Being the best city in the world – quite easily, arguably – London does have a surfeit of famous and iconic landmarks. Portman Square is one of those legendary areas that is replete with some rather illustrious history. Notable residents in the past have included Alexander Hamilton the 10th Duke of Hamilton, Sir Brook Bridges 3rd Baronet and William Henry Percy. Nestled among these distinguished environs stands the behemoth that seems to distill all that history through a tribute to one of the greatest Brits of all time. Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill is a Marylebone institution and a must-visit for fans of the former prime minister and all-time hero. Moreover, if the idea of a cosy staycation is something that is tingling your mind, KCR highly recommends giving The Churchill a shot this winter. Put succintly, the hotel is a proper, luxurious escape for families and couples alike, plumly placed right within the ‘centre of Central London’ and a mere walk away from Oxford Street, Hyde Park, Bond Street and the West End.
Living Quarters
Despite its prime location, The Churchill boasts 440 guestrooms, including 50 commodious suites. The centrepiece is The Residential Suite, a staggering 325 square metres with four bedrooms, a dining room, a study, a kitchen and rooftop terraces, plus original artwork by Winston Churchill. In regards to the latter, guest can immerse themselves in a space that essentially pays homage to history itself, boasting its own curated art collection, including original copies of artwork by Sir Winston Churchill. Every piece in the suite has been thoughtfully selected to reflect the great man’s legacy.
Molton Brown toiletries match the luxurious surroundings to a tee including marble baths and Japanese heated toilets further luxuriate the overall experience as do premium bathrobes.
Restaurants and bars
The legendary Michelin-starred Locanda Locatelli might have closed in January 2025 after 23 years of being the hotel’s culinary mainstay but there’s more than plenty to make up for it.
The Montagu Kitchen the main restaurant, serving British seasonal dishes prepared in an open kitchen. It’s open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, plus its delectable afternoon tea. London’s only Mediterranean hotel grill house celebrates the craft of open-fire cooking, with bold dishes prepared over the Josper Grill, seasonal ingredients and a carefully curated wine list inspired mostly by southern Europe.
For a truly sensational experience, look no further than The Churchill Bar & Terrace which seduces in green and gold interiors with a remarkable terrace that holds a life-size bronze of a young Churchill with its own entrance on Portman Square.
A particular highlight not to be missed is The Winter Terrace, From Heather to Hearth, created in partnership with Orkney distillery Highland Park, guests aims to take guest on a journey from the Scottish archipelago’s windswept landscapes to the warmth of a fireside terrace in the heart of London, featuring an Orkney-inspired menu, premium Highland Park whisky serves, and table-side tasting rituals made for long evenings in good company. Running until April 2027, the new terrace takes its inspiration from Highland Park’s home in Orkney, where heather-rich peat and sherry-seasoned oak casks shape the character of its whisky. The nature and craftsmanship of the islands run through every part of the terrace, from the produce and whisky to the design of the terrace itself. In regards to food, the menu draws on the Orkney larder and seasonal produce the islands are known for, including Atlantic seafood, beef and lamb, mature cheeses, oats and barley.
EXTRAS
The Hyatt London – The Churchill boasts a 24-Hour Fitness Studio and most remarkably, its location on Portman Square means that guests just have to waltz across the street to access a floodlit, outdoor tennis court, a jogging track and a playground in the private garden opposite the hotel. This gorgeous treat, reserved for few including guests at The Churchill , is a particular delight.
Regency Club Lounge is ideal for guests with Club access and even has a dedicated space for families.
The Churchill boasts 440 gorgeous rooms and they start approximately at about £440 at this time of the year. That is an unbelievably affordable rate for what is a gem of a hotel in one of the most desired areas of London. The brutalist exterior towers magnificently over the Square and beckons Londoners to its plentiful offerings. Winston Churchill references abound in the myriad paintings and sculptures and there is also a library of new and vintage Churchill-related books. History and luxury abound and it’s a fabulous destination for an ideal staycation.
Hyatt Regency London – TheChurchill 30 Portman Square, London W1H 7BH, England Tel: 0207 486 5800 www.hyatt.com
INFORMATION BOX
On Christmas Day: Montagu Kitchen, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill (£135 per person) London’s only Mediterranean hotel grill house is hosting a Christmas Day Grande Brunch. Expect seafood like colchester oysters and smoked salmon gravlax, rigatoni served from a parmesan wheel, a carving station, and a pastry selection with a chocolate fountain. Add a wine pairing for £175 per person.
