Somerset Hotel

Somerset Hotel. An iconic Art Deco hotel located in the West End of London, the Somerset Hotel has been a landmark of luxury and sophistication since its opening in the interwar years. Designed by the renowned modernist architect Joseph Emberton, it quickly became a favored destination for aristocratic travelers, Hollywood stars, and influential political figures. Its history is intertwined with significant twentieth-century events and it remains a symbol of enduring British elegance and hospitality.

History

The hotel's construction was commissioned by a consortium led by property magnate Sir Charles Higham and was completed in 1927, a period of significant growth for London's luxury hospitality sector. Its launch coincided with the Great Depression, yet it managed to attract an international clientele seeking refuge and opulence. During World War II, the building suffered minor damage from the Blitz, after which it served as a temporary headquarters for officers of the United States Army Air Forces. The post-war era saw the hotel renovated under the guidance of designer Oliver Ford, who updated the interiors while preserving the original architectural spirit. Ownership changed several times in the latter half of the century, including a stint under the Grand Metropolitan group, before being acquired by its current private equity owners in the early 2000s.

Architecture and design

The structure is considered a masterwork of Joseph Emberton, who was also known for his work on the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club and the Simpson's department store on Piccadilly. The exterior features a sleek, streamlined façade of Portland stone and vitrolite glass, embodying the Machine Age aesthetic. The iconic lobby is celebrated for its geometric terrazzo floor, a sweeping staircase of Birds Eye maple, and a monumental lalique glass chandelier. Guest rooms originally featured custom furnishings by Gordon Russell Ltd., and many retain their original burr walnut paneling and Bakelite fittings. The Penthouse suite, added in 1935, offers panoramic views of Hyde Park and Mayfair.

Notable events and guests

The hotel's guest registry reads like a who's who of the twentieth century. Early notable residents included actress Greta Garbo, who stayed incognito in 1933, and author Evelyn Waugh, who purportedly wrote parts of Brideshead Revisited in the library. During the 1950s, it was a frequent haunt for members of the Rat Pack, including Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr.. Politically, it hosted secret preparatory talks for the Potsdam Conference in 1945 and provided accommodation for Princess Elizabeth before her coronation in 1953. The BAFTA awards ceremony was held in its ballroom for three consecutive years in the early 1960s.

Cultural significance

The Somerset Hotel has been immortalized in numerous works of fiction, most notably as a setting in Ian Fleming's James Bond novel Moonraker and in several episodes of the television series The Avengers. Its Palm Court was famously painted by artist Dame Laura Knight in 1938. The hotel's distinctive aesthetic has influenced the design of later establishments, such as the Dorchester and the Claridge's, and it is often cited in studies of Art Deco architecture in Britain. It has been featured in documentaries by the BBC and is a protected Grade II* listed structure, recognized by Historic England.

Management and operations

The hotel is currently managed by the Savoy Group, under a long-term contract with the ownership entity, Atlas Heritage Holdings. Day-to-day operations are overseen by a General Manager who typically reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the group. It maintains a longstanding partnership with Moët & Chandon for its champagne services and sources bespoke linens from Frette in Italy. The hotel's kitchens are under the direction of a Michelin-starred chef, and it holds membership in prestigious international associations like The Leading Hotels of the World. Its sustainability initiatives are certified by the Green Tourism Business Scheme.

Category:Hotels in London Category:Art Deco architecture in London Category:Grade II listed buildings in the City of Westminster Category:Hotels established in 1927