The Bulgari Hotel is far less opulent than might be expected. The glam-factor is tempered significantly by elements of mid-century design, and frequent flashes of silver (a nod to the Bulgari heritage). The Knightsbridge property channels the brand’s history of sophistication.
In true Knightsbridge style, much of the Bulgari is underground, with many of the hotel’s facilities found in the hotel’s five subterranean levels. You will find the staff courteous and dapper in true English fashion.
The 85 rooms and suites all have a sleek design. Children are welcome, and a combination of double rooms and connecting doors means families can be easily accommodated. The suites bring the added perk of butler service, as well as, Bulgari Suite guests are given personalized business cards stating the hotel as their London residence so shopping can be delivered straight to their room. The Bulgari Suite spans approximately 2,300 sq ft with an en-suite master bedroom and walk-in his ‘n’ hers wardrobe, two living rooms (one with a fireplace), bar, dining room, kitchen and office. The generous balcony is dotted with lanterns and comfy daybeds, and is remarkably peaceful.
Sette, the hotel’s sole restaurant, is a sultry, contemporary space on the ground floor serving flavorful Italian fare. For drinks, head down to Nolita Social, the hotel’s basement bar, a dark and intimate space with an excellent cocktail menu and live music. Or you can enjoy the Edward Sahakian Cigar Shop, which specializes in rare Havanas. Just past the hotel’s entrance is the lounge , a welcoming space with an open fire and cozy sofas, perfect for afternoon tea consisting of home-made pastries and carefully selected teas from around the world.
The gym, Workshop, is easily one of the best gym hotels I’ve seen. An absolute toy box for fitness enthusiasts with something to suit everyone. The L-shaped space means that even if there are other guests in the gym, you can easily feel like you have the whole place to yourself. The friendly trainers are available for one-on-one sessions including yoga and swimming workouts. There’s a ‘healthy’ menu to refuel after your workout.
Located on the subterranean level, is the spa, a sprawling yet intimate array of massage rooms, saunas, steam rooms and relaxation areas. The spa offers all the usual treatments (facials, massage, nails) as well as a few alternatives such as acupuncture, LED light therapy and osteopathy. There are a number of custom facials also available. Let us not forget the swimming pool which is the largest indoor pool at any London hotel. The pool is surrounded by cloud-like, four-poster lounge beds that will leave you feeling incredibly relaxed. At the end of the pool, there’s a separate hydrotherapy pool lined with shimmering gold-leaf tiles. The underwater lounger and chairs have massage jets that is perfect for jetlag or if you are just in need of rejuvenation.
If you’re after a movie night, head to the 47-seat cinema. The hotel also has meetings and events spaces (including a vast ballroom).
The hotel sits at the heart of Knightsbridge. If you love high-end shopping, the location could hardly be better, with Harrods just around the corner, Harvey Nichols down the street, and an abundance of boutiques in the vicinity. Apart from retail, Hyde Park is across the road.
