Welcome to the birthplace of James Bond’s Martinis.
Which hotel would James Bond check into in London? Chances are it would be distinct, discreet, and serve a marvellous Martini. DUKES London is located in a charming corner of St James’s Place. While it is a small hotel, it boasts big history: it dates back to 1908 and has welcomed the British Royal Family and James Bond writer Ian Fleming.
DUKES London brings the English countryside to the city. The area was home to Henry VIII’s 16th-century palace and is within walking distance of Buckingham Palace. Guests can experience blockbuster sights as well as shops, and Richard Curtis romance. When you enter it feels like you are stepping back in time. The entrance includes a Union Jack flag, a portrait of The Queen, a clock that chimes on the hour and gold keys as opposed to cards. And, the old-school lift comes with shutters and a sofa, naturally.
Rooms and suites
DUKES London is home to 90 rooms and suites and offers adjoining rooms and a dog-friendly service. So much so that paintings of four-legged friends adorn the robes as well as walls, and guests are given a dog as a complimentary stuffed mascot.
We check into the Studio Suite, which spans 35 square metres and can accommodate up to three guests. The suite feels like a one-bedroom apartment and comes with a sofa, desk, and king-size bed. The great British aesthetic feels timeless, with alcove archways, dark wooden furniture, thick curtains, and a shoe-shine service. The bathroom is clean and classic, with white tiles and marble features. The tiny terrace overlooks Little St James’s Street—what it lacks in sites, it makes up for in stories.
Restaurants and bars
If the walls of DUKES London could talk, we would listen. The hotel is famous for its DUKES Bar and the signature DUKES Martini. Ian Fleming was a regular, and it served as the inspiration for Bond’s favourite drink and the line “shaken, not stirred”. The venue echoes the look and feel of its neighbouring private members’ clubs.
The Great British Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The breakfast buffet is on the smaller side, while the à la carte menu includes healthy and hearty dishes. The Full English Breakfast comes with black pudding, eggs, mushrooms, meat, grilled tomato and potatoes. The dinner menu offers classy comfort food including Fish and Chips, Shepherd’s Pie and Treacle Sponge.
DUKES London is also home to the Cognac and Cigar Lounge, which is a sophisticated space; and the Drawing Room serves an artisanal afternoon tea, which is popular with the older, American crowd. During the summer, Picnic in the Park offers a high-end hamper with food, drinks and a rug. Taking place in a Royal Park, it feels like you are in your own romcom and might stumble on Hugh Grant.
Wellness
DUKES London is home to a Health Club. The facilities include a state-of-the-art gym, steam room and changing areas. The glass doors open to exercise mats, running machines and weights. Tip: borrow a bike, as it’s a wonderful way to experience the pleasant parks.
The DUKES London staff are professional and polite. The team went above and beyond to help, from an early check-in to a bigger breakfast table for our laptop. Best of all, they are passionate about the product – and that’s infectious.
The hotel has also expanded to Dubai, UAE. Dukes, The Palm, A Royal Hideaway Hotel offers an introduction to the hotel, but we’d recommend checking out where it all started. So, if you’re thinking of visiting the UK, choose London, DUKES London.
Enjoy. a stay in a room or suite with a 20 per cent discount from FACT Magazine. Bookable until 31 August 2024 for stays until the end of December 2024.
GO: Visit www.dukeshotel.com for more information.
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