Bulgari Hotel and Residences

The Scene

Knightsbridge is renowned throughout London for its luxury boutiques and accompanying hotels. You’ll find the top three luxury department stores of London a short walk away, but you’ll also find beautiful cultural draws in nearby Kensington Gardens and museums. But we take it you’ll be feeling glamorous and, in this case, may be more interested in even more shopping a Tube ride away at Oxford Circus.

The Concept

Elegance and timelessness converge in Bulgari’s Knightbridge address. Original “blueprints” of silver patterns by Sotirio Bulgari and plenty of silver-inspired details in the rooms (think lush fabrics) invoke Bulgari’s silversmith past and tie the sleek design together. There’s something for everyone here in this spacious getaway: children can attack the candy selection in the lobby, connoisseurs of fine and rare libations can indulge at Il Bar, cinephiles can screen a private show at the state-of-the-art Cinema and fitness buffs can work out with a personal trainer in the on-site gym. There’s also a two-story spa area with an iconic pool, a cigar shop and sampling lounge featuring Edward Sahakian’s private collection and the list goes on. To make a long story: this is true Italian luxury in the style of La Dolce Vita.

The Look

Maintaining a streamlined approach to furnishings, bold style pops on the walls and windows in spectacular custom fabrics that were made for this Bulgari Hotel alone. The patterns are elaborate but not garish or overwhelming, beautifully complementing the large use of rich woods (mahogany is a favorite) and marble throughout the hotel. Only the finest of materials were used to cultivate a lavish sense of luxury; it’s the details that really call your attention to the true magnitude of Bulgari’s opulence. Perhaps the most spectacular feature of the hotel---even more so than the solid silver chandelier gracing the ballroom---is the stunning silver staircase that winds its way from Il Bar downstairs to Il Ristorante. No matter which room or suite you select, Bulgari touches (especially silver) are everywhere: look for the traveler trunk minibar and the designs of the fabric (inspired by silver Bulgari chatelaine).

In Short

Designers and architects Antonio Citterio Patrician Viel and Partners have wrought a masterpiece of La Dolce Vita luxury that epitomizes Bulgari in all its forms: often ostentatious, sometimes understated…but always timeless and elegant.