Mayfair is one of the most affluent areas of London and The METLondon is on Old Park Lane. There are 144 rooms and suites as well as 19 long-stay apartments,. It also houses Nobu for Japanese-Peruvian cuisine, a lively Met Bar and Asian-inspired therapies from COMO Shambhala Urban Escape.
The views over Hyde Park are breathtaking and it is rare to have such a view within a hotel establishment. Hyde Park is literally opposite the hotel. Another benefit of being in Mayfair is that it is surrounded by chic bars and restaurants. From the outside the hotel has a sleek marble facade and it is only a 10-minute walk towards Buckingham Palace. You can access London’s most prestigious shops and boutiques which are literally a 10 minute walk away. I would encourage to take a stroll towards New Bond Street.
Good morning #London lm here for @menstylefashion my view right now @COMOHotels @metlondon pic.twitter.com/N0yQ0vKbHM
— Gracie Opulanza (@gracieopulanza) June 11, 2016
Hyde Park London. the view form my room
Reception
In entering the hotel I was instantly taken by the wooden architecture surrounding the reception area. I am a huge fan of wood and what artists can do when it comes in interior design. In all rooms and suites, as well as the lobby, the hotel has introduced fresh palettes of natural hues and textures, which is influenced by the flora of Hyde Park in shades of green and berry, as well as rich American walnut and sycamore, with dark and pale timbers.
It was the second day for Luxury Week London and the beginning of the menswear week. All in all there are 78 events to attend if you choose and have the time. It has been almost two years since I attended such an event. As the female voice for menswear and the demand from my followers it was time to return. I had arrived around 9am and the first event began at 12noon. The first event is always the one to be seen at which is called TOPMAN.
We are @Topman @topmanUK pic.twitter.com/UxXUiMCHYA
— Gracie Opulanza (@gracieopulanza) June 10, 2016
In entering I made it clear to the staff that my day was full and I needed to be ready for the day. From the onset they were so accommodating and we had arranged for me to review the spa area. Due to my tight schedule both the staff and I were very flexible on how we were going to organise the day. I was truly grateful when they, offered me a private car to take me to the first event. What was the car I was escorted in?
What car is @gracieopulanza in @JaguarUK #xjljaguar see you @topmanUK pic.twitter.com/a16OCxlpTW
— Gracie Opulanza (@gracieopulanza) June 10, 2016
Asian-inspired therapies from COMO Shambhala Urban Escape
London is a huge city and if you’re here for business then I would suggest you take time out to experience the luxury spa. We agreed on my treatment which was called The Complete Man. Yes I know I am a woman, however it makes perfect sense to take on this treatment considering it the menswear fashion show after all.
This treatment has been specially designed for men, to replenish dehydrated skin on the face and body. The treatment includes a head, neck and shoulder massage followed by the Dr Hauschka Holistic Facial for Men and is completed with a hand scrub and nail tidy. You can enhance your treatment with the option of extending the massage and adding a reviving eye treatment to optimise hydration. Trust me guys I would extend the treatment.
What I loved was the highly personalised approach to my wellbeing. So in this case we needed to sort out my nails as I had gel from a treatment before. At the fashion events my hands are a very strong focus because I interview. I normally had my nails polished but they were so nicely done I thought you know what, it is a man’s event and I might as well keep my nails in a nice natural state. It was a shame to hide them after such a fantastic manicure.
David Gandy Britain’s most successful model. Two hours after my manicure this shot was taken by Maria Scard Photography
There are six treatment rooms, two of which are doubles. One double and single treatment room have private steam facilities. They also sell COMO Shambhala products in their boutique. I had a treatment room to myself and it began with a 30min massage. This was an amazing way to get ready for such a few hectic days ahead. The massage was perfect for me and the therapist tailors it specific to your needs. This was great to get me into my one hour facial treatment. It felt and smelt amazing, after it was done I was glowing. I initially had make up on. Now how many woman would have the courage to go to a fashion event with no make up at all? And to top it all off, interview the most good looking male model in Britain. When I saw David I instantly told him where I had come from. He looked at me, I apologised because I had no make up on. He laughed and said my face looked glowing. Therefore it was so clean, it gave me confidence to stay make up free for catwalks, interviews and cocktails parties, for the rest of the day.
Infact I was interviewing male models, all afternoon, I also interviewed Dolce & Gabbana Model John Halls and Britain’s next top model judge Oliver Cheshire. So guys I highly recommend this treatment because when it leaves your face in such a natural state, you can take on any guy.
What is @Oliver_Cheshire wearing @PrivateWhiteVC #menswear #menstylefashion #malemodel pic.twitter.com/2jzxyhX54Y
— Gracie Opulanza (@gracieopulanza) June 11, 2016
It’s all about #eyewear @DavidGandyAsst @menstylefashion we show you how #mix the #denim #SocialMediaQueen pic.twitter.com/NfUYcFQuXJ
— Gracie Opulanza (@gracieopulanza) June 11, 2016
![David-Gandy-Gracie-OPulanza-photography-Maria-Scard-2016.jpg-Stetson-hat](david-gandy-gracie-opulanza-photography-maria-scard-2016-2.jpg-stetson-hat-2.html)
David Gandy Britain’s most successful model. Shot was taken by Maria Scard Photography
How many brands does @DGandyOfficial @DavidGandyAsst is wearing @EmmaWillisLtd @LondonSockCo #Dior #menswear pic.twitter.com/q0vlvLgnAi
— Gracie Opulanza (@gracieopulanza) June 11, 2016
The Room
I came into my room after the first catwalk and I was blown away when I walked in at the Hyde Park view. It was great to have the over sized windows which flooded the rooms with natural light. I was very blessed as the weather in London was amazing. During the early hours of the morning the lighting on Hyde Park was amazing and to see it with little traffic passing by was just bliss. The contemporary furnishings and the space were a perfect balance to rest, work and enjoy this marvelous city view. The working desk was huge and great to have tea and coffee, there was a Nespresso coffee machine in my room too. The bathroom was nice and what I loved was the, COMO Shambhala products and don’t worry if you love them so much you can buy them to take home.
Breakfast
I am not a fan of dining in hotels because it can be a hit and miss. But on this occasion you need to make the time for Nobu, which is known for its Japanese Peruvian cuisine. I was so busy that I only ate breakfast here but it was the best breakfast I have had in a very long time. There are some dishes which are only specifically created for the COMO hotel, this makes it all very special. The homemade muesli was divine and the frittata with shiitake mushrooms was delicious. Don’t forget to try the smoothies, there are a wide variety to choose from, catering to your needs.
Zucchini rosti with smoked salmon lemon scented ricotta cheese and dill
Home made fruit and nut muesli served with oats milk
This is absolutely amazing @metlondon #luxuryfood #healthyliving #mayfair exclusive to @COMOHotels #food pic.twitter.com/WRUkXV1q2r
— Gracie Opulanza (@gracieopulanza) June 12, 2016
Homemade #frittata #egg #healthyliving @metlondon #luxurytravel #mayfair perfect start for #catwalks and interviews pic.twitter.com/0BlMMRsYAA
— Gracie Opulanza (@gracieopulanza) June 11, 2016
Homemade #museli @metlondon its yummy @COMOHotels #Mayfair #luxurytravel pic.twitter.com/Doq1dnsUu0
— Gracie Opulanza (@gracieopulanza) June 11, 2016
The Overall Stay
This was an important week for me the first time mixing lifestyle with a London’s top menswear fashion week. I am the female voice for menswear and I want to bring the world of fashion and lifestyle more together. I want to thank the staff who truly went above and beyond to host me for two nights. They prepared me both mentally and physically to take on some of the most high male models in the world. To anyone who is coming to London for an important stay then Metropolitan by COMO is certainly your place to give your visit the most impact it can have.
Details
- Room reviewed: Junior Park Suite – from £444.99
- Website: www.comohotels.com/metropolitanlondon
- Address: 19 Old Park Lane, London W1K 1LB, UK
- Phone: +44 (0)20 7447 1000