One of Mayfair’s most celebrated hotels, this five-star bolthole in St James’s Place first opened in 1908 as a hotel for dukes and other members of the aristocracy.
This year marks 110 years since Dukes London first opened its distinguished doors. Bursting with history and with many a story to tell, the building it occupies was originally built around 1890 as the London Chambers for the sons of Britain’s aristocracy, until it became Dukes Hotel in 1908. Guests who wanted to be seen stayed elsewhere as Dukes was, and still remains, a discreet hotel.
Dukes is just a short stroll from Clarence House (the official residence of Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall) and Spencer House, which belongs to the Spencer family. In addition to noblemen, artists, politicians and bankers were, and continue to be, regular guests and Sir Edward Elgar always stayed in Dukes’ apartments when in London for concerts. James Bond author, Ian Fleming was a regular guest of Dukes Bar, where he got the inspiration for the classic Martini line: ‘shaken, not stirred’. He is also known to have written parts of the 1953-classic Casino Royale here.
The iconic hotel has recently completed a multi-million pound refurbishment which has seen a refresh for all 90 bedrooms, including the creation of 22 gorgeous new Deluxe Rooms, a new-look lobby and the opening of GBR, the hotel’s signature restaurant. This has enhanced and enriched what guests know and love about the Dukes’ experience, whilst maintaining its award-winning five-star service and attention to detail.
