Much of the building’s wow-factor is down to world-renowned architect and designer Peter Marino who has created light-filled spaces inspired by grand British houses and surrounding nature. Starting at 50 square metres, spacious guest rooms and suites feature bespoke furnishings and textiles. These rooms need to be seen to be believed: all include mahogany-panelled dressing rooms, onyx stoneware bathrooms, and customised fittings crafted by renowned British artisans, as well as original works by artists from The Royal Drawing School. Many have floor-to ceiling-windows with exceptional views over Wellington Arch and Belgravia, offering guests a unique sense of place. Four signature suites are ideal for VIP guests, three of which enjoy grand private balconies and terraces, and also make for impressive venues for special-occasion gatherings.  The hotel’s most opulent suite, The Peninsula Suite, includes a private screening room and fitness centre.

Six stylish restaurants, bars and lounges are housed within the property. Highlights include Canton Blue, serving innovative Chinese cuisine, cocktails, teas, and amazing décor to celebrate the spice-trade union of Asian and British cultures. Canton Blue’s design takes inspiration from the Keying junk, a trade ship that sailed between Asia and Europe during the mid-ninteenth century. Two beautiful private dining spaces are ideal for special gatherings: The Silk Room with walls lined with Chinese silk and The Music Room, displaying antique Chinese instruments.

Canton Blue has an exceptional dim sum menu, but the restaurant’s signature whole Roasted Peking duck is worth going back for alone. A truely gastronomic experience, each duck is poached, dried, hung and roasted, and theatrically presented tableside in two servings: first, with pancakes and plum sauce; and second, with the meat sautéed and fried in a sweet and sour sauce.