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Brown's Hotel, A Rocco Forte Hotel
London

As London's longest running hotel, Brown's is an institution. It has been a mainstay on Mayfair’s Albemarle Street since 1837 and over the years has hosted legendary guests such as Alexander Graham Bell, Rudyard Kipling and Agatha Christie. However, its recent renovation has seen it step away from tradition towards a striking new design.

Tucked away behind the Royal Academy of Arts, Brown’s is wonderfully located. As well as being close to some of the city's best shops and attractions (Victoria Beckham, Fortnum & Mason, The Ritz and Burlington Arcade are all minutes away), Green Park is right on the doorstep and the buzzing nightlife and café culture of Soho is just a ten-minute walk. However, guests may not wish to stray too far, afternoon tea at the hotel has been voted one of London's best! Brown’s is steeped in tradition, and the public areas reflect the hotel's Victorian townhouse heritage. But there is a contemporary approach to hospitality, and whilst all the staff will know you by name, the vibe is charming rather than formal.

The 2018 refurbishment, with Forte sisters, Lydia and Irene, at the helm, has seen the addition of bright and bold wallpapers combined with cream carpets, cosy sleigh beds, antique dressers and high windows in timeless Victorian settings. However, the jewel in the crown is the Kipling Suite; richly intricate William Morris-style wallpaper, modern art and mint green tones, two bedrooms, double showers and a huge bath, plus a chilled bottle of wine on arrival, all of this sets the tone for a relaxing and luxurious stay.

Brown's is also the proud home of the Donovan Bar, named after renowned photographer Terence Donovan. Over 50 black and white fashion photographs line the walls, and touches of gold work well against the 18th century stained glass. Often frequented by Winston Churchill, the bar has a fantastic buzzing atmosphere and is the perfect place for cocktails on any night of the week. Drinks maestro Salvatore Calabrese heads up the bar and his exciting menu offers a variety of new and signature creations.

Food at Brown’s is nothing short of a gastronomical creation. The newly added Beck at Brown’s (which has replaced HIX by Mark Hix) has been coined as a ‘casual Italian’, yet provides diners with slick service combined with world-class wines and show-stopping food. This is all the creation of head chef, Heinz Beck, the German-born chef who is responsible for the three Michelin stars at La Pergola in Rome.

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Client Testimonials

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Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
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We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
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Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
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- Mr David Wallace, North India
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
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I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
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