Hotels near Albemarle Street, London

London Hotel near Albemarle Street

Across from Green Park and the Ritz, Albemarle is one of London's most fashionable and fabled of destinations.

The nearest hotel to Albemarle Street is the recently renovated (at the price of £24 million) Brown's Hotel. A legendary hotel combining refined English style with a contemporary twist, Brown's has hosted a variety of notable guests.

From famous guests at Brown's Hotel to famously smart galleries and shops, Albemarle Street is where London's knowledgeably chic convene to enjoy the finer things in life.

Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt honeymooned at Brown's Hotel and Haile Selassi, Emperor of Ethiopia, who spend his exile here during World War Two. Another esteemed guest was Alexander Graham Bell, who stayed at Brown's Hotel when he visited to London to inform the British government about his invention, the telephone. The renowned crime writer, Agatha Christie, visited this Mayfair street many times, based her book "At Bertram's Hotel" on Brown's Hotel. Albemarle Street's literary ties extend beyond the iconic Brown's Hotel.

During Victorian times and part of the 20th century, publisher John Murray was based at 50 Albemarle Street.

A list of authors Murray published includes Lord Byron, whose letter where destroyed in Murray's fireplace after his death. British Poet Laureate, Sir John Betjeman, was another of Murray's writers.

Oscar Wilde was known to frequent this street as a member of the Albemarle Club. At this club in 1895, the Marquess of Queensberry left his calling card for Wilde with a note reading "For Oscar Wilde, posing as a somdomite" (sic), an action that led to Wilde unsuccessfully suing for libel only to face subsequent criminal prosecution and eventual imprisonment.

Albemarle Street's history is rich and varied. This was the first one way street in London. The 1860s construction of the street was the work of a syndicate of developers, lead by Sir Thomas Bond (after whom Bond Street is named), a team whose developments popped up throughout Mayfair and nearby, including Bond Street and Dover Street.

Founded in 1799 and still highly respected for the caliber of its scientific lectures, the Royal Institution is located at 21 Albemarle Street in Grade I listed building noted for its frontage of classical columns.

Two office buildings designed by the influential architect, Ernö Goldfinger, are located at 45-46 Albemarle Street and are widely accepted as an fine example of how modern architecture can coexist along side more traditional styles (Georgian architecture in the case of this tony Mayfair street).

Today, the mention of Albemarle Street elicits thoughts of luxury and beauty. Several art galleries and interior design shops line this elegant lane, including the WH Patterson Gallery and Paul Smith Furniture. Expect some of London's finest dining at a variety of top restaurants, such as Sumosan (sushi) and Mosaico (Italian).

Six international jewelry houses, including Tiffany's and Buccellati, call Albemarle Street home, adding to the exclusive air of this wonderful street.

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