On Thursday night, in the middle of Marylebone, London’s hottest new boutique hotel hosted its hush-hush opening. In-the-know guests seeking shelter from the sleet-ridden streets found themselves wandering between subterranean olive groves, a buzzing bar, a bedroom-cum-dancefloor, a cocktail muddling station and an art-lined lobby with its own sauna…
If you’re tempted by a visit, though, we’re afraid said stay was a one-night-only affair; the venue for this year’s Mr & Mrs Smith Hotel Awards, to be precise.
Our annual celebration of the best of the best in all things boutique hotel, rocked to the beat of DJ (and Hottest Hotel Soundtrack judge) Lauren Laverne as guests enjoyed exclusive Tony Conigliaro-designed drinks (himself fresh from judging Best Date-Night Bar and opening his own establishment, Untitled in Dalston).
Mixing things up elsewhere were our old friends, Sipsmith, who were muddling the healthiest looking cocktails we’ve seen outside of a juice bar, a team of craftsfolk who were helping guests bottle their own chilli- and rosemary-infused olive oil, and some robe-clad sauna lovers causing a few raised eyebrows.
As for the winners on the night, they were announced – as per tradition – by the original Mr & Mrs Smith, James and Tamara Lohan – you’ll find the full list below. So thanks to everyone who helped, everyone who came, everyone who judged and, most importantly, everyone who voted. We’ll see you next year (now, pass the aspirin…)
A robed mixologist at the Sipsmith muddling station
A guest gets comfortable in our boudoir
Cocktail time
The party in full swing
Lauren Laverne, left, and Pandora Sykes
Lucy Handley and Lance Perkins of the London Edition, with Mr & Mrs Smith co-founders Tamara and James Lohan
The winners from the night:
Best Date-Night Bar – The London Edition, UK
World’s Sexiest Bedroom – Keemala, Phuket, Thailand
Best Gourmet Getaway – The Old Clare, Sydney, Australia
Coolest Creative Hub – Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Pool with a View – Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como, Italy
Best-Dressed Hotel – Palazzo Margherita, Basilicata, Italy
Hottest Hotel Soundtrack – Fazenda Nova Country House, Algarve, Portugal
Most Spoiling Spa – Amanemu, Ise-Shima National Park, Japan
Local Hotel Hero – 11 Howard, New York, United States
Best Family Hotel – Treehotel, Norrbotten County, Sweden
Above & Beyond – Awasi, Patagonia, Chile
Best Smith Hotel 2016 – Halcyon House, Cabarita Beach, Australia
