Review / Is The Emory London’s most discreet new luxury hotel? Designed by famed architect Richard Rogers, it also boasts the city’s hottest restaurant – Jean Georges’ Abc kitchens – but keeps things low key
A stone’s throw from Hyde Park in London’s exclusive Belgravia neighbourhood, The Emory is the capital’s first all-suite hotel and features designs by everyone from André Fu to Patricia Urquiola
It eventually became The Emory, an entirely new hotel and the latest addition to the Maybourne portfolio, which includes other London institutions Claridge’s and The Connaught.
Housed in a glass structure a stone’s throw away from Hyde Park, The Emory was designed by the late architect Richard Rogers, known for the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the Lloyd’s building in London.
With exposed beams that almost give it the look of a ship, the building is a departure from the Edwardian-style architecture of the rest of the neighbourhood but blends seamlessly with its leafy surroundings.
Tucked away on a side street and with a very discreet entrance that is easy to miss, The Emory is the only all-suite hotel in London and couldn’t be more different from sister properties like The Connaught and Claridge’s, known for their buzzy lobbies, celebrity-filled restaurants and happening bars. With no proper reception or concierge to speak of, The Emory has a residential vibe and is a great choice for London regulars who like to feel as if they’re staying in their own pied-à-terre in the city.
Wellness, design and art are the pillars of The Emory. Works by artists such as Damien Hirst are scattered throughout the public spaces, while four different designers were entrusted to create the interiors. Depending on your mood – or taste – you can opt for the soothing aesthetic of Hong Kong-based designer André Fu, the quirky touches of Spaniard Patricia Urquiola, the French elegance of Pierre-Yves Rochon, or the chic warmth of Champalimaud Design.
In spite of the wide range of creators behind the interiors, there is a consistency to them – from the extensive use of wood to the calm and welcoming atmosphere of the suites, which are sanctuaries in the heart of London. There is nothing like waking up to unobstructed views of lush greenery and treetops from one of the terrace suites overlooking Hyde Park.
