigger still are the signature suites which feature a home cinema system complete with automatic curtain systems. For the last word in exclusive book an Azure suite and benefit from extras such as your own private lift. Sixteen rooms are adapted for accessibility. Room service is 24 hours.
Dining:
Onsite is the 'The Amba bar and grill restaurant'. Modern in style and very much in keeping with the style and exclusivity on offer at the hotel. Lavish decor and furnishings with granite laid floors and leather upholstery. A notable feature is the fully open kitchen where you can see the food being prepared. Fine wines and champagnes are housed in large glass fridges. The restaurant services seasonal British cuisine and traditional dishes. Open for breakfast, Lunch and dinner. Open: 7.00 till 10.30 (weekdays), 7.30 till 11.00 (weekends), noon till 2.30 (weekdays), 19.00 till 22.30 daily.
The bar serves a full range of drinks including coffee and many speciality cocktails in stylish surroundings. Coffee can be purchased from 9.00 and the bar closes at 02.00. You'll also find leaflets setting out the reasons behind the restaurants' current dishes and the ingredients being used.
The hotels other bar is the 'May Fair Bar', with a contemporary environment and intimate conversation areas. Low tables and a recessed fireplace create a relaxed but stylish atmosphere. The perfect place to entrain or just relax. One of the dominant features is the large painting showing Tibetan monks in silhouette, a work of art commissioned by the hotel. Again the range of drinks here is impressive with over 40 cocktails to choose from. The bar can seat up to 250. Open noon till 23.00. Not open Saturdays daytime.
More:
The Radisson has a business centre that is open 24 hours with high speed wireless internet access. Services here include Copy, Email, fax, Mobile phone rental and Secretarial services (available on request). WIFI can also be picked up in the May Fair Bar and Amba Bar and Grill.
The hotel has 5 large meeting/conference/function rooms that can accommodate up to 350 delegates (Crystal Room) and 12 smaller meeting rooms with a capacity of 6 to 120 theatre style. They are situated opposite the business centre on the first floor. Each room sports either a plasma screen or large projector. One room is set aside as a dedicated video conferencing room and can accommodate five delegates.
Leisure Facilities:
The May Fair Spa is the complete treatment for body and mind and is to be found in the hotels basement. With a backdrop of sheer luxury this is the place to pamper yourself and feel revitalised, th this end try a Cleopatra mud bath. This is a state-of-the-art high tech facility with the latest innovations such UV analysis to determine the perfect programme for your skin and micro-dermabrasion.
Traditional Sauna: Where a cast-iron plate site with roasted fruits and fresh herbs.
Herbal Steam Room: With a backdrop of aromatherapy using essential oils.
Multi Sensory Storm: Backdrop of mint and menthol or papaya and coconut aromas
Other features include an Ice Fountain, Waterfall Shower, seven Personal Treatment Programmes, Cleopatra Bathing Experience (mineralizing mud and natural salt bath), Hammam Relaxation Beds and a fully equipped Gymnasium (includes cardio, free weights and resistance machines).
Other services at the hotel include full concierge services, WIFI in all public areas, dry cleaning laundry and valet services, private theatre (largest in London with 201 seat capacity and 3-d technology), express check-out and a 24 hour front desk.
'In hotel' mobile phones are available on request. Left luggage services are available via the concierge.

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Room Numbers: 406 /  9 floors
Check-in: 15.00 (3 pm)
Check-out: 12.00 noon
Early check-in and late check-out are available but subject to a charge and availability on the day.

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Comment: Bought by Radisson hotels in 2003 for £115 million with another £75 million spent on refurbishment.
In November 2008 became the first hotel in the UK to have its own dedicated YouTube channel for videos of and related to the hotel.
Schiaparelli suite was listed as one of the UK's 10 most outrageous hotel rooms by the timesonline in 2009. Almost entirely decorated in fuchsia pink and a large gilded bed.

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Awards:
World Travel wards: England's Leading Boutique Hotel 2008