Let?s play a guessing game. Glossy polished brown wood and sleek black marble adorning the interior. Exquisite Mediterranean food enjoyed in a casual setting. A sense of calm and peace throughout.
Are you thinking an uber-luxury boat sailing along the French Riviera" Kind of. Except the boat is not on the French Riviera. It?s in the heart of Knightsbridge, London, in the shape of the Bulgari Hotel. That?s how it feels to be inside the first new luxury hotel built from the ground up in London in 40 years.
Lobby at Bulgari Hotel London (photo credit: Bulgari Hotel)
So sleek and seamless is the design throughout the premises that there will be times you?ll have difficulty finding the door of the bathroom in the lobby, as it seems part of the walls. Sometimes I couldn?t figure out where the wall ends and the door begins. Not surprising when you know that the interiors were designed by Antonio Citterio and Partners, the master of Italian minimalism. This is not one of the same old traditional hotels abundant in London. Paying homage to Bulgari?s silversmith origins, the designers used a silver theme throughout the building, including the 85 rooms and suites. The centerpiece in the bar is constructed of silver and handmade silver chandeliers are hanging from the ballroom ceilings. Custom-made silk drapery and Italian-manufactured furnishings add richness to the decor.
?Il Bar? at Bulgari Hotel London (photo credit: Bulgari Hotel)
?Il Bar? and the ?Edward Sahakian Cigar Shop...