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Athenaeum Hotel & Apartments

By , About.com Guide

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The Athenaeum Hotel, entrance, photo © Teresa Plowright.Athenaeum Hotel entrance, photo © Teresa Plowright. Click for photo of Winnie the Pooh playroom...
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Introduction to the Athenaeum:

It's hard to decide what's the classiest thing about the Athenaeum: its prime spot on Piccadilly across from Green Park, its afternoon tea with scones and clotted cream, its special small touches.... (Or maybe the whisky lounge, with 250 single malts.)
But all in all... I'd vote for the Concierge. Not only can he instantly advise where to go, and how to get there, it's the delivery that delights and you'll get the royal treatment whether you're Kevin Spacey or Mrs. Doe from Idaho.

(By the way, note that the spelling is not "Atheneum!")

Background:

The Athenaeum Hotel & Apartments was originally built in 1925 in the Edwardian era, and was operated like a private club before becoming a luxury apartment block. A £10M refurbishment took place in 1994; and several large suites have recently been redone to suit families.

The Athenaeum has 111 rooms and 12 suites, some traditional, others more contemporary.

Family-Friendly Features

The Athenaeum welcomes kids with convenient suites, a kids' concierge (who can supply toys, crayons, etc.), little touches such as milk and cookies, and -- new in 2011-- a Winnie the Pooh playroom, in parternership with Disney.

Near the Athenaeum:

The location is terrific. Green Park is across the street, and a short walk away are: Hyde park; Buckingham Palace; Royal Academy of Art; Bond Street; Trafalgar Square; Shepherds Market; Piccadilly Circus; and the Theatre District.

Two tube stations (Green Park, and Hyde Park Corner) are a short walk away. If you have a suite with a kitchen, groceries can be bought near the Green Park tube station.

Special Features at the Athenaeum:

  • Our suite had some cool toys for kids, and a vintage game console ( - click for pic.) High-tech tv screens, with internet, were cool too.
  • Kitchen was fully-equipped, even with washer/dryer.
  • Complimentary snacks and sodas in the mini-fridge
  • Afternoon Tea: homemade scones, clotted cream and jam, daily in The Windsor Lounge.
  • little touches: big bowl of apples by the check-in desk; milk and cookies at night, for kids; water bottles and face cloths for jogging guests...
  • spa exclusively for Athenaeum guests
The Athenaeum has been voted by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine as one of London’s top ten hotels.

Packages & Promotions at the Athenaeum:

Check the web site for special packages. Sample: A 'London Royal Experience' includes an overnight stay, English breakfast, and passes for the Banqueting House at Whitehall Palace, Tower of London, Kensington Palace State Rooms, exhibit at The Royal Academy of Arts.

Also: inquire about "dollars for pounds" promotions, an excellent price break for American visitors.

Find out more about the Atheneum:

*This article was based on a visit some years ago. Always check destination websites for updates!

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodation for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.

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