What it is

The 1955 pride of Bond street, with 225 sumptuous rooms and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

What it isn't

Blah and boring. On-site watering holes include an Art Deco-inspired Swarovski crystal and Fendi-detailed Polo Bar that would satisfy Gatsby himself. (Note the special menu devoted to flower-topped cocktails. You want the Gem Marigold, with gin, campari and pineapple foam).

What we think

Anglophiles beeline to the Westbury for myriad reasons, but chief among them may just be the rooms themselves: charmingly fitted with redwood panelling, marble corridors and Italian marble bathrooms stocked with Byredo toiletries. Given the size (starting at 258 square feet), operable windows, turndown service, fluffy white robes and slippers and 24-hour room service, your comfort is all but guaranteed. Ask for the 7th floor St. George’s Penthouse for a terrace overlooking Mayfair and a full eight-seat dining room, replete with a butler.

You're here because

Unlike many London hotels, the Westbury has a 24/hour on-site gym that’s wee but well-stocked with circuit training systems, an elliptical, free weights and a bench press—so you can finally get that Middleton physique.

The Moment

The freshest ever British victuals are the order of the evening at Alyn Williams, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant. Tonight, ensconced amid 600 bottles in the Wine Room, you’re ready to toss them a few more stars yourself, if you could. Perhaps it’s the native lobster tail with caviar and courgette. Or the Colchester crab and almond tartlet. But you think the idea of “bad British food” is as tired as Camilla’s pantsuits.

Restaurants & Bars

- Alyn Williams at The Westbury - Contemporary French fine dining with one Michelin star rating

- The Polo Bar - Stylish space with thoughtfully crafted signature cocktails and light bites

Location

In London’s Mayfair district, you’re just 1.4 miles from Big Ben, half a mile from Piccadilly Circus, and 2 miles from London Eye, that much-ballyhooed observation wheel slung over the River Thames. You’re also less than a mile from Buckingham Palace, should you want to say hello to a certain royal family.