Photo Tour: 51 Buckingham Gate

 

It may seem bizarre to begin a site inspection after 11 pm, but Luxury Travel Advisor did just that last night after dinner at Bistro 51 (try the chicken tikka masala. Or the duck. Just delicious!). Right next door to the restaurant is 51 Buckingham Gate, the Taj-owned all-suite hotel with a private courtyard and some top suites to swoon over. And in spite of the hour, we set out to see what the hotel had to offer.

All of the suites at the hotel come with butler and room service included, as well as full kitchens for preparing one’s own meals if one so chooses. The three private townhouses that create the hotel each have different vibes and styles, so there’s something for everyone. And about that courtyard: In the summer, a grill is set up so that guests can dine al fresco whenever they want, and movies can be screened when the weather is good. (Downside of doing the tour at night: We couldn't get good photos of the courtyard. But trust us...it's worth reserving a few hours in good weather to spend some time there.)

The standard suite is larger than many New York City apartments, and has everything a one-bedroom apartment would need, including a large kitchen.

The two-bedroom Jaguar Suite is inspired by the iconic cars, and has lots of energetic (and rather playful) touches. Overseen by Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum and his in-house team, the suite has specially commissioned auto-inspired artwork and displays and uses materials taken from the cars, such as leather, metal and high gloss veneer. 

Best of all: Residents of the Jaguar Suite can use  a chauffeur-driven Jaguar for airport transfers and transportation within London. 

The Cinema Suite, meanwhile, is all about the movies, and has an 82-inch High-Def 3D TV as its focal point. (Great for private screenings, we say - and being able to even have a focal point in an 1,800-square-foot suite is impressive!.) Each room has its own theme, from Bollywood (think classic Indian decor) to the silent era. Cool touch: The powder room just off the living room has a plush little chair that can be used for pedicures so that guests don’t have to go down to the spa.

Contact Assistant Director of Sales Prashanth Ayyagari ([email protected]) with any questions or requests.