Adjacent to Piccadilly Circus, just a short walk from Fortnum and Mason, Bond Street and London’s exclusive shopping districts as well as the theatres of the West End and several Royal Parks, the grand hotel at no. 21 Piccadilly has undergone an inspired renovation and a rebrand with a new name for a new era, reopening on 17 May as The Dilly.
First opened in 1908 as The Piccadilly Hotel, The Dilly now captures the spirit of modern-day London whilst retaining many of the property’s period features including oak panelling, picture windows and molding-framed walls. The listed façade remains but inside, the historical features of the 28 suites and 255 rooms are embraced whilst simultaneously introducing an avant-garde vibe with interesting surprises for all.
At the heart of The Dilly’s philosophy will be the best locally sourced London produce or local wherever possible throughout the hotel from amenities in the bedrooms to the F&B choices. General Manager James Olivier says, “We’re very proud of our history and want our guests to see us mixing our building’s traditions with modern demand – The Dilly is now an up-to-date hotel with spacious rooms and five-star hospitality.”
The Dilly also has its own in-house dance studio – Inspiration 2 Dance – where guests can learn Smooth, Latin and Ballroom from a roster of world-champions in private or group classes.
Restaurants include Terrace at The Dilly – a light-filled space with a slanting glass ceiling which includes an external balcony that overlooks Piccadilly and was the scene of many swimming and dancing parties in the 1920s and 30s. Terrace at The Dilly offers a ‘British classics’ inspired menu, prepared with regional produce whilst pop-up restaurant and bar Madhu’s in the Grade II-listed Oak Room will offer Punjabi cuisine with a Kenyan twist.
At 6pm every day in The Dilly’s lobby, hotel guests will hear the sound of a ceremonial Edwardian dressing gong to signal the change from day to night. The ambience of the hotel will transform – lights will dim, bespoke scented candles will be lit and the music will subtly change. Guests will be offered a complimentary locally sourced beverage to start their evening with choices ranging from Chapel Down’s finest selection of award-winning sparkling wines, Berry Bros. & Rudd No.3 London Dry Gin, Camden Town Brewery or TOAST Planet-Saving Beer, as well as a selection of soft drinks.
Adding to the list of ‘local craftsmen’ will be the bathroom amenities by British perfumier Floris London. During dedicated Dilly organised walking tours, Dilly guests are invited behind the scenes at the Floris store in Jermyn Street just a few minutes away, for VIP scent sampling and to explore the private Floris museum. A flower shop in the lobby by Pulbrook & Gould – with a long history of providing flowers for high-society and celebrities – will provide the hotel’s floral displays.
Mr Olivier continues: “Our Head Concierge Paul Whittle – who has been with the hotel for 35 years – will be available to clients 24/7 to help organise bespoke itineraries. London can be seen from so many perspectives: its great parks, museums, art galleries and theatre, some of the world’s most prestigious shops and streets all within easy distance – we want to help every guest plan their stay to maximise all that they want to see and experience.”
Families are especially welcome at The Dilly, with gifts for children – ‘Dilly Explorers’ – on arrival including games, books, daily treats, popcorn and milkshakes available in-room. Terrace at The Dilly offers Peter Rabbit™ Afternoon Teas each day for children and adults alike, bringing to life the classic story by London author Beatrix Potter. Children under 12 eat free for lunch and dinner at Terrace at The Dilly and Dilly Family rooms as well as Junior and Executive Suites are available and flexible for families.
Guests are encouraged to visit Hatchards the UK’s oldest bookshop and the Official Bookseller to the Royal Household, located adjacent to The Dilly. In addition, with so many royal parks nearby, there are also ‘dog-friendly’ rooms for guests who wish to bring their pooches to stay and the hotel also provides its own branded bikes as well as picnic hampers for picnics in the park.
Olivier concludes: “Inspired by our address, The Dilly is totally ready to welcome guests back to London. From the history that surrounds and defines our hotel, to our locally sourced suppliers, to our location in the heart of London’s theatre-land and pivotal to the many shopping locations of London, we hope our guests feel like a true London local when they stay with us.”
Room categories range from Dilly Classic Room to Dilly Executive Suite. Rates start from £219. Please see www.thedillylondon.com or follow Facebook (www.facebook.com/thedillypiccadilly) or Instagram (www.instagram.com/thedillylondon).
.jpg){kind=tracking}