By Robb Wirt

One of my favorite places to stay, hands down! I don’t even know where to start. Give me a moment while I collect my thoughts… Hmmm, well, I guess it starts back at the tube station really. The hotel is located in the middle of Green Park and Marble Arch tube stops. Green Park was probably a minute closer, but what evs. Just plan on a 4-5 minute walk from either. Athenaeum Hotel and Apartments are instantly recognizable by its landmark 8-story wall garden, featuring the world’s largest collection of nettles. The impressive garden is home to plants hailing from regions around the world, including East African imaptiens, Chinese begonias, and Japanese iris.

Designed by artist and scientist Patrick Blanc. As we approached the hotel we were greeted with a huge smile and hello from the door man. He helped bring our bags inside (Polished wood and brass fittings in the lobby retain an air of exclusivity.) and the check-in process commenced. Actually, it was more like meeting up with an old friend that I haven’t seen in years. The front desk made delightful small talk and celebrity gossip, and the next thing I knew we were on our way to our apartment. Before heading off we stopped in the Whiskey bar and just loved how surprisingly cozy and intimate, yet not intimidating, it was. I figured I would need to get my drinking started as the hotels website boasts 270+ whiskey’s and I really wanted to try them all. But come to find out, whiskey really isn’t my thing, so it was good to discover that the bar staff would make me anything, on and off the menu, my heart desired. The relief from embarrassment from my travel buddy was a weight off my shoulders too. Apparently, I can be high maintenance on occasion. I just don’t see it. Do you? So anyway, after an espresso martini, we went to discover our apartment. Talk about amazing! Wow! Clearly this well-appointed home was created just for me.

The bedroom was to the left of the entry door, and it was commodious and larger than my bedroom at home. The bedroom and bathroom contained every imaginable necessity, including a pillow menu and a Bose iPhone/Pod docking station, Wii and games, blow dryer, clothes steamer, Ren bath products, warm towels, etc. OH, and comfortable, cozy, palatial beds! Some people steal hotel towels, I steal mattresses. No, it’s true. Just picture me running down Mayfair with my new mattress in on hand and an espresso martini in the other. Anyway, back in the kitchenette there’s free soda, chips, candy bars, milk, cookies, ice cream, and fruit. There’s even free Nespresso coffee. So many choices I had to extend my stay in order to try everything! The spa with gym, jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room were even more reasons that I totally made myself at home here. Oh, yeah, and remember that shockingly happy door man? He greeted me by name everytime. Such class! Other important things to remember is that the 5 star Athenaeum Hotel and Apartments are located right opposite the Royal Parks and Buckingham Palace. Down the road from museums and galleries, the chic-est shops and West End Theatres. And just a few stops from the City, Soho and Canary Wharf. It couldn’t be more convenient. Nothing’s too much trouble. Just ask them for whatever you need and then consider it done. Atheneaum Hotel and Apartments +44 (0) 20 7499 3464 116 Piccadilly London, W1J 7BJ, United Kingdom www.athenaeumhotel.com