At last, the Paris Olympics are upon us, promising to be the must-see event of 2024. 

Let’s be honest, if you’re attending any of the Olympic events you probably already have your accommodations secured. On the other hand, if you’ve decided at the last minute that you have serious FOMO, there is a way to avoid the crowds and Paris hotel prices higher than the Eiffel Tower…stay in London.  

Savvy travelers can experience the best of both worlds with easy access to the Olympic games via the Eurostar London arriving in Paris within two hours and fifteen minutes. What better way to enjoy the best of the Games than a luxurious hotel in London?  

Where To Stay In London

You can’t go wrong staying at one of the boutique hotels in the Iconic Luxury Hotels portfolio including Chelsea Townhouse, 11 Cadogan Garden, and the newest London addition, The Mayfair Townhouse. Each offers a fantastic experience but The Mayfair Townhouse is extending a special offer. 10% off stays, daily breakfast, and a complimentary cocktail at the Dandy Bar for stays booked between July 26 and Sept. 8, 2024. Good things come to those who wait. 

To sweeten this offer, The Townhouse will provide transportation to the London St. Pancras Station to board the Eurostar to Paris. Staying in London couldn’t be easier, oui?

Where is The Mayfair Townhouse?

The Mayfair Townhouse is located in one of London’s most desirable neighborhoods. Part of the central London borough of Westminster, Mayfair is close to many popular attractions such as Buckingham Palace (only a five-minute walk through Green Park), The Royal Academy of Arts, Fortnum & Mason, Trafalgar Square, St. James Park, Hyde Park, the West End and Marylebone, high-end shopping options, art galleries and Michelin star dining abound.

Shepherd Market

Just behind the Mayfair Townhouse are the cobbled streets of Shepherd Market. Developed in 1764 by Edward Shepherd, the market has had quite a checkered past. Originally the site for the annual May fair, it was also the scene for brothels and gambling. By 1730 the Georgian building craze had begun in earnest with wealthy patrons buying and building townhouses. In the 19th century, it became the haunt of a more bohemian crowd followed by royalty and aristocrats. The dandy lifestyles of the era inform the playful vibe of the Mayfair Townhouse today.

The Mayfair Townhouse 

A residential townhouse esthetic is seen throughout The Mayfair Townhouse, comprised of 15 Georgian townhouses, seven grade listed, with 172 unique rooms and suites. Located on Half Moon Street, named after the Half Moon Alehouse (no longer there), the townhouse pays homage to past inhabitants, both real and imagined. Oscar Wilde made Half Moon Street the setting for his most famous play “The Importance Of Being Earnest”. 

The Mayfair Townhouse blends contemporary Georgian style with English eccentricities. Inspired by the dandy aesthetic of Wilde and his contemporaries, the townhouse was renovated in sumptuous fabrics and color palettes, with unexpected twists of flamboyant humor. 

Throughout the hotel rooms, hallways, and social areas, art is central to the aesthetic. A stunning peacock sculpture sixty-seven inches high and made from 25,000 Swarovski crystals adorns the entrance. A mischievous fox motif is interwoven throughout the hotel. 

Rooms at the Mayfair Townhouse

Among the 172 rooms, there are four categories of accommodation: Rooms, Suites, Multi-room suites, and Signature Suites. Under each room category, there are a variety of room sizes, styles, and amenities ranging from 45 sq. ft. to multi-suite rooms and rooms with private patios and gardens. 

Attentive to the discerning traveler, every room has either a queen or king bed with luxury mattresses and linens, bespoke toiletries, high-quality bathrobes and slippers, Nespresso machine, kettle, and mineral water. Little touches reflecting the Townhouse’s quick-witted personality include minibar contents sourced from local artisans.

My king room felt spacious and luxurious with deep blue colored walls, warm gold accents, and a subtle but bold palette of rouge red lining complementing the space. Heavy royal blue drapes, a graceful side table with two chairs, dark wood accents and mood-controlled lighting added to the ambiance.

I especially appreciated the fresh flowers, turn-down service and the heated towel bar. The all-marble bathroom was filled with abundant natural light. I also liked the lighted mirror and additional wash clothes for removing makeup. There’s mobile check-in and check-out via an app but I never used it, instead taking advantage of the 24-hour concierge service.

Food and Drink at The Townhouse

There is no traditional restaurant at The Mayfair Townhouse. Instead, there is an all-day dining concept offered in The Club Room. The Club Room is designed to feel more like a casual lounge rather than a formal restaurant, reinforcing the concept that The Mayfair Townhouse is a private residence for its guests. Daily breakfast in The Club Room consisted of a full breakfast buffet or a menu including classics like eggs benedict.  

The Dandy Bar

The Dandy Bar has a modern, avant-garde look and feel. Both sexy and inviting, it’s a room that is beautiful for the sake of beauty, in true dandy style. The drinks menu includes classics as well as a curated list of cocktails, spirits and small plates, perfect for sharing.

The Gym

I rarely have time to stop in the gym when traveling but I did use the small but very well-kitted gym at The Townhouse. Fresh towels, water and filtered tap water are also provided.

Pet Friendly

Should you decide you can’t live without your four-legged friend, bring them with you. The Townhouse is pet-friendly providing beds, dishes and other amenities.

Transportation to The Mayfair Townhouse

Ready to head to the Olympics via London? The Mayfair Townhouse is easily reached via the Underground from Paddington Station. Each airport has an express rail that goes directly to Paddington Station. From Paddington, the Jubilee, Victoria and Circle lines all go to Green Park Station. You can also take a taxi or private car service such as Blacklane or Addison Lee.

Rooms at The Mayfair Townhouse start at around $300 per night.

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Cover Photo by Heidi Fin on Unsplash

Penny Sadler is a Dallas-based writer covering travel, food and drink, and lifestyle, with bylines in CNBC Travel, Culture Magazine, Inside Hook, and Cheese Professor. When she’s not traveling she puts her camera ready makeup skills to work on commercials, films, and events. Follow her on Instagram @adventuresofacarryon and her website.