Staying overnight in your home town is a very odd thing. I’ve done in the past without blinking an eye, but years later, settled down – it’s a rather surreal experience. And one which I plan to pursue more. A short 20 minutes in a taxi later we were technically “on holiday” and for the purpose of this article’s title, in the French Riviera – well almost. The whole Fifth Floor of the luxurious Mandeville Hotel has been completely redecorated using Lacroix’s inspiration from the Croisette’s ladies who co-existed at Jean Cocteau’s famous “Santo Sospir” Villa in Southern France to Grace Kelly’s classic film ‘To Catch a Thief’. Bold, sumptuous, vibrant – this is Lacroix sweetie darling.
The Mandeville Hotel is a boutique, four star hotel located in the centre of the prestigious Marylebone area and surrounded by some of the city’s best hotels, restaurants and shops. If you didn’t want too, you really wouldn’t even need to leave this boutique gem – with its own British all-day dining restaurant Reform Social & Grill and competent cocktail bar. The only time you will want to leave – is to shop till. Located just a stones throw from Selfridges, Oxford Street and the world-famous Bond Street.
After we checked in, our bags were escorted up to our room and we were guided through a dedicated lift which whisked us up to the fifth floor. As soon as the lift doors open, your eyes quickly adjust to everything Maison Christian Lacroix. Colourful walls change design from wallpaper to wallpaper through each corridor, while soft furnishings, chairs and mirrors all follow the camp and dramatic effect. I absolutely loved it.
The rooms continue in colour too. A total of four different rooms make up the fifth floor. Jardin Exotique takes inspiration from Monaco’s Botanical Garden, Classic Lacroix is light, airy and romantic, Jewel Box is designed with the true fashionista in mind and our room, Midnight Blue – the favourite of them all. It’s vivid, rich in gorgeous shades of sultry blue and lovely marbled wallpaper, inspired by the clandestine “Bain de Minuit”. The complimentary fluffy gowns, hotel motif-stitched slippers and truly excellent C.O. Bigelow spa products made for an unforgettable experience.
The following morning, after a refreshing sleep we divulged in one of our favourite parts of any hotel experience – breakfast in bed. Full English, accompanied by toast, freshly squeezed orange juice and coffee. A strong top breakfast contender and everything was of quality – the buttery scrambled eggs were excellent. I’m not entirely sure how we’ve managed to avoid the breakfast room these days, but I think it has something to do with enjoying a few too many cocktails in the bar – this is vacation after all and one which we throughly enjoyed.
Luxurious rooms, memorable service, delicious cocktails and central location – The Mandeville Hotel in Marylebone is the only choice and the new rooms are a fantastic addition to an already great hotel.
The Mandeville Hotel
Mandeville Place
London
W1U 2BE
Telephone: +44 (0)207 935 5599
Most of my stay was complimentary. The drinks were not.
