The French Riviera at The Mandeville Hotel

When I first moved to the city, someone told me “When the sun is out, London is the best place on earth” and as the years of living here go by, I tend to agree.

Having been blessed with a few days of sunshine recently and a hectic work schedule leaving little patience for travel, I decided that London was the place for a relaxing weekend staycation.

The Mandeville Hotel is situated in one of London’s most desirable postcodes, is boutique in size and quirky in feel. As soon as you step into the rich red lobby, you notice some of the eccentric features such as the replica Mona Lisa with yellow lipstick and the stretched dachshund cushions that make the interiors so distinctive.Having recently collaborated with Maison Christian Lacroix to create a series of bedrooms themed around the French Riviera, the opportunity to bring the glamorous coastline to me, was one I wasn’t going to pass up easily. The new rooms are in their own wing on the fifth floor, and as you step out of the lift you are immersed in the flamboyant world of Lacroix with bold wallpapers of candy stripes, leopard and jewelled chandeliers.
Each room in the collection tells its own story and each are unique in décor.We were staying in the Jardin Exotique room, which is based on Monaco’s botanical garden and in true Lacroix style is awash with vibrant prints. Palm trees adorn the walls and quirky pineapple lamps bring a taste of the Riviera to central London.The room is large by London standards and has a small seating area and coffee table, as well as all the usual facilities for a comfortable stay.

Our bathroom was also spacious with a bath and separate walk in rainfall shower, which was undoubtedly the best shower I have ever experienced – hard to explain but trust me, it was great!

After a refreshing shower, it was time to explore the local area. The location of the Mandeville is really where it comes into its own. Just minutes in one direction from bustling Oxford Street and a few steps away from the charming, more tranquil Marylebone High street in the other.

With the perfect summer evening in front of us we took a short walk to Chiltern Firehouse, where we enjoyed an Aperol in the sun soaked garden followed by a light dinner before bed.

As we wanted a lazy Sunday morning and take full advantage of a weekend retreat we decided to have breakfast in bed. When we returned from dinner on Saturday night, we carefully filled in our orders and hung on the door; waking the next morning to the glorious sound of our breakfast arriving.Wearing the fluffy white robes provided, we tucked into full English, croissants and fresh fruit, as we watched terrible Sunday TV from the comfort of our giant cosy bed. It was pure bliss!

After a reluctant check-out from our striking room, we made the brief stroll to Regents Park to enjoy the fact that the sun was still shining and see our capital at its finest.

For more information or to book your stay visit The Mandeville Website >

The Luxe Life was a guest of the Mandeville, but all views my own.