The new Bulgari Hotel in London is set in the heart of Knightsbridge, the city’s most prestigious neighborhood. It is a perfect expression of the Bulgari aesthetic of timeless glamour. Innovative artistry and a lavish use of precious marble and silver blend harmoniously, exuding an understated elegance.
The quality of the service, magnificent elements such as the spa, pool and private screening room (all shown in this post) , and the distinguished location beside Harrods and Hyde Park all contribute to an uncompromising sense of excellence.
The Design
The first new luxury hotel to be created in London for 40 years, every element is an authentic expression of the Bulgari aesthetic. The architectural and design studio of Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and Partners created the sleek architecture and refined interiors for a fluent, congruent appearance, together with a selection of rich furnishings and textiles made exclusively for the hotel.
The contemporary design concept concurs with Bulgari’s silversmith origins and Britain’s noble manufacturing traditions: silver forms the unifying theme. Details include custom-made silk curtains that feature silver patterns derived from an 1800s silver brooch by Sotirio Bulgari, and the spectacular handcrafted solid silver chandeliers, which dominate the Ballroom and are set to become the most impressive pair of silverware pieces made this century.
The design is complemented by state of the art technology and many sustainable features.
Rooms and Suites
The 85 luminous rooms and suites at the Bulgari Hotel & Residences are beautifully spacious; they are, in fact, the largest in London. Many look over Hyde Park and Knightsbridge and each is an oasis of comfort and sleek luxury. Every element demonstrates Bulgari’s famous attention to detail. Exquisite marbles, fine woods and unique detailing blend English style with Italian heritage.
Many furnishings are exclusive to Bulgari, creating a unique intimate feel. Rich, refined Italian silk fabrics feature an elaborate floral and foliate pattern inspired by the silver Bulgari Chatelaine. Sleek contours and rounded edges are redolent of the golden age of nautical travel. Even the mini bar resembles a sumptuous travel trunk.
The large bathrooms feature freestanding baths and showers in exquisite Marquina marble and white glass. Each bedroom offers a 42” LCD TV with connections for guest media devices, Nespresso coffee machine, complimentary wireless Internet and Bulgari amenities.
The Suites at the Bulgari Hotel in London are an expression of the contemporary ethos of Antonio Citterio, Patricia Viel and Partners, influenced by a rich Italian heritage. Each Suite has an elegance and warmth created by fabrics designed and woven in Italy, silk wallpaper, contemporary chandeliers in Murano glass, vintage Moroccan carpets from the Beni Ouarain tribes, showers in ivory onyx and unique touches such as the table lamps inspired by classic Bulgari silver candlesticks.
The Bulgari Suites I-VII are of peerless magnificence.
Each provides two bedrooms with king size beds, a master bathroom with combined steam and shower room, a contemporary kitchen with the latest appliances, unique Bulgari silver and lavish furnishings in the generous living area - some with open fireplaces - and a spacious dining room that accommodates 10 guests, perfected by the Butler Service.
There are spectacular views across Hyde Park and Knightsbridge, enhanced by the balconies in some suites. Bulgari I is the largest suite. All three suites on the top floor can be booked for complete privacy and exclusivity. From 170-221 sq m /1829- 2378 sq ft.
Bulgari Spa, Nail Salon and Fitness Centre
Set over two entire floors the Spa comprises a 25m swimming pool, vitality pool, thermal experiences with ice fountains and cooling showers, relaxation room, 11 treatment rooms offering exclusive bespoke Bulgari treatments for the face and body, a fully equipped fitness centre and nail salon. There is also a private spa suite for two people with its own dressing room, steam shower and private relaxation room, treatment room and oversized hydro-massage tub and treatment room with a backdrop of spectacular green onyx.
The Bulgari Spa is one of the largest in central London - and one of the most exclusive. It is very spacious yet intimate, creating a sense of tranquillity. Crafted from onyx, oak, Vicenza stone and Italian glass mosaics, the Spa blends a contemporary Italian design ethos with the dramatic visual heritage of Bulgari.
The centrepiece of the Spa is a 25m swimming pool created from sandblasted Vicenza stone, lined with green and gold leaf glass mosaic tiles and surrounded by columns and relaxing cabanas.:
By contrast, the Vitality Pool invigorates and excites. Lined with gold leaf glass tiles, it features air and water massage jets to relieve tired and aching muscles and increase circulation; a spectacular waterfall that stimulates one’s sense of sound, sight as well as touch; and water heated to the perfect soothing temperature:
Il Bar & Il Ristorante
Moving through from the hotel entrance, past contemporary and 17th and 18th century Roman silver pieces from the private Bulgari collection, one encounters the spacious granite-clad lounge and, ultimately, the theatrically dramatic space of Il Bar. With its own exclusive entrance from Knightsbridge Green, this is the new place to be in London. It leads down a sweeping staircase to Il Ristorante, with three further private dining rooms, led by noted Head Chef Robbie Pepin.
Private Dining Rooms
Il Ristorante offers three further private dining rooms at the Bulgari Hotel in London for an exclusive, private experience. Perpetuating the glamorous ambience, they feature fabric wall coverings and white cupola ceilings illuminated by light. They seat 8, 10 and 12 guests, or 18 guests when two rooms are combined.
Stunning Board Rooms, Meeting Rooms, Ballrooms and even a Cinema are available for special occasions and professional presentations:
Bulgari Hotel & Residences London, 171 Knightsbridge, SW7 1DW, Tel 0207 151 1010, Fax 0207 151 1011
all images and information courtesy of Bulgari
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