Nestled in the heart of London, the Hotel Café Royal stands as one of the city’s most prestigious five-star establishments. This luxurious hotel seamlessly blends the elegance of Mayfair, the vibrant energy of Soho, and the refined sophistication of St. James’s. With its rich history, bustling business scene, and thriving art community just a stone’s throw away, the Hotel Café Royal has long been a favored destination for those who are making a difference for over 160 years.
Situated on the corner of Regent Street, overlooking the vibrant Piccadilly, this hotel offers easy access to the city’s best shops, theatres, restaurants, and entertainment venues. With a wide range of options, it’s the perfect place to make the most of your time in London.
Historical Past
The establishment, founded in 1865 by Daniel Nicolas Thévenon, a French wine merchant, had a remarkable journey. In 1863, due to bankruptcy, Thévenon, along with his wife Célestine, fled France for London with a mere five pounds in cash. They adopted the name Daniel Nicols and, under their management, the Café Royal flourished. It was renowned for its extensive wine cellar, often regarded as the greatest in the world.
By 1890, the Café Royal had transformed into a renowned restaurant and gathering spot, attracting the likes of Oscar Wilde, Winston Churchill, Muhammad Ali, Princess Diana, David Bowie, and numerous other prominent figures in the arts and politics.
Between 2008 and 2012, the building underwent a restoration and modernization project, transforming it into a hotel. To preserve the grandeur of the historic public rooms from the 1860s and 1920s, for which the Café Royal was renowned (theser Grade II-listed spaces), meticulous restoration was carried out with respect and attention to detail. The restoration seamlessly blended different eras, from the Regency to the mid-20th century.
Today, the Café Royal stands as one of the city’s most opulent hotels, a renowned landmark and a true gem in the crown of an ambitious project to transform the elegant Regent Street, designed by John Nash, into a premier hub of elite West End living.
On our recent visit to London, we made our first stop at this renowned. The property caters to both business travelers and tourists eager to immerse themselves in the rich history of one of the world’s most captivating cities. The hotel’s dedicated concierge team is committed to providing an unforgettable stay, thanks to its extensive range of services.
Royal Accommodation
The hotel boasts 159 rooms and suites, including six signature suites that exude a unique style and embody the Café Royal’s reputation, both past and present.
We resided in one of the most exquisite and opulent suites, offering breathtaking views of Westminster and Piccadilly.
Guests are warmly welcomed with complimentary champagne, an assortment of fresh fruits, and beautiful flowers. When booking a suite, guests are treated to a complimentary chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce or Mercedes-Benz from check-in to check-out, ensuring a luxurious and convenient experience. Additionally, guests enjoy 24-hour VIP service throughout their stay.
The rooms and suites are well-equipped with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. The marble bathrooms are a highlight, featuring luxurious Chopard toiletries and fragrances.
Upscale Dining
For a long time, the hotel, known for its unique ambiance and diverse culinary options, stood as one of the city’s most prominent gathering spots. This tradition continues to thrive today. The hotel boasts a variety of restaurants and bars, catering to the diverse tastes of its guests.
The Royal morning starts with a delightful à la carte breakfast at The Gallery, where you can savor a diverse menu of dishes and drinks to suit every palate.
From the classic Full English breakfast to a variety of egg dishes, including Benedict with Wiltshire Ham and Hollandaise Sauce, Eggs Royale with Forman’s Smoked Salmon and Hollandaise Sauce, and Lobster Eggs Benedict.
Don’t pass by Truffled Comté Toast and Selection of British Cheeses.
Buttermilk pancakes can be ordered with maple syrup and streaky bacon, or with berries and crème fraîche.
The bakery section truly deserves the highest praise and your full attention. A must-try is the freshly baked pastry basket, which includes croissants, pain au chocolat, and two seasonal pastries. It’s a perfect way to start your day with a delightful aroma and a satisfying crunch.
A delightful addition is the Breakfast Cocktails, which are sure to cheer up your morning. Mimosa with Freshly Squeezed orange Juice & Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Champagne or Bloody Mary with Vodka, Bloody Mary Mix & Tomato Juice.
Afternoon Tea, a unique British tradition, is a must-try during the day. Served in the luxurious Royal Grill, it’s accompanied by live music and exquisite creations by talented pastry chefs under the direction of Executive Pastry Chef Maxence Blondel.
Albert Adrià and Alex Dilling have enhanced the culinary brilliance of the hotel. Michelin-starred chef Albert Adrià, renowned as the world’s best pastry chef, has opened his first restaurant outside Spain, called ‘Cakes & Bubbles’. This establishment offers a delightful array of sweet treats and Champagne. Alex Dilling’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant provides a contemporary interpretation of French gastronomy in a vibrant and inviting space, complete with breathtaking views of Regent Street.
After dinner, you can also stop by the Green Bar for signature cocktails from the bar’s team of mixologists.
Akasha SPA
The hotel’s most secluded haven is the exclusive Akasha Wellness Center, where cutting-edge treatments blend seamlessly with timeless luxury.
Nestled within the hotel, this sanctuary offers a range of amenities, including spacious fitness rooms, massage rooms, and an indoor pool. Here, you can embark on a journey of self-discovery through individually tailored nutrition, serene meditation, yoga, and Watsu.
Naturally, we couldn’t resist the allure of this unique experience. We were treated to effective treatments, meticulously tested using cosmetics from renowned global brands, providing a truly exceptional blend of relaxation and wellness.
Akasha at Hotel Café Royal has been honored as London’s Best Hotel Spa 2025 by Time Out.
HOTEL CAFÉ ROYAL
Adress: 68 Regent Street, London, W1B 4DY, United Kingdom
Instagram: @hotelcaferoyal
Text: Marina Timo
Photo courtesy: EATWEEKGUIDE
