What it is

The 1961 Knightsbridge-area classic was just revamped for today, with gleaming, clean-lined guest rooms and a spa with an atrium-covered pool.

What it isn't

Hangry. Revamped restaurants include Chinoiserie (home to an infamous afternoon tea service) and Al Mare, a Mediterranean boite helmed by Italian Executive Chef Marco Calenzo.

What we think

Sloane Rangers—the well-heeled London ladies that flock through this corner of London—have ducked their heads in here for decades for spa treatments and power lunches. And now that it’s fresh from a face-lift, Carlton Tower Jumeirah is even more alluring. Guest rooms are outfitted with floor-to-ceiling windows, channeled headboards, velvet armchair sitting areas and luxuries aplenty—including rainforest showers in the marble-lined bathrooms and toiletries by Australian brand Grown Alchemist, plus Nespresso coffee and Fellow Stagg tea machines. Book a Balcony Room for a private panorama over Sloane Street or the Flemish-inspired 19th century townhomes lining Cadogan Gardens.

You're here because

You love a glamorous hotel pool, and they’re a rarity in drizzly London. Bonus: this one has a lofted, waterfall-fed hot tub.

The Moment

After a tennis match in adjacent Cadogan Gardens, you reward yourself with afternoon tea under the glitzy chandeliers at Chinoiserie. Earl Gray and copious dollops of clotted cream on fresh-baked scones just taste better in a cinematic atmosphere...you’re coming back tomorrow.

Restaurants & Bars

Al Mare - light and modern Mediterranean cuisine from Executive Chef Marco Calenzo

Chinoiserie - all day dining and afternoon tea

Location

Just off tree-lined Lowndes Square Gardens, four blocks from Hyde Park. The hotel is a 20 minute walk from Buckingham Palace, should you want to stop by to see your gal pal Elizabeth for tea.