Luxury doesn’t have to be overtly grand or ostentatious, and the compact and discreet five-star Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel, located in the affluent London borough of Knightsbridge, is a prime example of how to do understated opulence well.
Nestled in the corner of leafy Lowndes Square, on the edge of Belgravia, it enjoys a quiet location away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but is in easy reach of all of the capital’s major points of interest, including tourist sights, upscale shopping areas (Knightsbridge itself being one of them) and of course, the glitz and glamour of theatreland.
Sloane Square, which is known for its well-heeled crowd and sophisticated restaurants and boutiques, is just a ten-minute walk away, with Knightsbridge and Hyde Park Corner tube stations just a short hop away – so whether you’re looking for a quiet space in which to rest up during a business trip to the city or want to be close to the thick of the action, the Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel offers the best of both worlds.
Hotel
Understated is the order of the day when it comes to the Jumeirah Lowndes, and from the outside, this modern, seven-storey brick and tile building looks rather unassuming. But, if you’re familiar with the Jumeirah Hotel Group, then you’ll know that it is world-renowned for its opulence – so it won’t come as a surprise to learn that, inside, things step up a notch.
It is, however, certainly a smaller and more intimate hideaway that the Jumeirah Carlton Tower – its more extravagant sister property in the capital, which can be found just around the corner – and thus, it is best suited to the kind of guest looking for privacy and exclusivity without the fuss.
The hotel doesn’t offer oodles of communal space, so if you prefer to keep yourself to yourself then this is the perfect choice of accommodation. There’s a small open-plan lobby, lounge and bar area, and although the on-site facilities are limited, guests have access to the lavish Peak Health Club at the Carlton Tower – so if you’re keen to keep up your fitness routine or need to relax and unwind from the stresses and strains of city life, then popping over will take you just a few minutes, and you’re guaranteed to find a treat in store.
The Peak Health Club is set over three floors, and boasts spectacular views over the iconic London skyline from the top. Exuding a sense of exclusivity from the word go, it features a state-of-the-art fitness centre boasting bespoke TechnoGym equipment, a 20 metre swimming pool and of course, those all-important luxury spa facilities, with a broad menu of decadent treatment options designed to soothe body, mind and soul. There’s a packed programme of over 70 fitness classes a week, too – so if you’re in need of a little motivation to keep moving, then look no further.
Back at the Jumeirah Lowndes, the sun terrace at the back of the hotel is a highlight, and coming into the spring and summer, is the perfect place to catch some rays and enjoy the warmer weather over a drink.
Smart service comes as standard throughout the hotel, and staff are always smiling and on hand to ensure your stay is an enjoyable one.
Rooms and suites
The hotel offers 88 suites and rooms in total, with standard rooms as compact as is generally expected in the centre of the capital. Décor is stylish and contemporary, with a muted neutral colour palette which creates the kind of relaxing and comforting feel that makes you feel instantly right at home. For me, the huge bed was a highlight, and with its comfortable mattress and sumptuous pillows, a good night’s sleep was guaranteed.
Furnishings are classic and elegant, with extra in-room features like a Nespresso coffee machine and air conditioning and a small but well-equipped bathroom providing all that I needed, and plenty of natural light flooding in, which isn’t always the case with hotel rooms in London.
Food and drink
The Lowndes Belgravia – a fairly new and contemporary bistro-style restaurant by chef Isabela Vaz, offers all-day dining at the hotel, where relaxed yet high-standard dining is the order of the day, all without pretension. A traditional breakfast is served here in the mornings, with a menu of classic dishes on offer throughout the day and night – think rib-eye steak, tikka masala and a selection of other delicious choices. As well as opting to dine inside, you can sit outside on the sun terrace or eat at one of the tables at the front of the hotel.
I enjoyed a relaxed dinner here during my stay, choosing the salt and pepper squid with homemade aioli to start, which was crisp and perfectly cooked, without a hint of rubberiness in sight.
The seafood menu offers some interesting dishes for mains, too, which as a fan, I was pleased to see. The seared sea bass in lemon butter sauce was melt-in-the-mouth quality, with roasted almonds adding a nice crunch, but the pan seared salmon with a Dijon maple butter sauce also caught my eye. So, if you’re partial to a fish dish, then you’ll find plenty of choice here and are guaranteed to spot something that will whet your appetite. The triple chocolate cookies are a good way to end the meal.
If you’re expecting Michelin-starred dining, then this isn’t it – but nor is it trying to be. Dishes are simple, beautifully cooked using fresh and seasonal ingredients, and very well presented. And if you happen to be visiting during the warmer months of the year, then there’s a special menu to peruse and choose from on summer evenings if you’re in the mood for a spot of al fresco dining.
In a nutshell
Overall, the Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel is much more of an intimate establishment than its sister hotel – the Jumeirah Carlton Tower – which is decidedly more grand and overtly opulent. Nevertheless, if you’re seeking understated luxury in an upscale leafy area of London and a quiet and compact hideaway from the throng, then this is the perfect place to stay, and is conveniently located and comfortably appointed.
Factbox
Double rooms from £239 in low season; and from £335 in high, room-only. Free Wi-Fi.
Address: 21 Lowndes St, London SW1X 9ES
Phone: 020 7823 1234
Website: jumeirah.com/en/stay/london/jumeirah-lowndes-hotel
