The Emory Turns Two: Inside Knightsbridge's All-Suite Hotel
It is two years this spring since Maybourne opened The Emory, the all-suite hotel that joined The Berkeley, Claridge's and The Connaught in the group's London collection. In that time it has settled into the neighbourhood as one of its defining modern buildings, and its rooftop has become a fixture for anyone wanting a view over Hyde Park. With the anniversary approaching, here is a look at what makes it distinctive.
A building by Rogers and Harbour
The Emory was designed by Richard Rogers and Ivan Harbour of RSHP, and its glass exterior and sail-like rooftop structure make it instantly recognisable from the park. Inside, Maybourne took the unusual step of handing different parts of the hotel to different designers. Suites carry the work of Patricia Urquiola, André Fu, Pierre Yves Rochon, Alexandra Champalimaud and Rigby and Rigby, and guests who want total privacy can take a Private Floor, with exclusive use of a whole level designed by one name. Design Milk's tour of the hotel shows the range.
Suites and views
There are 61 suites and studios, topped by a Penthouse. Many look over the city, and the Penthouse lounge, the rooftop terrace and certain suites have panoramic views across Hyde Park, which is a large part of the appeal on a clear spring evening. As an all-suite hotel, even the entry-level rooms are built for living rather than simply sleeping, which is rare at this end of Knightsbridge.
Eating and drinking
- abc kitchens: inspired by Jean-Georges Vongerichten's New York restaurant and the first UK outpost of his abc brand, serving seasonal, ingredient-led dishes from lunch through dinner.
- The Emory Rooftop Bar: cocktails with skyline views, with the bartender Renato Giovannoni, known as Tato, returning to the bar.
- The Emory Cigar Merchants: a small, intimate room for rare cigars.
What every stay includes
The Emory's pricing is high, but a good deal is folded in. Every stay includes daily English breakfast, in-suite or at abc kitchens; a complimentary, fully stocked minibar; 24-hour personalised service from an Emory Butler; unpacking and pressing on arrival; and use of the house car, subject to availability, for drop-offs within a two-mile radius between 12pm and 10pm. Guests also have complimentary access to Surrenne Belgravia, the hotel's wellbeing and longevity club, for the length of their stay. Full details are on The Emory's own site.
Who it suits
It is a hotel for longer stays and for travellers who want space rather than ceremony. Families and groups who would normally book connecting rooms often find a suite here simpler, and the house car makes Sloane Street, Mayfair and the museums of South Kensington easy without calling a taxi.
Getting there
The Emory is on Old Barrack Yard, SW1X, a few minutes' walk from Hyde Park Corner station and around ten minutes from Knightsbridge. For other places to stay nearby, see our Knightsbridge hotel guides.
