Exploring London’s Most Sustainable New Hotel: 1 Hotel Mayfair

The inaugural European venture and flagship of 1 Hotels, a pioneering nature-inspired and mission-driven hotel brand, grace one of the most prestigious locations in London, nestled in the heart of Mayfair on Berkeley Street. Positioned directly across from The Ritz and Green Park, the hotel boasts unparalleled proximity to renowned galleries, Michelin-starred restaurants, and fashionable shopping districts on Bond Street, Mount Street, and Regent Street. Noteworthy landmarks like the Royal Academy of Arts and Buckingham Palace add to the allure, providing a unique opportunity to relish both the vibrant city life and the beauty of the natural world, seamlessly integrating the picturesque landscapes of Green Park into its ambiance. However, the hotel’s excellence goes beyond its prime location. What distinguishes it from the rest?

First and foremost, the brand’s unwavering commitment to sustainability is evident throughout. Biophilic design principles guided every decision, beginning with the crucial choice to refurbish two existing Mayfair buildings instead of constructing anew. This approach retained over 80% of the original structures, minimizing embodied carbon production during demolition and construction, reducing construction waste, and achieving BREEAM Excellent standards.

The addition of two new floors facilitated the creation of 44 spacious suites, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of Green Park or the Piccadilly skyline. A fully automated guest room management system contributes to reduced electricity consumption, exemplifying just one of the hotel’s many sustainable features. In line with its dedication to sustainable practices, 1 Hotels collaborated with Livia Firth’s Eco-Age, a leading sustainability consultancy, ensuring that environmentally focused initiatives are not only credible but also compelling.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a living wall of fresh greenery, showcasing over 1,300 individual plants and 200-plus local and native plant species, a collaborative effort by London-based design studio G.A Group and the SH Hotels & Resorts internal design team. Stepping into the spacious lobby through bespoke bronze doors, visitors are enveloped in the soothing sounds of trickling water, reminiscent of formal garden cascades. Noteworthy design features include “Rainforest,” a custom-crafted “living” chandelier by nature-inspired artist Patrick Nadeau, suspended from the ceiling and composed of 50,000 strands of air plants. The art collection, featuring original works by British artists, offers a closer connection to the landscapes of the United Kingdom, with highlights including Steve McPherson’s marine plastic piece “Flow” and Kate MccGwire‘s integrated sculpture “Torrent” in the Dover Yard bar.

The reception desk, hewn from a single 200-year-old weathered oak tree from the Balcombe Estate in West Sussex, adds to the hotel’s organic appeal. The lobby is adorned with custom furniture crafted using traditional techniques and featuring natural fabrics.

Moving to the rooms, the hotel offers 181 rooms, including 44 suites, each exuding a Zen ambiance complemented by native plants and a preserved moss-covered wall. Design details reflect a conscious commitment to natural materials, from responsibly sourced British oak flooring to nightstands carved from sustainable wood. The bathrooms feature textured limestone walls and sleek dark vanities hand-hewn from Welsh slate. Each room is equipped with a spout providing fresh, filtered water, a unique feature for a London hotel. 

The property’s four signature suites, including the Green Park Penthouse, the Garden Terrace suite, the Piccadilly Greenhouse suite, and the Dover Terrace Suite, offer unique perspectives of London and luxurious amenities.

1 Hotel Mayfair boasts several sustainable, eco-minded dining concepts. Dovetale, led by two Michelin Star Chef Tom Sellers, focuses on reimagined modern European cooking and Mayfair classics. The raw bar features British shellfish, and the Knickerbocker Glory trolley offers desserts made tableside. The wine program emphasizes sustainability and organic options, creating a delightful setting fashioned by Dion & Arles. Additional concepts in Dover Yard include a destination bar and Neighbours, a cafe offering healthy grab-and-go snacks, cold-pressed juices, artisan coffee, and evening wine and cocktails.

Completing the hotel experience is the Bamford Wellness Spa, offering holistic treatments and classes inspired by founder Carole Bamford’s holistic approach. The Field House Fitness Center promotes well-being with state-of-the-art equipment and various fitness sessions.

To enhance guests’ convenience, 1 Hotel Mayfair offers a fleet of electric Audi house cars, including the Q8 e-tron, Q8 Sportback e-tron, and RS e-tron GT.