Welcome to Downton Abbey Season, err, I mean the Taj Suites and Residences at 51 Buckingham Gate. Akin to the series, a wonderful period piece dropped in 2015 where even the footmen and maids look the part of actors (I'll get back to this).
Make no mistake, Taj 51 exudes contemporary luxury with outstanding British service. Your car pulls through the brick archway guarded by sculptures of elephants, past walls covered in plants, into a flower filled courtyard. Exit and immediately, without care, enter the lobby. Footmen retrieve your bags, offer you warm towels. Sign the registration papers, presented in a leather binder (no silly iPad), discuss your needs ( Mr. Carson, Mrs. Patmore, oops, a butler, personal chef, room service, dinner, tours), then you're whisked to your residence.
For this stay, an 1,800 sq ft. 3 bedroom residence. Full kitchen (flatware, silverware and glassware provided) with all modern appliances, open concept living / dining room, large, plush bedrooms and very modern bathrooms (the rejuvenating multi head shower is a must after a day of walking the streets of London).
Excellent attention to detail. Excellent finishes, very comfortable furnishings.
Exceptional location, a mere 100 yards from Buckingham Palace.
Outstanding service. Twice daily housekeeping and turndown service (the chocolates are delicious). Generous amount of bottled still and sparkling water provided daily. Welcome fresh fruit tray a nice touch. Following the first night stay, needs are anticipated (slippers at turndown on the side of the bed you get off, more still over sparkling water depending on consumption, ice bucket at your nightstand if water was taken with ice, etc...)
Oh, about the actor thing. It's not the States. No EOE. Every footman was 6'2", blonde with well styled hair, slender, with perfect posture and smile. Every maid was perfectly contoured, not a hair out of place, beautiful skin, with a very pleasing, charming demeanor.
Blows away the "big boys" of the hotel world.
Exceptional value at just below £1,000 per night.
Highly recommended. read more