A Stay at 1 Hotel Mayfair, the First European Outpost of the 1 Hotel Brand

Located in the heart of London, a stone’s throw from Piccadilly and Green Park, 1 Hotel Mayfair combines the luxury traditionally associated with the neighborhood with a forward-thinking, 21st-century approach to hospitality. This property is the first European outpost of the 1 Hotel brand, which was founded in 2015 by Starwood Capital’s Barry Sternlicht with a keen focus on nature and sustainability, highlighting not only plentiful greenery throughout but also initiatives such as barring all plastics in favor of reclaimed wood.

Lobby featuring Patrick Nadeau’s Rainforest / Photo: Courtesy of Mikkel Vang

The 1 Hotel ethos is apparent as soon as one enters the lobby, an earthy yet chic space whose natural details make guests feel as if they’ve stepped through a verdant-looking glass from the bustle of Berkeley Street outside. The check-in desk, fashioned from a 200-year-old oak tree and backed by a wall of Yorkshire stone, is particularly arresting, as is a living domed chandelier, Rainforest by French artist Patrick Nadeau, measuring four meters in diameter and covered in more than 50,000 strands of Spanish moss. A supremely efficient and friendly staff, from the doormen to the clerks and bellhops, made our arrival a quick and seamless pleasure.

After being whisked upstairs in a speedy elevator, we stepped into a blissfully cozy skyline one-bedroom suite, featuring a separate sitting room, sculpturally amorphous furnishings and a wall of windows offering a splendid view of the elegant terraces and turrets of Mayfair. Especially thoughtful eco-driven details included soothing greenery, hand-chiseled stone, responsibly sourced linens and—quite delightful—a filtered water tap, eliminating the need for extraneous bottles. Adding to the comfort were a spacious wardrobe closet and Welsh slate-covered bathroom with a rainfall shower. A wooden room key and hangers made from recycled materials are signatures of the 1 Hotel brand.

Sustainable bodycare brand Bamford, which supplies the in-room toiletries, also headlines the hotel’s wellness spa, which specializes in holistic treatments. The Field House gym, group classes, personal training and a running club are additional fitness and well-being amenities.

Dovetale restaurant terrace / Photo: Courtesy of Milo Brown

But rest assured 1 Hotel Mayfair doesn’t skimp on the indulgences, chiefly celebrated at two-Michelin-starred chef Tom Sellers’ dining hotspot, Dovetale. Spotlighting locally sourced and organic ingredients, the menu features Sellers’ take on European classics in a warmly lit room whose design further embraces the greenery-and-wood aesthetic. Among the delights we enjoyed were the “made this morning” burrata with black lava salt and Sarawak pepper and the English ibérico pork chop with red pepper romesco and green almonds, complemented by superior wines chosen by head sommelier Tara Ozols.

Sunday Roast at Dovetale / Photo: Courtesy of 1 Hotel Mayfair

An essential nightcap was savored at the moodily sexy Dover Yard bar, adjacent to the restaurant. Andrew, our brilliant mixologist, not only is a master at crafting classic and innovative cocktails, but also surprised us by creating two bespoke Shakespearean-themed potions for us to enjoy the next night before a starry revival of King Lear. A commissioned installation by artist Kate MccGwire, Torrent, made of pigeon feathers and running the length of the glass bar, is a visual highlight of the space.

Cocktails at Dover Yard bar / Photo: Courtesy of Jon Day

The 1 Hotel brand has gained a solid foothold in Europe with this sublime property, soon to be followed by locations in Greece, Denmark and France. With its eco-conscious philosophy, central location and luxurious sensibility, 1 Hotel Mayfair is a sterling addition to London’s hospitality scene.