When my daughter chose London as the destination for her ninth birthday trip – and begged that her grandparents come along, making us a group of six – my immediate thought was, a hotel just isn’t going to cut it. What we needed was a home of sorts – somewhere we could hang out together and enjoy being in each other’s company.
Enter SLO London and its new Claridge House residences in Mayfair. Tucked behind a classic facade just three minutes from Bond Street, the beautifully renovated Edwardian building holds a collection of luxurious one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments that are a quiet escape from the city hustle. We were promised a "private sanctuary", and our three-bedroom, 147 m2 Elizabeth apartment absolutely delivered. In fact, the only downside is that it is now the yardstick against which all future family trips will be measured – and I am little concerned I may have spoilt my family for life.
First impressions
© SLOCheck-in was completely seamless. Since we’d handled the paperwork electronically beforehand, we simply introduced ourselves to the 24-hour doorman and headed straight up. The first thing that hit me was the light and the silence. Even in the middle of Mayfair, the apartment felt incredibly still. Between the acoustic insulation and the filtered air system, the whole place has this peaceful, temperature-regulated vibe that immediately sets the tone for the stay.
The kids went straight into explorer mode, discovering the little "rituals" tucked away in every room. There were cards titled Sleep Well, SLO Down, and Savour & Explore, all inviting us to actually pause and breathe. There was even a QR code for a curated relaxing playlist. As we settled in, I could feel the stress of the journey from Madrid melting away.
The design
"Quiet luxury" is everywhere lately, but if you want to see it in practice, the Elizabeth apartment is a masterclass. Blending mid-century modern silhouettes with a quintessentially British warmth (and a side of Scandi-cool thrown in) the aesthetic is anchored by a rich, organic palette – seen in the chevron-patterned timber floors and the Galvin Brothers’ walnut cabinetry – which is beautifully softened by floor-to-ceiling sage drapes that filter the Mayfair sunlight.
The open-plan layout feels incredibly generous – the living area flows naturally into a dining space centred around an eight-seater sculptural oval table and a fully-equipped Miele kitchen, featuring what looked like a stunning marble waterfall island that became our favourite spot for unhurried morning coffees. But since sustainability is at the heart of the SLO ethos, it isn't really marble. Instead, the designers sourced an eco-friendly alternative which looks every bit as good but without the high carbon footprint.
What really made the residence feel like a home, rather than just a high-end rental, were the layers of personality throughout. We loved the contemporary artwork curated by Clare Mander; it gave the walls a real soul, while the bespoke NiX furniture by Nicola Harding managed to be incredibly chic without sacrificing comfort. As a recent chess convert, I was also obsessed with the Conran Shop set in Olivine – it’s such an elegant piece to have on display, whether you’re actually playing or just admiring it. A special shout-out has to go to the Samsung The Frame TV too – we all seemed to prefer watching it cycle through its gallery mode rather than actually turning on a show.
It is rare to find a space that keeps a nine-year-old, a teenager and their grandparents equally happy, but the Elizabeth layout managed it with ease. The apartment functions so intuitively because all the clutter – from the storage to the high-tech kitchen appliances – is cleverly hidden away. It leaves you with a home that feels every inch the serene, polished retreat, no matter how many of you are staying there.
SLO Claridge House at a glance
- The rooms: One Super King primary suite, one King bedroom, and a third flexible King (with zip-and-link beds) for the kids - all with their own bathrooms.
- Living & dining: A huge living area with a Frame TV (perfect for keeping the design vibe), an eight-seater dining table, and a breakfast bar.
- Chef’s kitchen: Fully kitted out with Miele appliances.
- The tech: State-of-the-art climate control and serious soundproofing.
- The extra touches: You’ll find everything from a Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex hairdryer and Anatome wellness products to a "pantry essential" kit (oat milk, teas and sugar, Nespresso pods, and top-quality olive oil), so you don’t have to run to the shops the moment you arrive.
The bedrooms
They say “sleep is sacred at SLO” and, after three nights, I’m a believer. The beds are fitted with Hypnos Eden Project Harmony mattresses, which use natural fibres like British wool and even banana and pineapple plant fibres to stay breathable. And the small matter of 1,200 pocket springs thrown in for comfort. My daughter Evie’s official verdict? "The best bed I’ve ever slept in." They even provide both a soft and a medium Tempur pillow for every guest, so you don’t have to do the pillow swap dance at 11:00pm.
The Sleep Well ritual really seals the deal. We found Anatomē relaxing pillow mist waiting by the beds, and the bathrooms were stocked with their signature lavender-infused salts and nourishing PM body lotion. Strange as it sounds, I’m not usually one for a long soak at the end of the day – who has the time with two kids and a full-time job? But when you’re presented with a space that feels more like a private spa than a bathroom, it would be rude not to indulge. And when you combine those sensory touches with the total silence of the acoustic insulation and the blackout blinds, you have the perfect recipe for deep, uninterrupted sleep.
As a family of self-confessed "electronic addicts," we also really appreciated the Hanycony power adapters in every bedroom. With enough room for four plugs, plus three USB and one USB-C output, they managed to meet everyone’s needs at once. It was so nice to finally have a holiday where we weren't fighting over whose device got to be charged next – a small detail, perhaps, but one that made our mornings much more harmonious.
A quick word on the master bedroom: the carpet is "kitten-soft" and incredibly plush, but my favourite corner was the dressing table nook. Tucked into a sunlit corner by the window, it felt like a serene little hideaway. With its delicate wooden vanity, mid-century inspired stool, and the asymmetrical gold mirror reflecting the light, it was the perfect, quiet spot to get ready for a day of exploring Mayfair.
© SLOThe service
What really sets Claridge House apart is the invisible service. You have the total privacy of your own front door, but with the added security of a 24-hour doorman, which made us feel incredibly safe and looked after throughout our stay. We also really appreciated the flexibility of the housekeeping – since we were staying as a family, it was a treat to have the option of arranging a refresh on our own terms, rather than sticking to a rigid hotel schedule.
Beyond the day-to-day, the concierge team had a wealth of local knowledge. They were incredibly helpful in suggesting neighbourhood highlights, from the best spots for a celebratory birthday lunch to places of interest we might have otherwise missed. It truly felt like we had been handed the keys to a private Mayfair residence, with just enough support to make it feel like a proper holiday.
© Katherine RobinsonEven leaving was stress-free. Check-out was just as seamless as our arrival – since the residences are secured with a digital access code, there were no keys to return or front desks to visit. All we had to do was ensure the door was firmly closed behind us and head off. It was the perfect, fuss-free end to a milestone trip.
How to do it
Prices at SLO Claridge House start from £550 per night for a one-bedroom apartment, ranging up to £2,250 per night for a three-bedroom apartment, which includes all amenities and a welcome hamper.
Book via Booking.com or direct at Stay at Slo.
A day of Mayfair flavours: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
While SLO goes out of their way to make home-cooking a seamless, sustainable choice, the pull of Mayfair’s best tables was impossible to ignore. We ended up mapping out a full day of local dining that catered perfectly to everyone, from ages nine to eighty-three.
Breakfast: Michael Caines at The Stafford
© Michael Caines at the StaffordWe started our day at Michael Caines at The Stafford. The restaurant has a refined, quiet elegance and the table distribution made it feel like we had our own private enclave for our group of six. Since Michael took the helm, the restaurant has reached new heights, recently earning a Michelin star.
I’ve never tasted a full English breakfast quite like this one – everything from the Burford Brown eggs and Broadland smoked back bacon to the middle white pork sausage and black pudding was exceptional. Special mention must go to the hash browns, which were easily the best I’ve ever had. While my husband enjoyed a heavenly Eggs Benedict, my daughter was treated to waffles with rhubarb compote, mixed berries, and vanilla cream – the ultimate birthday sweet treat. I’ll admit, seeing the Bloody Marys on the menu was a serious temptation...
Lunch: Gordon Ramsay’s Lucky Cat
© SIMPHOTOGRAPHYFor my daughter’s birthday lunch, we wanted something with the "wow" factor, and Lucky Cat certainly delivered. Inspired by the vibrant, intimate atmosphere of 1930s Tokyo kissas (tea houses/music clubs) and Shanghai drinking dens, it features dark, luxurious interiors with plush velvet seating and ambient lighting – perfect for a celebration. Having watched Being Gordon Ramsay on Netflix, we were intrigued to visit.
What we found was a menu packed with Asian-inspired small plates, each one heavy on style and flavour. The GFC (Gordon’s Fried Chicken) absolutely blew us away – though no matter how much we begged, our server wouldn’t reveal the secret ingredients in that spicy sauce. The sashimi and maki selection – including delicate, lightly torched Salmon Aburi and rich Yellowtail and Wagyu Nigiri – was another revelation; it was so fresh and flavourful that even my 83-year-old father, a lifelong anti-sushi stalwart, was going back for seconds. Also, definitely don’t skip the Bonito Fried Duck Leg Bao. The duck is perfectly crispy, tucked into a pillowy bun with Szechuan, spicy hoisin, and cucumber. I can see why it’s one of their most popular dishes.
The whole experience – right down to the yuzu & passionfruit soufflé dessert – managed to feel like a grown-up luncheon while still being incredibly welcoming to kids who want to explore new flavours.
Dinner: The Mayfair Chippy
© The Mayfair ChippyTo round off the day, we wanted something quintessentially British and relaxed, so we headed to The Mayfair Chippy. This isn't your average fish and chip shop – it’s an award-winning neighbourhood staple that perfectly captures a seaside-meets-Mayfair vibe. The place is strong on character, with its striking monochrome frontage and a bright, bustling interior. I loved the attention to detail in the decor – the walls lined with white crackle-glaze tiles, the chessboard tile floor and those beautiful, mismatched Art Deco patterned tabletops that give the space a really unique look.
While most of our table went for the Mayfair Classic – their signature fried cod or haddock that has locals queuing out the door – my dad couldn’t resist trying the steamed mussels, served with sourdough bread with a starter of the battered king prawns, and wasn't disappointed. Everything felt incredibly fresh, proving why it holds an AA Rosette. It was nice to see vegan and vegetarian options on the menu too: To-Fish is a tofu-based alternative to white fish, wrapped in nori seaweed and Fried West Sussex Halloumi with spiced tomato relish.
Even though we were stuffed, we couldn't resist the mini puddings on the dessert menu. Such a clever idea – it means you can satisfy a sweet tooth without the commitment of a full, heavy dessert. The caramel and sea salt truffles are a must-order. The real highlight for the kids, however, was the parting gift: the staff presented them with paper bags bearing the restaurant’s logo, filled with traditional British sweets – Black Jacks and Fruit Salads – to take away. It was the perfect, nostalgic end to a wonderful day.
Bonus Supper: The Punch Bowl
© Katherine RobinsonIf you’re looking for a spot with deep roots and even deeper charm, The Punch Bowl on Farm Street is a must-visit. It’s a Grade II-listed Georgian gem that feels more like a cosy country escape than a city pub. The decor has been beautifully updated with a sophisticated sage-green palette on the wood panelling, which – combined with the period cornicing and the cosy cubby-hole booths – makes for the perfect setting for a private family supper.
When we visited, the pub was buzzing (including a group of 40 celebrating upstairs), but the atmosphere never felt frantic. The staff were brilliant, keeping us topped up with bar snacks while we waited for our mains – a small gesture that made a huge difference.
The food here is far more elevated than your standard pub grub. I started with the Mignonette Oysters, which were fresh and perfectly briny, while my daughter indulged in a birthday-worthy Lobster Thermidor on Butcombe beer bread. But the real stars of the show were the pies. I had the Ox Cheek and Bone Marrow pie, which was incredibly rich and tender, while my son took on the Corn Fed Chicken and Mushroom pie. It’s a massive, "designed-for-sharing" dish – and while he did a valiant job, he definitely had a little help from the rest of us.
FYI, our travel journalism is written and edited by our expert writers to inspire readers. Hotel reviews have been independently reviewed by our expert writers who are usually hosted on a complimentary basis, but this never affects our review process.
