London - 2
Cafe Royal Hotel is run by Eugene Leonard above, who came from Maybourne, lastly at Maybourne Beverly Hills. This is a fascinating London hotel for him because it's basically his own fief. It's part of Alrov's Set Collection, and Eugene Leonard has the support of Set Collection CEO Robin Stangroom, but he doesn't have an entire flotilla of corporates above him, which makes it much easier to inject ideas or change things.
Many people still don't realize that Cafe Royal, the 1865 institution built by architect John Nash, is a hotel. Although it's on Regent Street, its main entrance is on a little side street, Air Street. The imposing two-floor lobby is designed by Piero Lissoni, and it does bear signs of relationship to another Lissoni masterpiece, also owned by Alrov, The Conservatorium, Mandarin Oriental Amsterdam.
The 160 bedrooms at Cafe Royal are designed by David Chipperfield, and some are heavy on stone panels going right up to the ceiling. Suite 430, looking right over Regent Street, was mercifully stone-sparse. It was stylishly elegant, as one imagines a top London lawyer’s abode to have been in eras of frock coats and top hats.
On departure, Girlahead needed to get to Heathrow for her flight. The quickest way was undoubtedly by Piccadilly Line Underground Tube, and bellman David insisted on walking her not only the 30 metres to the tube entrance, but right down the stairs and on to the train (she thought he was coming with her). This was a good chance to walk past the hotel’s Cake & Bubbles by Albert Adria, brother of Ferran Adria. Café Royal Hotel sure is an eating and drinking hole. In addition to the glorious Grill Room, there's Michelin-starred Alex Dilling, but sadly, no time to try it on this occasion.
This is a hotel for those who like history, those who want to be really central next to Piccadilly Circus and such culture as The Royal Academy, below. It’s also good for health addicts who appreciate having a good indoor pool, a good fitness center, and the ability to climb up imposing staircases rather than using any of the four elevators.
June 2026
