The enchanting thing about Hotel Café Royal is that it doesn’t get caught up in its own opulence: I dined in the afore mentioned Café Royal Grill which seats guests amongst plush crimson, gold and frescoed ceilings yet offers a light day and evening menu and actively welcomes in street walk ins, mothers with kids, or those looking for a quick bite on a lunchbreak. Day guests looking for a meeting space can also venture to The Gallery for coffee or late breakfast overlooking the reception, which once upon a time was home to a large boxing ring, as well as the opulently emerald decorated, Green Bar, where mixologists serve an aperitif fit for the lost poets or muse seekers of the city. And taste the vegan lemon ‘plum’ cake, passion golden egg flan or raspberry after eight of Michelin starred chef Albert Adria on the al fresco terrace of the Cakes & Bubbles café or with a home takeaway. The award-winning Akasha holistic wellness spa is a modern addition to the hotel – ideal for guests, spa day breaks or wedding parties alike. Situated in the coven basement area, the state-of-the-art luxury spa marries innovative technology, treatments with a holistic approach to nutrition, skincare and wellbeing. The ancient essence of Akasha derived from Sanskrit means ‘to be:’ the dimly lit spa haven enables guests to feel solace, peace and ultimately restoration of mind, body and soul through transformative modern meditation, yoga and even the practice of Watsu, a form of floating aquatic body work. Stroll between the restorative waters of the spring pool, jacuzzi, and sauna or choose from a leading practitioner led personalised skincare or body treatment – I went for the U Beauty Body Resurfacing Treatment, a deep massage ritual which not only transports hydration into the deepest layers of the skin for a sustained glow but works lymph nodes to drain fluids and body sculpt. Spending two days and one night at the Hotel Café Royal is as luxurious and rejuvenating experience as an abroad getaway without the hassle of airport terminals, all whilst knowing your amongst walls that are a piece of history ‘if only they could talk.’ In a time when London is experiencing a flurry of new build luxury hotels homogenised in style and design, Hotel Café Royal feels niche within its modern grandeur: it is a timeless gem that clearly will continue to not only witness London life but be part of its cultural lore. www.hotelcaferoyal.com
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