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Athenaeum Hotel Dressing Too Young for its Age

Where: 116 Piccadilly, London, United Kingdom, W1J 7BJ

Old and classic is pretty much a given when it comes to London hotels located in the heart of the city. This is why they need to go a little further to impress us, whether that be with a celeb clientele or a really hot bar.

Stuart Emmrich of the New York Times recently checked into the Anthenaeum located right off Picadilly. The hotel boasted a regular Brit celeb list in its early heyday but now has undergone a renovation--perhaps to keep up said clientele.

However, Emmrich's description of the new Anthenaeum is pretty underwhelming and totally unexcited. The rooms are spacious but have lost their old plush robes post-renovation, no celebs were to be found, and Emmrich finds, this place just may be trying too hard:

Though the Athenaeum was clearly in need of a freshening up, some of the new touches almost make the hotel come across like a middle-age dowager trying to stave off the ravages of age by dressing a little too young, a little too hip -- as if the queen had suddenly shown up at one of her garden parties in Stella McCartney. (Please, bring back Hardy Aimes.)

Overall this hotel is one to grab when you're not looking for anything in particular except maybe an address or some good room service.

Related Stories:
· Check In Check Out [New York Times]
· Athenaeum Hotel Reviews [TripAdvisor]