Art Week in London: 5 nights in the finest design hotels

With autumn colours in sight, London's art fairs are once again attracting large numbers of collectors and art lovers at the beginning of October. On the agenda? Frieze London, Frieze Masters and PAD. Between Regents Park and Berkeley Square, the spotlight will shine on the most controversial art, the best of previous centuries and a host of striking contemporary works. A special edition, to be sure, as Frieze (11-15 October) celebrates its 20th anniversary and PAD (10-15 October) its 15th. Looking to treat yourself and get a good night's sleep between gallery visits and the many exhibitions? Check out our top London design breaks.

Traduction | Céline Nickmans
4 minutes
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© Oscar London

OSCAR LONDON

With a sense of irony that Oscar Wilde would have appreciated, the Oscar London transforms the piety of a former Baptist church into a hotel where decadence is the password. Ornate ceilings, carved fireplaces, oak paneling, and finely wrought plaques adorn the interior, bearing the signature of French interior designer Jacques Garcia. A 39-room hotel with a distinctive English style imbued with theatrical opulence. From stylized peacock motif doors to the mirrored Baptist Bar counter, butterfly-wing faucets, and the eclecticism of art objects scattered throughout the hotel, it’s a reflection of Garcia’s irresistible ambiance. Located near Covent Garden, Theathreland, and the Royal Opera House.

www.loscarlondon.com

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Oscar London Restaurant

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Oscar London Reception

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Oscar London – Studio Suite

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Oscar London – L’Oscar Suite

 

PAN PACIFIC LONDON

Elegant and luxurious accommodation in Bishopsgate? The Pan Pacific London is a must. The tall 43-storey bronze tower is a real eye-catcher. Hotel guests will discover a blend of Singaporean hospitality and contemporary British design. Design firm Yabu Pushelberg, responsible for projects such as the Four Seasons Downtown New York and the St. Regis San Francisco, handled the interior, so you can expect a meticulous finish, with rooms in neutral tones and plenty of natural light. The hotel doesn’t shy away from subtle details throughout. Above the reception, for example, a tapestry adorns a typically British image of a greyhound, but look closer and you’ll see exotic birds and Chinese brushstrokes reflecting the Pan Pacific signature of East Asia.

www.panpacific.com

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Yabu Pushelberg | Pan Pacific London

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Pan Pacific London

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Pan Pacific London

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Pan Pacific London

RAFFLES BY OWO

New to the city is the Raffles London, located in what was once the War Office building, better known today as The OWO. It is the former residence of Sir Winston Churchill. In addition, Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, was a regular visitor to the building and many scenes from the 007 films were filmed there. After eight years of complete renovation by EPR Architects, the hotel opens its doors in style. From the hand-laid mosaic floors to the oak panelling, the magnificent chandeliers and the marble staircase that forms the centrepiece, nothing is missing. You’ll stay in one of the 120 rooms and dine in the restaurants run by chef Mauro Colagreco. Big extras? The 2,500m² Guerlain spa, spread over four floors, making it one of the largest hotel spas in London.

www.theowo.london

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Raffles by OWO

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Raffles by OWO

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Raffles by OWO

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Patrick Williamson | The OWO Residences by Raffles

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Darren Chung | The OWO penthouse

NOBU

Looking for a design masterclass? The recently renovated Nobu Hotel will give you a head start. With its minimalist aesthetic and intuitive design, the hotel attracts guests from all over the world. The impressive architecture, designed by Ron Arad Associates and Ben Adams Architects, stands out amongst the red brick buildings of Shoreditch. Constructed of steel, glass and concrete, the building spans seven floors, with dynamic concrete facades that continue from the exterior to the interior of the suites. Inside, London-based Studio Mica has layered a calm Japanese aesthetic with concrete, fibreglass and steel. Each of the 156 rooms features a timeless, tranquil palette of slatted shoji screens, stylised watercolour walls by Hackney-based artist Sichi, and chevron-patterned headboards. Where East meets West, it’s a seductive mix!

www.london-shoreditch.nobuhotels.com

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Nobu Hotel Shoreditch

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Nobu Hotel Shoreditch

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Nobu Hotel Shoreditch

CAFÉ ROYAL

Located on Regent Street, where the elegance of Mayfair meets the energy of Soho, the historic Café Royal was born. A sumptuous 1865 hotel where Italian architect and designer Piero Lissoni has created a subtle dialogue between past and present. The centrepiece? A bespoke Murano glass chandelier that hangs majestically in the entrance hall, above a polished brass table that rises from the floor. The hotel restaurant features an illuminated wall for storing and displaying bottles, through which you can see the show kitchen, Viennese straw armchairs and bespoke banquettes. Looking to relax? The hotel has an Akasha holistic wellness centre, with gym, lap pool, sauna, hammam and luxury spa treatments. Irresistibly good!

www.hotelcaferoyal.com

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Hotel Cafe Royal London Lobby

 

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Hotel Cafe Royal London –  Afternoon Tea – The Grill Room

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Hotel Cafe Royal London – Tudor Suite

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Hotel Cafe Royal London – Grand Regent Suite bathroom

PENINSULA LONDON

Peninsula’s newest hotel only opened its doors earlier this month. With its elegant architecture, British craftsmanship and views over Hyde Park Corner, the hotel is located in Belgravia, one of London’s most prestigious addresses. Hopkins Architects have endeavoured to harmonise with the surrounding heritage architecture. The inner courtyard, created by renowned designer Enzo Enea, is the centrepiece of the hotel. The hotel’s rooms, suites and public spaces feature sumptuous furnishings by architect Peter Marino and exclusive bespoke products by the finest British craftsmen, including Jenny Packham, Claude Bosi, Timothy Han and over 40 artists from the Royal Drawing School. From the Grosvenor Place entrance, many of London’s most iconic landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Wellington Arch, The Royal Parks and Harrods, can be reached on foot in less than 15 minutes. Yes, please.

www.peninsula.com

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Peninsula London

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Peninsula London

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Peninsula London

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Peninsula London

www.frieze.com

www.pad-fairs.com