Standing tall over Knightsbridge since the 1960s, The Carlton Tower Jumeirah kicked off the fashion for high-rise hotels in London and attracted a hip guest list in the process.
Fresh from a $127 million top-to-toe refurbishment and featuring enough marble to stretch from the base to the peak of Mount Everest, this London hotel is a suitably decadent choice for VIPs such as the Dubai royal family, who take up the entire 18th floor while in town.
This family- and dog-friendly hotel is seconds from the designer boutiques on Sloane Street along with Harrods and Harvey Nichols. It’s less than a 10-minute walk to Hyde Park, and just a little farther to some of the capital’s best museums, making it an excellent stay for a shopping and culture break.
With top-class spa and fitness facilities, including London’s largest naturally lit indoor pool, afternoon tea headed by one of the world’s most decorated pastry chefs and Al Mare, an Italian restaurant and bar whipping up a taste of the Med, The Carlton ticks the food and wellness boxes, too.
- Split over three floors, the Peak Fitness Club & Spa rivals many a hotel offering, with a 20-meter pool that’s flooded in natural light from the double-height glass ceiling. It provides water-side cabanas, a Jacuzzi and dedicated splash times for children, ensuring plenty of adults-only swimming, too. The equipment and classes are all positioned to soak up excellent vistas while you sweat and stretch, while the signature Seed to Skin candle massage at the Talise Spa is guaranteed to help you unwind.
- With heralded pastry chef Jessica Préalpato oversees the luxury hotel’s afternoon tea, it’s a must-book. Inspired by London’s Kew Gardens, the tea features fare made using only natural ingredients and free from refined sugar (honey and brown sugar are added sparingly). So, the truffle croissants filled with duck egg, dried nettle scones with strawberry marmalade and the like are as good for you as they look.
- The Carlton gives an especially warm greeting to its youngest guests. A tepee and personalized welcome treats await them in the room, while a dedicated menu created by baby and children’s food expert Annabel Karmel will delight with the likes of popcorn shrimp and bear-face-shaped pizzas, catering to a range of dietary needs.
- Open to all guests, the ninth-floor Peak Members Lounge lays on a complimentary buffet of sweet and savory bites and smoothies from morning to evening, with far-reaching London views. Tables run the length of the windows, making it an excellent spot for working remotely.
- Across the road is Cadogan Place Garden, a private communal green space so notable Charles Dickens wrote about it. You’ll find lawns for picnicking, 300-year-old mulberry trees, a wildflower meadow and tennis courts. Only Cadogan Estate residents and overnight guests of the Carlton have access. The concierge will provide you with a key.
- The most common room type is the Junior Suite, which boasts refreshingly spacious lounge areas decked in sunlight and plush soft furnishings. Only around half have a separate bathtub and shower, so be sure to state your preferences when booking. The Executive City View Suites have a more business-like feel. All feature sleek marble bathrooms with full-sized amenities from luxury, natural beauty brand Grown Alchemist.
- The Carlton Tower’s 186 guest rooms, spread across the second to 18th floors, offer up London vistas that improve with every level. For the very best sights, taking in Big Ben to St Paul’s Cathedral, reserve one of the balcony rooms on the ninth floor and above.
- While you’ll find a Dyson hairdryer in every room, upon request, you can also borrow hair straighteners, curlers and other personal amenities, leaving precious room in your suitcase for souvenirs.
24-hour room service 
Babysitting services
Bar
Fitness classes
Gym
House car
Indoor pool
Meeting rooms
Pet friendly
Restaurants
Spa
Tennis
