Hot Hotels: London and Jordan
The best places to stay across the bmi network
[ London ]
Off the wall
If the Athenaeum hotel were a member of your family, it would be the singleton aunt who appeared on the outside to epitomise traditional courtesies – but actually had a racy past and therefore forgave naughty peccadilloes. Now, however, she’s as likely to be hanging out with you at cocktail bars, knocking back bellinis – if not throwing the parties herself. I say this because the multi-million facelift for the five-star Athenaeum has just been unveiled.
The pièce de résistance? The Rooftop penthouse suite has three bedrooms (ideal for a large family, a rock ‘n’ roll entourage or merely the sort of party that leads to cosying up with the guests). Other large suites also throw in complimentary soft drinks and snacks from the minibar: a nice touch.
The refurb is all terribly modern (flatscreen TVs, iPod docking stations and neutral furnishings), but frankly who needs to stare at the walls when you have views overlooking Green Park? The outside wall, though, is worth staring at: this Living Wall, the first of its kind for a London hotel, was created by Patrick Blanc, the world’s most renowned vertical garden designer and comes into bloom just in time for the relaunch. Robina Dam
The Athenaeum, 118 Piccadilly, London W1, +44 (0)20 7499 3464; www.athenaeumhotel.com
[ Jordan ]
Med or Red?
At the very top of the Red Sea, by Jordan’s only seaport, the newly opened Kempinski Aqaba offers the kind of experience you’d normally expect from the Caribbean or Mediterranean. The clear waters are perfect for yachting, windsurfing, kayaking, diving, snorkelling and swimming – all of which the hotel can organise – and you have one of the world’s best preserved coral reefs to explore. All 201 luxury rooms have sea views thanks to the hotel’s teardrop-shaped plan, there are six restaurants and bars to pick from, and if you can drag yourself away from the beach, full business facilities, including a 400-capacity conference room. Lee Cheshire
Kempinski Hotel Aqaba, Jordan, +962 3 209 0888, www.kempinski-aqaba.com
