Asian Promise: Harper’s Bazaar Saudi Escapes to The Peninsula London
The Peninsula London marks the elevated Asian brand’s first foray into the London hospitality scene; was it worth the wait?
Guests stepping outside the hotel can find themselves ushered into Rolls-Royces, in the hotel’s signature dark green hue, happy to chauffeur them to their destination. The spa has a 25-metre-pool with underwater music speakers, and treatment rooms specialising in everything from Subtle Energies’ anti-aging facials to chakra-balancing and Ricari Studio’s tech-based toning. And chances are, your room will overlook Wellington Arch – if you are lucky, you’ll get a glimpse into Buckingham Palace’s gardens.
It’s easy to see where the rumoured £1 billion – Sir Michael Kadoorie spent over three decades trying to secure the perfect London site – was spent on this 190-room, newly built property, the 12th in The Peninsula’s select portfolio. From its location on Hyde Park corner, interiors star Peter Marino-picked De Gournay wallpaper to a rooftop terrace offering sweeping vistas across the priciest of London neighbourhoods, every little aspect of it makes you feel cossetted, and special.
The ground floor café has already become a neighbourhood hotspot to see-and-be-seen while nursing a coffee and cake, while insiders pop into Little Blue Bar to sample their spicy Bang Bang noodles. Book ahead for Canton Blue; chef Dicky To’s menu – the Peking duck in particular is a stand-out – and opulent design, ensure its always full. The discrete tables for two, hidden in little latticed alcoves, make for the ultimate dining for two.
But it is the spacious rooms that truly astonish. There’s a host of television channels that’ll make Middle Eastern guests feel at home, a high-tech marble bathroom that does everything from play soft music and heat the loo seat, immaculate high-thread count linens, Dyson hair tools, and even a nail-dryer. It’s obvious great thought has gone into comfort and ease, with everything from power points to a printer perfectly placed.
Ultimately it is the staff that make this sleek property, that could feel intimidating – like home. My daughter has a stash of soft toys, colouring books and chocolate boxes slipped to her with a smile, to prove it.
For more information visit Peninsula.com
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From Harper’s Bazaar Saudi’s Autumn 2025 issue
