Site Inspection and Stay: Brown's Hotel, London

With Rocco Forte Knights, guests at Brown's are offered room upgrades and early check-in / late check-out (all subject to availability), complimentary English breakfast served in-room at or Charlie’s (the onsite restaurant), a welcome amenity (ours included a bottle of Moet & Chandon, as well as a fruit plate and chocolate truffles), 20% off spa treatment, and a $100 food & beverage credit.

We were greeted with all helpfulness, easy check-in and luggage storage (it was only 10am), and suggestions for where to get a late breakfast nearby. The concierge actually came out to the street as we were departing and said he had checked to see if a particular place was open on Sundays (it was) and then directed us to Le Deli Robuchon, which was a perfect place for cappuccino and pastries. When we returned a few hours later after a stroll, our room was ready, and we were upgraded to a spacious Junior Suite.

We dined at Charlie's that evening, which featured a jazz trio and special Sunday Roast Menu. Room service breakfast the next morning was outstanding, as were cocktails in the Donovan Bar after a day of touring.

I had the opportunity to do a site inspection with the sales manager, and she showed me several room types, including the specialty suites. I was especially taken with the Kipling Suite — apparently Rudyard Kipling wrote The Jungle Book at Brown’s Hotel.

There are a total of 115 rooms, ranging from standard executive rooms to multi-room suites. There are several configurations that can accommodate families comfortably. The most "basic" rooms still ooze charm, luxury and comfort.

Rocco Forte loves working with travel advisors and is very much focused on providing personalized service and experiences. You easily begin to feel like you're "coming home" when you return to the hotel, and the staff goes out of their way to get to know you and extend all kindness. When our son wanted to wear his bow tie out to the theatre (we still haven’t learned how to tie one…), the concierge went to work finding someone who could help. It turned out that the piano player in the drawing room, who was accompanying afternoon tea service knew how to tie a bow tie. He got up from the piano and came into the foyer to show us how it’s done. It was a small gesture that meant a lot!

I would stay at Brown's again in a heartbeat (certainly hope to!) and this would be my absolute top choice for luxury clients traveling to London. Warmth, whimsy, lightness and care all shine through at this Rocco Forte gem.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to London. In need of further inspiration? Check out Nadia Bess’s guide, Cocktails & Culture: 3 Days in London.