Exclusive London: Mayfair Hotels

Originally named after the annual May Fair that took place on the site during the 18th Century, Mayfair has risen in the popular consciousness - thanks largely to its status on the monopoly board - as a byword for wealthy London. Previous landlords in the area include the Duke of Westminster and the Rothschild family, who bought up large area of Mayfair in the 19th Century.

Its exclusive reputation has grown since then, with many old Georgian mansions having been converted into commercial ventures, including the headquarters of a number of major corporations, and the US embassy. Rents are among the highest in the world, paid by business, wealthy residents, boutiques and luxury hotels and restaurants.

Claridge’s and the Dorchester are perhaps the most famous of Mayfair’s hotels and stunning they are too - but they’re not the only game in town. If you’re thinking of splashing out on a trip to London, and fancy staying in luxury, there are plenty of upmarket Mayfair hotels to choose from.

One of these is the Millennium Hotel London Mayfair (Discover more Mayfair hotel options at Millennium’s site). Located on one of London’s prettiest residential greens, Grosvenor Square, the Millennium Hotel is one of Mayfair’s most elegant and luxurious. It still exudes the class it was built for, managing to keep a strong flavor of the private residence it once was. Entering the 18th Century mansion - with thrusting Doric columns - you feel like you might just be in on a secret that no-one else knows about..

You might not want to leave the gorgeously appointed rooms, but if you do venture out into the area, you will be rewarded with access to some of London’s finest locales. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are both nearby, and London’s theatre district is within easy walking distance. Shopping on Bond Street and Regent Street is of course the best in the world, but just walking around the neighborhood is it’s own pleasure. Access by road is good, and if you’re flying in to the city, both Gatwick and Heathrow airports will deliver you by train to Mayfair.

And if you’re coming for a few days or a long weekend, you can even save a few quid. The Millennium group is currently promoting their ‘Leisure for Longer’ deal, offering savings of up to 20% when you stay for 3 nights or longer.