I’ll be honest, my expectations were high walking into The Emory. This is, after all, the Maybourne Group’s first new London property in 50 years, joining the legendary lineup of Claridge’s, The Connaught, and The Berkeley. So when I say it lived up to the hype, that’s actually saying something.
What makes The Emory truly special is that it’s London’s only all-suite hotel, and each floor has been designed by a different superstar designer. The lobby downstairs is actually quite surprising, designed by Rémi Tessier (a superyacht designer, of all things), it’s refreshingly understated. Don’t expect the typical five-star hotel grandeur or opulence here. Instead, it’s beautifully simple and almost minimalist, which feels quite bold for a luxury hotel. Whether this approach works for everyone is debatable, some might miss the traditional wow factor you’d expect walking into a Maybourne property. But you can see Tessier’s yacht design background in the clean lines and the way everything flows together seamlessly. The Damien Hirst pieces throughout add artistic edge without overwhelming the space, it all feels effortlessly sophisticated rather than trying to impress you.
Check-in was quick and unfussy, the concierge area strikes that perfect balance of being helpful without hovering. Walking into my suite, I was struck by just how generous the space felt. It’s genuinely spacious, with a separate living area featuring a really comfortable sofa and lovely views straight over Hyde Park.
I was staying on the fourth floor, which is Patricia Urquiola’s domain. Her take on English design feels fresh and contemporary, imagine cane-patterned wainscoting, rich wooden cladding, and textured plaster ceilings that catch the light in interesting ways. The custom furniture, including her signature Bio-mbo bed and Back-Wing chair, works well with the vibrant Kvadrat curtains and travertine floors. It’s refined without being stuffy, creating a space that feels both sophisticated and comfortable.
The bed was huge and possibly the most comfortable I’ve ever slept in, my number one hotel priority, because what’s the point of marble bathrooms if you can’t sleep? I was greeted with champagne and this delicious fruit tart that I dug into immediately.
Then my Emory assistant arrived. (Emory’s version of a butler) offering to help me unpack and asking what I’d like to drink. I thanked him politely but passed on the unpacking help, nothing kills the glamorous hotel guest vibe quite like having someone discover your breast pump and milk containers in your suitcase. I ordered a summer cocktail (spin on a margarita) and decided the only appropriate place to enjoy it was in the amazing bathtub. Because sometimes you just have to lean into the luxury, right? What’s brilliant about the Emory assistant service is that they’re just a WhatsApp message away. Later that evening, I texted asking if they could store my removable ice pack for my breast milk until checkout the next day. Not exactly the most glamorous request, but within minutes they’d arranged to collect it and keep it properly frozen overnight.
The minibar was incredibly thoughtful too. There were premium alcoholic drinks and sodas, but they’d also stocked it with niche healthy snacks and, this blew my mind, brand new Apple chargers and adaptors. Because let’s be honest, who hasn’t arrived at a hotel having forgotten their charger?
I also loved their bath products, they’re from the hotel’s own Ascend range, and I was genuinely impressed. I’ve stayed at plenty of fancy hotels and was almost always let down by their toiletries. I don’t know about you, but I need quality shampoo and conditioner as a bare minimum. Bad hair day equals ruined day, it’s just science. Not here, everything smells incredible, there are proper bath salts for soaking, and the conditioner actually works. It’s the kind of attention to detail that makes you feel like they actually understand what guests want.
We had dinner reservations at ABC kitchens at 7pm, so despite wanting to stay wrapped in that fluffy robe forever, I eventually got dressed and headed downstairs. Jean-Georges Vongerichten has brought his New York magic to London here, and the result is this perfect blend of familiar and exciting. The food was absolutely divine; delicious without being overly fussy or pretentious, which really captures the whole vibe of the place.
We decided to be properly indulgent and try one dish from each section of the menu, paired with champagne, of course. The spring pea guacamole with sunflower seeds, green chili, and warm crunch was a brilliant twist on something you think you know. But the tuna tartare with Calabrian chili, black olive, and feta cheese on seeded flatbread? Absolute perfection, I could have ordered three more rounds of that alone. The heirloom beet carpaccio came with avocado purée and all the flavours of tartare, while the grilled octopus with smoked paprika crème fraîche and guajillo vinaigrette was tender and smoky in all the right ways.
For mains, the chipotle chicken tacos with crispy skin and grilled jalapeño salsa were messy in the best possible way, and the chargrilled beef tenderloin with chimichurri and lime was cooked to perfection. Even the mushroom bolognese paccheri managed to be hearty without being heavy. The whole meal was absolutely divine, delicious without being overly fussy or pretentious, which really captures the whole vibe of the place.
After dinner, we couldn’t resist checking out the rooftop bar for a nightcap. Unfortunately, it was absolutely pouring with rain, so we couldn’t fully appreciate what I’m told are spectacular panoramic views of London. But honestly, that just added to the ambiance, there’s something quite romantic about being cocooned in this striking space while the rain creates a dramatic backdrop. You could still get a sense of just how incredible the vistas must be on a clear day.
But before I dive into the spa, I have to mention something that really struck me throughout my stay: the service. Yes, you expect excellent service at a five-star hotel, but this was genuinely next level. Everyone, and I mean everyone, was so friendly and helpful. I didn’t see a single grumpy face the entire time, which is remarkable.
Despite being tempted to stay buried under those amazing sheets all morning, I dragged myself out of bed early because there was absolutely no way I was missing out on Surrene, the hotel’s spa. The entrance alone is worth the visit, this dramatic door that makes you feel like you’re entering something special. Inside, there are heated floors, an immaculate layout, and this cool, contemporary design that somehow manages to be both calming and energising.
What makes Surrene truly special, though, is that it houses Tracy Anderson’s first London studio. For those who don’t know, Tracy Anderson is basically fitness royalty, her method focuses on small, repetitive movements that target and tone muscles in ways traditional workouts don’t. She’s got a massive celebrity following, and her approach combines dance-based cardio with muscle-toning routines using light weights. The studio is exclusive to Surrene members and hotel guests, and it’s the only place in the UK where you can experience the Tracy Anderson Method properly. The space itself, designed by Rémi Tessier, is absolutely stunning and perfectly equipped with all of Anderson’s specialised apparatus. It’s honestly glorious.
The Emory opened in April 2024, and it’s already got everyone talking. After spending a night there, I completely understand the hype. This isn’t just another luxury hotel trying to impress with over-the-top everything. Instead, it’s got this perfect understanding that real luxury is about thoughtful details, genuine comfort, and making you feel genuinely looked after.
In a city absolutely packed with incredible hotels, The Emory has managed to carve out something completely its own. It honors both contemporary style and timeless elegance without ever feeling like it’s trying too hard. The kind of place that makes you want to cancel all your other plans and just stay put.
But here’s the thing about staying somewhere this luxurious, it spoils you in ways you don’t even realise until you’re back in the real world. Case in point: I was rushing to catch the tube afterwards, dragging my suitcase behind me, when I got to the escalator and found it was broken. And I just… stood there. Waiting.. For someone to materialise and carry my suitcase up the stairs for me. I quickly snapped out of it, slightly embarrassed and hoping nobody had witnessed this moment of complete delusion. But honestly? It’s funny how quickly you get used to the lux life. The Emory doesn’t just provide exceptional service, it makes you forget that everywhere else isn’t quite so effortlessly perfect.
To find out more or book your stay at The Emory go to The Emory | A Modern Masterpiece in Belgravia, London.
Words by Raluca Tudose
