Set right in the heart of what is the city’s most exclusive neighbourhood, the ultra-chic Knightsbridge, just a precious-stone’s throw away from leafy Hyde Park and the area’s uber-prime shopping, the BVLGARI Hotel in London opened its doors in May 2012 and has since become the crown jewel of the area. In keeping with its unified aesthetic with the existing BVLGARI Hotels, the London addition was once again designed by Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and Partnerswith Squire and Partners serving as the local architect. Driven by an understated yet elegant design concept, the property ultimately pays tribute to the brand’s eminent silversmith origins and Britain’s noble manufacturing traditions. Silver forms the underlying theme in an environment that beautifully pairs BVLGARI’s timeless glamour and heritage with state of the art technology.

Luxurious inside and out, the hotel is housed in a new and environmentally sustainable purpose-built edifice. The facade is clad in Portland stone and bronze, which is in keeping with the typical materials used in London’s public buildings. The sleek architecture and refined interiors harmoniously blend innovative artistry where precious marble and silver are lavishly on display throughout. The 85 rooms and suites feature exquisite detailing such as custom-made silk curtains embellished with patterns inspired by some of the classic Bulgari jewellery designs as well as bedside table lamps that bring Bulgari’s silver candlesticks to mind. 

The bar is of course the heart of the hotel’s social scene. Arranged around a lustrous stainless steel oval structure, the space exudes an aura of elegance and sophistication, bringing the essence of the famous Italian ‘dolce vita’ right into the heart of London. And when you are done sipping your Negronis, the hotel’s well-stocked Cigar Shop is the place to conveniently sample and purchase rare and vintage cigars in.

Walking down a sweeping silver staircase, we find ourselves in ‘Il Ristorante’, where menus incorporating the finest Italian cuisine and wine have been painstakingly selected to complement the interior’s stylish and lavish atmosphere. Covered in metalized fabric, the walls of the stairwell illustrate the historic collection of Bulgari jewellery dating back to the 1920s and 30s. In the ballroom, the eye is immediately drawn by two stunning solid silver handcrafted Bulgari chandeliers. Inspired by a dance sequence, the chandeliers delicately exude a graceful sense of movement when lit, thereby creating a dramatic ambience.

A definite must when staying in the hotel is undoubtedly the surprisingly spacious SPA. Open only to exclusive members and hotel guests, it is one of the largest and most exclusive spas in central London. Beautifully crafted using materials such as onyx, oak and Vicenza stone, the spa is arranged over two entire floors, where 11 private treatment rooms and one double spa suite (complete with its own steam room, Jacuzzi and private treatment room), as well as a 25m swimming pool and a 150m2 fitness area await to transport you into a state of pure bliss.

And as if all these were not enough, the hotel has decided to revive the glorious days of Cinecittá by featuring an in-house cinema. The luxurious 47-seat private screening room offers state of the art cinema quality sound and vision as well as an exclusively curated library of over 200 new and classic films available to hotel guests.

With an impressive array of amenities, fine Italian dining and magnificent surprises such as its spa, pool and a private screening room, the BVLGARI Hotels & Residences in LONDON offers an uncompromising sense of excellence that is sure to satisfy even the most demanding of cosmopolitan jet-setters.