Hot rooms
Top hotels in London and Tbilisi
[ LONDON ]
NEW ROOMS, OLD SERVICE
AN AMERICAN COUPLE checking into the Connaught sounded vaguely apprehensive: they were clearly regulars of the discreet Mayfair institution and for the first time were going to be housed in the hotel’s new wing. By the time they reached their room, however, they were expressing their satisfaction to their butler. Yes, the Connaught allocates you an individual butler for the duration of your stay who is meant to look after everything from in-room requests to concierge-type recommendations. Move over, Jeeves.
The new wing, part of the £70 million refurbishment, has boosted the number of rooms and suites to 121 (an additional 32) but managed to soothe old timers as well as win new fans. It’s the seriously understated luxury which tells you why it’s favoured by celebrities who want to steer clear of the paparazzi. Although weekdays is mainly business (rooms start from £399 plus VAT), the vibe changes completely at weekends when international CEOs swap ties for lemon-yellow V-necks and linger over breakfast at the Espelette restaurant (pictured below), overseen by Michelin-starred chef Hélène Darroze.
Robina Dam
The Connaught, Carlos Place, W1, +44 (0)20 7499 7070, www.the-connaught.co.uk
[ TBILISI ]
COMING UP ROSES
WITH THE ENCHANTING OLD TOWN on one side and the concert halls and theatres of Rustaveli Avenue on the other, Freedom Square is the best possible base for a stay in Tbilisi. The Courtyard Marriott occupies an old building that dominates one side of this historic square, the centrepoint of the Rose Revolution. Seasoned Marriott-goers won’t be surprised by the high standards on offer here. Service is efficient and friendly, the 118 guest rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the rates are reasonable (from $185 per room) if you book early. A small gripe: the Wi-fi is pricey, given that the hotel is aimed at business travellers. There’s a heated indoor swimming pool and well-equipped fitness centre, and a functional bar and restaurant serving Georgian and international food.
Matthew Lee
Courtyard by Marriott Tbilisi, Freedom Square, +995 32 779 100, www.marriott.co.uk
