Step into a world of opulence and impeccable service at The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, a haven nestled in the heart of London. By Tess de Klerk
Jumeirah invested a staggering £100 million to revitalise the original 1961 Carlton Tower, undertaking a comprehensive renovation project that reached into every corner of the hotel. Completed in 2021, this endeavour went beyond a mere refurbishment of the decades-old building. Instead, the Dubai-based hotel group aimed to completely redefine the hotel’s identity, desiring to position it as one of the most opulent establishments in London.
Location
The hotel’s location is truly enviable. Situated on the doorstep of Cadogan Place Gardens, an oasis accessible only to local residents and Carlton Tower overnight guests, you’re privy to the lush green lawns and exclusive tennis courts that epitomise the quintessential London lifestyle. And if that’s not enough, you’ll find yourself just a stone’s throw away from the high-end boutiques of Sloane Street, a shopper’s paradise where fashion dreams come true. Moreover, the world-renowned Harrods and Harvey Nichols are mere minutes away, inviting you to explore their treasure troves of luxury and style.
Slumber
Our Junior Suite felt fresh and tranquil, thanks to its tasteful decor, muted colour palette, and abundance of natural light. The spacious layout created a lovely airy atmosphere and the luxurious little touches such as monogrammed slippers and edible scrabble pieces welcoming us just went above and beyond.
The cloud-like bed was heaven, the pillows were perfect. But if they weren’t I could’ve ordered others from the pillow menu. Likewise, the beautiful marbled bathroom had everything you might need including a deep-soaking bathtub, bath salts and products from the fantastic Grown Alchemy brand.
Did I mention the welcome fruit bowl? Not your average apples and pears fare. No, we had dragon fruit, mango, lychee and mangosteen. Funny what can make a girl’s heart flutter.
Wine & dine
Dinner at Al Mare was delicious and the wine pairings were even more so! Al Mare focuses on Italian cuisine while The Chinoiserie restaurant, with its ornate decor, offers all-day dining as well as Afternoon Tea by world-renowned Pastry Chef Jessica Prealpato. Unfortunately, we did not have the time to indulge but Chef Jessica’s creative English garden-inspired Tea is by all accounts rather special.
Facilities
The hotel boasts exceptional facilities, with a standout feature being the second-floor pool, which sets itself apart from typical basement setups. Encased by a glass roof, this 20-metre pool is arguably the finest among London’s hotel offerings. Adjacent to the pool are separate changing facilities for both men and women, complete with steam rooms and saunas, providing a complete wellness experience.
Talise Spa offers a range of luxurious treatments, and I indulged in a relaxing massage that left me feeling completely renewed and invigorated. The tranquil ambiance of the spa, coupled with the expertise of the therapists, created a haven of serenity within the bustling city.
At the uppermost level of the hotel, guests can find The Peak Fitness Club, a truly outstanding facility. Manned by expert trainers and equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, it caters to all fitness needs. The club also offers a multitude of complimentary classes, taught with expertise and precision. What makes this fitness club even more exceptional is its panoramic views of London, which are unobstructed and far-reaching.
What truly sets Carlton Tower Jumeirah apart is the unparalleled level of service that permeates every aspect of the guest experience. Plus the location... and the magnificent views from the upper floors... and the fantastic pool, to name a few. I, for one, will happily visit again.
