Bulgari Hotel London: A Secluded Sanctuary in Central London

A surprisingly cosy home away from home.

Having stayed at Bulgari Hotel Dubai, which has a flamboyant reputation as a playground for royalty, I admit that my expectations for Bulgari Hotel London were perhaps a little over the top. After pulling up outside the property at 171 Knightsbridge we were swept inside to be greeted by the surprisingly cozy and understated interiors. The chic Bulgari Lounge, designed as an Italian-style living room, sets the scene for the hotel’s relaxed sophistication, with plush chairs and couches set around an elegant fireplace, overlooked by photographs of glamorous stars wearing Bulgari jewels. It’s the perfect setting for indulging in the hotel’s afternoon tea, one of my favorite experiences during my stay which I now recommend everyone to go and try for themselves.

Past the lobby, dark wood hallways with pops of bold yellow lead to the 85 guest rooms and suites, which are among the largest in London. My own felt more like a private apartment. The elegant interiors have been overseen by Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, the design duo behind every Bulgari Hotels and Resorts property, and nod to both British craftsmanship and Italian heritage. Most of the furniture has been crafted bespoke, and my own spacious living room was chicly furnished with a large, plush corner sofa and a long desk, where you often return to find thoughtful gifts – I love the lavender pillow spray to help me drift off to sleep at night – as part of the hotel’s exceptionally attentive service.

Image credit: Bulgari Hotel London

Double doors lead onto the bedroom, dressed in sophisticated shades of gray and neutral and with an inviting king size bed sitting centre stage. Bulgari’s silversmith origins have inspired the accessories, notably the bedside table lamps which reference Bulgari’s silver candlesticks and plush custom made silk drapes featuring floral patterns inspired by Bulgari jewelry designs. The opulent marble bathroom is a dark and decadent affair with a huge bathtub, rain shower, and a large vanity area, stocked with sensually scented Bulgari toiletries, making this a space I can really spend some time in.

As indulgent as the bathroom is, don’t leave without a visit to the vast two-floor subterranean spa, luxuriously crafted from Vicenza stone and highlights of green onyx. With a three-lane 25m pool, lined in glittering gold and green mosaics, a detoxifying vitality pool, saunas, steam rooms, treatments courtesy of 111 SPA/CLINIC and Augustinus Bader, and a 150m² gym with an expert team of personal trainers on hand, it offers a complete wellness experience and adds the finishing touch of serenity to Bulgari Hotel London. 

The hotel surpasses expectations on every level, and it’s no surprise that there are a small number of residences in the building as it truly is a property that feels like a home away from home. It’s particularly rare in London to find a purpose-built hotel that offers such a superb collection of suites in a fantastic central location, and yet feels so wonderfully tranquil.

If you would like to experience the Bulgari Hotel London for yourself, please contact reservations@satopiatravel.com or contact the hotel directly and mention Satopia Travel for a welcome gift upon arrival. 

Acknowledgements 

A big thank you to General Manager Kostas Sfaltos and everyone on the team for extending such a warm welcome. We met Kostas in 2021 at an event in Dubai and he is one of the most humble, caring, and considerate people in hospitality in London. He is deeply committed to ensuring all guests have an exquisite experience, and under his leadership this hotel will continue to be a special place for Satopia guests.