"How do I manage to convey what an extraordinary experience we had at Hotel Café Royal? From the very beginning, when greeted by Lucy and Amran at the front desk, we knew it was going to be a special stay. Both of them laughed at all my jokes (which instantly made them favourites in my eyes), but they were just so warm and welcoming, gracious, professional ...
Lucy had all our information for our Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts package, so we didn’t have to deal with the awkwardness of saying, “Excuse me, but I believe we’re entitled to A, B, C ...”, and she had an upgrade for us, but said if we were interested in moving up further to a Junior Suite, we could simply pay the difference. Well, of course! Who could resist?
The suite was amazing – I nearly had a bath just so I could use that magnificent oasis in the huge bathroom. Then there was the turndown service with calming spray and slippers, sitting on some sort of linen because clearly the hotel had somehow become aware of my feet needing extra care, ahem.
Over the next three days, we were treated like royalty. There was the ever-patient and cheery Jamie, who dealt with our elephant-weight suitcases with a smile, happy to move them from one rack to the next. A lesser man would have ended up in traction.
When we went to chat with the front desk about something, Paul and Ricardo came out personally to introduce themselves, and we had a lovely chat about the wonderful service and our incredible suite. How nice that the management took a moment to come out and speak to us. We also met Sheila behind the front desk, who was great fun.
The bellmen, like Albert, took their lives into their hands, running across Regent Street to get us taxis when we needed them, and we were beside ourselves when the Bentley was made available to take us for our tour of Buckingham Palace. Our driver, Amor, effortlessly made his way through the traffic as we took in the interior beauty of that fine automobile.
We had afternoon tea in the Grill Room, which is one of the best we’ve ever had, served by the wonderful Roy, who made sure our teacups were never empty, and that we had everything we needed. The Grill Room is a breathtaking venue in which to enjoy such luxuries. Palace of Versailles, eat your heart out.
Giuseppe, the very knowledgeable concierge, introduced us to our new favourite Italian restaurant in London, complete with printed instructions in an envelope. He is fantastic. And we met Mohammed, who every time we walked by the desk greeted us with a big smile, wishing us a lovely day.
In the evenings, we made our way to the Green Bar for cocktails and Champagne. We always sat at the bar, and Jeffrey and Adriano generously put up with me talking at them all night. They made me some truly inspired, off-menu cocktails, in which I overindulged, meaning a dose of Ibuprofen the next day. But I always rallied for the following night so we could return.
I should also mention Himanshi (what a sweetheart), server in the bar, who was endlessly polite, and completely professional.
I’m only mentioning those from whom I managed to get names, but allow me to emphasise that every single team member we encountered couldn’t do enough for us.
From those fantastic retro lifts (I think they are the only ones we’ve ever videoed in our lives), to the Grill Room, the Green Bar, and the opulent swimming pool, the Hotel Café Royal excels in every way. We actually came to know it from a chance sit down at Cakes & Bubbles (you must try) a couple of years ago in December, when we wanted a break from the holiday crowds on Regent Street. Since then, we promised ourselves we would stay there one day.
I have stayed at many fine hotels, yet the Hotel Café Royal blew us away. We’ll be back, even if I have to sell a kidney ..."
