An Oasis of Sustainable Luxury in the Heart of London

Jon Day

In the heart of London’s prestigious Mayfair district, 1 Hotel Mayfair is a harmonious blend of luxury and environmental stewardship that provides a much needed respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Overlooking the verdant expanse of Green Park, the hotel offers guests a serene retreat amidst the city’s vibrant energy. I checked in one cold January morning to give the property a try; here’s everything you need to know:

Location and Design

Jon Day – The Lobby

Situated at 3 Berkeley Street, 1 Hotel Mayfair is in an extremely prime location, with Green Park just steps away. The hotel is within walking distance of iconic landmarks such as the Royal Academy, Bond Street’s luxury boutiques, and the historic Burlington Arcade. This proximity allows guests to immerse themselves in London’s multifaceted cultural scene with ease.

The hotel’s design is incredibly distinct. Like all 1 Hotels, it is focused on sustainable luxury. Natural materials and textures dominate the interiors, with over 1,300 plants from 200 species breathing life into the guest rooms and common spaces. The lobby features a stunning check-in counter crafted from a 200-year-old oak tree and a mesmerizing living chandelier, “Rainforest,” by French designer Patrick Nadeau, which is covered with over 50,000 strands of Spanish moss.

Accommodations

Milo Brown – Studio Suite

The hotel has 181 guest rooms, including 44 suites, each designed with a muted color palette of slate grey, beige, and green, complemented by British Oak flooring sourced from fallen trees on the Windsor Estate. Every room features a living moss wall, which I found to be incredibly grounding and soothing. Bathrooms are adorned with Welsh slate and offer refillable toiletries from the sustainable British brand Bamford. Eco-conscious amenities include filtered water taps – in order to eliminate the need for single-use plastics – and sensors that adjust lighting and airflow based on occupancy, which means you’re not wasting energy.

Service and Amenities

I found service at 1 Hotel Mayfair to be impeccable, with staff anticipating my needs before they even arose. Rooms are thoughtfully equipped with in-room yoga mats, which I availed myself of for some movement and restoration. The minibars are stocked with healthy, locally sourced snacks and beverages, which are included as part of the stay, which means it’s easy to raid the minibar somehow and feel good after doing so.

For fitness enthusiasts, The Field House offers a state-of-the-art gym equipped with Technogym equipment and custom fitness programming. Post-workout, guests can unwind at the Bamford Wellness Spa, which provides a range of holistic treatments in a tranquil setting.

Milo Brown – Dovetale Terrace

Dining

Culinary experiences at 1 Hotel Mayfair are curated by two-Michelin-starred Chef Tom Sellers. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Dovetale, offers a modern British menu emphasizing seasonal, organic, and locally sourced ingredients. Highlights include grilled Cornish lobster salad, Orkney scallop with lemon oil, English burrata, and roasted Hardwick lamb, which was excellent. For casual gatherings, the lobby café, Neighbours, serves as a welcoming spot, while the cocktail bar, Dover Yard, provides a sophisticated ambiance for drinks.

Mikkel Vang

Skyline Junior Suite

Milo Brown – Living Wall In-Room

Sustainability Initiatives

Sustainability is at the core of 1 Hotel Mayfair’s ethos. The hotel employs energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, with occupancy sensors to reduce unnecessary energy consumption. Soft, integrated lighting enhances the serenity of each guest room. Locally sourced, sustainable bed linens and non-toxic, organic mattresses are extremely comfortable, while also being great for the environment. The building’s exterior features live green walls, and an efficient irrigation system nourishes these walls using rainwater collected from the roof.

In all, 1 Hotel Mayfair was a completely unique experience in the heart of London. You feel truly calm within the property, even in the busy heart of the city. From its thoughtful design and prime location to its exceptional service and eco-friendly initiatives, it offers guests an experience that nowhere else in London truly can.