Detailed Review
Sophistication and classic English style are the hallmarks of the legendary Brown's Hotel, which joined the Rocco Forte Hotels collection of luxury hotels on 3rd July 2003.
Brown's Hotel has been restored to its rightful position as one of the most intimate and charming hotels in London. The interiors are contemporary and have a real sense of style, while retaining much of their original, quintessentially English elegance.
Set in the heart of Mayfair, Brown's Hotel is one of the most historic hotels in London. Founded in 1837 to provide 'genteel' accommodation for discerning people, Brown's Hotel has always had an air of exclusivity and refinement, which it is sure to retain after its refurbishment.
Composed of 11 Georgian town houses, all 117 bedrooms (including 15 suites) have been individually designed with a sophistication that has become the trademark of a Rocco Forte hotel, as has the warm and personal service.
Press Quotes
"Its appeal is its ability to tastefully combine its older charm with modern appeal."The Washington Post 06
"A tasteful, subdued, quiet money feel."The New York Times 06
"There are hotels and hotels, and then there is Brown's."Travel + Leisure 06
Independent Reviews
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“The Georgian townhouse conversion is classic Olga Polizzi: luxurious, understated English elegance near Buckingham Palace.”
Brown’s Hotel
By Angela Moore
Brown’s was looking increasingly shabby-genteel when Rocco Forte Hotels took it over in 2003 and then closed it down for a massive refurbishment, under the demanding eye of Olga Polizzi (of Trensanton and Hotel Endsleigh fame).
Checking in here is a transcendental experience. Doors swing open before you; staff murmur greetings as you sweep past; the reception desk staff look delighted to see you, in an unobtrusive sort of way. As I arrived, a wagging, fatly friendly chocolate brown Labrador was going into the lift (attached to a long, thin lady.) Clearly, Brown’s has kept its sense of dog-loving Englishness intact. How reassuring.
In fact, the new-look Brown’s exudes ‘reassuring’. Colours are soothing and subdued. Shapes are gentle – little clusters of cup-shaped chairs in the Donovan Bar and the Tea Room; rows of white linen-covered tables in the Grill. It’s all impeccable and understated; muted English chic. Even the Terence Donavan nudes in the bar are demure.
The building itself (11 Georgian townhouses knocked into one) is not particularly inspirational. The lobby and bar don’t have the lofty, grandiose proportions you might expect (the first-floor suites are the best choices for high ceilings and full-length windows). However, there is some beautiful original panelling in warm, rosy wood and a few lovely ornate ceilings which have been retained. The refurbishment has added some striking details, like the smart mosaic tilework in the halls and lobbies.
Brown’s is elevated by its service, which is close to divine. Everyone is unfailingly polite, knowledgeable, attentive, charming. Like the Labrador, you’ll want to wag your tail and grin.
The rooms
Take a look in one of the suites and Brown’s suddenly makes sense. There is a fresh English ethic at work here, with none of the gloomy, ponderous Edwardian splendour or chintzy Victorian clutter that characterises so many of London’s great ‘English’ hotels.
Kipling is a Royal Suite on the first floor (all suites are first floor, to take advantage of the soaring ceilings). It’s ravishing, from its stripped wooden floors to its marble fireplaces. Floor-to-ceiling windows line both rooms. On the walls hang enormous, simple line paintings of seahorses, and an even bigger gilt-framed mirror wreathed in cherubs, which return guests will remember hung here before.
Naturally, after the suites, the other rooms are much more prosaic (though always stylish); the hallways are thickly carpeted but otherwise entirely unadorned. Executive King rooms are so spacious that they would be called a mini-suite in any other hotel, with a sofa and armchairs as well as a leather-topped desk; even Classic Queens (the least swanky room types) have enough room for a desk and a double daybed.
Every room is unique - different paintings, lamps, fresh flower arrangements. In terms of amenities, though, each is a variation on the same luxurious theme. All rooms have the same beds and linens (and, whether you’re in a suite or the merest double, you can choose to have cotton or linen on your bed). All rooms have flatscreen tvs; all bathrooms have underfloor heating and the same oversized shower roses.
As with all Rocco Forte hotels, the genius is in the detail. Books in the rooms are brand, brand new and chosen with wit: a biography of Churchill, PG Wodehouse, Shakespeare’s comedies. In the suite with the double walk-in shower, there are two showerheads and two sets of temperature controls, so you won’t argue or get cold. All bathrooms have heated mirrors, which won’t steam up. Lighting is adjustable. Wardrobes are enormous. Toiletries are generous. Artwork is by established British artists and emerging talent. We could go on and on.
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