Overview
The Connaught in London, United Kingdom, occupies the apex register of the EMPTYJET guide as one of The Seven — the seven highest-graded hotels on Earth — seat 1 of 7. An EMPTYJET Consensus of 97/100 and a Guests' 777 placing of N° 61 of 777 reflect a strong cross-platform verdict. Honoured as Best in Country — N°1 house in United Kingdom, the hotel stands in Mayfair on Carlos Place, just off Mount Street, moments from Bond Street shopping, Hyde Park and West End cultural highlights. Its address is Carlos Place, Mayfair, London W1K 2AL.
Sources (2)
Why this grade
The Connaught’s placement among The Seven is grounded in a run of authoritative recognitions and consistent guest praise. It holds Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star and the MICHELIN Guide Three Keys; on-property flagship dining Hélène Darroze at The Connaught carries three Michelin stars. The hotel appears on The World's 50 Best Hotels list (rank 29) and its Connaught Bar was placed 5th on The World's 50 Best Bars list.
History
The Connaught traces its origins to 1815, when it opened as the Prince of Saxe-Coburg Hotel, occupying a pair of Georgian houses near Grosvenor Square. In 1897, it became known as The Coburg, before being renamed The Connaught in 1917 during the First World War to avoid German associations and in honour of Queen Victoria’s son. The hotel has undergone significant transformations, most notably a £70 million restoration and refurbishment in 2007, which included the addition of a new wing and a comprehensive reimagining of its interiors. The Connaught has been under the ownership of the Maybourne Hotel Group and has continually evolved, balancing its rich heritage with contemporary luxury.
Architecture & interiors
The Connaught’s architecture reflects its origins as Georgian townhouses, with subsequent expansions and refurbishments enhancing its grandeur. The most significant recent transformation occurred in 2007, when a £70 million restoration was led by British designer Guy Oliver, who oversaw the restoration, refurbishment, and redecoration of the property. The interiors draw together the best of British and international art and design, with a notable art collection featuring works by Barbara Hepworth, Graham Sutherland, Damien Hirst, Tadao Ando, and Louise Bourgeois. The Connaught Bar, designed by David Collins, is celebrated for its platinum-leaf walls and Cubist-inspired aesthetic. The Red Room, opened in 2021, features artwork by Louise Bourgeois and Jenny Holzer, as well as stained glass by Brian Clarke. The Connaught Grill’s 2020 reopening was led by designer John Heah. These elements combine to create an environment where heritage and contemporary artistry coexist.
Rooms & suites
The Connaught offers 122 rooms, including three suites that function as townhouses, with some sources noting a total of 115 rooms. The interiors, designed by Guy Oliver, reflect a blend of classic and contemporary British style. Notable suites include The Prince's Lodge, The Eagles Lodge, and The Sutherland and Somerset Suites, each offering distinctive layouts and features. The Mews, a signature accommodation, provides the feeling of a private Mayfair home across three floors, with light-filled interiors and a private entrance. Guests in suites benefit from personal butler service and bespoke experiences, with helicopter transfers available for those staying in The Mews or higher suite categories. Room rates start at $1,250 per night, reflecting the exclusivity and service level of the property.
Dining
Hélène Darroze at The Connaught The flagship restaurant, led by chef Hélène Darroze, holds three Michelin stars and is celebrated for its French fine dining, with a focus on seasonal produce sourced from select farmers, makers, and growers. The restaurant is a destination in its own right, consistently recognised by the MICHELIN Guide and The World's 50 Best Hotels for its culinary excellence.
The Connaught Grill Reopened in 2020 with design by John Heah, The Connaught Grill offers refined British cuisine, balancing tradition and contemporary flair. Signature dishes include a Sunday roast with Hereford beef or organic chicken carved tableside, a seafood cocktail featuring Atlantic prawns, Scottish lobster, and Cornish crab, and crêpe Suzette prepared tableside.
Jean-Georges at The Connaught Helmed by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, this restaurant presents British favourites with Asian inspiration, using market-fresh ingredients to create a dynamic and approachable menu.
The Connaught Bar Designed by David Collins and directed by Agostino Perrone, The Connaught Bar is a global icon, twice ranked No.1 and most recently 5th in The World's 50 Best Bars. The bar is renowned for its award-winning cocktails, platinum-leaf walls, Cubist-inspired design, and its signature house-distilled gin.
Coburg Bar and The Red Room The Coburg Bar, managed by Andreas Cortes, offers a classic cocktail experience, while The Red Room, opened in 2021, is an intimate wine bar featuring visionary female art and rare vintages, with artwork by Louise Bourgeois and Jenny Holzer and stained glass by Brian Clarke.
Connaught Cigar Merchants and Patisserie The Connaught Cigar Merchants, designed by Bryan O’Sullivan, offers rare cigars with expert guidance. The Connaught Patisserie showcases the creations of Executive Pastry Chef Nicolas Rouzaud.
Spa & wellness
The Connaught is home to the Aman Spa, the first of its kind outside Aman resorts. Located deep within the hotel, the spa offers five treatment rooms, a serene swimming pool, an aromatic steam room, a relaxing lounge, and a private gym. The spa is complemented by a private fitness centre equipped with exercise machines, free weights, and personal training services. The Aman Spa provides a tranquil urban retreat, with treatments and facilities designed to offer respite from the city. Additional wellness amenities include a swimming pool and a cigar merchant, rounding out the comprehensive wellness and leisure offering.
Service & reputation
The Connaught is celebrated for its world-famous service, with personal butler service available to all guests and bespoke experiences tailored for suite stays. The property is both pet and family friendly, and its reputation for discretion and excellence has attracted celebrity guests including Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, international musicians, and fashion designers. The General Manager, Sandeep Bhalla, oversees a team dedicated to upholding the highest standards of hospitality.
Location & setting
The Connaught is located at 16 Carlos Place, in the heart of Mayfair Village, London. The hotel occupies a prominent corner at Carlos Place and Mount Street, placing it moments from Bond Street’s luxury shopping, Hyde Park, and the West End’s cultural highlights. The Mayfair neighbourhood is renowned for its elegance, exclusivity, and proximity to London’s most celebrated boutiques and attractions. Chauffeur-driven airport transfers in luxury Mercedes and BMW vehicles, as well as helicopter transfers for guests in select suites, ensure seamless arrival and departure. The setting combines the tranquillity of a residential enclave with immediate access to the vibrancy of central London.
The EMPTYJET verdict
The Connaught is a destination for those who demand the highest standards in hospitality, gastronomy, and design. Its combination of historic gravitas, contemporary artistry, and a location in Mayfair makes it a compelling choice for connoisseurs of luxury, gourmets, and cultural travellers alike. The hotel’s accolades—three MICHELIN Keys, a Forbes Five-Star rating, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, and a bar ranked among the world’s best—are matched by its reputation for service and its curated art collection. The Connaught is particularly suited to guests seeking privacy, bespoke experiences, and immediate access to London’s finest shopping and cultural venues. It is equally welcoming to families and pets, and its suite offering, including The Mews, caters to those desiring residential-style accommodation with the benefits of a grand hotel.
Good to know
The Connaught is pet and family friendly, and offers a range of transfer options including chauffeur-driven cars and helicopter transfers for guests in The Mews or higher suite categories. Facilities include a swimming pool, Aman Spa, cigar merchant, and a private fitness centre. Room rates start at $1,250 per night. The hotel’s location in Mayfair provides immediate access to Bond Street shopping, Hyde Park, and the West End.






