You’ve probably walked right past it without realizing. Tucked away on Balderton Street, just a stone's throw from the relentless hum of Selfridges and the Oxford Street madness, sits a building that looks like it was pulled straight out of a 1920s film set.
The Beaumont London isn't your typical glass-and-steel luxury giant. It’s intimate. It’s a bit moody. And honestly? It’s probably the best-kept secret in Mayfair, even if a giant cubist man is literally crouching on its facade.
What is that thing on the wall?
If you look up while standing in Brown Hart Gardens, you’ll see it. A massive, stainless-steel sculpture of a crouching figure. It’s called ROOM, and it was designed by Sir Antony Gormley. Most people think it’s just art. It isn't.
It’s a bedroom.
Staying in the Gormley suite is weird in the best possible way. You climb a flight of white marble stairs into a dark, oak-clad cave. There are no windows in the bedroom part, just a sliver of light from way up high. Gormley’s idea was to "sculpt darkness." It’s meant to be a meditative retreat from the city. If you’re the type who needs a pitch-black room to sleep, this is your holy grail.
Just don't expect a view of the street from your pillow. You're inside a man's knee, basically.
The history is actually a lie (but a good one)
Here is something most people get wrong about The Beaumont. They walk in, see the Art Deco brass, the polished walnut, and the oxblood leather, and they assume it’s been a hotel since the Jazz Age.
It hasn't.
The building started life in 1926 as a parking garage. Seriously. It was the Macy’s of garages—an elegant, Grade II-listed structure for the wealthy to stash their cars. It didn’t become a hotel until 2014, when the legendary restaurateurs Chris Corbin and Jeremy King (the duo behind The Wolseley) decided to turn it into a fictionalized version of a 1930s grand hotel.
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They even invented a backstory. They imagined a fictional American named James "Jimmy" Beaumont who escaped Prohibition-era New York to open a hotel in London. Every design choice—from the vintage books on the shelves to the black-and-white photos in the bar—was curated to fit Jimmy's world.
The New Era: 2026 and Beyond
Ownership has changed since the Corbin & King days. It’s now owned by the Saïd family. They recently finished a massive multi-million pound renovation that added 29 new rooms and suites.
Stuart Procter, the CEO who took over in 2024, has been vocal about wanting The Beaumont to be one of the top four hotels in London. Usually, that kind of corporate talk is just fluff. But they’ve actually put the work in. They’ve even taken over part of Brown Hart Gardens for a new indoor-outdoor restaurant project that’s supposed to be the "fun" sibling to the main dining room.
Where to eat: Beyond the Colony Grill
The Colony Grill Room is the heart of the place. It feels like a New York steakhouse from a Gatsby novel. Red leather booths, murals of sporting scenes, and some of the best service in the city.
- The Go-to Order: The Shepherd’s Pie. It sounds basic. It isn't.
- The Customization: They are famous for their "bespoke" ice cream sundae menu. You get a little card and a pencil and tick off exactly what you want. It’s childishly fun for a place this fancy.
But the real news for 2026 is Rosi. Named after Wafic Saïd’s wife, Rosemary, it’s the hotel’s newer, more vibrant dining spot. They brought in Luke Edward Hall to design it, so expect colors that pop and a vibe that’s a bit more "New Mayfair" than "Old World."
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Then there’s Le Magritte Bar. It’s small. It’s dark. It smells like expensive cigars and bourbon. If you want to feel like a spy or a disgraced poet, this is where you go for a late-night drink.
Why it actually matters for travelers
Most five-star hotels in London feel like they belong to a chain. You could be in Hong Kong or New York and the carpet would be the same. The Beaumont feels like London.
It’s independent. That means the staff actually remember your name without looking at a tablet. It’s also one of the few places where the "house car" is actually cool—they have a vintage Daimler that can drop you off at nearby shops.
The Logistics (The boring but necessary stuff)
- Location: 8 Balderton Street, Brown Hart Gardens.
- Transport: Bond Street station is the closest. It’s a 3-minute walk.
- The Spa: It’s all white marble and Art Deco tiles. They do a Hammam treatment that will literally make you forget you’re in the middle of a global capital.
- Booking Tip: If you can’t afford the Gormley suite (it’s pricey), the regular "Classic" rooms still have the same 1920s charm and the bathrooms have underfloor heating.
The Verdict
Is it the cheapest stay in London? Absolutely not. But if you want a hotel that has a soul, a weird piece of architecture on the front, and a bar that feels like a time machine, The Beaumont is the one.
It’s rare to find a place that manages to be "cool" and "classic" at the same time without trying too hard. Most hotels try to be everything to everyone. The Beaumont just wants to be a very, very good host.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the official website for "Stay 4, Pay 3" offers which are frequently available through 2026.
- Book a table at The Colony Grill at least two weeks in advance, especially for weekend brunches.
- If you aren't staying overnight, visit for the Afternoon Tea in The Gatsby Room; it’s one of the few in Mayfair that doesn't feel like a tourist trap.
- Request a room overlooking Brown Hart Gardens to avoid the (minimal) street noise of Providence Court.