Marlene Dietrich once said: “It is the friends you can call up at 4am that matter.”

In many ways, this is also true of luxury hotels.

While nearly all now offer maids, devoted concierge services and a free shoeshine, a 4am Club Sandwich can be a true test for a property.

Naturally, from a brand as devoted to service as Jumeirah Living, the Grosvenor House Apartments passes with aplomb.

Fresh crunchy lettuce, runny yoked eggs, white chicken breast - a Club Sandwich here is an impressive creation at this time of the morning.

Modern World

But, away from the in-room dining there is also much to applaud at this new central London residence.

Originally designed by the celebrated British architect Edwin Lutyens, the building as seen today was built between 1912 and 1918.

It was considered an icon of early 20th century luxury, with the Grosvenor House Apartments quickly becoming synonymous with contemporary style.

Before opening under the Jumeirah Living flag in April this year, it went through a complete refurbishment to bring in classical British finishes such as dark oak timber flooring and tailored wall panelling.

This was juxtaposed with more contemporary touches such as oversized stone bathrooms, state-of-the-art technology, bespoke furniture and original works of art, to complete a refined finish.

Today there are 133 apartments, ranging in size from studios through to five-bedroom penthouses, which together provide the largest serviced luxury accommodation in the city.

The air is now one of quiet luxury.

Grosvenor House Apartments lacks some of the more ostentatious touches one might associated with a Jumeirah property, but this is replaced by a confident, studied elegance.

Accommodation here offers a balanced, cultured environment amid the frenetic pace of London.

Flourishes

But, with so much luxury competition on offer in one of the most exciting accommodation markets in the world, it is the little things - such as 4am Club Sandwich - which can really set a property apart.

Fancy nipping over to the adjacent Hyde Park with the kids for a picnic? No problem, leave it to Jumeirah. Staff will be delighted to pack you a hamper filled with goodies to keep everybody in the family happy.

How about staying in the residence for a whole day? Simply pick up the phone to order everything from a Decleor aromatherapy massage, a bottle of champagne and even a whole roast lamb (modestly priced at £485).

Jumeirah will even do the shopping for you - just send a bespoke list to the concierge and they will do the rest.

At Home with Jumeirah Living

These touches are part of the At Home with Jumeirah Living programme, which allows the property to offer a five-star hotel service to long-stay guests - a winning proposition.

Jumeirah has established partnerships with leading Mayfair eateries, for example, which will recreate the restaurants’ dining experience in the private residences.

A 24-hour Resident Concierge team is also on hand to assistance with everything from the mundane, including travel arrangements and IT support, to the essential, such as sourcing schools, appointments and interior decoration.

Middle Eastern Influence

Jumeirah being a Dubai-based brand, there are Middle Eastern touches even in this most traditionally English of locations.

Room service will be happy to bring anything from Arabic prawns with saffron rice to a lamb kofta kebab at any time, while many of the rooms have Colonial-style shutters opening onto the interior of the property.

Down below in the Atrium - a spectacular second-floor space with a seven-storey high ceiling and a grand over-sized fireplace - informal Arabic cuisine sits alongside a modern European menu. 

While it maintains the most modern of airs, Grosvenor House Apartments is still immediately identifiable as a Jumeirah property.

More Information

Grosvenor House Apartments are operated by Jumeirah Living.

Residences range from a Studio for £450 a night, to £11,000 a night for the five-bedroom Penthouse.

There are four spacious penthouses in total which each include an Aston Martin Rapide and a personal Butler.

The residences are available for stays of seven nights to one year.

Whether for short, mid-term or extended stays, Jumeirah Living residences feature cutting-edge technology, luxurious finishes and contemporary design to provide guests and residents with the exceptional, world-class luxury service for which Jumeirah is renowned, in a home away from home.

The current portfolio also includes Jumeirah Living World Trade Centre in Dubai.

For more information and for reservations head over to the official website.