Awarded Five AA Red Stars
Awarded Two AA Rosettes and the AA Breakfast Award
Some travelers might be surprised to see that Brown's Hotel has a far simpler façade compared to other luxury hotels in London. This is because Brown's has played a more discreet role in its past, providing a quiet yet lavish sanctuary to the city's elite ever since it opened in 1832. This shroud of privacy and discernment made the Brown's the top choice for notable historic figures, from visiting royalty to exiled heads of state. Today, the hotel maintains not only its prudent service but also its heritage architecture, with spaces dressed in period opulence and rooms styled in modern interior artistry. Whether you're seeking a posh stay, exquisite dining, and lush London experiences, Brown's Hotel will certainly provide.
33 Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London, United Kingdom, W1S 4BP
London’s Mayfair district is famous as the capital's most affluent and exclusive neighborhood, where society's elite live, and local establishments cater to their tastes and demands. It is also here that Brown’s Hotel is located, opened by James and Sarah Brown back in 1832. Originally, Brown's was conceived as a residence-style establishment offering privacy, comfort, and discretion to an elite clientele.
The hotel expanded during the Victorian era by adapting the adjoining Georgian townhouses, providing an intimate alternative to London's larger hotels. Notable milestones that took place at Brown's include Alexander Graham Bell’s first telephone call made in the United Kingdom in 1876, and Dutch Prime Minister Peter Gerbrandy declaring war against the Japanese Empire in 1941.
Brown’s Hotel’s may have begun as a row of Georgian townhouses adapted into a hotel, but subsequent years and developments transformed it into one of London’s most iconic luxury hotels.
The building’s exterior still expresses the elegant proportions and motifs crafted during the height of London's fondness for Georgian urban architecture. Once individual residences, these homes were acquired and strung together to form a single property. Perhaps due to its focus as a discreet establishment, the exterior was intentionally kept in line with the surrounding aesthetics as a way to blend in.
For the interiors, the architectural heritage is much more layered and contextual. Refined trappings exude traditional English sophistication, such as the rich wood paneling and ornate fireplaces. These are complemented by contemporary elegance brought about by restorations and artistry from modern interior designers, made using fine materials, bespoke wallpapers, and art.
Named after Lord Charles Forte, patriarch of the Rocco Forte Hotels group, Charlie's offers a warmly lit, stylish restaurant that celebrates modern British cuisine. Menus are crafted to feature seasonality and local delicacies, embellished with playful theatrical touches designed by Michelin‑starred chef Adam Byatt. Try various British classics given contemporary twists, from traditional roasts and venison en croute to seafood and plant‑focused dishes.
Guests can enjoy dining at various parts of the day, from greeting the day with breakfast, replenishing with lunch, and savoring a filling dinner. Special dinners are also available, including Sunday Roast lunches and Sunday jazz evening dinners. Adjacent is Charlie’s Bar, serving craft cocktails and other tasty beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday:
Breakfast: 7 am - 10:30 am
Lunch: 12 pm - 3 pm
Dinner: 6 pm - 11 pm
Sunday:
Breakfast: 7:30 am - 11 am
Lunch: 12:30 am - 3:30 am
Jazz Evening: 6:30 - 11 pm
Donovan’s Bar is dedicated to Terence Donovan, the iconic fashion photographer and video director. As an ode to his style, the bar features intimate and stylish decor, creating a cocktail lounge that lulls guests into indulgence with mixology creations inspired by his works. Menu items include classics like daiquiris, and seasonal curated creations by legendary mixologists Salvatore Calabrese and Director of Mixology Federico Pavan. Rich velvet seating and striking black‑and‑white photography create a ritzy atmosphere, complemented by playful touches like the semi‑private Naughty Corner.
Opening hours:
Monday to Wednesday: 4 pm - 12 am
Thursday: 4 pm - 1 am
Friday & Saturday: 12 pm - 1 am
Sunday: 12 pm - 11 pm
A historic all‑day dining space, the Drawing Room is an intimate venue that exudes classic British elegance combined with contemporary flair. This beautiful wood‑panelled room comes accented with contemporary art, providing a refined ambiance for breakfast, light lunch, or dinner. Savor a casual meal, a romantic dinner, or a lively gathering. During select evenings, the room transforms into a classy jazz dive with live performances, serving guests seasonal small plates that are best paired with cocktails.
The Drawing Room also hosts the hotel's Afternoon Tea service, letting guests treat themselves to a luxurious take on a beloved British tradition. Settle into your cozy chair and enjoy carefully prepared sandwiches, artful pastries, and delicate scones. These are all paired with the hotel’s extensive tea offerings, which include classic and plant‑based options, and even themed children’s tea menus.
Rudyard Kipling - India-born English novelist and poet known for the Jungle Book and won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1907
Alexander Graham Bell - Canadian-American inventor of the telephone, who made the first telephone call in Britain at Brown's Hotel
Dutch Prime Minister Peter Gerbrandy - Leader of the Dutch government-in-exile after Nazi Germany's invasion of the Netherlands
Elisabeth of Bavaria, Queen of the Belgians - Was kept safte at the hotel during the height of World War I
Experience a destination wedding set in London's most posh neighborhood, the West End district of Mayfair. At Brown’s Hotel, guests will be treated to elegant and historic celebrations prepared via bespoke planning, making it a standout and unforgettable choice.
The hotel is fully licensed for civil ceremonies, allowing you to hold both your ceremony and reception in one venue. There are three principal reception rooms: The Roosevelt Room overflows with opulence as chandeliers light up the high ceilings. The Niagara Room is connected to the Roosevelt Room but can also be a standalone venue. The Clarendon Room features romantic hand‑painted wallpaper and a private Dover Street entrance. Assisting you throughout will be a dedicated wedding coordinator who will work with you to tailor every detail. Together, you can customize the room layout, prepare personalized menus for the hotel’s culinary team, and decide on additional services to make the celebration all the more unforgettable.
Before going out to enjoy London's vibrant city life, spend a day unwinding and relaxing at Brown's incredible on-site spa. Both resident guests and visitors can indulge in bespoke treatments, including facials, massages, body rituals, and child-friendly wellness services. Inspired by Mediterranean traditions, the spa uses organic Irene Forte Skincare products sourced from Sicily. The spa also features a 24‑hour gym with personal training services, giving you plenty of options to stay fit even when on holiday.
Stepping outside the hotel, you’re immediately immersed in Mayfair’s refined culture. Stroll through Mount Street Gardens or enjoy the verdant scenery at The Green Park. St. James's Park is especially notable for being the oldest Royal Park in London, and is situated next to Buckingham Palace. Those looking to be inspired should drop by the Royal Academy of Arts, which boasts extensive collections from renowned artists. Don't forget to eat like a local by checking out the stalls and shops at Shepherd Market.
Now if you're having a hard time deciding what to put in your itinerary, Brown's Hotel also has a selection of tours and experiences that bring many of London's sights together. The Royal Art Tour takes you through several galleries, starting at the Royal Academy, while the Brown's Ultimate London tour lets you visit the biggest landmarks such as Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, and the Tower of London.
No need to look far if you're planning a special event or holding a corporate gathering while in Mayfair. Situated in London's historic West End, Brown's provides venues rich in historic charm and refined modern functionality. Choose from the six elegant meeting and event rooms that can host everything from corporate and boardroom sessions to social celebrations like private dinners and anniversaries. The hotel accommodates groups of various sizes, from as few as 8 up to a gala of 120 guests.
Bespoke events and dining experiences feature seasonal menus crafted by the culinary team, and can be held as breakfasts, lunches, dinners, or even as afternoon teas. Dedicated event planners and their experienced operations team will help coordinate the occasion, letting you customize certain details to fulfill your vision.
Brown’s Hotel has woven sustainability and social responsibility into its operations as part of the Rocco Forte Hotels overall ethos. The company is focused on reducing the environmental footprint across all its properties, including Brown's, all while supporting its people and local community. Environmentally, the hotel partners with sustainability programs like Ecostars, prioritizing locally sourced and responsible purchasing. Waste recovery is assisted by investing in advanced technology, including converting food waste into biogas and cooking oil into biodiesel, as well as energy-saving measures like LED lighting and monitored energy use. Single-use plastics are avoided as much as possible to eliminate reliance on them. Water-saving fixtures and eco-friendly amenities made from bamboo and corn starch further reflect this commitment, alongside the use of vegan-friendly, sustainably packaged spa products.
The oldest Royal Park in London and one of the Royal Parks that surround Buckingham Palace. (11-minute walk)
Beautiful Palladian building that is also home to precious artworks and their studies. (5-minute walk)
Victorian market square filled with stalls and shops selling souvenirs and delicious food and drinks. (9-minute walk)
The nearest international airport is London Heathrow Airport (LHR), 43 minutes away from Brown's Hotel.
The Piccadilly Circus subway is the closest railway station to Brown's Hotel, a 10-minute walk from the hotel.