Today, as a five-star hotel, The Athenaeum has long been associated with the rich and famous. Charismatic executive manager Sally Bulloch heralded the hotel’s Hollywood golden age in the 1970s, where her natural charm and perennial presence at the hotel bar made her a hit with guests. She was said to have enjoyed a glass of champagne (or two) with Elizabeth Taylor – among countless others – and once (gently) admonished Russell Crowe for leaving his room untidy.
The Athenaeum
This is not to suggest, however, that Mr Hope was an ostentatious character. In fact, he was renowned for his astuteness and committed patronage of the arts. His prize collection of Old Masters, which he would occasionally put on display to the public, made Hope House the home of one of Europe’s finest private art collections.
Boy band Take That announced their split from the penthouse of The Athenaeum, and legendary film director Steven Spielberg even installed an editing suite in one of the hotel’s residences when working on E.T., Close Encounters and Raiders of the Lost Ark. Today, stars, world leaders and the well known continue to use The Athenaeum as their discreet home-from-home.
You can also enjoy the freedom that comes with your own private London residence with the 18 luxury serviced apartments that are located in Victorian red-brick townhouses adjacent to the hotel. Each apartment is accessed via your own front door with discreet internal entry to the hotel. They are fully equipped with a kitchen, spacious living area and 24-hour In Room Dining. Many are interconnecting, making them ideal for families, groups and long-term stays.
No stay at the hotel or private residences is complete without a dinner at, Galvin at The Athenaeum by Michelin-starred London chefs Chris and Jeff Galvin. For the first time the brothers have stepped away from their trademark French-inspired menus in favour of championing Britain’s delicious homegrown produce and supporting independent farmers across the UK.
