If you are planning a trip to LondonThe odds may be low for an invitation to stay at Buckingham Palace, but you could be just a 12-minute walk from the front gate if you choose The May Fair Hotel as your temporary home away from home. This hotel has been in operation since 1927 and as the sign affixed to the lobby will tell you, a lot of its connections to royalty, as King George V and Queen Mary even visited.
The May Fair Hotel is undeniably conveniently located but also stately, historic and, in many ways, well-equipped. Although this is a solid hotel, its last major renovation took place in 2006, which unfortunately means that 17 years later, what was once new and shiny is now a bit outdated.
But some slightly dilapidated decor that may not quite keep up with the times is no reason to dismiss the May Fair so quickly. It’s in good shape for a hotel with a history like this and also has a lot to offer the modern day visitor.
Related: These are the 23 best hotels in London
What is The May Fair Hotel?
The May Fair Hotel is located in the eponymous Mayfair neighborhood in London’s West End. The area concentrates many shops, hotels, restaurants, high-class offices. Throughout its nearly century-long history, this 400-room hotel has seen wars, welcomed kings and queens, hosted ballroom parties and even boasted pool bar with alligators.
Thankfully, the crocodiles are long gone, though the on-site May Fair Theater remains. Today, the hotel is part of the Radisson Hotel Collection, which means you can earn or redeem Radisson points for your stay, though note that the Radisson program is split into two parts and is international. Radisson’s loyalty program has completely changed the conversion rate in 2022, so it might cost more points than you want.
But if you use cash, you’ll have the chance to get some perks during your stay that give it the same luxurious feel as the monumental address suggests.
Location can’t be beat
You may choose the May Fair Hotel for its excellent location, especially for first-time visitors to London looking to see the main sights.
The hotel is just a short walk from the Green Park from Buckingham Palace, which is a two minute walk from the Green Park station and a short distance from the Brown Hotel, The Ritz, Hyde Park etc. A little further is Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and countless other must-sees on a trip to London.
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Buckingham Palace. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS
Related: These are the best free things to do in London
Enjoy a (almost) included massage with this booking trick
After an overnight flight to London, there’s nothing better than a massage (um, and a nap, which I somehow managed to resist). By strategically booking a stay at The May Fair Hotel, you can enjoy a 30-minute Swedish massage during your stay at virtually no extra cost.
I booked my stay through Chase luxury hotel collection (accessible to card holders like Chase Sapphire Reserve and more United MileagePlus Chase Credit Card). By booking this way, your stay includes a daily full English breakfast for two at the hotel’s May Fair Kitchen, welcome amenities and a £75 ($94) credit at the hotel. Spa May Fair.
Incidentally, a 30-minute Swedish massage costs only £85 ($106.50) before some taxes and fees, and I can say with certainty that the massage was accurate. is what i want. airplane sick order, especially with minimal out-of-pocket prices. The heated stone benches in the spa relaxation area are the perfect way to relax and soak up the feeling I’ve come to London.
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Massage chairs. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS
Like massages, however, before I paint an overly rosy picture of a Chase Luxury Hotel Collection booking, I have to add some less relaxing details. The welcome amenities listed were a perk that never materialized, and more importantly, the rate I booked through Chase compared to what was paid at the hotel was not the same.
Via Chase it shows a rate of $517 for a night’s stay, but at the hotel the rate charged to my card is $671. A little of that could be explained by the spa being so small, but the remaining $100 is more of a mystery. The hotel said the discrepancy could be because value-added tax (VAT) is not included in the price displayed through Chase, which may be the case. However, the Chase reservation states that $517 is the total amount to be paid at the hotel.
Between different currencies, an integral bill from Chase and VAT listed on my bill from the hotel in four different sections with four different amounts, it’s hard to say who is responsible responsible for that difference, but it is worth knowing that you price out your stay here.
Breakfast and drinks are solid
Although my stay was very short, I got to taste the hotel’s dishes and especially appreciated the complimentary breakfast on my booking.
May Fair Kitchen
With breakfast included in my stay as a result of booking through Chase Luxury Hotel Collection, I would certainly take advantage of the perks that come with it. During the week, breakfast is served from 7 to 10:30 am, which is a favorable time as you are unlikely to get up early on your first day in London after a long flight.
Breakfast includes not only continental and buffet options such as fries, scrambled eggs, baked beans, sliced meats and cheeses, and a variety of fresh juices, but also a la carte options, including pancakes, french toast, omelette and poached meat over grilled ciabatta.
Service wasn’t the fastest during our stay at breakfast, but the food was delicious and anyway we were happy to linger a bit for a complimentary cappuccino.
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Poached eggs. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS
The exact restaurant opening hours vary by day of the week, but lunch and dinner are available some evenings, along with afternoon tea Served on weekends.
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Look at the May Fair Kitchen. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS
May Fair
During my one night stay, I didn’t get a chance to taste much other than the on-site breakfast, but when I went to bed that night, the May Fair Bar was active and seemed quite crowded. , even on Wednesdays. mid-May night. Patrons will likely enjoy crunchy tacos, signature cocktails and even churros for dessert. This is menu if you want to see before stabilizing.
I popped into the bar area the next morning to take a look around, and it seemed like a great mix of modern and chic and a great spot for a bedtime drink or Get out and have more fun, with some dramatic lighting. furniture and other installations, a long bar and large windows overlooking the street.
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Inside the May Fair Bar. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS
The rooms are… good
At The May Fair Hotel, the service is generally good, the location is great, the history is clear and the room… okay.
And when I say good, I really mean good. They’re not bad. I sleep well. The bed with the goose down duvet was so comfortable. There are convenience stores in convenient locations. And the sparkling marble bathroom is beautiful and mostly functional. But the design is bland and dominated by brown and beige tones. There are a lot of scratches and scuffs, and the furniture will be better when it’s time for the next renovation.
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Bed in Collection Superior room with king bed at The May Fair hotel. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS
I booked and received a Collection Superior room which had a king bed that was about 300 square feet and had a Nespresso machine, courtyard view and a comfortable king bed. The shower is unique in that when it’s turned on, there’s no obvious way to prevent it from leaking into the tub and even a little on the floor, so feel free to use rugs and towels if needed ( although Noble Isle skin care products are heaven).
In the wardrobe you will find two robes and an umbrella, these are underrated London amenities.
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Desk and Nespresso machine in the room. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS
Although I booked a room rated for two guests, family rooms cost more if you are looking to find a place for your family of four to share in London, which can be difficult in a hotel number.
Related: How to save money when booking a family room in Europe
The reason May Fair Hotel may not be for you
I’ve stayed at The May Fair twice over the years and would stay there again under the right circumstances, but it’s not the right hotel for every trip or visitor.
- The May Fair Hotel isn’t the most modern accommodation in the city, and it’s about to get a refresh, especially in the guest rooms, where things are starting to look a bit dated.
- There is currently no good way to redeem a reasonable number of hotel points as Radisson Rewards has transitioned to a system where the required number of points is tied to a cash rate and a fixed number of points.
- Cash rates can also be a bit high, although they are often lower than other upscale hotels in the area.
Alternatives to May Fair Hotel
If you want a more luxurious stay in another historic Mayfair hotel, you can visit Brown’s Hotel (and don’t miss it! afternoon tea if you stay there).
The kimpton fitzroy And NoMad London also get high marks from TPG staff and i like to use points to maintain position Hyatt Regency Churchilla bit further than spots like the palace, but still quite centrally located.
Related: 7 London hotels used by actual royalty
accessibility
While my room was quite winding from the elevator, the corridor was relatively wide. The hotel indicates that there are wheelchairs and rooms for the deaf in Collection Superior and Collection Premium room types with specially designed bathrooms. I didn’t encounter any required stairs during my stay, but I would recommend asking for a room relatively close to the elevator if there are any concerns about mobility.
Check
No hotel has it all, but if you want a great location, a lower cash rate than some of the luxury neighborhood hotels, and a hotel with a bit of history in London, then you should consider The May Fair Hotel.
It has a really strong skeleton and the rooms are solid, even if they don’t have the latest styling. If you’re booking a paid vacation, consider booking through a program that includes perks like free breakfast and spa or property credit, assuming you’ll have time to take advantage of the benefits there.
A good night’s sleep, including a full breakfast for two and spa credit, made my one-night stay feel special and helped me get through my first day of flying so I was ready for the rest of my time here in London. And being able to walk to Buckingham Palace in just over 10 minutes makes it the perfect place to start my trip.
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