Brown's has been taking in guests on Albemarle Street since 1832, which makes it one of London's oldest hotels – and it wears its age well. Built from a row of Georgian townhouses in the heart of Mayfair, the hotel has hosted royalty, presidents and a long line of writers. Kipling worked on The Jungle Book here over decades of writing retreats, Agatha Christie borrowed it for At Bertram's Hotel, and Alexander Graham Bell made Britain's first telephone call from the building in 1876. Now, a stay at Brown's is all wood panelling and deep armchairs contrasted with modern art and bright upholstery - and a good dose of personality, too.
The rooms at Brown's range from snug doubles to grand suites. Rooms are lined with pretty, leaf-printed wallpaper while the Junior Suites are more contemporary, all slate and grey warmed by burgundy, ochre and moss green. The literary suites keep their period bones with cornicing and antique pieces, whilst the Kipling Suite, wrapped in hand-painted jungle wallpaper, is the one everyone asks for. Bathrooms are marble and generous all round, and windows look out over Mayfair's smart streets.
Afternoon tea in the Drawing Room, taken much as Queen Victoria took hers, with warm scones accompanied by a crackling fire.
In the Donovan Bar, hunt down the "Naughty Corner," a wall of Terence Donovan's photography hung around one famous risqué print. Ask the bartender for the story...!
Brown's is a collection of Georgian townhouses, which gives it real character but means the rooms vary wildly. No two are alike, and some are quite snug.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Brown's Hotel can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made UK trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended UK trips featuring Brown's Hotel or get advice and suggestions from one of our UK specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Brown's Hotel start from around $540, or US$540, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
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With a borough for every possible mood and sightseeing for days, London has genuinely never been better.
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