Bulgari Hotel London Review: Sophistication at its Finest

Stylish globetrotters find like-minded guests at the gleaming Knightsbridge hotspot, Bulgari Hotel – but it’s the subterranean spa that seals the deal, says Lucy Cleland.

Bulgari Hotel London Review: Sophistication at its Finest

The sleek and stylish Bulgari Hotel first opened its door in London’s Knightsbridge in 2012 and quickly joined the upper echelons of London’s five-star hotel coterie. Its neighbours are, after all, The Mandarin Oriental, The Berkeley and The Lanesborough. But this hotel has a different vibe… perhaps that’s down to the actual bones of the building being newly built, which give it a distinctly modern feel. 

STAY

Working with a blank canvas gave architect-designer Antonio Citterio the chance to create a vision of a truly modern, functional and glossily gorgeous place to stay (most of it submerged underground as is the wont of a London hotel – just see how deep The Londoner went!).

It’s not as showy as you might think though, and richly warm in feel with its gleaming black floors and leather and walnut touches. The rooms are comforting retreats (the more you pay, the bigger your room, of course) – thick curtains, acres of black Marquina marble in the bathroom, oriental dark glossy red/brown wood, beige and silver walls and headboards. We particularly love having Bulgari goodies in the bathroom, and a little sleep spray by the bed. 

DO

Spa. Spa. Spa. Forget shopping at Harrods, and instead spend your well-earned cash on an Augustinus Bader facial (£350). This master of skincare (seriously impressive results if you use the products) has recently arrived at the spa and you can bliss out with a 90-minute exclusive facial that includes a head treatment too. You’ll be left with skin as glossy as your marble bathroom.

Bulgari Hotel London x Augustinus Bader 6

There are of course many other fantastic treatments to opt for (the spa is huge), plus a pool to dip into (more rare in a London hotel than you think), sauna, steam etc, and I think I’d have happily holed up with a book by the fire in the relaxation room (more my style than a workout with the excellent trainers in the well-equipped gym).

EAT 

Start your evening at Nolita Social, the hotel’s basement bar, for a punchy cocktail or two in the dark, sultry nightspot which has live music. Then head upstairs to Sette (which also has a direct entrance to the street, meaning it attracts clientele not just from the hotel).

Hailing from New York’s Scarpetta as its first London outpost, it brings tip-top Italian food with flair to a discerning customer (Bulgari is an Italian brand, of course), with standout dishes including crispy veal sweetbread pappardelle and black cod with caramelised fennel.

THE FINAL WORD

The Bulgari attracts a certain type of traveller – smart, monied, international. It’s not a choice for old-school traditionalists, but this does not detract whatsoever from the friendly, unobtrusive service, the comfort and sophistication of the accommodation, nor that vast subterranean spa, which is surely one of London’s most alluring. 

BOOK

Doubles from £650 in a superior room B&B. + (44) 020 7151 1010. bulgarihotels.com

READ MORE: 

Our Pick Of The Best Hotels in London / The Best Day Spas in London 2022 / The 20 Best Restaurants in London