“I feel so zen” became our running phrase during our stay at The Peninsula London, and it started long before we even reached out hotel. From the moment we were scooped up at the airport in a Rolls-Royce, everything was dialed in: chilled water, cushioned head rests that lulled us to sleep, soft classical music, and first-class flight level legroom. And that was just the car ride.

Inside, the hotel somehow manages to feel like the most expansive corner of London. Strategically located steps from Harrods, Buckingham Palace, and the financial district, it’s right in the heart of the city yet offers a rare sense of calm.

It’s a well-known fact that hotels in Asia operate on a level of luxury that feels like it needs its own star system. The Peninsula brings that same standard to London. When it finally made its debut in the city, it redefined what five-star hospitality could look like on British soil, raising the bar at home.

After nearly 35 years of planning and £1 billion, The Peninsula London is the first British outpost of the iconic Peninsula Hotels brand, a name long synonymous with high-end service. Owned by Sir Michael Kadoorie, a Hong Kong billionaire and passionate aviator, the hotel subtly weaves aviation throughout the art-filled corridors and grand colonnades.

The Rooms

With 190-rooms on site, The Peninsula London offers some of the most thoughtfully designed spaces we’ve experienced. The beds themselves are near-impossible to leave: deeply comfortable with cloud-like pillows and plush bedding. And if you need anything, staff are just a text away. Afternoon turndown service comes with touches like a delivery of buttery shortbread cookies and a restocked fridge of chilled water by the bed.

You won’t need to call down for adapters or chargers, hidden drawers come with universal plugs, American outlets, and bedside drawers fitted with built-in charging ports. There’s a personal printer for those mixing business with pleasure, a valet box for laundry pickups, and even a nail dryer hidden in the vanity. Control the blinds, lighting, and temperature all from your bedside iPad, each side of the bed has its own.

Rooms come equipped with glass bottles of both sparkling and still water. At night, they’re refreshed, along with bedside water bottles too. And there’s an impressive in-room coffee and tea collection, complete with a teapot, cups and saucers all neatly tucked in custom cabinetry.

Bathrooms are just as glamorous. Think grand marble finishes from floor to ceiling, regal lighting, and spa-level serenity. In fact, with the press of a single button, “spa mode” is activated, where soothing music plays, the lights dim, and the entire room shifts into a relaxing state, all without stepping outside of your suite. Heated floors and deep soak tubs keep things cozy. Dual sinks with generous vanity space make getting ready enjoyable, and high-tech toilets with built-in bidets and ambient music add an extra layer of luxury. In our list of hotel bathrooms, this one comes at the top.

The Dining

Beyond the amenities, The Peninsula London supplies a steady stream of an equally impressive dining scene. Four standout options include: The Lobby, known for its global menu and afternoon tea with live music; Canton Blue, a sultry space serving Cantonese cuisine; Brooklands by Claude Bosi, the two Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant; and Little Blue Noodle Bar, a more casual spot with a nod to Hong Kong’s street food culture.

Brooklands by Claude Bosi

Set at the very top of the hotel, Brooklands is a restaurant and bar that take inspiration from the Brooklands racetrack (aka the birthplace of British motor racing and aviation). Even the elevator ride up plays along, styled like a vintage hot air balloon with lift-off sound effects that set the tone for what’s to come. Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic views of the London skyline, while the bar’s décor incorporates airplane doors and motorsport memorabilia.

Cocktails are categorized from Mach I to Mach III, referencing the speed of sound and a measure of how boozy the drinks are – so you can choose your own alcohol-adventure. For something bold, the Calabria, a tequila-based crowd pleaser with Calabrian pepper, orange and habanero, won’t disappoint. For a smoother sip, the bar’s take on the espresso martini, with coconut and vetiver hits the spot.

Over the last few months, Chef Director Claude Bosi and Executive Chef Francesco Dibenedetto worked hand in hand with regional farmers to shape a collection of dishes that celebrate the best of Britain’s harvest for their fall menu. Highlights were Cornish crab with koji butter, preserved truffle, and shiso in a brown butter dashi; wild seabass seared over the BBQ with cep and shiitake mushrooms in a rich umami broth; and Sean’s Farm turnip paired with sweetbread, mustard, and togarashi. It’s an autumn menu rooted in the local landscape, but creative enough to see why it’s deserving of two Michelin stars.

Canton Blue

Canton Blue is a fusion of Asian and British culture, paying homage to the maritime trade routes that connected the East and the West. Inside, ceilings mimic navigation maps, and maritime ships double as chopstick holders. But the real draw is the food: deeply flavorful Cantonese cuisine that’s clearly become a hot reservation. While most hotel restaurants appear scarce or half full at best, this one was hard to get into, even midweek. There’s dim sum, blue lobster, and wok-fried rib eye in a black bean sauce, just to name a few. The staff at The Peninsula are always a step ahead. Without needing to ask, they had anticipated my guest’s peanut allergy, and had prepared a custom nut-free soy sauce medley for us before we even sat down. It’s this quiet attention to detail that makes you feel like you are in good hands from the moment you walk in.

Little Blue Noodle Bar

The latest addition is a lively noodle bar that is inspired by Hong Kong’s street food scene. With its own street-side entrance, it welcomes both hotel guests and curious passersby, whether it’s a casual dinner paired with a frosty Gweilo beer or a late-night takeaway. Chef Hou’s Dan Dan noodles, tossed with minced beef and Sichuan chili oil, are a crowd favorite, as are the spicy aubergine noodles, rich with heat and umami. For those in the know, there’s even an off-menu “hush-hush” dish: a crispy Peking duck noodle bowl, paying tribute to Cantonese underground dining culture – just ask, and you might be in on the secret.

Wellness

Of course, this story wouldn’t be complete without at least mentioning The Peninsula’s Spa & Wellness floor. At its heart is a 25-meter heated pool in a subterranean chamber, complete with mosaic nature murals, underwater speakers and plush lounge chairs. There’s saunas, steam rooms, and massages if that tickles your fancy.

The Peninsula London
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1 Grosvenor Pl, London, U.K.