Travel: my exceptional birthday in the penthouse suite of the Connaught, London

The magnificent living room – shot with my Leica

A lot has been said about the Connaught and its famed guests and visitors already – from French President General Charles de Gaulle to designer Ralph Lauren… In the heart of London’s Mayfait area, the Connaught is every contemporary traveller’s dream, a perfect combination of British classicism and contemporary design and features. In close location to other London hospitality landmarks, it comes without all the stiffness – and, let’s face it, sometimes tackiness.

Obviously feeling at home ! Shot with my Leica

On previous occasions, I had tried the hotel’s Espelette restaurant and the Connaught bar, getting a glimpse of the ambiance already. And checking in on my birthday, early September, brought back memories as soon as I walked in the warm, cosy lobby highlighted by chic wood panellings, built around what to me is the Connaught’s backbone: its sumptuous, remarkable mahogany staircase.

The best en-suite afternoon tea in London ? Shot with my Leica

Exquisite bedroom details – shot with my Leica

The most comfortable bed I tried in a long time ! Shot with my Leica

More bedroom details… – Shot with my Leica

Fresh flowers in the morning ! Shot with my Leica

These would be the only memories I would have on that weekend from previous experiences at the Connaught – and, I have to say, in London – for what I was about to live was a very, very unique experience: staying in what is said to be the most beautiful London penthouse, The Apartment at the Connaught.

Gorgeous flowers everywhere – shot with my Leica

Accessing the Apartment on the last floor of the Connaught is like entering a new world within the hotel. A space that could live on its own and be your home, yet fitting perfectly in the Connaught, like a natural, modern extension atop the hotel.

Open in 2007 following a £70 million restoration and refurbishment of the hotel, the Apartment penthouse suite was created by famed interior designer David Collins – who also worked on several of Madonna’s homes and multiple London bars and restaurants.

The Apartment at the Connaught is a penthouse so special that it even has its own website, and that words will never suffice to describe it – this is why I had to take so many pictures !