1 Hotel Mayfair: Is This London’s Most Planet-Conscious Hotel?

Shaking up the central London hotel scene is 1 Hotel Mayfair, a brand-new luxury hotel which puts the environment first.

Review: 1 Hotel Mayfair

Most hotels are bringing in environmental initiatives nowadays, but it’s not often you see one that was actually built with the planet in mind from the ground up. That’s why there’s a big buzz around 1 Hotel Mayfair, a mission-driven hotel just opened in the heart of London, across the road from The Ritz.

It’s the first European address from US group 1 Hotels, a brand born in 2015 – with branches everywhere from Toronto to Nashville, and plans for new openings in cities such as Paris and Copenhagen. Properties are inspired by nature and renowned for their eco credentials – and the latest offering certainly follows suit. 

STAY

Spread across nine floors on Berkeley Street, overlooking Green Park, 1 Hotel Mayfair has been four years in the making – with the initial idea for the project going back over a decade. Sustainability is intrinsic to its design: over 80 percent of the existing structure was retained in a bid to reduce the carbon emissions that come with a reconstruction (around 4,200 tonnes in this case, according to the hotel). And recycled materials are used throughout – from the reclaimed metal floor tiles to the reception desk made from a tree that fell naturally during a storm in Sussex. 

From the moment you arrive, there’s a palpable sense of bringing the outside in. You’re greeted by a living chandelier made from around 35,000 air plants, and all spaces are filled with an abundance of plants and greenery, with earthy tones used throughout. It’s a place where guests are encouraged to adopt positive habits, with bowls filled with wonky fruits, and rooms kitted out with water refill stations and recycling bins. Lining the walls, meanwhile, are artworks conveying messages about human impact on the natural environment, including a piece by marine-plastic artist Steve McPherson. This natural feel creates a sense of tranquility throughout – a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy Piccadilly area. 

Of course, this is Mayfair, so the hotel is suitably luxurious – but everything has a considered edge. Bedrooms are calming retreats featuring living moss walls and bedside tables made from tree trunks, with minimalist, woody decor. There are a wide range of room categories, with many spacious suites – but nowhere compares to the jaw-dropping penthouse: a three-bedroomed palace complete with a giant bathtub and floor-to-ceiling windows boasting unparalleled views of the city skyline.

Whichever room you’re in, you can expect exceptionally comfortable beds (the super kings are enormous), cosy grey dressing gowns, yoga mats and bathrooms decked out with Bamford products. Eco touches are seen throughout: rooms have chalkboards instead of notepads, while fridges are filled with products from green brands such as organic farm Daylesford. Guests are also encouraged to part ways with an item of clothing they no longer need, which will be donated to someone in need through the hotel’s local charity partner.

Tom Sellers

EAT

The hotel’s piece de resistance is Dovetale, an excellent restaurant helmed by chef Tom Sellers, who rose to fame with his Michelin-starred Restaurant Story in London Bridge. Here the menu focuses on simple yet top-quality dishes that champion seasonal produce, with a grill and raw bar. Dine al fresco in the courtyard, or pull up a seat in the stylish dining room, which is all dark wood and exposed wooden beams, with sleek banquettes and copper suspended fireplaces. 

Begin with a starter of juicy Orkney scallops drizzled in Amalfi lemon, a light and fresh Isle of Wight tomato tart, or a unique twist on the melon and ham starter flavoured with chamomile sauce. Mains include a perfectly cooked Loch Duart salmon jazzed up with Hollandaise sauce and leeks, black truffle and potato agnolotti, or a selection of steaks (the sharing Black Angus T-Bone being the most decadent choice). The sides are also worth a special mention – particularly the aesthetically presented ratatouille, which was inspired by Thomas Keller, the American chef tasked with creating the titular dish for the Disney classic, who Sellers worked with in the past.

The cherry on the cake? An Instagram-friendly Knickerbocker Glory trolley, which whizzes up the nostalgic dessert tableside – guests are invited to build their own creation using a checklist, a fun little quirk.

Elsewhere, you’ll find Dover Yard, a chic bar featuring a drinks menu from Matteo Carretta, formerly at Claridge’s. Repurposed ingredients are the star of the show here, with crafty tipples like the Green Park Swizzle: a blend of Sapling vodka, ginger mead and lime sour mash, and the Breaking Grounds, made using coffee grounds and Hennessy VS. And beside the lobby there’s Neighbours, a place to grab a coffee, juice or pastry which can also be used as a co-working space.

DO

Wellness is a key theme here, tying in nicely with the overall vibe of the hotel. Opening soon is a Bamford spa offering its signature holistic approach to wellbeing, plus a state-of-the-art gym. There will also be a programme of classes, from yoga to breathwork and strength training, alongside special events – coming up there’s a workshop on phyto nectars (a type of functional drink) and an aroma sound bath.

If you can manage to prize yourself away from the sanctuary of the hotel, the area is filled with things to see and do. On your doorstep you have endless art galleries, shops and restaurants, alongside Green Park and St James’ Park. For visitors to the city, Buckingham Palace is also just down the road.

THE FINAL WORD

Considered, creative and chic, this is eco luxury done right – and no doubt it’s set to be a crucial new player on the prestigious Mayfair hotel scene. 

BOOK IT

Rooms from £500 per night, 1hotels.com